First You Write a Sentence

The Elements of Reading, Writing . . . and Life

By: Joe Moran

Narrated by: John Lee

“Do you want to write clearer, livelier prose? This witty primer will help.” —The New York Times Book Review

An exploration of how the most ordinary words can be turned into verbal constellations of extraordinary grace through the art of building sentences

The sentence is the common ground where every writer walks. A good sentence can be written (and read) by anyone if we simply give it the gift of our time, and it is as close as most of us will get to making something truly beautiful. Using minimal technical terms and sources ranging from the Bible and Shakespeare to George Orwell and Maggie Nelson, as well as scientific studies of what can best fire the reader's mind, author Joe Moran shows how we can all write in a way that is clear, compelling and alive.

Whether dealing with finding the ideal word, building a sentence, or constructing a paragraph, First You Write a Sentence informs by light example: much richer than a style guide, it can be read not only for instruction but for pleasure and delight. And along the way, it shows how good writing can help us notice the world, make ourselves known to others, and live more meaningful lives. It's an elegant gem in praise of the English sentence.

Then You Write a Glowing Review

This is one of the very best writing books I've read or listened to. It is brilliant from start to finish, packed with useful information and outstanding examples. This book will make every writer a better writer.

Excellent

Engaging, enjoyable, and entertaining, although rambling at times without one getting lost in the weeds.

Some books are better read than heard.

The narration was beautiful, perhaps too much so. Some books are better read than heard. Beautiful sentences are a pleasure to the eyes. I think the the pleasure of reading this book should be experienced through the eyes.

Dull

Nothing inspired me or told me something I didn’t already know. I was hoping for at least one or the other.