Is it possible to enjoy grammar? Why does it really have to be so difficult anyway?

Grammar is the study of words and how they combine to form sentences, but the basics of grammar can be fun. After all, what could be more fun than seeing how the greatest writers play with language? A.A. Milne once wrote: "My spelling is Wobbly. It's good spelling but it Wobbles, and the letters get in the wrong places." I like the concept of "wobbly" letters--as if they have a mind of their own. Somehow we must master them--wrestle them back to their proper place. We may ourselves perfectly understand what we want to say, but the misplaced letters and misused words can leave us all in confusion. Communication is difficult, if not impossible.

As we study the classics, we recognize the unique ways in which writers are able to shape language with their spectacular styles. Words are to be enjoyed--rethought, finessed, played with! In those beautiful combinations of lines, form and substance--we're drawn in, with a power that's subtle and powerful. Beautiful!

Take a look at other resources in grammar.

On November 14, 1851, Moby-Dick first appeared in the United States, but the novel wasn't recognized as an American classic until many years after the death of the author, Herman Melville. Only 3,000 copies of the novel sold during Melville's lifetime. Here's a review of Moby Dick. So, do you love the novel, hate it, or have you just not had a chance yet to read this classic?

In this novel, Melville writes: "There is a wisdom that is woe; but there is a woe that is madness. And there is a Catskill eagle in some souls that can alike dive down into the blackest gorges, and soar out of them again and become invisible in the sunny spaces. And even if he for ever flies within the gorge, that gorge is in the mountains; so that even in his lowest swoop the mountain eagle is still higher than other birds upon the plain, even though they soar." Read more quotes from the novel. (Or, read the entire novel.

Cover Art © W.W. Norton & Co.

It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is almost here. This year, our celebrations land on November 26, but you've probably already started thinking about it. What will you do? Where will you go? With whom will you share this delicious national holiday?

As we draw nearer to the day, you may be curious what famous writers have said about the day. So, here's what Mark Twain wrote about Thanksgiving:

• "The observance of Thanksgiving Day--as a function--has become general of late years. The Thankfulness is not so general. This is natural. Two-thirds of the nation have always had hard luck and a hard time during the year, and this has a calming effect upon their enthusiasm."

Take a look at other quotes from Mark Twain, related to Thanksgiving.

I have so much for which I am thankful: family, friends, and the opportunity to live one more day. I'm also thankful for the many writers who have poured out their passion upon the page, who have offered their insights and inspiration--even as they coped with their own joys and sorrows, large and small.

November is a time to remember and celebrate the great writers, but we also recollect the words they have left us in reference to Thanksgiving (and the spirit of gratitude). O Henry once wrote: "There is one day that is ours. Thanksgiving Day is the one day that is purely American." Here are a few other writers of note: Louisa May Alcott, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Rebecca Harding Davis, and Lydia Maria Child. Then, join our discussion.