Book Review: Sin and Syntax by Constance Hale

I heard Sin and Syntax for the first time from my Professor in Composition 1 class. First thing came across my mind when I heard this title was complicated formulas, grammar, rules and variety of exceptions that I have to remember. What about you? Probably now you are wandering your boring grammar class that make you put more anti-aging cream on your face. My Professor told me that most students found out that this book take more time to read. However, if “writing is your DNA” I know you will put this book on your bucket list and do not mind investing your hours to read it.  

Sin and Syntax is an American English writing guide; it uses language that has its own weight and values to approach its readers and made them familiar with paradox in a language through various samples from songs, twitter, articles, and speech writing of H.W. Bush to the poem of William Shakespeare. Vivid context where and when the paradox occur and precise parts of speech to craft a writing that can make readers hold their eyes to read the next lines are explained in a straight hooked language. This 306 pages book is divided into 16 chapters and is clustered into three categories, Words, Sentence and Music.

First category focuses on words. Cliché and vivid, vague and specific, avoiding redundant verbs and other various tips and tricks are introduced to find proper diction. Meanwhile in the second category, Hale talks more about sentences. In each chapter, description on how to sync words and put them together into phrases, clauses and sentences in length and tone are well combined. My favorite part is the last category that is broken down into 4 chapters, Melody, Rhythm, Lyricism and Voice that suggest the power of imagery in which a writer plays important role as a meticulous observer. 

Another thing that makes Sin and Syntax interesting is how Hale segments each chapter under the same sub-chapter. (1) Bones; Part in which definition and general ideas are discussed; It provides key concept instead of formula (2) Flesh; It tells readers writing tips through comprehensive writing samples (3) Cardinal Sin; In this part, Hale elaborates the common mistakes that writer does (3) Carnal Pleasures; It contains how words use in various context (4) Catechism; This part provides question and precepts for the readers.

Sin and Syntax is organized in well-ordered starting from finding proper diction to synchronize a bunch collection of words. At the same time it is strengthening grammars, writing techniques and reminding writers that writing is a song that has to sing when the readers read it.