"Language Power: 100 Things You Need to Know to Make Language Work for You" by Norbert Schmitt is a comprehensive and accessible guide that stands out for its practical approach to language usage. The book offers valuable insights into various linguistic aspects, providing readers with a toolkit to enhance their language skills effectively.

One commendable aspect of the book is its breadth of coverage across diverse language topics. Norbert Schmitt skillfully distills complex linguistic concepts into bite-sized pieces, making it accessible for readers at different language proficiency levels. The 100-item format allows for easy navigation, enabling readers to focus on specific areas of interest or improvement.

The author's writing style is engaging, and the book's structure facilitates a smooth flow of information. Schmitt combines clarity with depth, ensuring that even readers with limited linguistic background can grasp the essentials. The inclusion of practical examples and applications adds a real-world dimension, enhancing the relevance of the concepts discussed.

However, some readers may find the book lacking in interactive exercises or applications to reinforce the learning experience. While the content is informative, additional activities or case studies could enhance the practical application of the concepts presented.

In conclusion, "Language Power" serves as a valuable resource for individuals looking to enhance their language skills. Norbert Schmitt's practical approach and comprehensive coverage make the book a useful guide for readers interested in understanding the nuances of language. While interactive elements could add another layer to the learning experience, the book's clarity and accessibility contribute to its effectiveness as a language reference tool.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

A fascinating collection of useful language related tips, this book will help linguists of any age, I can almost guarantee that this book will be able to assist you regardless of knowledge level!

I was intrigued by the title and the subtitle:" 100 Things You Need to Know to Make Language Work for You." This book turned out to be an incredible reference guide for all things language - from using language to persuade, to present, in interviewing, body language, etc. There is also a lot of background on the English language and learning other languages, as well as other facts about language. There are short chapters with resources - hyperlinks to websites, articles and videos on youtube. This book surpassed my expectations and I will use it as a reference for particular topics on language and communication as I need them.

Thank you to Netgalley and Wayzgoose Press for an ARC and I left this review voluntarily.

Why are books like this so intriguing?

"From the minute you wake up until the minute you fall asleep, you use language. Even when not actively reading, writing, listening, or speaking, you use language to think, and often to daydream. It is the essential tool that makes you human. It is the most complex thing you will learn in your lifetime."

How we use language matters. Words matter in our self-talk, in our conversations with others, and in society at large.

For example, when we say things one certain way in our circle of friends, then bump up into someone who interprets it differently, are we willing to make the effort required to shift our status quo vocabulary in order to communicate better? Schmitt calls it "language balancing," and argues that we all try it.

The book addresses a wide array of interesting topics on language, such as:

* TV ads use mainly male narrators (85%), even for gender-neutral products.
* Over half of 18-24 year olds said they sent or received texts every hour up until midnight.
* People make one or two slips of the tongue for every 1,000 words spoken (1 slip for every 7 minutes of continuous talk).
* Knowledge of a second-language goes away mainly within the first 3-6 years of non-use, then levels off.
* Spoken and written languages have their own distinctive styles, and people generally have no problem keeping the two types of language separate.

Each chapter of Language Power is centered around a question, such as: "Autism: What is it, how do I check for it, and how does it affect language?" and is followed up with information, a short summary (Power Point), and several links to interesting websites for more information.

So whether you want to learn more about body language, language and gender, understanding media bias, spinning political language, spell checkers, bilingual children, sign language, or any of the other 100 questions you might have about language, this is the book for you, too. I highly recommend it.

My thanks to NetGalley for the review copy of Language Power.

This is not the type of book I am usually drawn to but something about the title sparked a memory of a module I took on language 20 years ago as a student. I dipped in and out of this one with some sections appealing to me more than others, the language of spin was particularly fascinating and the ways in which men and women differ in language usage.
Engaging, accessible and an interesting read. Recommend.

This is a super informative book on all things language! The book is comprised of a whopping 100 chapters, each clearly addressing one area / question relating to language, these all nicely fit into categories including: gender, persuasion, literacy, second language acquisition, language problems and language myths (amongst other areas).

The book concluded with engaging language quizzes, which I found fantastic to embed my learning.

I loved how the chapters were relatively short - this made it easy and practical to dip in and out of the book. So many facts were shared - it is a book that will make readers a little smarter, with an array of language facts to drop into conversation (or ace pub quizzes with!)

The author is clearly extremely well informed and shares knowledge (and resources / further reading) well. Overall a well researched and written book.

My thanks to Netgalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.