If you’re interested in languages, or just the English language, here is a list of fascinating books I’ve read on the topic:
- The Unfolding Of Language – Guy Deutscher
- How to Learn any Language – Barry Farber
- Say what? The Weird and Mysterious Journey of the English Language – Gena Gorrel
- Empires of the Word – Nicholas Ostler
- Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue – John McWhorter
- The Adventure of English, The Biography of a Language – Melvyn Bragg
- Languages; A Very Short Introduction – Stephen Anderson
- Euphemania, Our Love Affair with Euphemisms – Ralph Keyes
- Words on the Move – John McWhorter
- The Seven Words You Cant Say on Television – Steven Pinker
- Is That a Fish in Your Ear? – David Bellos
Note: these don’t replace English instruction and practice, but they do add fascinating background to the process!