A review by engpunk77
How to Speak Politely and Why by Munro Leaf

4.0

This book should actually be titled How to Speak Properly, as this is less about manners (which I expected) and more about grammar/usage in verbal expression (nothing about spelling or punctuation). Some of the major problems in American language are addressed here, that misusage that pervades the dialogue of even the best-intentioned parents and teachers who serve as examples to today's youth, such as when to use him/her/me as opposed to I/he/she, and how to remember that adverbs do in fact exist even though we rarely hear them in language anymore. Can we bring them back? The format resembles an old-fashioned primer, but I think the concepts are presented in a way that makes them easier to learn (examples in cute rhymes, personification, and stick-figure drawings).
Hopefully, this book can revive proper American English, but perhaps since it's in book format and not a powerpoint, who knows?
I recommend this book to adults who need a refresher course (almost everyone) and students of every age.