The Lexicon of Intentionally Ambiguous Recommendations

by Robert J. Thornton

This hilarious book has been featured in the Chicago Tribune , Los Angeles Times , New York Daily News , Washington Post , Reader's Digest and Playboy . This portable book is perfect for any office warrior to keep in their desk drawer for a chuckle when the office goofball screws up again…or asks for a recommendation! "Thornton has just revolutionized the job-hunting business."― Washington Post "A collection of 'virtually litigation-proof' phrases."― Los Angeles Times

Genres: Humor, Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[Lynn Kutz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first discovered this book years ago when I was in the Navy and looking for creative ways of writing my performance reviews. Have since gifted copies to all HR managers of companies I work with as a contractor.

Anyone who writes performance reviews or recommendations will surely get a chuckle, and perhaps a few usable tidbits from this book.

[Dolores · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's pretty hilarious.. Actually, it's good for anyone who may be asked to write a recommendation for someone who falls short of deserving a good one! The recommendation might seem like a good one if you're not paying attention to the clever use of adjectives, and strategically placed commas...

Cheers.

[David Elton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lexicon of Intentionally Ambiguous Recommendations, Robert J. Thornton. A lot of double entendres to use when recommending someone who’s incompetent. Amusing. Best read in small doses. August 25, 2021

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilarious! I didn't read the whole book, though.

[Lee Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite parts of this book are the introduction and forward.

[Rich Hutchinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny, and a good reference to make you laugh.

[Theodore Kinni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrific--I'll never want for the perfect phrase for a recommendation letter I don't want to write again

[Jessica Stephenson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty funny book. An easy read, yet made me think. I may actually refer to this in the future for when I need to heap some bullshit into something or someone without ousting my true feelings on the matter at hand.