The Illustrated Book of Sayings: Curious Expressions From Around the World by Ella Frances Sanders
Review by Lauren
source: e-copy from Netgally; physical copy from Blogging for Books; all opinions are my own
Buy via Amazon (amazon associates link)
Official Summary: Ella Frances Sanders’s first book, Lost in Translation, captured the imagination of readers with its charmingly illustrated words that have no direct English translation. Now, the New York Times-bestselling author is back with an illustrated collection that addresses the nuances of language in the form of sayings from around the world. From the French idiom “to pedal in the sauerkraut,” (i.e., “to spin your wheels,”) to the Japanese idiom “even monkeys fall from trees” (meaning, “even experts can be wrong”), Sanders presents sayings that reveal the remarkable diversity, humor, and poignancy of the world’s languages and cultures.
Review: I originally got an e-copy of this from Netgalley, but my kindle doesn’t let me see anything in color, so it was hard to really enjoy. Therefore, when Blogging for Books offered the physical copy to review, I jumped on the chance. I’m really glad I did too, because this was an intriguing little book. If you know someone who loves languages, or even traveling, this would be perfect for them. It’s full of sayings from various countries, as well as an English definition of what it means. Along with these sayings, you get some nicely done illustrations that show the saying “acted out” if you will.
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| sample from the book – source |
The above saying, in English, is “While swimming, drink water” which is actually an Indonesian phrase. You get the phrase smelled out in the correct language at the top. I love how Sanders includes the saying in its proper language, as well as an English translation on every illustration.
Overall, this was a fun one! It’s a quick read, but it makes you want to keep researching famous sayings from other countries/cultures.
Definitely my sort of thing. I love to annoy, err, educate people with this kind of book.
This looks highly entertaining!
xx
This does look like a fun read and I can definitely think of a few people who would love it. Will definitely be recommending it to them 🙂
This is such an interesting book, Lauren. I can't say it's something I'll pick off a line up right away, but knowing such a book exists is pretty awesome. Love that the variety of your reading choices!
I love these kinds of books–that French idiom is so funny! Growing up, I spoke German with my mother and there were a lot of very strange expressions that sound so ridiculous when translated, like "He who eats fire s**ts sparks." LOLOL
XOXO and hope you have a very happy New Year, my sweet <3 So glad that 2016 introduced me to your fun blog!
This does look like it would be fun! Thanks for introducing it to me and I hope you have a fabulous New Year!!
Yea, I wish NetGalley would give a bit more information so you can decide to take a book like that or not (my kindle is the same btw). However, so glad you got to see it in all it's glory with Blogging for Books! I love books like this! It looks like fun and I love how things get translated.
I love books like this!
This looks fun!
So, with the saying, "While swimming, drink water" – does that mean the Indonesian phrase is a derogatory phrase meaning to something along the lines to "go drown yourself"? Does the book do the research for you? I'd hate to have to research on my own every saying, know what I mean??
I think this is an awesome book for anybody interested in the world and how we're different. Even for the classroom 😉 Great review!!!!
This looks adorable! The perfect kind of put on the coffee table book and enjoy a page or two (or more) at a time. Thanks for sharing!