Dr. Mardy Grothe has written yet another book that will delight linguaphiles. In fact in his introduction Grothe says, "This book is aimed at readers who have a deep interest in seeing language used in creative ways." This latest volume, I Never Metaphor I Didn't Like: A Comprehensive Compilation of History's Greatest Analogies, Metaphors, and Similes, includes nearly 2,000 quotations.

Since Grothe became a voracious reader more than four decades ago, he has collected hundreds of thousands of quotations, some of which appeared in his earlier works: Viva la Repartee, Oxymoronica, and Never Let a Fool Kiss You or a Kiss Fool You.

I Never Metaphor I Didn't Like follows the same format as Grothe's previous books. The introduction acquaints readers with the figures of speech included in the book. Grothe clearly explains the similarities and differences between analogies, similes, and metaphors, and he recounts their earliest known appearance in history. His explanation is perfectly seasoned with illustrative quotations.

The body of the book is divided into fifteen chapters, each of which includes analogies, similes, and metaphors on a particular theme, such as definitions, relationships, stages of life, stage and screen, politics, sports, and—of course—the literary life. Again in the format of his earlier books, quotations in the first part of each chapter are enhanced by discussion and historical anecdotes. It is interesting to see nearly identical quotations from widely separated contemporaries or to see various ways that a similar idea is expressed—the idea, for example, that love is mental illness. Equally fascinating is to see the wide range of things to which one other thing can be compared. Love, for example, is compared to a cigar, a snowmobile, measles, a game of poker, and dozens of other things. The latter part of each chapter presents additional quotations, most without explanation. The book concludes with an author index.

Grothe advises readers to read the book slowly, as one would amble through an art museum, "taking the time to savor the observations and to admire the skill that was required to create them." Once we have tasted these morsels, it's nearly impossible to resist the desire to share them. Here are a few of my favorites:

"Laughter is the shortest distance between two people."

— Victor Borge

"Modern English is the Wal-Mart of languages: convenient, huge, hard to avoid, superficially friendly, and devouring all rivals in its eagerness to expand."

— Mark Abley

"Autumn is a second spring, when every leaf is a flower."

— Albert Camus

Grothe's explanations and quotations would serve to instruct and inspire writers; however, parents and teachers might want to monitor young people's use of the book since—especially in the "sex" chapter—some body parts and functions are named and described.

I am so glad that Dr. Grothe has found such an effective way to share his collection of quotations with the world!

Fran Hamilton is the author of Hands-On English and a co-sponsor of The Grannie Annie Family Story Celebration, which encourages young people to discover and preserve stories from their family's history. LinguaPhile is an e-newsletter designed to nurture the development and enjoyment of the English language. Hamilton also produces Acu-Write, an e-newsletter for anyone wanting to use English correctly. For more information, go to: http://www.grammarandmore.com.

I've yet to meet a Mardy Grothe book I didn't like. And "I Never Metaphor I Didn't Like" is certainly no exception. In his Introduction, the author describes himself as "a serious quotation collector," and in this newest of his four books, containing nearly 2,000 analogies, metaphors and similes, he provides indisputable evidence of that fact. Mardy has indeed delivered what he promises in the book's subtitle: "A Comprehensive Compilation of History's Greatest Analogies, Metaphors, and Similes."

However, "I Never Metaphor I Didn't Like" is far more than simply a collection of quotations. In his own highly readable, entertaining and informative style, Mardy tells often fascinating stories behind many of the entries.

I can't imagine any word lover not wanting this delightful volume in his or her library. But be advised! This is not a book to be devoured in one, two or in a dozen readings. In what he calls his attempt "to compile some of history's greatest word paintings," Mardy has succeeded beautifully. To fully admire and appreciate these "paintings" will take time, but it will indeed be time very well spent.

I've been one of Mardy's biggest fans for several years. I recommend you visit his web site at www.drmardy.com and learn more about his earlier books. While you're there, sign up for his free weekly e-zine, "Dr. Mardy's Quotes of the Week." It's one of my favorite publications.