4.0 out of 5 stars    A Timely and Insightful Book for Troubled Times

By John J. Staughton on February 27, 2016   Format: Paperback

There are certain books that are meant to be read at a certain point in your life, and perhaps we are drawn to them for a good reason. I feel like Offensive is this book, at least for me, at least right now. Understanding offensive language gives such insight into the motivations and methods behind those in our modern world who use this type of speech and behavior. There are so many delicate nuances and explanations, as well as information that can be gleaned from a person's use of offensive language, and this book helps us unlock these. This helps readers like me not only understand and avoid the use of offensive language in inappropriate situations, but be able to react better to those who use it against us.

Not to get overly political, but there has been so many offensive speeches and statements in recent months that this book couldn't come at a better time. While the quality of writing wasn't always top-notch, the intention of the book, and the truths that it attempts to shed light on, are well worth the read. I would be very interested in reading Stewart's other book Offended, to see the other side of this argument, but this was certainly an interesting place to start.