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  • Vex, Hex, Smash, Smooch

  • Let Verbs Power Your Writing
  • By: Constance Hale
  • Narrated by: Eva Wilhelm
  • Length: 10 hrs and 32 mins
  • 4.0 out of 5 stars (5 ratings)
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Vex, Hex, Smash, Smooch cover art

Vex, Hex, Smash, Smooch

By: Constance Hale
Narrated by: Eva Wilhelm
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Summary

A writing handbook that celebrates the infinite pizzazz of verbs.

Writers know it instinctively: Verbs make a sentence zing. Grammar gurus agree: Drama in writing emerges from the interplay of a subject (noun) and a predicate (verb). Constance Hale, the best-selling author of Sin and Syntax, zooms in on the colorful world of verbs.

Synthesizing the pedagogical and the popular, the scholarly and the scandalous, Hale combines the wit of Bill Bryson with the practical wisdom of William Zinsser. She marches through linguistic history to paint a layered picture of our language - from before it really existed to the quirky usages we see online today. She warns about habits to avoid and inspires with samples of brilliant writing. A veteran teacher, Hale gives writing prompts along the way, helping listeners "try, do, write, play". Vex, Hex, Smash, Smooch guides us to more powerful writing by demonstrating how to use great verbs with style.

©2012 Constance Hale (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

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Bringing Verbs to Life

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend it to anyone who wants to unleash the power of verbs in their writing.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Vex, Hex, Smash, Smooch?

Very much enjoyed the part about the history of English verbs - there was a lot I didn't know, especially about how successive waves of invaders modified the language.

Have you listened to any of Eva Wilhelm’s other performances? How does this one compare?

No, but I would listen to other audiobooks read by her.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Made me laugh several times because the writing is as witty as it is informative.

Any additional comments?

You might expect a book on English grammar to be a little dull and difficult. This one manages to be fun, yet at the same time very informative and language points are very clearly explained. I like that writing exercises are included and intend to use them with my classes.

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