“The Elements of Style” By William Strunk Jr. and E.B. Whit

Recently I started a new position at Hospice by the Bay. As a formality, human resources asked me to submit a resume just so they would have it on file. I sent it in a few weeks ago and only this week did I realized that there is a spelling error on my resume. In my attempt to use the word “discreet,” I spelled it incorrectly by using “discrete.” These words are homophones, which sound alike but mean something different. One means to show “reserve” and the other means something “distinct or separate.” This is obviously not the biggest sin ever committed on the planet but with my literary conscience I wanted to die. I wanted to go into the office in the middle of the night, sneak into human resources and replace the bad resume with one that uses the correct word. I was embarrassed because my resume describes my experience as a writer and editor. If it talked about my experience as a belly dancer maybe people would forgive me. (Yes I have taken belly dancing and I’m good - not great - at it). But I hold bachelor of science and master of science degrees from Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism. So a mistake like this rattles me to the core. But luckily, people write whole books about spelling and grammar, and today’s book is one of my favorites. I used to think that “The Elements of Style” by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White was just for writers, but really it should be obligatory reading for everybody. (And, yes, E.B. wrote “Charlotte’s Web” and “Stuart Little” too.)  “The Elements of Style” is short, witty and teaches you writing and grammar rules without being preachy. I have never been a very good copy editor, especially of my own writing. My husband, Jeff, reads my library party every Thursday nights and usually offers several corrections. So I’m lucky to have him (not just because he knows the difference between there and their). I’m also lucky to have this book. One of the best things about “The Elements of Style” is the size. It is small enough to make an excellent stocking stuffer. So consider giving the gift of grammar this holiday season and make the world a safer place for words. To purchase this book on Amazon click here.