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Short Review
The book was a unique journey.
It wasn’t complex, and it wasn’t out of the ordinary. Did it have to be?
Again, a book completely shuffles my expectations. There was something peculiar about the writing style, as if it was trying to prove that writing could be unique.
A lot of the wisdom were givens.
We all knew the answers, we just didn’t know the questions.
All books provide knowledge.
But few make you think about knowledge.
This book was one of the few to do it. It’s special, because it defies any imaginary boundaries set by the readers.
No chapters, no paragraphs, no format.
But it is organized.
Do not mistaken the wisdom as strawn about all over,
It is inconspicuously very organized.
Much like a school of fish, seemingly very clumsy,
But surprisingly flexible once put into action.
Throughout the book, the theme was always among the same guidelines.
That is to be contrary to what one would think,
And to be innovative on looking at subjects from different angles.
The wisdom was given raw, without need of long elaboration, \
Or detailed profiling. However, that is by no means calling it simple.
Certain things at base value are more complex because of their simplicity.
For example:
“The first person who needs to be persuaded of your authority, is you.”
Not difficult in terms of comprehension, not unique in terms of sage wisdom.
But insightful of its application to writing.
It really means to have confidence in yourself, something teachers and friends
Tell us everyday.
So how come we still defy that moral?
Klinkenborg gives us the wisdom, and reassurance through inspiration.
“The only sure test of your ideas is whether they interest you.”
Is the sentence hard to grasp? No.
Is the sentence convoluted? No.
Is the sentence really as simple as it appears? Yes.
We have our doubts because our experiences set standards.
But this book seeks to break every single one of them.
Instead of breaking order for chaos,
It breaks borders to expand the horizon.
What better way is there to demonstrate your mastery over a subject,
Then to present in a sui generis way?
It’s like turning a transcript into guidelines, then reinventing a play for yourself.
A baker making cake with pie ingredients,
An artist painting with melted crayons.
Speaking of a unique way of delivery, let us discuss humor.
To hit the right balance is hard.
Too forced, and awkwardness threatens the entire play.
Too subtle, and nobody would notice.
Klinkenborg does it with style, that is deadpan humor.
“Let us presuppose she (The other reader) exists.”
“Which is more than your education presupposes”
It makes you grin, but for such a deep book,
That's all you need.
To burst out laughing would seem weird in this environment.
The humor links up with wisdom,
The key of not getting too serious, but not too whimsical,
Is a showstopper of its own.
150 pages are built for wisdom,
A length that is perfect, for a book with no defined structure.
You can finish the book by jumping around,
But you won’t rush through it because of all the valuable information.
You won’t tire yourself as you flip through pages,
I should know, I read the book in the law firm for 2 hours once.
Its open enough to be drawn upon, but not compact enough for scribbles to happen.
Every page is fresh.
Fresh like a calm river stream.
The new information flows through steadily,
Not too fast, and not too slow.
You know the water came from another source,
But you don’t know which source specifically.
Thus a sense of familiarity, and mystery are both established.
The perfect balance to spark interest, and stop feelings of repulsiveness.
All books demand to be read again, but this one requests it.
Klinkenborg created a timeless storage for his temporary ideas,
But consistent ideals.
Its format is defiant, but memorable for sure.
My only criticism, is that maybe a few chapter marks would have helped,
Because when I go back in to dig for more,
I won’t know where to start.
EUR 6.81 with 58 percent savings
Print List Price: EUR 16.20 
The Print List Price is the lowest suggested retail price provided by a publisher for a print book format of this title, available on Amazon (e.g. hardcover, paperback, mass market paperback).
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About the author
Customers say
Customers find this writing book insightful and clearly written, with concise sentences that deliver a punch. Moreover, the book presents solid ideas and is technically useful, with one customer noting its fundamental structure for written language. However, customers disagree on its readability, with some finding it easy to read while others describe it as uncomfortable to read.
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74 customers mention writing style, 63 positive, 11 negative
...book, there is a blurb from the New York Journal of Books: “Best book on writing. Ever.”...Read more
...His writing style is unique and is easily understood by the readers....Read more
A thought-provoking, different take on writing. It has some application for fiction writers but seems directed more toward nonfiction writing....Read more
...He is wonderful with the crafting of each sentence. There are few to no weak or “volunteer” sentences....Read more
38 customers mention conciseness, 30 positive, 8 negative
Several Short Sentences About Writing offers invaluable suggestions for improving your writing....Read more
...With his short, simple sentences. His sentences are clear, on point, and direct. Still, the audiences cannot confine his sentences as...Read more
...Still the tops to my mind - readable and concise.) Embrace dear Brenda Ueland who is so very encouraging....Read more
...No chapters, no paragraphs, no format. But it is organized. Do not mistaken the wisdom as strawn about all over,...Read more
13 customers mention ideas, 12 positive, 1 negative
...Klinkenborg definitely puts forth some good ideas....Read more
...To make you learn and want to do better Ideas are good, just the way you prose them could be a mess or need some fixing...Read more
...The creative methods he pursues are efficient. Every short sentence supports the meaning, From the first to the last....Read more
...His ideas are solid ones, But the problem with this book is that it hinges solely on one thing. Opinion....Read more
11 customers mention practicality, 10 positive, 1 negative
Useful; way too 'cute'Read more
It's an extremely useful book on how to become a skilled writer. The author writes with a condescending tone....Read more
...It is short, to the point and a very enjoyable read. Tremendously helpful....Read more
Thank you to Verlyn Klinkenborg for his insights! Practical and sober observations. Enjoyed every bit . Will definitely read again.Read more
11 customers mention simplicity, 11 positive, 0 negative
Klinkenborg helped me with my writing with his points about clarity, simplicity, thinking out what you have to say before you put it on the page,...Read more
...Something better. Its an easy ready, with a weird style. Its simply annoying that I couldnt remember...Read more
...Was easy to read and easy to implementRead more
...His sentences are clear, on point, and direct. Still, the audiences cannot confine his sentences as Just simple manual....Read more
8 customers mention style, 7 positive, 1 negative
...Up there with On Writing Well and Elements of Style.Read more
I liked the original style.. Unlike other how to books, I could start reading randomly and assimilate, not try to imitate.Read more
...These are the mementos Klinkenborg depicts in a uniquely stylish composition. By writing in his own hard-hitting sentences and leaving room...Read more
...The style is appealing. The book is written like one long free verse poem. There are no chapters,...Read more
26 customers mention readability, 14 positive, 12 negative
...it is OUTSTANDING. Easy to read, makes sense. I bought it to learn how to write stories better. VERY WORTH the $$ and time.Read more
...It was excruciatingly painful to read....Read more
...It was choppy and compact. It read like a poem. Each sentence flowing onto the next. His punctuation was foreign....Read more
It's interesting... the book, on the surface, is a bit difficult to read....Read more
READ MY REVIEW
Klinkenborg's book is nothing like the spelling of his name. It is concise. It is to the point. It is the anti-venom to every bad piece of writing advice. You will find yourself showing your thanks, writing him a nice Amazon review when you finish.
Top reviews from the United States
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Top reviews from other countries
- OliverReviewed in Canada on March 20, 2022
A mentally decluttering experience.
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase - Karun dasReviewed in India on November 4, 2025
The Best a writer can get
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase -
José Daniel Franco FernándezReviewed in Mexico on September 7, 2018
Excelente libro.
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
