Review of Idiom Attack Vol. 1 Everyday Living (Trad. Chinese Edition)

[Ebi Robert]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Idiom Attack Vol. 1 Everyday Living (Trad. Chinese Edition)" by Peter Liptak.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Anybody who speaks English may have come into contact with one or more idiomatic expressions. It is a unique way of expressing one’s self such that anyone who hears the words may be awed. Words do not just stand on their own; they can be wove in different ways to convey meanings that are pleasing to the ear. True, idioms are some of those characteristic modes of expression that are used in literature and in several other works of art. However, despite this fact, writers, students, and even teachers struggle to use idioms appropriately. Understanding idioms and how they work in speech of any sort is what the book titled, Idiom Attack Vol. 1: Everyday Living (Traditional Chinese Edition), is aimed at achieving. The book was written by Peter N. Liptak, Matthew Douma, and Jay Douma.

The book is the first volume of the four books on idiom attacks. It is divided into twenty-five chapters. As can be seen in the title of the book, this volume is the traditional Chinese edition. At first glance, an interested reader may think that it contains purely Chinese writing. This is not the case. The book is written in English, but it is also translated into Chinese to enable those who understand Chinese to read and understand the book as well. The authors wrote the book in a way that is easy to understand. Academically, idioms express different things, and their meanings are treated and explained in the book. The authors highlighted the idioms, explained them, and then demonstrated their uses and meanings with follow-up passages. These will enable readers to connect with the idioms better and also appreciate their use. The patterns adopted by the authors in attacking the idioms translate as some positive aspects of this book. It is written in such a way that anyone who picks it up can easily relate to the message in it. The questions asked at the end of every chapter are another positive aspect that gets readers engaged in the whole process.

For me, the authors have done a good job. One can imagine what the other volumes will contain when the first volume is this interesting and educating. However, some English readers and writers may most likely find the Chinese translation as a drawback in the flow, making it a form of distraction. This may be a negative aspect.

For me, the authors have done a good job. It is not an easy task to translate a book written in English into another language. Another plus is that the book is primarily an attack on idiom.Treating such a topic in this interesting and educating way is worth the lauding. I found no errors in this book. It is well edited. I, therefore, rate it 4 out of 4 stars. My reason for this rating is that the book is not only well edited, it is top-notch for the topic treated.

Flowing from the above, I recommend this book to all English speakers. Chinese speakers too will find this book interesting because it is a traditional Chinese edition. This book is also recommended to writers and even published authors of literary books. I also recommend this book to children in school. Teachers and even parents will find this helpful. The list is not exhausted.

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Idiom Attack Vol. 1 Everyday Living (Trad. Chinese Edition)
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[Mildred Echesa]

I have often seen this book on my shelves and never bothered to read it. However, after reading your review. I can now read it

[Nino Chinonso Onwurah]

I would love to read this book. No one can claim to be an accomplished writer with poor knowledge of idioms. Kudos to the author and to you for bringing this to my attention.

[Nyam Bura]

I love idiomatic expressions. I would love to read this book. I don't mind the Chinese part. Thanks for such a nice review.

[Nyam Bura]

I love idiomatic expressions. I would love to read this book. I don't mind the Chinese part. Thanks for such a nice review.

[Wamala Elijah]

I have always been ignoring this book thinking that it is only full of Chinese idioms. But since it is written in English and with less Chinese, it is going to help me boost my course of studying Chinese. Thanks for the review.

[Christabel Egbeama]

I've heard people talk about this book, this is a sign that I need to read it. I will add it to my reading list.

[Wamala Elijah Mul]

I've always dismissed this book, assuming it's just a collection of Chinese idioms. However, because it is written in English and contains less Chinese, it will aid me in my Chinese studies. Thank you for your feedback.