2006 Foreword Magazine Book of the Year finalist in Education

EDITORIAL REVIEWS

Enigmas Of The English Alphabet by Alvaro J. Alves-Milho is an informative understanding of the in-depth complexities of the English language. Comprehensively compiled and arranged for ease of use by non-specialist general readers, Enigmas Of The English Alphabet expansively contributes for a greater and more accurate conceptual grasp of the rules and peculiarities of a difficult and sometimes contradictory language. Enigmas Of The English Alphabet is very strongly recommended, especially to readers new to the English language, as well as those who are searching for a "user-friendly" and easy-to-follow guide to the many diversities and specifics of a language that even native-born speakers can have difficulties with.

Midwest Book Review Small Press Bookwatch May 2006

READER REVIEWS

Crawford C., Philadelphia, PA ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I bought this because English spelling has always felt like a prank that everyone else is in on, and I didn’t expect a book about the alphabet to be this absorbing. What surprised me is how it doesn’t just complain about irregular spelling—it actually walks you through the why, the history, the patterns, and the logic behind the chaos. I kept catching myself saying “ohhh—THAT’S why” out loud. It reads like someone who respects the reader and genuinely wants you to stop feeling stupid for struggling with English. I finished a few chapters and immediately started looking at words differently, like my brain finally had a better map.

James G., Wildwood, FL ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I ordered this out of curiosity and ended up highlighting sections like it was a college text—in a good way. It’s rare to find a book that’s informative but still has momentum, like it’s pulling you forward. The explanations about how spelling drifted from pronunciation over time are fascinating, and it made me appreciate English more even while admitting it’s messy. I also liked that it doesn’t pretend there’s one perfect pronunciation—there’s realism in it. If you like language, history, and practical clarity, this is absolutely worth it.

 Ricardo N. — León, Guanajuato ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I bought this book after years of frustration with English pronunciation apps that never worked for me. This book is different because it explains why English behaves the way it does. Once you understand that, everything becomes less stressful. I especially appreciated that the author avoids arrogance—there’s no sense of “you should already know this.” Instead, there’s patience, logic, and respect. This is one of the most thoughtful ESL books I’ve ever read.

 Thomas R. — Hamburg, Germany ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I bought this book because I enjoy language history, but I didn’t expect it to be so practical. It doesn’t just tell you what English does—it explains how it got there. That perspective changes everything. Suddenly, pronunciation mistakes feel understandable rather than embarrassing. The writing style is calm, precise, and respectful, which I deeply appreciate. This book feels like it was written by someone who genuinely cares about learners, not just about theory.

 Liu Fang — Chengdu, Sichuan 

I am an English teacher, and this book immediately stood out from the usual materials. It explains pronunciation in a way that aligns with how learners actually think, not how linguists write papers. The avoidance of heavy IPA symbols is a huge advantage for students who feel overwhelmed by technical notation. I have already started adapting some of the ideas into my lessons, and my students are responding positively. This book respects both teachers and learners.

Nancy Calkins ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I enjoyed the book so much! It answered so many questions I had about spelling and pronunciation.

Lena Schmidt ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This book is awesome! It's concise and helps a lot, coming from another language to English. I loved the parts that are dedicated to coming from a specific language, especially the one on German.

Jennifer M. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(ESL Teacher)

"This book is a breakthrough for my classroom. Instead of overwhelming students with the International Phonetic Alphabet, Alvaro's method gives them practical tools they can use immediately. The cover looks professional, though adding a visual hint of language learning could make it even more inviting for students."

Carlos R. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Immigrant & Adult ESL Student)

"I've tried so many books to improve my English pronunciation, but most left me confused. This one finally made sense. It gave me confidence when speaking with co-workers. The cover is fine, but I'd suggest more colorful, student-friendly design."

Robert H. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Community Volunteer Tutor)

"I tutor immigrants in English, and this is the first book I've found that my learners actually enjoy using. It simplifies without dumbing down. The cover is good but could be made more eye-catching for a general audience."

Monica L. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (University Professor)

"This book is a gift to both teachers and students. The accessibility of the system shows the author understands the challenges learners face. It's practical, thoughtful, and needed."

Edward R., Perryville, Missouri ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Really strong content and honestly eye-opening. I learned a lot about why English spelling is the way it is, and I appreciated that the author explains the bigger historical chain instead of just listing quirks. The only reason I’m giving four instead of five is that some sections feel dense if you’re reading when you’re tired—you have to give it real attention. But if you treat it like a thoughtful, well-researched guide (not a quick “tips” book), it’s excellent and absolutely worth owning.

John K., Portland, OR ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book does what most people can’t: it explains English spelling weirdness without being annoying about it. I liked the way it connects writing systems and language evolution—there’s a bigger story here that made me understand English differently. At times I wanted slightly more modern examples or quicker summaries after longer explanations, but overall it’s impressive and feels like it comes from someone who truly cares about clarity. I’m keeping it on my shelf and I can see myself coming back to certain chapters.

Earl S., Houston, TX ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bought this because I work with people who learn English, and I wanted something deeper than the usual surface-level explanations. This delivered. It’s thoughtful, detailed, and it doesn’t pretend the reader is ignorant—it treats you like you can handle the truth. I gave it four stars because it’s not a light read, and some parts feel more academic, but the value is definitely there. If you’re serious about understanding English spelling and pronunciation, this is a solid investment.