I’m a word person. I like meeting words, listening to them, and learning their stories. It’s no surprise, then, that I quite enjoyed the following books, as they allowed me to get to know some interesting words. Happily, these particular materials are not dull or didactic. Rather, like a dinner guest you are glad to invite, they bring lively, intelligent insights to the table. If you also like words and enjoy making friends with them, allow me to introduce six entertaining books: two compelling collections; two friendly guides; and two expert accounts.