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Paresh Bhatate

Reviewed on Apr 21, 2023

Must read 🏆

There is a lot to be learned from Conklin's insights into the ways in which language shapes our understanding of ourselves and Must be read.

Synopsis

Pathological liar? Sociopathic killer? Or just a troubled kid seeking attention? These are the questions that haunt therapist Selena Harris as she undertakes the most challenging case of her career.

Sitting on a couch two feet across from her is an ordinary-looking teenager who confessed in a text, inadvertently broadcast to his entire school, to murdering an autistic child left in his care. With no evidence to support Leal Porter’s testimony, authorities have referred him to Selena for counseling.

Challenging her professional distance is the emotional bond she develops with this lonely, isolated boy, whom classmates describe as “that scrawny kid who talks to himself at his locker.” Although Selena believes the alleged victim is the product of her client’s fevered imagination, she harbors one major doubt:

What if she’s wrong?

Stepping outside the confines of her office in a quest for clues, Selena is determined to separate fact from fiction. But nothing in her experience prepares her for the harrowing revelation of the inner demon that lurks beneath the surface of Leal’s confession.

"A Finish to Etcetera" by B. Robert Conklin is a provocative book that provokes perusers to think about the job of language in their lives. Conklin examines the ways in which language can both enrich and limit our experiences in a collection of essays and reflections. She also provides insights into how we can use language more effectively to communicate with others and comprehend ourselves.

At its center, "A Finish to Etcetera" is a contemplation on the force of language. Conklin argues that language is not only a communication tool but also an essential part of who we are as people. He illustrates the ways in which language shapes our perceptions of the world around us by drawing on a wide range of sources, including philosophy, linguistics, literature, and popular culture.

The idea that language can both limit our ability to connect with others and open up new possibilities for understanding is one of the book's main themes. Conklin looks at this conflict through a number of different points of view. He looks at how language can be used to exclude and marginalize certain groups and how it can also be used to foster empathy and understanding among different communities.

Conklin's writing is clear and concise throughout the book, and he backs up his arguments with plenty of evidence and real-world examples. He draws on a great many scholarly and philosophical attempts to help his cases, and his composing is open to both intellectual and general perusers the same.

Conklin's willingness to address controversial and complex issues is perhaps one of the book's most compelling aspects. He offers nuanced and thoughtful perspectives on a variety of topics, including identity politics, political correctness, and the influence of technology on our communication. He doesn't avoid testing his perusers' suspicions.

Having said that, the book has some flaws. On occasion, Conklin's writing can be a piece thick, and a portion of his contentions might be challenging for perusers to follow.

"An End to Etcetera" is a fascinating and engaging read that is sure to appeal to anyone who is interested in the power of language, despite these minor flaws. There is a lot to be learned from Conklin's insights into the ways in which language shapes our understanding of ourselves and the world around us, whether you are a linguist, a philosopher, or just a curious reader. Definitely recommend.

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