Commas: An Irreverent Primer

by Kate Ristau, Maren Anderson

What is a grammar dragon? What happens to unicorns when you misuse FANBOYS? This irreverent guide for using our most common punctuation mark will explain. This primer doesn't cover every single use of commas--it's only sixty pages, for heaven's sake! But it does explain the comma errors English professors most often marked wrong on their students’ papers. All that red ink stung. Hence, this book. Oh, and the fairies, dragons, and trolls? Well, why not fairies, dragons, and trolls? Examples should be memorable (or at least mythical). Some comma topics included Commas and Independent Clauses Commas after Introductory Phrases Commas and Nonrestrictive Clauses Commas and Quotes Commas and Coordinate Adjectives So, don’t be a comma idiot. Either buy a grammar dragon or read this book. I promise the book won’t eat you. No guarantees on that dragon.

62 pages, Paperback

First published November 8, 2013

About the author

Kate Ristau is an author and folklorist who writes young adult and middle grade fiction. In her ideal world, magic and myth combine to create memorable stories with unforgettable characters. Until she finds that world, she'll live in Portland, Oregon with her husband, her son, and her dog.

Reviews

[Marvin Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never witnessed the concept of fanboys integrated with any form of education much less grammar and punctuation. An entertaining lesson in avoiding the dreaded comma splice, and indulging the Oxford comma, this primer will set you straight and make you smile.

[Mary Davidsaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

A funny, easy to understand, and very helpful little book. It explained comma splices and how to use coordinating conjunctions to deal with them on page 10. That was worth the price of admission for me. I'm glad I found it, and I will keep it handy.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turns out I didn't need this book but it was still a great refresher, a short read, and very funny.

[Jeanette Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was very funny so it kept my attention and hopefully helped me to retain the information.

[Jeff Stookey · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want some quick, easy, and fun lessons to polish up your knowledge regarding the use of commas, I heartily recommend this little book. It will entertain and enlighten you if you have any lingering questions about proper usage of the common comma.

[Christina Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this book! As an author and editor, this book captures my attention and delivers easy to understand rules about how and when to use commas. It's also delightfully funny. I give and recommend this book to clients all the time. It's now a permanent part of my reference library.

[Daniel · Rating 2 out of 5]

trying too hard.