The Best Punctuation Book, Period

by June Casagrande

PUNCTUATE WITH CONFIDENCE--NO MATTER THE STYLE

Confused about punctuation? There's a reason. Everywhere you turn, publications seem to follow different rules on everything from possessive apostrophes to hyphens to serial commas. Then there are all the gray areas of punctuation--situations the rule books gloss over or never mention at all. At last, help has arrived.

This all-in-one reference from grammar columnist June Casagrande covers the basic rules of punctuation plus the finer points not addressed anywhere else, offering clear answers to perplexing questions about semicolons, quotation marks, periods, apostrophes, and more. Better yet, this is the only guide that uses handy icons to show how punctuation rules differ for book, news, academic, and science styles--so you can boldly switch between essays, online newsletters, reports, fiction, and magazine and news articles.

Style guides don't cover everything, but never fear! This handbook features rulings from an expert "Punctuation Panel" so you can see how working pros approach sticky situations. And the second half of the book features an alphabetical master list of commonly punctuated terms worth its weight in gold, combining rulings from the major style guides and showing exactly where they differ. With The Best Punctuation Book, Period, you'll be able to handle any punctuation predicament in a flash--and with aplomb.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Reference, Language, Linguistics, Education, Business

243 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that this book starts by asking you to add punctuation to an unpunctuated paragraph. This is a great example of how a comma here, an apostrophe there, isn’t necessarily right or wrong depending on the style guide you use.

Each punctuation mark has its own chapter. The rules that pertain to that punctuation mark are broken down by the four major style guides: book (CMOS), news (AP), scientific (APA), and academic (MLA). I like this format because it allows you to see the different styles in juxtaposition. You’ll find examples of correct and incorrect ways to punctuate a sentence, and a panel of editors were consulted for their punctuation preference on the more ambiguous rules.

The second section is an alphabetized list of commonly confused words and is incredibly helpful when it comes to understanding whether to hyphenate, open, or close a compound word.

The Best Punctuation Book is well organized, well thought out, and easy to use. Anyone who wants to improve their punctuation skills will want to add this book to their library.

[Sarah (is clearing her shelves) · Rating 5 out of 5]

25/5 - Okay, I haven't read every page of this book, but I have read enough to know that it's fantastically useful for those in the writing and editing world. I now know when to use an em dash, that there is such a symbol as an en dash and what the consensus is on writing out numerals in fiction. All information that's very important for an up and coming editor (or author) to know. I can see myself referring to this over and over for years to come (or at least until some annoying 'in charge' type person decides that the rules need to be changed and this book becomes obsolete).

[Caitlin Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book literally lives up to its title—the best punctuation book, period.

An invaluable resource for students and writers/editors. I’ve highlighted endless pages’ worth of material and learned soooo much about confusing grammar rules.

An absolute must read!

[Fred Kohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I can't say that I actually enjoyed reading this book, but if you are a detail oriented (or is it detail-oriented?) person, it is a must-read (or, perhaps, a must read). The chapter on hyphens was excruciating, but they do say that whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. This is a great book to have knocking around in order to grab in a pinch, and if I ever get my wife to increase my book allowance, I am going to add this book to my personal library, along with the dictionary that the AP stylebook recommends.

[Quiver · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thorough, go-to reference book for all punctuation problems in American English. (Though, except for quotation marks and a few other details, it should be good for British English too.) It gives general advice and points out the occasional minor deviations in four styles: Book-editing, News media and business, Science, and Academia. A panel of experts gives their opinion on the thornier issues.

Useful, and would serve most homes very well.

[ryan wilkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best punctuation book, period. See what I did there?

In all honesty, I love this book; everything about it is perfect. I look back to it every time I have a question while writing short stories, personal essays, or when I had to write analytical essays during undergrad at university. Casagrande delivers the material beautifully through carefully structured formatting. Each punctuation mark has its own section, which highlights the many ways in which the punctuation mark can be used and in what ways to use it, following the guidelines of multiple writing styles (e.g. book-editing, news media, science style, and academic style).

I recommend checking this book out if you are serious about writing and improving as a writer.

[Isaac]

“The truth is, punctuation can be very difficult. Professional writers don’t know it all. Even professional editors look things up, debate them with colleagues, and are sometimes still left guessing.
No one knows everything there is to know about every punctuation mark, and no one is expected to. But that leaves any amateur or professional writer to ask: So what am I expected to know? Will I look stupid if I put a comma here or an apostrophe there? Or do even professional editors share my confusion on this matter?
A lot of people assume that there’s a single correct answer for every punctuation conundrum….The good news here is also the bad news: often there’s more than one right answer.”

[Filip · Rating 5 out of 5]

A priceless helper for all questions punctuational, this book was very different in tone from the previous Casagrande novel I read, "It Was the Best of Sentences, It Was the Worst of Sentences". Whereas the book on sentence structure was dominated by a tongue-in-cheek tone of voice, Casagrande plays it straight with this one. That makes for more challenging reading, perhaps, but the high standard of quality is all there, regardless.

[Abbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Casagrande’s comprehensive punctuation guide is informative, easy to understand, and well-organized. I FINALLY understand some of the niche punctuation rules that have alluded me in the past. I will reference this book many, many times in the future.

I’d recommend to editors, authors, high school and college students, and English nerds (Mom, that means you). 🤓

[syd]

i like the way this was organized. used it ti brush up my grammar editing for a test i’m taking

[ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

loveee a good manual. obviously much of this was skimmed, but it’s so useful and extremely readable. lots of info but not daunting and i loved how it was all laid out

[Brian Dingle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is excellent. Now, I am not an editor, nor even much of an author (yet), so it is possible that someone far more knowledgable than I will find fault...but I cannot.
You don't have to be a Grammar Snob to want to punctuate properly. It is one of the most confusing parts of the tools of writing, so a reference book like this is helpful.
In fact, in my opinion most people disdain Grammar Snobs because they can't find the rules and so can't play the game. With this book it all becomes easy.
The key reason for being accurate with punctuation is to avoid distracting the reader, and maybe to get past the Grammar Snobs at Publishing Houses. As formal houses wane and self digital publishing waxes, we may see even more elitism in terms of Grammar rules and punctuation, especially from the Houses and editors. But no matter what, you really want your reader focused on your writing, not your punctuation, so at the very least, having a code of behavior (a Voice of God?) for consistency seems like the best way to shed the distraction of a misplaced comma, or, heaven forbid, a misused semi-colon.
This book is wonderful because it lays out the rules in an efficient manner, clarifying British versus USA versus newsprint versus books and other contexts. It is easy to follow, actually interesting if you can imagine.
I mean, who knows when to use double quotes and single quotes and in which country?
And who knew there was controversy? Nobody ever told us that!
The book is authored by June Casagrande, but she appears to have had a lot of help, with panel of four other professionals in the business. The thing about this book is, "You just don't have to worry, anymore. Just look it up in the 'The best punctuation book, period'." Or is it "'..., period.'" Or is it "', period.'"? Or is it "'...,period.'?"

Oy. I have to go look it up! But at least I know where to find the answer(s), if there is (are) one (ones)...oh, man. I better read her book on sentences...not to mention 'Grammar Snobs Are Great Big Meanies'

I'm just leaving the last period off cause I don't know where it should go!

[Jane Mackay · Rating 5 out of 5]

For US English usage conventions, this book lives us to its title. Direct, succinct, and comprehensive. As an editorial professional, I found the classification of punctuation rules and guidelines by style (i.e., academic, scientific, book, and news) to be the most valuable aspect of this book.

[Erick Corona · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comprehensive reference on punctuation. The general discussions in the first part are a must-read for new writers. It covers the subtle differences for different types of publications, which I wasn't taught at school.

[Catherine Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is my punctuation bible! Every punctuation mark is explained in such a clear and thorough way that I instantly feel more confident in knowing when to use the mark. If you're struggling with commas or quotation marks, read this book!

[Ariadna73 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! English can be really difficult! This book is great to keep at hand when there are those horrible dilemmas. I loved it. It is short, light, and to the point. Great!

[Roger Harned · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very succinct; a great writing resource.

[Trisha Andrews]

Excellent review for any writer.

[Ietrio · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book which does what it says on the cover. Quite well done and concise.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reference for wordsmiths.

[Alexandra]

12/9/17 $2.99 for Kindle.

[Amanda Dickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Covers some good basics, but I would have prefered more depth.

[P0wderedg00se · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Best Punctuation Book, Period includes all that you need to know about punctuation. It is split into two parts, one of them explaining the uses for specific punctuation, and the other explaining punctuation for specific words. When I first read this book, my first thought was "Oh great, another boring punctuation book." But instead, it was very helpful, clearing up some common misunderstandings about punctuation. Her writing was to the point and easy to understand. I found the first part of the book extremely helpful, due to the great explaining of what the punctuation should be used for. I think this book is excellent, and it helps you out a lot. The title of this book isn't just for show, as it is impressive. I would recommend this book for teens and adults who need more help with punctuation. I'm glad I chose to read this book!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I borrowed from the library and soon purchased for my personal library. One can’t read a reference book, check it off as read and set it aside. There is a wealth of information to absorb and utilize here, all delivered with good humor and relevant details.

My organization-loving heart adored her chosen format. Each section is tabbed and structured in tables detailing which type of publishing prefers which rules, as well as which rules are merely preferences debated by all.

Basically, everyone agrees there are rules; but style, publisher, and audience make the application differ.

Best of luck in all your punctuating quandaries. Having one or more sources to look up your dilemma is your best bet. Thus, my purchase.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

In times when life is busy and hectic, I think having a book on hand with zero drama is a helpful way to wind down. Maybe not everyone would enjoy finishing off the day with a few pages about the proper use of hyphens, but I found the orderliness of punctuation rules comforting and the book enjoyable. I liked the setup as well: Casagrande provides details about four different major styles (book, news, academic, and science), and it's interesting to see where they all agree and disagree. I also loved picturing the "Punctuation Panel" in robes on a high bench handing down their verdicts on apostrophe use, etc. I certainly won't remember every rule I learned in this book, but I might now try to use an em dash in a sentence someday when I'm feeling very brave.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never thought I would retire my old spiral bound copy of The Gregg Reference Manual. But it was the Ninth Edition, published back in the day before the web really caught on. The current edition is ridiculously expensive. You can rent it though on Amazon but that is still also expensive. I am not suggesting you can replace it with this, only that I am.

Disclaimer: I am a college graduate (1994) and not a college student. Since I will be 50 this year (2020), I am now in a position to do as I please.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful guide to have on hand for anyone working in the written word. As someone going into publishing, I wanted a refresher on punctuation as a whole.

I didn’t read every single page of this book, because it covers each symbol and circumstance in incredible and thorough detail! I really appreciated differentiating between various styles like book, science, news and the addition of the publishing panel weighing in.

I’m glad I own this book and can see myself returning to it to continually refresh my knowledge and keep myself sharp!

[Rod Innis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not sure anyone would give a book on punctuation any more than 3 stars. It was quite clear and gave some excellent examples of the rules. It was a bit hard to follow as there were rules and examples of 4 different styles which were sometimes the same and often different. I am sure that I learned some things but there is far too much information to retain. It would be a good book to use as a guide but since I borrowed it from the library, it will not benefit me quite as much as if I owned it!

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book did not so much as mention the interabang as an option for a sentence which is both an exclamation and a question, instead stating that writers should use both an exclamation point and a question mark. Although the use of this combination has become more accepted in recent years, I feel the exclusion of the interabang to be an unfortunate oversight in an otherwise useful book. How could Casagrande have forgotten the interabang‽

[Mark Mathes · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title is a strong claim, and I have found it useful in book editing and journalistic editing. Quick to find what you need: Punctuation A to Z. The author has invited a novel Punctuation Panel in newspaper publishing, academic, trade copy editing, science and tech. These experts help define alphabetized terms. They tag a term, like AC/DC in A (academic), B (book) N (news) or S (science.) This abbreviation is B, N, S. As the band, this is also N (news style). Get the book. You'll use it.