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Have You Eaten Grandma?: Or, the Life-Saving Importance of Correct Punctuation, Grammar, and Good English
It can be much harder than it seems; commas, colons, semi-colons, and even apostrophes can drive us all mad at times, but it riles no one more than the longest-serving resident of Countdown's Dictionary Corner, grammar guru Gyles Brandreth.
In this brilliantly funny tirade on grammar, Brandreth anatomizes the linguistic horrors of our times, tells us where we've been going wrong (and why) and shows us how, in the future, we can get it right every time. Is 'alright' all right? You'll find out right here. From dangling clauses to gerunds, you'll also discover why Santa's helpers are subordinate clauses.
In Have You Eaten Grandma?, he waxes lyrical about the importance of language as, after all, it is what we use to define ourselves and is ultimately what makes us human.
In this brilliantly funny tirade on grammar, Brandreth anatomizes the linguistic horrors of our times, tells us where we've been going wrong (and why) and shows us how, in the future, we can get it right every time. Is 'alright' all right? You'll find out right here. From dangling clauses to gerunds, you'll also discover why Santa's helpers are subordinate clauses.
In Have You Eaten Grandma?, he waxes lyrical about the importance of language as, after all, it is what we use to define ourselves and is ultimately what makes us human.
320 pages, Paperback
First published October 4, 2018
277 people are currently reading
1468 people want to read
About the author
Gyles Brandreth
464 books400 followersFull name: Gyles Daubeney Brandreth.
A former Oxford Scholar, President of the Oxford Union and MP for the City of Chester, Gyles Brandreth’s career has ranged from being a Whip and Lord Commissioner of the Treasury in John Major’s government to starring in his own award-winning musical revue in London’s West End. A prolific broadcaster (in programmes ranging from Just a Minute to Have I Got News for You), an acclaimed interviewer (principally for the Sunday Telegraph), a novelist, children’s author and biographer, his best-selling diary, Breaking the Code, was described as ‘By far the best political diary of recent years, far more perceptive and revealing than Alan Clark’s’ (The Times) and ‘Searingly honest, wildly indiscreet, and incredibly funny’ (Daily Mail). He is the author of two acclaimed royal biographies: Philip Elizabeth: Portrait of a Marriage and Charles Camilla: Portrait of a Love Affair. In 2007/2008, John Murray in the UK and Simon & Schuster in the US began publishing The Oscar Wilde Murder Mysteries, his series of Victorian murder mysteries featuring Oscar Wilde as the detective.
As a performer, Gyles Brandreth has been seen most recently in ZIPP! ONE HUNDRED MUSICALS FOR LESS THAN THE PRICE OF ONE at the Duchess Theatre and on tour throughout the UK, and as Malvolio and the Sea Captain in TWELFTH NIGHT THE MUSICAL at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Gyles Brandreth is one of Britain’s busiest after-dinner speakers and award ceremony hosts. He has won awards himself, and been nominated for awards, as a public speaker, novelist, children’s writer, broadcaster (Sony), political diarist (Channel Four), journalist (British Press Awards), theatre producer (Olivier), and businessman (British Tourist Authority Come to Britain Trophy).
He is married to writer and publisher Michèle Brown, with whom he co-curated the exhibition of twentieth century children’s authors at the National Portrait Gallery and founded the award-winning Teddy Bear Museum now based at the Polka Theatre in Wimbledon. He is a trustee of the British Forces Foundation, and a former chairman and now vice-president of the National Playing Fields Association.
Gyles Brandreth’s forebears include George R. Sims (the highest-paid journalist of his day, who wrote the ballad Christmas Day in the Workhouse) and Jeremiah Brandreth (the last man in England to be beheaded for treason). His great-great-grandfather, Benjamin Brandreth, promoted ‘Brandreth’s Pills’ (a medicine that cured everything!) and was a pioneer of modern advertising and a New York state senator. Today, Gyles Brandreth has family living in New York, Maryland, South Carolina and California. He has been London correspondent for “Up to the Minute” on CBS News and his books published in the United States include the New York Times best-seller, The Joy of Lex and, most recently, Philip Elizabeth: Portrait of a Royal Marriage.
A former Oxford Scholar, President of the Oxford Union and MP for the City of Chester, Gyles Brandreth’s career has ranged from being a Whip and Lord Commissioner of the Treasury in John Major’s government to starring in his own award-winning musical revue in London’s West End. A prolific broadcaster (in programmes ranging from Just a Minute to Have I Got News for You), an acclaimed interviewer (principally for the Sunday Telegraph), a novelist, children’s author and biographer, his best-selling diary, Breaking the Code, was described as ‘By far the best political diary of recent years, far more perceptive and revealing than Alan Clark’s’ (The Times) and ‘Searingly honest, wildly indiscreet, and incredibly funny’ (Daily Mail). He is the author of two acclaimed royal biographies: Philip Elizabeth: Portrait of a Marriage and Charles Camilla: Portrait of a Love Affair. In 2007/2008, John Murray in the UK and Simon & Schuster in the US began publishing The Oscar Wilde Murder Mysteries, his series of Victorian murder mysteries featuring Oscar Wilde as the detective.
As a performer, Gyles Brandreth has been seen most recently in ZIPP! ONE HUNDRED MUSICALS FOR LESS THAN THE PRICE OF ONE at the Duchess Theatre and on tour throughout the UK, and as Malvolio and the Sea Captain in TWELFTH NIGHT THE MUSICAL at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Gyles Brandreth is one of Britain’s busiest after-dinner speakers and award ceremony hosts. He has won awards himself, and been nominated for awards, as a public speaker, novelist, children’s writer, broadcaster (Sony), political diarist (Channel Four), journalist (British Press Awards), theatre producer (Olivier), and businessman (British Tourist Authority Come to Britain Trophy).
He is married to writer and publisher Michèle Brown, with whom he co-curated the exhibition of twentieth century children’s authors at the National Portrait Gallery and founded the award-winning Teddy Bear Museum now based at the Polka Theatre in Wimbledon. He is a trustee of the British Forces Foundation, and a former chairman and now vice-president of the National Playing Fields Association.
Gyles Brandreth’s forebears include George R. Sims (the highest-paid journalist of his day, who wrote the ballad Christmas Day in the Workhouse) and Jeremiah Brandreth (the last man in England to be beheaded for treason). His great-great-grandfather, Benjamin Brandreth, promoted ‘Brandreth’s Pills’ (a medicine that cured everything!) and was a pioneer of modern advertising and a New York state senator. Today, Gyles Brandreth has family living in New York, Maryland, South Carolina and California. He has been London correspondent for “Up to the Minute” on CBS News and his books published in the United States include the New York Times best-seller, The Joy of Lex and, most recently, Philip Elizabeth: Portrait of a Royal Marriage.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
August 7, 2019
I'm no Grammar Nazi - I can't claim to have full command of the English language myself: I nearly always need to Google who or whom, and lie or lay. But, some grammatical errors do drive me nuts: unnecessary apostrophes, and the use of the word "pacific" instead of "specific" to name a couple. Gyles Brandreth, however, is more sensitive to wordy faux pas, and is smart enough to write 'em all down, and publish them. Hence, we have this fun book that has nothing to do with cannibalism, and everything to do with the importance of using proper English.
Brandreth covers punctuation, spelling, pluralization, and some of the differences between the English language and Americanese. His is the first attempt I've read to demystify Cockney rhyming slang. (I still don't get it, but it was an interesting examination.)
Though this is not a book you sit down with and read straight through, it's massively fun to pick up from time to time, and enjoy. Highly recommended for linguists, teachers, and trivia buffs.
Loose Parts by Dave Blazek
Thanks to Atria Books for a review copy.
Brandreth covers punctuation, spelling, pluralization, and some of the differences between the English language and Americanese. His is the first attempt I've read to demystify Cockney rhyming slang. (I still don't get it, but it was an interesting examination.)
Though this is not a book you sit down with and read straight through, it's massively fun to pick up from time to time, and enjoy. Highly recommended for linguists, teachers, and trivia buffs.
Loose Parts by Dave Blazek
Thanks to Atria Books for a review copy.
February 5, 2019
A book on pronunciation, grammar, amd spelling may sound very dry and boring, but Have You Eaten Garndma? is anything but.
I’ll admit that I love languages and therefore find the subject interesting. Still, I wasn’t expecting the humour, and there is plenty. Gyles Brandreth not only provides a lot of information on the English language, he does so in a very accessible manner, enticing the reader with his funny, and often cheeky, voice. As he states, the way we express ourselves is a kind of power. Acquiring it doesn’t have to be a hardship. On the contrary, it can be entertaining, as seen in the following poem. Try reading it out loud :0)
“I take it you already know,
Of tough and bough and cough and dough.
Others may stumble, but not you,
On hiccough, thorough, laugh and through.
Well done! And now you wish, perhaps,
To learn of less familiar traps.
Beware of heard, a dreadful word,
That looks like beard and sounds like bird.
And dead: it’s said like bed, not bead —
For goodness’ sake, don’t call it ‘deed’!
Watch out for meat and great and threat,
(They rhyme with suite and straight and debt).
A moth is not a moth in mother,
Nor both in bother, broth in brother.
And here is not a match for there,
Nor dear and fear for bear and pear.
And then there’s dose and rose and lose –
Just look them up – and goose and choose.
And cork and work and card and ward,
And font and front and word and sword.
And do and go and thwart and cart –
Come, come, I’ve hardly made a start!
A dreadful language? Why man alive!
I’d mastered it when I was five.”
I’ll admit that I love languages and therefore find the subject interesting. Still, I wasn’t expecting the humour, and there is plenty. Gyles Brandreth not only provides a lot of information on the English language, he does so in a very accessible manner, enticing the reader with his funny, and often cheeky, voice. As he states, the way we express ourselves is a kind of power. Acquiring it doesn’t have to be a hardship. On the contrary, it can be entertaining, as seen in the following poem. Try reading it out loud :0)
“I take it you already know,
Of tough and bough and cough and dough.
Others may stumble, but not you,
On hiccough, thorough, laugh and through.
Well done! And now you wish, perhaps,
To learn of less familiar traps.
Beware of heard, a dreadful word,
That looks like beard and sounds like bird.
And dead: it’s said like bed, not bead —
For goodness’ sake, don’t call it ‘deed’!
Watch out for meat and great and threat,
(They rhyme with suite and straight and debt).
A moth is not a moth in mother,
Nor both in bother, broth in brother.
And here is not a match for there,
Nor dear and fear for bear and pear.
And then there’s dose and rose and lose –
Just look them up – and goose and choose.
And cork and work and card and ward,
And font and front and word and sword.
And do and go and thwart and cart –
Come, come, I’ve hardly made a start!
A dreadful language? Why man alive!
I’d mastered it when I was five.”
November 30, 2018
What a fabulous book! Gyles Brandreth combines his love of the English language with his inimitable humour making an often dry, boring topic interesting. Not only is it clear, informative and accessible, but it had me laughing out loud multiple times! It breaks often complex rules down into manageable chunks and discusses grammar, spelling and punctuation. It also gives examples of each rule in action making everything very understandable. I learned a lot, and the most fascinating exploration for me was the part that looks at recent language trends.
Anyone interested in etymology would really enjoy this book, it would make a great present for the language lover in your life. Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Michael Joseph for an ARC.
Anyone interested in etymology would really enjoy this book, it would make a great present for the language lover in your life. Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Michael Joseph for an ARC.
February 2, 2021
So, you think you know all the rules of the English language........well, you don't and this book will tell you why. This is a humorous and educational guide to punctuation, spelling, grammar and correct English for the 21st century. Sounds rather dry but instead, the author approaches the problems that we all have (and maybe don't know we have) in a way that makes you chuckle and I actually laughed out loud once.
The book is divided into chapters which address each issue mentioned above and I was horrified to find that I have been making a couple of mistakes all my life.(I will blame it on my Southern accent!) Probably the funniest section of the book, to which he dedicates several pages, is the comparison between American English and British English and the use (or not) of the Oxford comma, brackets, pronunciation, and quotation marks.
The book will remind you of Eat, Shoots and Leaves but is different enough that reading both books is not repetitive. It's fun and I would recommend it to the lover of language and the crazy rules that govern it.
The book is divided into chapters which address each issue mentioned above and I was horrified to find that I have been making a couple of mistakes all my life.(I will blame it on my Southern accent!) Probably the funniest section of the book, to which he dedicates several pages, is the comparison between American English and British English and the use (or not) of the Oxford comma, brackets, pronunciation, and quotation marks.
The book will remind you of Eat, Shoots and Leaves but is different enough that reading both books is not repetitive. It's fun and I would recommend it to the lover of language and the crazy rules that govern it.
January 20, 2019
This is a great little book particularly if, like me, you've ever struggled with grammar or punctuation. Reading this book is probably not going to miraculously perfect your writing or speech but there are lots of useful tips, tricks and facts all told in a funny and easily devoured format. Personally I've always struggled with where to put apostrophes and commas and have never understood what the heck that oxford comma thing is. Now I do - well more or less.
I've always been wary of reading books on grammar and language, they tend to be incredibly complicated (for me at any rate), full of rules I'll never remember and not the most exciting of reads. Have You Eaten Grandma? as you can no doubt tell from the title, is packed full of humour (some adult) and little anecdotes that make it very easy to dip in and out of. There are rules but Brandreth puts his own spin of them giving you practical ways of remembering them. There are sections on grammar, spelling, punctuation, bad language and even the evolution of language.
It is steered mostly towards UK English so, while the author does cover American English and the differences between the two, I'm not sure how well it would go over with a non British reader. I also felt some sections were a little too long although this isn't really an issue if you're dipping in and out or skimming through to the parts you're most interested in (or have the most problems with).
Overall a fun and informative read that's already come in useful at work (it settled a discussion on the plural of clerk of works?)
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this. This has not influenced my review (and any and all grammatical errors are my own).
I've always been wary of reading books on grammar and language, they tend to be incredibly complicated (for me at any rate), full of rules I'll never remember and not the most exciting of reads. Have You Eaten Grandma? as you can no doubt tell from the title, is packed full of humour (some adult) and little anecdotes that make it very easy to dip in and out of. There are rules but Brandreth puts his own spin of them giving you practical ways of remembering them. There are sections on grammar, spelling, punctuation, bad language and even the evolution of language.
It is steered mostly towards UK English so, while the author does cover American English and the differences between the two, I'm not sure how well it would go over with a non British reader. I also felt some sections were a little too long although this isn't really an issue if you're dipping in and out or skimming through to the parts you're most interested in (or have the most problems with).
Overall a fun and informative read that's already come in useful at work (it settled a discussion on the plural of clerk of works?)
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this. This has not influenced my review (and any and all grammatical errors are my own).
January 30, 2019
Gyles Brandreth explores the idiocies, idiosyncrasies and infinite variety of the English language. His love for words shines through and encourages the reader to think about how & why we use language. This is never dull or pedantic. His examples keep you chuckling and often make you stop short & realise that you'd never thought about that word/phrase in that way before.
Parts of this could act as a good teaching aid in schools, injecting life into what might be a dull subject. I enjoyed reading it & can now tell you the longest word in the dictionary; pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis what else could you want?
Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher fr letting me read & review this book.
Parts of this could act as a good teaching aid in schools, injecting life into what might be a dull subject. I enjoyed reading it & can now tell you the longest word in the dictionary; pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis what else could you want?
Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher fr letting me read & review this book.
October 26, 2018
A very funny book on the intricacies and developments of the English language. I particularly enjoyed the 'Texting Guide for Seniors' including such examples as 'IMHO- Is My Hearing-aid On' and 'ROFLACGU- Rolling on Floor Laughing and Can't Get Up.'
Genuinely interesting and educational while consistently amusing (just corrected myself from writing 'whilst' as a result of one of the tips), although I have to say some of the lists went on too long for my liking and I got slightly bored.
I would highly recommend Mark Forsyth's The Etymologicon and The Elements of Eloquence if you enjoyed this book, or are simply interested in the topic.
Genuinely interesting and educational while consistently amusing (just corrected myself from writing 'whilst' as a result of one of the tips), although I have to say some of the lists went on too long for my liking and I got slightly bored.
I would highly recommend Mark Forsyth's The Etymologicon and The Elements of Eloquence if you enjoyed this book, or are simply interested in the topic.
January 14, 2022
Best book ever. Oh, the love. English explained easy and fun, specially parts of English usage that sometimes aren’t covered in classes, or teachers just don’t mention. I have learnt many things that I always wondered about because no one ever bothered to explain, and I learnt some others that I didn’t know about (now I’ll be using the word ‘niblings’ at any chance I get).
I loved that it focuses more on spelling, punctuation and notions of grammar that are actually hard for native speakers (it does wonders for non-native speakers too since it gives you a reason behind difficulties), and it also covered differences between American and British English, not only regarding words, but on how they use punctuation (and believe me, they are important).
I’d say this is a must for anyone looking to improve their English skills, natives and non-natives alike. Absolutely loved it. Will be revisiting it often.
I loved that it focuses more on spelling, punctuation and notions of grammar that are actually hard for native speakers (it does wonders for non-native speakers too since it gives you a reason behind difficulties), and it also covered differences between American and British English, not only regarding words, but on how they use punctuation (and believe me, they are important).
I’d say this is a must for anyone looking to improve their English skills, natives and non-natives alike. Absolutely loved it. Will be revisiting it often.
May 31, 2020
Gyles Brandreth writes an entertaining and informative book about grammar and punctuation. I am a lover of words and truly appreciate the book. He writes in his self-deprecating manner which (hyphen may or may not be needed) ("which" is appropriate here as it refers to "manner" and it is a thing, not a person). He ends the book with a short chapter on "the language of grammar." This is where he defines nouns, verbs, participles, and those other constructs of sentences that may have contributed to the reason many people resist anything to do with grammar.
I read the book in its presented order although that is not necessary. The book could be used as a reference for special topics without needing to read the whole thing.
If you're only going to have one book about grammar, I recommend that this be the book. IMHO, this book is much better than Eats, Shoots & Leaves by Lynne Truss.
I read the book in its presented order although that is not necessary. The book could be used as a reference for special topics without needing to read the whole thing.
If you're only going to have one book about grammar, I recommend that this be the book. IMHO, this book is much better than Eats, Shoots & Leaves by Lynne Truss.
January 3, 2025
Thank you to Simon & Schuster and to Simon Audio for the copies to review.
I am a bit of a grammar nerd, and this book was right up my alley. I started this via audio but quickly changed to the physical copy, as this one is best read with the eyes and not the ears. There are several lists in here throughout, and while the narrator did a fantastic job of bringing the humor to life, the examples are just best seen, and listening to these 'lists' out loud got a bit annoying after a while.
This was a great refresher on what punctuation to use and when, as I do think it has evolved over the years, especially since I was in school. I will keep this on my shelf as a handy reference guide and was glad I read through it once for sure, the humor is not to be missed IMHO… (which does not stand for Is My Hearing-aid On…IYKYK)
I am a bit of a grammar nerd, and this book was right up my alley. I started this via audio but quickly changed to the physical copy, as this one is best read with the eyes and not the ears. There are several lists in here throughout, and while the narrator did a fantastic job of bringing the humor to life, the examples are just best seen, and listening to these 'lists' out loud got a bit annoying after a while.
This was a great refresher on what punctuation to use and when, as I do think it has evolved over the years, especially since I was in school. I will keep this on my shelf as a handy reference guide and was glad I read through it once for sure, the humor is not to be missed IMHO… (which does not stand for Is My Hearing-aid On…IYKYK)
February 19, 2019
This is an amazing reference book for people, who care about correct language usage and auto-correct people when they write something wrong (grammar/spelling/punctuation police such as myself). It can be irritating for some but language is one of the most valuable assets of humankind, and I do not think that we should take it for granted. We're losing important cultural values due to misuse of the language, and technology is usually the one to blame for this. Gyles Brandreth beautifully highlights the most common mistakes that we make when we speak English/write in English. Thus, it's not a book to read and leave it to collect dust on the shelf but it should be treated as a timeless reference guide.
The mistake I made when I read this book was that I chose the wrong format: the audiobook. I highly recommend the paperback version as it gets quite irritating when the author starts spelling correct/wrong versions of the words. This is a book to be read and absorbed at a reasonable pace, also highlighted when necessary. Overall: A great guide for language enthusiasts and natives, who wish to improve their atrophied language skills.
The mistake I made when I read this book was that I chose the wrong format: the audiobook. I highly recommend the paperback version as it gets quite irritating when the author starts spelling correct/wrong versions of the words. This is a book to be read and absorbed at a reasonable pace, also highlighted when necessary. Overall: A great guide for language enthusiasts and natives, who wish to improve their atrophied language skills.
March 1, 2019
I hate-read this book out of stubbornness as I lost the receipt and found myself stuck with this insufferable author. Safe to say, I did not enjoy it. I will admit the actual information is well presented, it's just everything in between that I hated. This book is just him moaning about slang that annoys him while praising PG Wodehouse for the slang that he invented. He's a boring, old, hypocrite. It's probably worth borrowing from a library to scan/copy out some of his useful bits - hence the 2 stars.
January 24, 2019
Exceptionally fun and interesting, especially for those who love the English language. The book teaches you what good English is: punctuation and vocabulary.
No double language is ever changing but it’s also important that we cling to what is the most accurate when it comes to expressing ourselves. Research has shown that those who speak good English have an advantage over those who don’t in many aspects of life.
A lot of good stuff for me to share with my ESL students.
No double language is ever changing but it’s also important that we cling to what is the most accurate when it comes to expressing ourselves. Research has shown that those who speak good English have an advantage over those who don’t in many aspects of life.
A lot of good stuff for me to share with my ESL students.
June 7, 2019
In the same vein as Eats, Shoots, and Leaves, Have You Eaten Grandma? plays on the importance of grammar and punctuation, even in today’s social media and technology-driven world, with a comprehensive and humorous layout of all the rules, memory devices, and tips and tricks you’ll need to master the power of the English language.
Chapter one, ‘Basic Punctuation or Have You Eaten Grandma?’, begins the foray into punctuation, followed by ‘Dashes, Hyphens, Slashes and more’, and ‘Apostrophes, Possession and Omission’. Brandreth also covers spelling in this book, with common (and sometimes less than helpful) rules, guides to prefixes and silent letters. There are also chapters on British English versus American English, abbreviations with a fresh inclusion of many that are commonly used today and on social media (some with a very humorous twist), slang, and rules for good communication. There are also fun sections that keen wordsmiths will enjoy, such as the A to Z of useful Scrabble words, and new words.
This book is for adult readers. There is a great depth of content which will appeal, I think, to readers who are already interested in language conventions. The book is also wordy (not unexpected) and some of the jokes and language is more suited to a mature audience. That said, it is an easy book to read, pick up a few tips and enjoy. While I read Have You Eaten Grandma? from cover to cover, it will be most useful to me as a handy reference guide. There is so much information and so many tips jam-packed into its pages that I knew there was no way I would remember all the rules or tips. Having it to hand, though, will be helpful when I can’t quite remember whether I should be using effect or affect, or am about to commence a Scrabble tournament. There are also lists to make you blush (euphemisms for sex), cringe (toilet talk), and laugh (public signs that could have used some punctuation).
I love that this book is written for current society and that the author holds to conventional rules and still embraces modern language. From text speech and new abbreviations and initialisations, to the mistakes make in Tweets or statements by past or current politic leaders, as well as the embracing of gender neutral language. My particular favourite is the new ROFL (rolling on floor laughing) for older generations, ROFLACGU (rolling on floor laughing and can’t get up).
Have You Eaten Grandma? is a fun and handy book about the complexities of the English language and the power it holds (it just might save your grandma’s life).
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library
Chapter one, ‘Basic Punctuation or Have You Eaten Grandma?’, begins the foray into punctuation, followed by ‘Dashes, Hyphens, Slashes and more’, and ‘Apostrophes, Possession and Omission’. Brandreth also covers spelling in this book, with common (and sometimes less than helpful) rules, guides to prefixes and silent letters. There are also chapters on British English versus American English, abbreviations with a fresh inclusion of many that are commonly used today and on social media (some with a very humorous twist), slang, and rules for good communication. There are also fun sections that keen wordsmiths will enjoy, such as the A to Z of useful Scrabble words, and new words.
This book is for adult readers. There is a great depth of content which will appeal, I think, to readers who are already interested in language conventions. The book is also wordy (not unexpected) and some of the jokes and language is more suited to a mature audience. That said, it is an easy book to read, pick up a few tips and enjoy. While I read Have You Eaten Grandma? from cover to cover, it will be most useful to me as a handy reference guide. There is so much information and so many tips jam-packed into its pages that I knew there was no way I would remember all the rules or tips. Having it to hand, though, will be helpful when I can’t quite remember whether I should be using effect or affect, or am about to commence a Scrabble tournament. There are also lists to make you blush (euphemisms for sex), cringe (toilet talk), and laugh (public signs that could have used some punctuation).
I love that this book is written for current society and that the author holds to conventional rules and still embraces modern language. From text speech and new abbreviations and initialisations, to the mistakes make in Tweets or statements by past or current politic leaders, as well as the embracing of gender neutral language. My particular favourite is the new ROFL (rolling on floor laughing) for older generations, ROFLACGU (rolling on floor laughing and can’t get up).
Have You Eaten Grandma? is a fun and handy book about the complexities of the English language and the power it holds (it just might save your grandma’s life).
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library
October 14, 2023
This is well worth a read for those who love the English language. Many of my readers would be quite surprised that I actually study punctuation and grammar books (heh), but Eats, Shoots & Leaves by Lynne Truss is a book I return to often. Have You Eaten Grandma is clearly on a similar theme (hence the comma joke in both titles), but it has a much wider focus, going into spelling and other quirks of the language. It's extremely witty at times with excellent examples of the pitfalls of getting punctuation wrong, but overall I find Truss's book more useful as its wholly devoted to punctuation. Great little book, however, and a must-read for all word smiths.
September 17, 2019
3.5 stars Entertaining and useful. A handy reference tool rather than a book to read cover to cover.
I thought the author often got bogged down while comparing US spelling, vocabulary and so on with the British versions of the same.
His explanations of the various punctuation marks (and how to use them) is clear and concise. The same is true for his discussions on grammar. The author has a nice sense of humor and a breezy style, which makes the lessons very easy to take.
I thought the author often got bogged down while comparing US spelling, vocabulary and so on with the British versions of the same.
His explanations of the various punctuation marks (and how to use them) is clear and concise. The same is true for his discussions on grammar. The author has a nice sense of humor and a breezy style, which makes the lessons very easy to take.
October 9, 2020
Brilliant way to enhance your English skills. It also highlights how little in school we learn about the English language and how to properly use punctuation. I didn't even know there was more than 1 dash that could be use (en dash and em dash), didn't know people used apostrophe's wrong in shop signs either! I may not have been using the right English my entire life- this book was an eye opener!
February 17, 2020
I could not bring myself to go beyond the introduction and I will explain why:
Line 1: "Language is power, and how we use it defines us."
Page 3: "I am passionate about the English language. It's the richest language in the world. It's our heritage- and our hope. All the research shows that the better the English you speak and write, the happier and more successful you will be. People with better English get better jobs because they write better CVs and communicate more effectively in interviews. People who punctuate poorly and spell badly get lower marks in examinations- and in life. People with better English are more likely to secure the partner of their dreams because (the research shows) when it comes to wooing, words are more important than looks, money or sex appeal. People with better English are healthier and live longer because they can understand and communicate better with doctors, nurses and caregivers. Good English makes all the difference. And alarmingly, good English is under threat."
If you are from one of the nations that England colonized and got through that without cringing, here is more. And this is about the name of the book.
Chapter 1:
""Have you Eaten Grandma?" Good question. And one you could legitimately ask of your brother, your sister, or any of your first cousins, should you suspect them of being cannibalistically inclined.
I once met a lovely man who told me, with pride and a happy smile on his face that he had eaten his grandma. And his grandpa, too. He belonged to the Gadaba people who live in the Indian states of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. He explained that it is a Gadaba tradition to absorb the best of your grandparents' generation by eating them as soon as you can after they have died. It isn't as grisly as it sounds. First, you feed your dear departed to the fish in the local river, and then you eat the fish."
If this book was intended solely for people who wanted to live in the glorious heydays of the Empire I would understand it. In this day and age, did one editor not think that these lines above are just not right? All those 'facts' quoted about the benefits of having good English, firstly, there is no mention or citation of any research that vouches for this. Secondly, the English did colonize half the world so maybe it would've been better to tone down the blustering language. I am not disagreeing with the domination of English in the world- yes it is a fact. But saying it is the richest language in the world might be taking it a bit far! It is the most dominant language in the world and power structures have something to do with that. I looked at funeral rituals of the Gadaba people and nothing is so explicitly stated. Maybe the author did not understand the conversation he had with this nice guy. I understand why he wanted to pick this conversation and this title- it sure is punchy. I picked up the book, didn't I? But this constant "white man's burden" tone got to me.
I will alas, not be continuing the book to absorb the riches the author has to offer about the language that I do love. maybe I should just go and eat my grandma who did not speak a word of English but was successful and loved.
Line 1: "Language is power, and how we use it defines us."
Page 3: "I am passionate about the English language. It's the richest language in the world. It's our heritage- and our hope. All the research shows that the better the English you speak and write, the happier and more successful you will be. People with better English get better jobs because they write better CVs and communicate more effectively in interviews. People who punctuate poorly and spell badly get lower marks in examinations- and in life. People with better English are more likely to secure the partner of their dreams because (the research shows) when it comes to wooing, words are more important than looks, money or sex appeal. People with better English are healthier and live longer because they can understand and communicate better with doctors, nurses and caregivers. Good English makes all the difference. And alarmingly, good English is under threat."
If you are from one of the nations that England colonized and got through that without cringing, here is more. And this is about the name of the book.
Chapter 1:
""Have you Eaten Grandma?" Good question. And one you could legitimately ask of your brother, your sister, or any of your first cousins, should you suspect them of being cannibalistically inclined.
I once met a lovely man who told me, with pride and a happy smile on his face that he had eaten his grandma. And his grandpa, too. He belonged to the Gadaba people who live in the Indian states of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. He explained that it is a Gadaba tradition to absorb the best of your grandparents' generation by eating them as soon as you can after they have died. It isn't as grisly as it sounds. First, you feed your dear departed to the fish in the local river, and then you eat the fish."
If this book was intended solely for people who wanted to live in the glorious heydays of the Empire I would understand it. In this day and age, did one editor not think that these lines above are just not right? All those 'facts' quoted about the benefits of having good English, firstly, there is no mention or citation of any research that vouches for this. Secondly, the English did colonize half the world so maybe it would've been better to tone down the blustering language. I am not disagreeing with the domination of English in the world- yes it is a fact. But saying it is the richest language in the world might be taking it a bit far! It is the most dominant language in the world and power structures have something to do with that. I looked at funeral rituals of the Gadaba people and nothing is so explicitly stated. Maybe the author did not understand the conversation he had with this nice guy. I understand why he wanted to pick this conversation and this title- it sure is punchy. I picked up the book, didn't I? But this constant "white man's burden" tone got to me.
I will alas, not be continuing the book to absorb the riches the author has to offer about the language that I do love. maybe I should just go and eat my grandma who did not speak a word of English but was successful and loved.
January 3, 2019
Why do people only give grammar books as 'gag gifts' or as silly little stocking fillers? This book is one of the best Christmas presents I was given in 2018.
Gyles Brandreth is full of brilliance and laugh-out-loud humour. This book is a must-read for all grammar folk, as it dabbles between the throes of contemporary social culture all the way back to listing colloquialisms from the 16th century and beyond.
Every page is as clever, witty and wonderful as the last. If you care about the English language, I urge you to read this book.
Gyles Brandreth is full of brilliance and laugh-out-loud humour. This book is a must-read for all grammar folk, as it dabbles between the throes of contemporary social culture all the way back to listing colloquialisms from the 16th century and beyond.
Every page is as clever, witty and wonderful as the last. If you care about the English language, I urge you to read this book.
January 6, 2019
A very nice book on English grammar! As a language lover, this book was perfect and had a lot of interesting facts that are easy to apply in the ‘real’ world. The beginning, where for examples the usage of the colon is explained, was a little bit boring. But it was useful, so it was still handy!
July 24, 2021
This is a treasure for anything grammar related. I loved it!
June 30, 2022
Simply put, I don’t know that there is a single scenario in which I would recommend this book.
July 12, 2023
I read this like a test of my grammatical awareness. Learnt a couple of new things but, on the whole, I think I do ok.
July 16, 2019
Gyles Brandreth cleverly manages to show and tell, simultaneously, how to use punctuation, grammar, and good English properly—and in my case—without putting the reader to sleep.
It hasn’t (yet) proven to be of life-saving importance, but if such a circumstance does present itself, I’m hoping that it will occur after the book’s release date next month. It has, however, proven its usefulness; I’ve referred to it at least a couple dozen times since reading it. Its humorous, self-referencing nature is helpful in recalling rules for writing. If my life is ever hanging in the balance—dependent upon something like my understanding of hyphen and dash usage—I hope I’d have access to this go-to guide.
While Brandreth’s book will undoubtedly have a positive effect on my writing, I can’t help but feel hyperaware of everything I’m writing since reading it. Every punctuation mark feeds an already overindulgent self-doubt. I’ve even found that I’m procrastinating—to a much higher degree than my baseline—in posting book reviews, most notably this one. Hopefully these things fade because I really dislike the self-help shelves.
Thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the provided e-ARC and the opportunity to read this book. My review is honest, unbiased, and voluntary. #NetGalley #HaveYouEatenGrandma
It hasn’t (yet) proven to be of life-saving importance, but if such a circumstance does present itself, I’m hoping that it will occur after the book’s release date next month. It has, however, proven its usefulness; I’ve referred to it at least a couple dozen times since reading it. Its humorous, self-referencing nature is helpful in recalling rules for writing. If my life is ever hanging in the balance—dependent upon something like my understanding of hyphen and dash usage—I hope I’d have access to this go-to guide.
While Brandreth’s book will undoubtedly have a positive effect on my writing, I can’t help but feel hyperaware of everything I’m writing since reading it. Every punctuation mark feeds an already overindulgent self-doubt. I’ve even found that I’m procrastinating—to a much higher degree than my baseline—in posting book reviews, most notably this one. Hopefully these things fade because I really dislike the self-help shelves.
Thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the provided e-ARC and the opportunity to read this book. My review is honest, unbiased, and voluntary. #NetGalley #HaveYouEatenGrandma
June 1, 2023
*3.5 stars. As a language grad, I defo didn’t *need* to read a book all about grammar and punctuation. However, as a member of the grammar police, and as a…well, as a language grad, I’m glad I did. I had a fun time with this.
December 12, 2018
A witty guide to the correct usage of punctuation, grammar and good English.
It is a little daunting to write a review for a book dealing with the importance of correct punctuation, grammar, and good English - but I like a challenge, so here goes…
‘Have you Eaten Grandma’ is a comprehensive guide to all those things we were taught by our parents and in English lessons at school and have now forgotten.
It starts with the perils of ‘punctuation’, an area of confusion even to our best writers. Evelyn Waugh once gave Nancy Mitford a severe reprimand, telling her she scattered her punctuation like confetti. I fear it is the same for many of us, but Gyles Brandreth unravels the mysteries in the simplest terms and illustrates each point with an example which helps to make it clear - even the use of the colon and when to use the apostrophe.
He moves on to the knotty problem of correct spelling and although he gives us rules, he qualifies this by saying ‘unfortunately, they are not that helpful’. Correct spelling in the English language is a continual bafflement because there are so many exceptions to the rules. It is therefore advisable, despite the tips and tricks gave, always to have a dictionary handy so you can check.
I particularly liked the section on mnemonics, a device to help you remember something. Some of Gyles Brandreth’s mnemonics are hilarious. This can be a help just if you can remember the mnemonic you have created for yourself.
Acronyms are another memory test and those used on Snapchat and WhatsApp left me bewildered. I quickly passed on to his ‘most annoying words and phrases in current usage’. This was the section I most enjoyed, many making me laugh out loud with the author’s comments, ‘Totes’ - don’t you mean ‘totally’? ‘No brainer’ – you said it, ‘Tick all the boxes – Must you? and many more.
This book is a total delight; witty, informative, educational and funny. I would recommend it to everyone and advise they always have a copy nearby for reference.
Jane
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
It is a little daunting to write a review for a book dealing with the importance of correct punctuation, grammar, and good English - but I like a challenge, so here goes…
‘Have you Eaten Grandma’ is a comprehensive guide to all those things we were taught by our parents and in English lessons at school and have now forgotten.
It starts with the perils of ‘punctuation’, an area of confusion even to our best writers. Evelyn Waugh once gave Nancy Mitford a severe reprimand, telling her she scattered her punctuation like confetti. I fear it is the same for many of us, but Gyles Brandreth unravels the mysteries in the simplest terms and illustrates each point with an example which helps to make it clear - even the use of the colon and when to use the apostrophe.
He moves on to the knotty problem of correct spelling and although he gives us rules, he qualifies this by saying ‘unfortunately, they are not that helpful’. Correct spelling in the English language is a continual bafflement because there are so many exceptions to the rules. It is therefore advisable, despite the tips and tricks gave, always to have a dictionary handy so you can check.
I particularly liked the section on mnemonics, a device to help you remember something. Some of Gyles Brandreth’s mnemonics are hilarious. This can be a help just if you can remember the mnemonic you have created for yourself.
Acronyms are another memory test and those used on Snapchat and WhatsApp left me bewildered. I quickly passed on to his ‘most annoying words and phrases in current usage’. This was the section I most enjoyed, many making me laugh out loud with the author’s comments, ‘Totes’ - don’t you mean ‘totally’? ‘No brainer’ – you said it, ‘Tick all the boxes – Must you? and many more.
This book is a total delight; witty, informative, educational and funny. I would recommend it to everyone and advise they always have a copy nearby for reference.
Jane
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
September 6, 2020
Grammar nerds unite!
So, Gyles Brandreth’s guide for grammar, punctuation and using proper English offers some valuable little pointers that I think any grammar nerd would nod in agreement with and others could take note of as they try to make the most of the writing process.
I think that, at points, this book is a hit and miss with specific sections, parts and chapters. Brandreth keeps the mood and tone light and with a little bit of wit and humor, but there are specific parts of the book that drag on a little and others that are entirely skippable. I think also the reader should be warned that there are some expressions in here that do include crude language a few times.
The guide does cover some ground with regard to some key areas of grammar (punctuation, commas, confused words, etc.) and even some of the linguistic differences between British and American words and expressions, but at the end of the day, I think you can find a better guide for grammar out there if that is something you are looking for to help you improve your craft. At times, this book is a little unfocused and tends to wander or drift for a while on a topic that could have been condensed a little.
Not bad, but I think there are better guides for grammar rules.
So, Gyles Brandreth’s guide for grammar, punctuation and using proper English offers some valuable little pointers that I think any grammar nerd would nod in agreement with and others could take note of as they try to make the most of the writing process.
I think that, at points, this book is a hit and miss with specific sections, parts and chapters. Brandreth keeps the mood and tone light and with a little bit of wit and humor, but there are specific parts of the book that drag on a little and others that are entirely skippable. I think also the reader should be warned that there are some expressions in here that do include crude language a few times.
The guide does cover some ground with regard to some key areas of grammar (punctuation, commas, confused words, etc.) and even some of the linguistic differences between British and American words and expressions, but at the end of the day, I think you can find a better guide for grammar out there if that is something you are looking for to help you improve your craft. At times, this book is a little unfocused and tends to wander or drift for a while on a topic that could have been condensed a little.
Not bad, but I think there are better guides for grammar rules.
January 20, 2019
I admit it. I'm a pedant about the English language. I have a mug that says 'Less sugar, fewer suger-lumps.' Not that it stops me regularly getting things wrong (regularly? frequently? Haley's Comet was regular. You see, this is the sort of thing that I find myself pondering). And I'll admit my spelling is appaulling/ abbyssmal / dredful...
There are some useful sections, particularly if you are learning English as a second language.
And a chapter at the end with all the grammar they stopped teaching around 1973 (and as such I missed).
But, goodness, there's a fair bit of fluff and filler in this book. Pages dedicated to lists of the different words in English and American, or cockney rhyming slang.
And there's no contents page at the beginning! Why not? Suggests the book being slapped together for the Christmas market.
But how can I complain when my book was indeed a Christmas present from a dear friend - and addressed to me and signed by the author to boot.
There are some useful sections, particularly if you are learning English as a second language.
And a chapter at the end with all the grammar they stopped teaching around 1973 (and as such I missed).
But, goodness, there's a fair bit of fluff and filler in this book. Pages dedicated to lists of the different words in English and American, or cockney rhyming slang.
And there's no contents page at the beginning! Why not? Suggests the book being slapped together for the Christmas market.
But how can I complain when my book was indeed a Christmas present from a dear friend - and addressed to me and signed by the author to boot.
July 21, 2019
I'd like Gyles Brandreth to be my English teacher. This book was so much fun I will remember the grammar because of all of the great examples the author provides. They are just too funny not to memorize!
There is something to be said for procrastination: it ensures you've got something to do tomorrow. Yes, this is how you'd use a colon. I am going to post this on my computer screen saver if I'm not infringing on his copyright.
My husband is dark and handsome. when it is dark he's handsome. I will now have a funny example to explain a subordinate clause.
The entire book is like this and he covers British and American grammar.
I am definitely putting in an order for a print copy of this book to use as a reference and for those days when I could really use a timeless great laugh. I think it will become a lunchroom favorite at the office..
There is something to be said for procrastination: it ensures you've got something to do tomorrow. Yes, this is how you'd use a colon. I am going to post this on my computer screen saver if I'm not infringing on his copyright.
My husband is dark and handsome. when it is dark he's handsome. I will now have a funny example to explain a subordinate clause.
The entire book is like this and he covers British and American grammar.
I am definitely putting in an order for a print copy of this book to use as a reference and for those days when I could really use a timeless great laugh. I think it will become a lunchroom favorite at the office..
August 12, 2019
If you love digging into English grammar and poking at the inconsistencies, this might be for you even if you don't really need another usage manual. Brandreth's tone is conversational and funny, and his advice is good, if broad. I particularly enjoyed the historical info and info on differences between British and American English. This has a much nicer tone than Eats Shoots and Leaves, so I'd recommend it over that one to people who want to learn more about usage. Brandreth doesn't belittle his reader who doesn't know as much as he does about grammar, which is a huge plus. This book won't take the place of my beloved Garner's American Usage (now Modern English Usage in the 4th edition) but it certainly deserves a place on my bookcase and in my recommendations to students.
I received a free ebook ARC from Atria Books via NetGalley. This is my honest review.
I received a free ebook ARC from Atria Books via NetGalley. This is my honest review.
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