What makes a swoonworthy sentence? What is it about one particular collection of just the right words, arranged just the right way, that reaches across miles and years from writer to me and slams those goosebump neurons? Having just caught my breath after reading [b:There There|36692478|There There|Tommy Orange|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1512071034s/36692478.jpg|58040066], I wanted to understand more about the art of composing readable prose. I’m still no closer to being able ever to craft any, but I think Fish has helped me identify what it is I love about some writing and possibly even love it more. Kind of art/music appreciation for books, and, like those, only time will tell how much sticks with me.

The book is mostly enjoyable, with a good balance of explanation and contemplation: the mechanisms, then classic examples with analysis of what makes them work. Fish emphasizes structure and context and arranges his chapters in meaningful sequence. That last chapter, though... I found it impenetrable. Feel free to skip it—or to tell me what a muttonhead I am for not enjoying the best part.