We talk to acclaimed literary critic Stanley Fish. His new book is called How To Write a Sentence and How To Read One. And he says we're in danger of losing our ability to do both.

---

PART THREE

Requiem for a Sentence - Stanley Fish

We started this segment with Vincent Lam's favourite sentence. He is the author of the Giller-Award-winning novel Bloodletting and Miraculous Cures. The sentence is from Anne Michaels' novel, Fugitive Pieces. And it reads: When you've hardened yourself in certain places, crying is painful, almost as if nature is against it.

That's a lot to take away from a sentence of just 17 words ... especially in a world that is growing increasingly comfortable communicating in short, syntax-challenged bursts of 140 characters or less.

Stanley Fish says that being able to read and write a complete sentence is an essential skill. And he's on a mission to help us all get better at doing it. Stanley Fish is an influential literary critic. He is the Davidson-Kahn Distinguished University Professor of Humanities and Law at Florida International University. And his newest book is called How To Write a Sentence and How To Read One. He was in Palm Beach, Florida.

Related Links:

• Stanley Fish: Opinionator - New York Times
• How To Write a (Good) Sentence By Adam Haslett - Slate

Other segments from today's show:

• Deposed Dictators
• Overcrowded ER Rooms