The Bride of Anguished English: A Bonanza of Bloopers, Blunders, Botches, and Boo-Boos

Pun lovers and grammarians rarely tire of the humor found in everyday use and misuse of the English language, and Richard Lederer is happy to provide us with a regular supply of such witticisms. An addition to his "Anguished English" series, The Bride of Anguished English is filled with hilarious language-related goofs. Each chapter focuses on a particular group of mishaps, including classic malapropisms, headlines, menus, kids' homework, poor interpretations of lyrics, and politicians' doublespeak.

This is not a good book to read in one sitting; each page is funny enough that you'll wind up with tears and a stomachache if you try to plow through it all at once. From "he's got one of those sight-seeing dogs" to "I don't want to cast asparagus at my opponents," the malapropisms are delightful, and the chapter even includes a short history of Mrs. Malaprop's character, and why she was found to be so entertaining by 18th-century theatergoers. The chapter on song lyrics introduces the word "modegreen," and provides some hilarious examples; would Bowie recognize his classic "Major Tom" by the singing of "clown control to Mao Zedong"? Christmas songs may never be the same, if we start singing them the way kids hear them--although "we three kings of porridge and tar" may well be the hit of the holidays. Headlines like "New Vaccine May Contain Rabbis" and "Uneasy Clam Settles Over Michigan" are not only funny, but reading them will help train your eye to seek out such boo-boos in your own local paper. Perfect for teachers, editors, nitpickers, and the annoying punster who shares your office, this absurd and entertaining book is sure to delight. --Jill Lightner