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First You Write a Sentence.
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Dense in parts but worth it for the key insights
- By Sean Mooney on 13-02-19
Summary
Penguin presents the audiobook edition If First You Write a Sentence by Joe Moran, read by Roy McMillan.
The sentence is the common ground where every writer walks. A poet writes in sentences, but so does the unsung author who came up with Items trapped in doors cause delays. A good sentence can be written (and read) by anyone if we simply give it the gift of our time, and it is as close as most of us will get to making something truly beautiful.
Enter acclaimed author Professor Joe Moran. Using minimal technical terms, First You Write a Sentence is his unpedantic but authoritative explanation of how the most ordinary words can be turned into verbal constellations of extraordinary grace. Using sources ranging from the Bible and Shakespeare to George Orwell and Maggie Nelson, and scientific studies of what can best fire the reader's mind, he shows how we can all write in a way that is clear, compelling and alive.
Whether dealing with finding the ideal word, building a sentence or constructing a paragraph, First You Write a Sentence informs by light example: much richer than a style guide, it can be read not just for instruction but for pleasure and delight. And along the way it shows how good writing can help us notice the world, make ourselves known to others and live more meaningful lives. It's an elegant gem in praise of the English sentence.
A style guide by stealth - how anyone can write well (and can enjoy good writing).
Critic reviews
"Moran is a past master at producing fine, accessible non-fiction." (Helen Davies, Sunday Times)
"Joe Moran has a genius for turning the prosaic poetic." (Peter Hennessy)
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- marija maher
- 25-12-18
Brilliant
This is probably the best book I’ve read all year. Definitely the best non fiction book. I would recommend this to everyone. As a budding writer I found it immensely enjoyable but it also has something to teach about life. It it beautifully written. I have bought a hard copy, and a kindle copy to have too so I can access it anywhere. That said, I really enjoyed the narration.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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- Chong Beng Lim
- Malaysia
- 03-12-18
A new Bible for writing superb sentences
This book is inspirationally illuminating. It is packed with a wealth of useful tips for wonderful writing. However, the book is sometimes long-winded and mired in the sea of thoughts of the writer. Perhaps the writer can demonstrate more effective examples of great writing rather than ramble along throughout the journey of the book.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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- Amazon Customer
- 30-01-19
flowing with elegance
I have read it and listened I will do it again. until the sentences will make sense...
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- jenny sanders
- 10-01-19
Inspiring
The most exsquisite celebration of the written word. A joy - from each capital letter to every full stop.
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- Mel
- London, UK
- 12-11-18
Beautiful and fascinating
Listening to.it was so interesting. I don't think I would have had the patience to read it - but having it read was pure pleasure. Just wish the audio proofers had made sure netsuke was pronounced properly.
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- Kevin
- 18-10-18
First You Read This Book.
This book celebrates the magic you feel when reading great writing... and is it's own example.
It explains the craft that goes into well-written sentences, in a way that inspires you to then write some of your own.
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- Tecomarob
- 02-11-18
All the instruction needed to appreciate writing.
Taken on the journey of the sentence, I am in a beautiful place of words, inspiration and calm.