Dreyer's English (Adapted for Young Readers): Good Advice for Good Writing

by Benjamin Dreyer

Adapted from the New York Times bestseller by Random House's longtime copy chief, this informative and witty guide to writing and grammar, written especially for a younger audience, entertains as well as instructs.

Full of advice, insider wisdom, and fascinating facts, this book will prove to be invaluable to anyone who wants to be confident in their writing skills, or anyone who enjoys the power of language. Explored throughout are the mysteries of using punctuation, word choice decisions, and more, presented in a clear, concise and accessible manner made fun!

Praise for the New York Times bestseller DREYER'S An Utterly Correct Guide to Clarity and Style

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY The Oprah Magazine,Paste , and Shelf Awareness

"Essential (and delightful!)" -- People

"Playful, smart, self-conscious, and personal . . . One encounters wisdom and good sense on nearly every page." -- The Wall Street Journal

"Destined to become a classic." -- The Millions

"Dreyer can help you . . . with tips on punctuation and spelling. . . . Even He'll entertain you while he's at it." -- Newsday

Genres: Nonfiction, Writing, Education

304 pages, Hardcover

First published February 9, 2021

About the author

Benjamin Dreyer is vice president, executive managing editor, and copy chief at Random House. A graduate of Northwestern University, he lives in New York City.

Reviews

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This guide is an informative and witty guide to writing and grammar, adapted for young readers. Dreyer's English, whether for adults or young readers, is about polishing and refining writing. But this isn't just basic school grammar. The author touches on some of the things in this book that everyone needs to know. He talks about the Wan Intensifiers and Throat Clearers—all the words we should try not to use like "really" and "actually."

My favorite line of this book is in the beginning when the author talks directly to younger readers and says, "I know you think you know how to write, but...there might be a time in your life when you have to apply for a job or do grown-up things, and language will come in handy."

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbyowens.com/transcript/ben...

[Annet Teplitskaya · Rating 2 out of 5]

В этой книге много действительно полезных штук + в кеп-местах и моментах, где стилистика русского и английского похожи, было много того, что я и сама всегда говорила студентам, когда преподавала писательство/копирайтинг.

Но какой же автор нудный сноб.

Под конец подачу некоторых довольно субъективных вещей в формате «я умный, а вы все просто идиоты» выносить уже невозможно.

Кстати, автор книги в моем предложении выше точно вычеркнул бы слово «просто». Я не против, но, камон, это же не стилистика, а вкусовщина левел миллиард.

Вообще, у меня тут очень много вопросов к фишкам в худших традициях секты пишисокращайщиков.

(Кстати, спасибо, что автор этой книги хотя бы не додумался «создать» «свой» стиль).

Ну, зато я теперь понимаю, почему гпт так любит убирать несущие смысл усилители из англоязычных текстов.

Изначально планировала найти и прочитать полную версию этой книги тоже, но, пожалуй, что-то нет, скипну.

[Heather Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a great book for adults too.

I have a degree in English, I am a grammar-lover, and I am a professional writer whose job is to know how to use words properly.

I know a lot about grammar.

And I'm still learning things from this book.

[Justin Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great refresher on how to use words! Loved the original and this book a fun read and a must have for your library. I kept thinking of how I want to pass this book along to my 12 year old nephew. Sure, he won't get most of the references Dreyers makes but it will be such a leg up on his knowledge of the English language and it's uses in writing. I wish I had read more books like this growing up in school. Dreyer is hilarious throughout the book while being incredibly informative. Get this book and learn. Now I just need him to go throught this review and turn it red with errors I have probably made.
Thanks to PRHAudio for this complimentary audiobook. My deliveries/work days are made better with my audio book accompaniments.

[Alley W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dreyer’s English (adapted for young readers) is a valuable and informative text that students can learn from in order to improve their writing skills. The book gives examples of how to overcome certain rules that limit a person’s writing. Also how to use grammar as a tool and not a hindrance. I would highly recommend this book to teachers to help improve and share writing structure and techniques with their students. But overall I would recommend it to students who are tired of formulated sentence structures and are looking to broaden their understanding of the English language and in turn improve their writing abilities.

[Ramona · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love it when I find a book about writing (I am not a professional writer) that helps me to become more proficient, accurate, and smoother in my writing style. This is a "fun" writing advice book. I enjoyed the format, style of writing, and the way the chapters were set up. The chapter headings were great!

[Andreas Porwanto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging and informative!

[Linda]

Excellent reference for young adult writers. Explains many topics not covered in high school English in a practical way.

[Bianca]

paused because I'm swimming in 'currently reading,' but this was cute when I started it and will probably finish at some point. possibly a good palate cleanser down the road

[Libby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. Dreyer's style is light, and the examples in this young readers version are high school appropriate. I learned (or was reminded) of many details that hopefully will make my writing better. I do think this isn't a book most young readers will pick up on their own, but one that librarians and teachers will need to point out to language lovers (or assign in high school classes!)