In my time reviewing books for Thomas Nelson publishers through their Book Sneeze program I have tried to make sure that I review several different types of books. I continued with that trend when I picked out What’s in a Word? by Webb Garrison. I was intrigued because I love random trivia so I thought this would be an engaging read. As I write this, I am torn. There were parts of the book that I really enjoyed but at times the book was kind of a drag. Garrison breaks the words up into 17 different categories then discusses the roots of over 350 words. Am I more enlightened because of reading this book. Yes. But would I recommend this book as an engaging read for someone to sit down and plow through in a couple sittings? No. This book would make a great coffee table or bathroom reader. The type of book that you read in bits and pieces. Overall it was a good book, but you have to approach it with the right attitude. Some of my favorite definitions are:
- Character – p.37
- Bring Home the Bacon – p.117
- Cheese – p.121
- Crisscross – p.201
If you are a trivia buff or random fact buff then I would recommend What’s in a Word? to you, but otherwise, I would recommend a pass.