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.