Title : English Bites!
Author : Manish Gupta
Publisher : Penguin
ISBN : 978-0-143-41900-6
Number of Pages : 334
Price [INR] : 250
Genre: Non-Fiction Self Help
Review : Is the English language your biggest nightmare? Are you looking for a fool proof English learning formula. Then, English Bites! is the book for you!
English Bites! is the author’s own journey with the English language. The book charts his struggles and success with English, right from his school days to college and then later to his work life as a banker. In a very interesting manner with illustrations and anecdotes, humour and wit, the book acts as a learning guide for English.
What I liked about the book is that there are footnotes explaining the meaning of the words, their origin and interesting trivia on each page. So, one is not referring to a dictionary or leafing through the supplementary material at the end of a book, frequently. Though initially, it was tough reading an interesting anecdote in the first half of the page and then reading the second half of the page which had meanings, usage and some fun facts about difficult words. But as the book progressed, I enjoyed the process of reading the story and learning new words or validating my knowledge, simultaneously.
‘Pls do read the book slowly….a chapter or two at a time’, suggested the author in one of the mails that we exchanged and I followed it religiously. And this helped to soak and absorb the new words and their meanings better. There are over 1000 new words to add to our vocabulary.
The first half of the book deals with Manish’s initial journey as he explored the various tips and tricks like mnemonics, limericks, rhymes, alliterations, and trivia to learn and remember words and their usage. It also throws light on various word plays in English language like Amphibology(ambiguous grammatical usage) isograms (words in which no letter of the alphabet appears more than once), lipograms (words containing a particular letter have been deliberately omitted), palindromes (a word, phrase that reads the same backward or forward), oxymoron (a figure of speech in which incongruous or seemingly contradictory terms appear side by side), homophones (words that sound the same but have different spellings/meanings) etc.
The focal point in the second half of the book is general knowledge with trivia that spans areas like brand names, automobiles, fine dining, love, money, banks, science and B-school jargon.
While the first half is more engaging and has a conversational tone, the second half is a bit formal and is more of a matter of fact writing.
English Bites! is a big fat book of knowledge and learning. I believe a 200 page book would make it a breezy read, though.
English Bites! is a must read for all CAT, XAT, GRE, GMAT aspirants and all those who love examining the vagaries and idiosyncrasies of the English language.
English Bites! is not a one time read but something that I would like to read and refer to, from time to time.
Rating : 4.5/5
Linking this post to the Ultimate Blog Challenge and October’s NaBloPoMo.
41 Responses
Is this a memoir or English guide or both?
Destination Infinity
Dear Rajesh,
It is both…a memoir and a fun guide. The book is the story of my life. It begins when I am in high school and much of the damage to my understanding and grip over the English language has already been done. It ends when, even after spending 20 years as a devoted student of the English language, and having achieved my goals of getting into engineering, securing one of the best jobs engineering has to offer, getting into a top-tier MBA program, a medico wife, kids attending convent school, and a reasonably senior position in a multinational bank, I am stumped by new discoveries every other day. So much so that I find some unfamiliar English words in the nursery rhymes of my kids. My extended student life as far as English language is concerned continues and it’s an exciting journey. Come, join the fun.
The book is a crazy mix of facts, fiction, and real-life. It is full of amusing incidents, anecdotes, jokes, and a lot of interesting trivia. If anyone believes that English language is a handicap (big or small) in their career advancement, social acceptability, and affects their self confidence, they can take a look at English Bites! If you are a language nut, you can take a bite too. There is something in there for you too to chew, relish, and cherish.
Wow ! Sounds nice ! I’m all in for an English book that doesn’t bite ! 🙂
Is it available in the market? Want to get a copy !
Dear Sreeja, thank you very much for your interest in English Bites! Let me assure you that the book doesn’t bite at all. English has bitten me so many times that I have acquired sufficient immunity to defang it (figuratively, I mean). The book is available at all leading bookstores like Crossword, Oxford, Landmark, Sapna, etc. and all online resellers like Amazon.in, Flipkart.com, Uread.com, Shopping.Indiatimes.com/books, Infibeam.com, ebay.in, Snapdeal.com, etc. etc. Amazon.in is currently offering a large discount on books (as are all other resellers) with the additional sop of free delivery regardless of the value of purchase. You can also order an eBook version of English Bites! from Amazon.in or Apple’s Book Store. Happy reading! Cheers, Manish
Hi Manish,
Thanks for the response.
I checked Flipkart and there it is ! 😀
It shall soon find a way to my library 🙂
Cheers !
Sreeja, I must compliment you on a great decision! A word of caution from my end – pls read it slowly, a few pages at a time, and not more than a chapter a day. This is the only way to relish and cherish its delicious bites. As one blogger said is her review: “This book needs to be savoured and not devoured.” Please read the footnotes purely on a need to know basis and preferably read the book twice. Happy reading!
Regards, Manish
I have this book in my to read list for some time. Actually I read a few reviews of this book at several blogs some months ago and since then I’ve been thinking of buying this book. Might buy it soon. 🙂 🙂
Dear Shilpa, thanks a lot for your interest in English Bites! I read your introduction to your blog http://shilpasharmaonline.wordpress.com/ and believe that you must read this book. It is available at all leading bookstores like Crossword, Oxford, Landmark, Sapna, etc. and all online resellers like Amazon.in, Flipkart.com, Uread.com, Shopping.Indiatimes.com/books, Infibeam.com, ebay.in, Snapdeal.com, etc. etc. Amazon.in is currently offering a large discount on books (as are all other resellers) with the additional sop of free delivery regardless of the value of purchase. You can also order an eBook version of English Bites! from Amazon.in or Apple’s Book Store. Happy reading! Cheers, Manish
Sounds really interesting. Guess the anecdotes will help remembering the names
Dear Jayashree,
Thank you very much for your interest in English Bites! Since you are Singapore based, if you are keen on the book, you can get it from online re-sellers like Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/English-Bites-Foolproof-Learning-Formula/dp/0143419005/) and BuybooksIndia.com and Uread.com (these sites offer international deliveries at nominal charges). You can also order an eBook version of English Bites! from Amazon.com or Apple’s Book Store. Happy reading! Regards, Manish
I might come up with my own set of anecdotes on this topic. The review seems to tell me its also a happy book besides a learning one 🙂
Dear Richa, I am glad that the book has tempted you to come up with your own anecdotes on this topic. If you can share these with me (unless you plan to write a book on this subject), I can include them (with due credit to you) in the sequel to English Bites! that is in the making. If you want to read the book – it is available at all leading bookstores like Crossword, Oxford, Landmark, Sapna, etc. and all online resellers like Amazon.in, Flipkart.com, Uread.com, Shopping.Indiatimes.com/books, Infibeam.com, ebay.in, Snapdeal.com, etc. etc. Amazon.in is currently offering a large discount on books (as are all other resellers) with the additional sop of free delivery regardless of the value of purchase. You can also order an eBook version of English Bites! from Amazon.in or Apple’s Book Store. Happy reading! Cheers, Manish
Dear Shilpa,
I read you wonderful review and your gracious rating. I am honoured that the book has been of some use to you and helped to further fuel your love for this language. I have noted your feedback and would like to take care of this in the second edition of the book or at least in the new book on this subject that I have recently started writing.
I am counting on your support to spread the good word about the book esp. when people ask you for recommendation on books to improve their language. And I am sure, given your background and the accomplishments in this field, there are just so many of them who keep seeking your guidance.
Many thanks & best regards, Manish
Twitter: @English_Bites
Facebook Account: http://www.facebook.com/manishdeepaligupta
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/EnglishBitesBook
Hi Manish,
It was a pleasure to read, soak and absorb so much from English Bites!
Looking forward to read your second book too!
Cheers 🙂
Thank Shilpa, I have done about 30 pages of the sequel. Will try to restrict the book to 220-250 pages this time and make sure it is entirely conversational and informal. Cheers, Manish
All the very best, Manish for the new book too 🙂
Thanks Shilpa, do let me know if you would like to contribute anything in the book – an anecdote involving your embarrassing or funny encounter with English, an interesting etymology or trivia, or even an entire chapter. Regards, Manish
What a nice review. I read a review of this book on another friend’s blog and that was a good one too! I would now like to read the book 😀
Dear Vidya,
Taking the liberty of addressing you by your first name. I spend some time earlier today going thru your blog http://www.vidyasury.com and was impressed by the range of topics you are passionate about and write on.
Thank you very much for your interest in English Bites! If you are keen on the book, you can get it from any of the leading bookstores like Crossword, Oxford, Landmark, Sapna, etc. and all online re-sellers like Amazon.in, Flipkart.com, Uread.com, Shopping.Indiatimes.com/books, Infibeam.com, ebay.in, Snapdeal.com, etc. etc. Amazon.in is currently offering a large discount on books (as are all other resellers) with the additional sop of free delivery regardless of the value of purchase. You can also order an eBook version of English Bites! from Amazon.in or Apple’s Book Store. Happy reading! Regards, Manish
Sounds interesting. But for your review I would have dismissed the book as something for beginners, simply going by the cover. Seems like it’s worth a buy. Checking flipkart.
Dear Tulika,
Thank you very much for your interest in English Bites! Unless you are combining a few orders on Flipkart, just wanted to share that Amazon.in is currently offering large discounts as well as an additional sop of free delivery regardless of the value of purchase. You can also order an eBook version of English Bites! from Amazon.in or Apple’s Book Store. Happy reading! Regards, Manish
PS: I am checking on your blog http://www.obsessivemom.blogspot.in/…looking interesting. Have subscribed.
This one looks interesting and will help me a lot.I will check it out, for sure. Added it to my wishlist. 🙂
Dear Praveen, I thank you for your interest in English Bites! If you are keen on the book, you can get it from any of the leading bookstores in Calcutta like Crossword, Oxford, Landmark, etc. and all online re-sellers like Amazon.in, Flipkart.com, Uread.com, Shopping.Indiatimes.com/books, Infibeam.com, ebay.in, Snapdeal.com, etc. etc. Amazon.in is currently offering a large discount on books (as are all other resellers) with the additional sop of free delivery regardless of the value of purchase. You can also order an eBook version of English Bites! from Amazon.in or Apple’s Book Store. Happy reading! Regards, Manish
Sounds like fun! I would love to lay my hands on this one for sure! 😀
Dear Bhavya, I thank you for your interest in English Bites! If you are keen on the book, you can get it from any of the leading bookstores like Crossword, Oxford, Landmark, Sapna, etc. and all online re-sellers like Amazon.in, Flipkart.com, Uread.com, Shopping.Indiatimes.com/books, Infibeam.com, ebay.in, Snapdeal.com, etc. etc. Amazon.in is currently offering a large discount on books (as are all other resellers) with the additional sop of free delivery regardless of the value of purchase. You can also order an eBook version of English Bites! from Amazon.in or Apple’s Book Store. Happy reading! Regards, Manish
PS: I have discovered your blog Ishithaa and will come back to it on the weekend. Looks interesting on a quick persual.
Looks like a fun book and one with full of knowledge. Already added to the “Want to read” list 🙂
Dear Sheethal, I thank you for your interest in English Bites! It is indeed a fun book and is loaded with anecdotes, trivia, jokes, illustrations, and some knowledge on English. If you are keen on the book, you can get it from any of the leading bookstores like Crossword, Oxford, Landmark, Sapna, etc. and all online re-sellers like Amazon.in, Flipkart.com, Uread.com, Shopping.Indiatimes.com/books, Infibeam.com, ebay.in, Snapdeal.com, etc. etc. Amazon.in is currently offering a large discount on books (as are all other resellers) with the additional sop of free delivery regardless of the value of purchase. You can also order an eBook version of English Bites! from Amazon.in or Apple’s Book Store. Happy reading! Regards, Manish
It looks like a fun comprehensive must have to learn the English language. You did a remarkable job on the review. Well done! ♥
Dear Kathy, I thank you for your interest in English Bites! It is indeed a fun book and is loaded with anecdotes, trivia, jokes, illustrations, and of course English. If you are keen on the book, you can get it from online re-sellers like Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/English-Bites-Foolproof-Learning-Formula/dp/0143419005/). You can also order an eBook version of English Bites! from Amazon.com or Apple’s Book Store. Happy reading! Regards, Manish
PS: I have checked your blog, loved the pictures, and subscribed to it. Hope to enjoy your blogging journey with you.
A very interesting book with a very inviting title 🙂 Added this to my reading list.
Dear Reshma, I thank you for your interest in English Bites and adding it to your reading list. It is indeed a fun book and is loaded with anecdotes, trivia, jokes, illustrations, and of course English. You can get it from any of the bookstores like Oxford, Crossword, Landmark, Sapna (adding this one since you are Bangalore based). However if you are currently in San Diego you can get it from Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/English-Bites-Foolproof-Learning-Formula/dp/0143419005/). You can also order an eBook version of English Bites! from Amazon.com or Apple’s Book Store. Happy reading! Regards, Manish
PS: I have checked your blog http://cerebralbabbling.blogspot.in and subscribed to it. Hope to enjoy your blogging journey with you.
That’s nice review…I am checking this on Flipkart as I am writing this comment! thanks for informing us abt this book!
Dear Ankita,
Thank you very much for your interest in English Bites! Unless you are combining a few orders on Flipkart, just wanted to share that Amazon.in is currently offering large discounts as well as an additional sop of free delivery regardless of the value of purchase. You can also order an eBook version of English Bites! from Amazon.in or Apple’s Book Store. Happy reading! Regards, Manish
PS: I am happy to discover your blog http://hummingwords.blogspot.in/ and have subscribed to it. Will visit it more thoroughly over the weekend.
Wow! from your review, this book looks like a collector item. Must lay my hands on the book. Will do. Thank you shilpa:)
Dear Asha,
I thank you for your interest in English Bites. I am humbled that you are calling it a collector’s item. All I can say that like most books, it has its share of highs and improvement areas. It is indeed a fun book and is loaded with anecdotes, trivia, jokes, illustrations, and of course English. You can get it from any of the bookstores like Oxford, Crossword, Landmark, etc. and and all online re-sellers like Amazon.in, Flipkart.com, Uread.com, Shopping.Indiatimes.com/books, Infibeam.com, ebay.in, Snapdeal.com, etc. etc. Amazon.in is currently offering a large discount on books (as are all other resellers) with the additional sop of free delivery regardless of the value of purchase. You can also order an eBook version of English Bites! from Amazon.in or Apple’s Book Store.
Happy reading!
Regards, Manish
PS: I am now following you on your blog http://www.shreshar.blogspot.in/. I hope to enjoy your blogging journey with you.
I am hoping to read this one soon. So not going to read the review. 🙂 I hope it is available as an ebook or else I will need to pick it from India next week. 🙁
Dear Jyothi,
I thank you for your interest in English Bites. Yes, it is available as an ebook. You can order it from Amazon.in or Amazon.com or from Apple’s iStore.
You can also get a physical copy from any of the bookstores like Oxford, Crossword, Landmark, etc. and all major online re-sellers like Amazon.in, Flipkart.com, Uread.com, Shopping.Indiatimes.com/books, Infibeam.com, ebay.in, Snapdeal.com, etc.
Happy reading!
Regards, Manish
Sounds quite interesting…usually English books are very boring this sound fun.
Dear Sugandha,
I thank you for your interest in English Bites. It is indeed a fun book and is loaded with anecdotes, trivia, jokes, illustrations, and of course English. If you would like to taste, relish, and cherish its delicious bites, you can get it from any of the bookstores like Oxford, Crossword, Landmark, etc. and and all online re-sellers like Amazon.in, Flipkart.com, Uread.com, Shopping.Indiatimes.com/books, Infibeam.com, ebay.in, Snapdeal.com, etc. etc. Amazon.in is currently offering a large discount on books (as are all other resellers) with the additional sop of free delivery regardless of the value of purchase. You can also order an eBook version of English Bites! from Amazon.in or Apple’s Book Store.
Happy reading!
Regards, Manish
PS: I am now following you on your blog http://somethings-sugandha.blogspot.in/. I hope to enjoy your blogging journey with you.
Hi Shilpa, I liked the peppy title of the book and it sure sounds interesting from your book review. I think this will help me tutor my son more methodically when he asks me a lot of questions relating to the English language. Will grab my copy soon, thanks for your recco! I think it’s great that we have writers like Manish Ji to bring out books on topics like this that address contemporary dilemma that many of us face while using or teaching English language. Kudos to the author and all the best for forthcoming books as well!
Dear Swapna,
I thank you for your kind words and for your interest in English Bites. It is indeed a fun book and is loaded with anecdotes, trivia, jokes, illustrations, and of course the central purpose is to make English learning fun. I have covered English vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, and a little bit about spoken English and punctuation. I hope both you and your son will relish and cherish its delicious bites. You can get it from any of the bookstores like Oxford, Crossword, Landmark, etc. and and all online re-sellers like Amazon.in, Flipkart.com, Uread.com, Shopping.Indiatimes.com/books, Infibeam.com, ebay.in, Snapdeal.com, etc. etc. Amazon.in is currently offering a large discount on books (as are all other resellers) with the additional sop of free delivery regardless of the value of purchase. You can also order an eBook version of English Bites! from Amazon.in or Apple’s Book Store.
Happy reading!
Regards, Manish