Review: Boost your vocabulary!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 3, 2013
I picked up this book since I have never had any instruction in Latin and often feel confused when I come across certain phrases in my reading.First of all, I was surprised at how much Latin we (English speakers) use on a regular basis: Carpe diem, magnum opus, memorabilia, modus operandi, post partum, rigor mortis, status quo, etc.Then there are phrases I was familiar with, but less certain of their meaning: Annus mirabalis (year of wonders), caveat (let him beware), Deus ex machina (a contrived or artificial solution), habeas corpus (you must have a body), and mea culpa (it's not my fault)Second, any word lover will enjoy seeing the origins of many of our English words.  From "nihil" (nothing) we get Nihilism.  From "vide" (see) we get video, etc.Third, the author throws in quite a few hilarious phrases to keep things light: "Certe, toto, sentio nos in kansate non iam adesse." (You know, Toto, I have a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore), "Balaenae nobis conservandae sunt!" (Save the whales!), and "Luke sum ipse patrem te" (Luke, I am your father.)This is a quick, fun read.  It will make you feel more educated.  After all, "Quid quid latine dictum sit, altum videtur." (Anything said in Latin sounds profound.)