The Thinking Person’s Guide to Writing in the 21st Century

Steven Pinker is an intellectual super star. He has written some marvelous books. So naturally anyone who is interested in picking up tips and insights on writing well would want to read his book. Alas, it is too academic, and actually difficult to read. His writing is fine, but the subjects he focuses on are of minor interest—at least to me, and I think to most readers. And he dwells too long on each topic. I have collected and read a number of style manuals. This one, I believe, is of little use to any aspiring writer. I am honestly baffled by the good reviews of this book.

While there are some interesting points here, Pinsker tries to split the difference between prescriptivists and descriptivists, and in my opinion, does not do the best job. Also, it is kind of off-putting that when looking for samples of excellent writing, he cites a passage written by his wife. No bias there?

Pinker accomplishes exactly what he describes as good, responsible writing--treating the reader with respect and camaraderie. He guides the reader through thickets of language usage, describing where we are, how we got here and how to navigate the terrain, giving the sense that finding one's way alone would be possible.

The sample provided by the store was certainly inviting and was a good start to the book. Unfortunately, shortly thereafter I found it very heavy going. Being halfway through now, I seem to have only picked up on 2 or 3 points that the author is trying to make. Like watching really odd movies, I hope the ending is worth waiting for. I would say this book is not for simple enthusiasts of English like me but not sure who could actually benefit from it as it does not appear (so far) to be a reference manual and I cannot see how experienced writers are likely to persist with it. I enjoyed reading the Alex Sheremet review on here as I thought it summarised the book (albeit critically) and was easy to follow. I wish I had read it before purchase.

I always enjoy Steven Pinker's writing. I enjoyed this book too - and I bought it because I write quite a bit. But have to confess that not much has stuck. It's not a book of rules (a good thing). There's a lot of interesting history; and it encourages freer and hopefully better writing.

I'm really enjoying Pinker's writing, quite wonderfully as an illustration of the style he toutes. The book is clear and enjoyable reading in and of itself and I recommend it to anyone who wants to write in a clear and lively way.

Non fiction writers gather around and learn from the master. Steven will help bring Clarity to your writing while allowing the reader to easily embrace your thoughts and ideas. The book improved my writing and my reading.

Really interesting book. Lots of examples. Nicely presented. Gets a little technical with the sentence diagrams.
Well worth while reading, even if you are not planning to be a big time author.
Could improve day-to-day communication. Good for your recipients, they won't need to work as hard to understand your thoughts.

Don't use the above paragraph as an example of improved writing!

This book is great! It's important! It's totally not boring, and it will teach you something. Additionally, it will back you up. You won't feel so frustrated. You'll feel vindicated and understood. Finally! Read this book and revel in the gloriousness that comes into being when someone sets outdated cultural ideas to the side and takes the time to talk about how we actually communicate. Woohoo!

Is this book really possible? It is a style guide, so it ought to be boring. Yet, it is a page-turner, written with such elegance and verve that it rises to the level of literature. Satisfying, thought provoking, entertaining. A great read. Upon reflection, that makes sense. Should we trust a style guide that has no style? Should you choose to read it, I expect you will enjoy the trip.

The author is chair of the Usage Panel of American Heritage Dictionary. The book brings syntax and grammar rules up to date - including new sentence structure vocabulary that is more helpful than what was taught 50 years ago. Debunks myths such as splitting infinitives, or ending sentences with a preposition. Presents a more sensible analysis of "dangling modifiers." Mentions usages now sometimes permitted, such as "Last night as I LAID on my pillow." Notes that current usage still doesn't have a good solution for "he or she." There are also VERY GOOD suggestions for authors, such as "let your manuscript rest for a couple of days, then READ IT ALOUD before sending it in."

Thinking person’s guide to writing. What a requirement! Somehow excited, I started this sipping strong coffee to awake the thinking being this Pinker guy was demanding. He compiled some amusing examples together with an engaging discussion. As a result, some graceful and logically connected texts shall be written around here soon; or not.

Pinker is an amazing writer, and his examples and insights are a treat to read. He doesn't bother with simple rules like "never end a sentence with a preposition", but instead looks deeply at how good writers can focus their subjects in a way that makes the reader feel like they are taking part in a discovery.

This book explains how to clearly communicate ideas by focusing on Classic Style: that is, a style that directs readers' attention to abstract ideas by using concrete images. His reliance on reverse engineering is well done. Of course, the writing is impeccable so just reading this book will help your writing.