An Apple a Day by Caroline Taggart

This is the latest in the series of non-fiction books by Reader's Digest that explain everything from the origin of famous sayings, foreign phrases used in English, and brief explanations of classic historical figures and texts.

This one in particular focuses on old-fashioned proverbs; "timeless words to live by."

Ever wonder where "strike while the iron is hot" came from?  Or, "there's no smoke without fire?"  This explains the origin as well as the proper use of such phrases, because many get twisted in usage or misapplied.  The author did extensive research in the works of Malcolm Gladwell, Lao-Tzu, PJ O'Rourke, and other notable writers. 

It's sectioned via index and glossary, and the design of the book fits into the others in the series:  A Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi and Easy as Pi, to name two that dealt with foreign phrases and math.  I believe there are at least six books in the series, and these would make an ideal collection for a student as well as someone simply curious about the etymology of words and axioms in both popular culture and classic literature.

Thanks to FSB Associates for the Review Copy.