Why You Say It by Webb Garrison

Thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishers through Booksneeze, I got a complimentary copy of Why You Say It by Webb Garrison. I picked this book because I thought finding out the "fascinating stories" behind phrases we use all the time, would be fun and educational and all that good stuff.

This book explains the stories or reasons how everyday phrases and words came to be. Why we say "cameo role" or "let one's hair down". They break it down and tell you within a paragraph or two where the word or words originated from, and how they came to be used as slang or whatever you want to call them. Garrison explains their origins and backstories.

When I first started reading, I was excited. It seemed like such a fun and cool way to learn about how these popular phrases we use without thinking, came about. Sadly though, I was not particularly drawn in by the information presented. I find it is presented in a very dry, and somewhat boring, manner. It did enlighten me to how these words developed into what we use them for today, but not in a very engaging manner. I just found it very hard to keep reading. The author just wasn't presented in a way where I felt like I wanted to continue reading. It became a chore, which is not the best thing for a book to be.

I cannot claim I would recommend this book to others. It is not a book to keep by your night stand to read whenever you get a chance. The best I can say is it may indeed, be perfect as a bathroom reader. Which is not always a bad thing. There are some successful books out there MADE to be bathroom readers. In our family, we always keep material in the bathroom so one doesn't grow bored if you happen to need to be in there. So that is where I think this book will end up. My father loves facts and random knowledge, so it may prove to be quite popular as a book to skim through when you have a few moments. I just don't see it as one where you sit down and read it for hours, or even an hour. It just needs some oomph in it. I just found it a bit...stale.

*I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”