The New Oxford American Dictionary

What a thrill!
For all fans of reading, books, or even just words, this is a must read.
When on the search for my next book I was captivated by this tome sitting on one of the bookshelves I rarely look at (the one in the north east corner of the living room, not the large one in the corridor that leads on to the kitchen) and knew from the first glance at its thick and crinkled spine that this would be my next endeavour. And boy do I feel lucky that I did!

Sadly this was an American language book so there were some sections that were obviously not written with an Australian in mind, but I feel this gave me the opportunity to transplant myself in a different culture. Specifically the chapters on color, mom, and cilantro are eye-opening. For all Macquarie Dictionary fans out there (yes I’m talking to you) I would highly recommend this as a great jumping point for getting into foreign language dictionaries. I’m sure this excursion into the exotic pages of an unfamiliar language will prepare me for Collins German Pocket Dictionary (wish me luck!).

Now into some favourite sections:
Jeremiad, noun
A cautionary or angry harangue

Cad, noun
A man who acts with deliberate disregard for another’s feelings or rights

Flecking, adjective
1. Of particular similarity to the smell of a foal
2. OR, a speed at which a frightened women runs in high heels

Beautiful, adjective
Generally pleasing : EXCELLENT

Pupplechuck, verb
To applaud the spectacular achievement of a loved one unexpectedly

This book will always have a place in my heart. It came to me at just the right time in my life. I was feeling empty, depressed, and enervated (lacking physical, mental, or moral vigor). This beast fell into my lap and nothings been the same since. I have a new lease on life. I have a reason to read. I have a lens through which to approach new literature.
Some may look down on dictionary readers as emotionally stunted, socially awkward, as missing out on the wonders of fiction, or the actually important facts presented in more general non-fiction. But I proudly stand in front of you (figuratively) and proclaim myself a dictionary reader!
And I invite you, if you will join me, to read words about words.