The Pun Commandments

by Rebecca L.

Steven Frank, the author of The Pen Commandments, has been striving to improve the writing of others for over fifteen years. Frank started his career off as a high school English teacher, which gives him a unique perspective on writing. With so many students, he spends most of his time reading and grading essays. He notices writing habits that not many people would. Improving the writing of his students, although helpful to each individually, was not all that he wanted to do. Frank took his knowledge and observations about writing and decided to help so many more people by putting it in a book for the world to see.

The book opens with a preface, followed by a very brief introduction. I know what you're thinking, "A preface and an introduction? No thank you." Believe me, I felt the same way, but the thing that makes The Pen Commandments helpful and enjoyable is that the author understands this too. He keeps things short and simple and just in case you need some examples of what he's talking about he provides those too. He knows how to keep things interesting, while still being educational. The way he does this is with humor. Everybody enjoys a pun every once in awhile (although some do more than others). If you are a sane human being who enjoys laughter and happiness, you will enjoy The Pen Commandments. The book is filled with plenty of puns to keep you happy and healthy all throughout your read.

Although this book keeps a light joking tone, it actually contains useful information that will help improve your writing. Chapters like, Thou Shalt Honor Thy Reader, Thou Shalt Not Waste Words, and Thou Shalt Overcome Writer's Block, hook the reader write away with just their titles. You can't judge a book by its cover, but the author knows you will anyway. This book catches the eye of readers of all different genres. You don't even have to be a writer to enjoy this one, you may just appreciate the humor. But, who knows, maybe your writing will benefit in the process.