***** 5 stars
It’s unusual to call a non-fiction book a “page turner.” Yet Ralph Keyes’ EUPHEMANIA fits the bill. Once I started reading his exploration into the many facets of euphemisms, I was enthralled. Keyes has struck a rich vein with the subject of his latest book. Euphemisms reveal a great deal about a time and culture by the very subjects they seek to disguise. In clear, straightforward prose that contrasts the intentionally vague nature of euphemisms, Keyes lifts the veil on our ever-changing hang-ups with sex, death, money, religion and bodily functions. Keyes also examines the corrosive side of euphemisms: the dodgy doublespeak of corporations, politicians and the military. Laced with anecdotes, scholarly references and humor, EUPHEMANIA is an enlightening and enjoyable read.
Raul Ramos, author of AMERICA LIBRE and HOUSE DIVIDED (U.S. Midwest)