This month’s issue includes book recs — a bunch of them.

The Latest From My To-Read List

I recently picked up a copy of this book: Like, Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English, by Valerie Fridland. It came recommended from one of my favorite industry podcasters, Mignon Fogarty of the Grammar Girl podcast.

I’m looking forward to digging in and learning about speech habits within the English language, how they’ve changed over the years, and why and how they continue to evolve.

In addition to using reference guides like the AP Stylebook and Gregg Reference Manual, I enjoy books about all things language and communications.

Here are some others I’ve read and would recommend:

• Says Who? A Kinder, Funner Usage Guide for Everyone Who Cares About Words, by Anne Curzan, PhD — a great read that I underlined the heck out of
• Smart Brevity: The Power of Saying More with Less, by Jim Vandehei, Mike Allen, and Roy Schwartz — full of good reminders and tips about writing concise
• Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation, by Lynne Truss — I also love the companion to this for kids

And here are some on my to-read list:

• The Best Punctuation Book, Period, by June Casagrande
• Rebel with a Clause: Tales and Tips from a Roving Grammarian, by Ellen Jovin
• The Grammar Daily: 365 Quick Tips for Successful Writing from Grammar Girl, by Mignon Fogarty

What about you? I’d love to hear your recommendations for what I should add to my list!

Something You Might Not Know About Me…

I don’t only read industry books (I mean, how dull would I be if I only read about grammar?). I also enjoy leisure reading. Right now I’m at the end of The Women’s March by Jennifer Chiaverini, about the women’s suffrage movement in the early 1900’s (fascinating).

I recently finished a nonfiction book, The Lost City of the Monkey God by Douglas Preston, which was a compelling story about the search for an ancient city in Honduras.

And I’m about to start The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett, which is her first book out since her very popular book The Help that came out 17 years ago.

I strongly believe reading aids writing, so I’m always reading something.

What’s up? I'd love to hear from you! Here are some things to consider sharing: Do you enjoy reading books in whatever industry it is that you’re in? What interests you about the English language? What have you read lately for fun? Reply to this email or comment here. Thanks for reading! Kate Harold Writer | Editor | Proofreader Kate Harold Freelance Writing LLC May 20, 2026 | Issue 20

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