Like politics, like wine and like whether or not I look good in these sateen, leopard-print pantaloons, taste in books is entirely subjective. And like Napoleon, your mum and Obama, I am the one holding the conch and so my taste is that which shall be heard. Apologies.

This is a blog about books that I like and think you might like too. I'm hoping to make it pretty regular and am aiming to focus on new books and literary magazines with a few old books thrown in for good measure. While being honest, it's essential I declare that I do work as an editor in the Australian publishing industry. There are books I have worked on that have struck me with their brilliance; others have left me cold. That's the way it goes. I'll also try not to push books by friends, unless they really do deserve it (and don't they just), I'll not make you listen to my sister's music or support my boyfriend's business, get divorced by my dad or buy my niece's lemonade. Although, it's really good lemonade and she's only five and she really really wants some coin to buy Beach Barbie. But, like I said, it's totally up to you.

And to contradict everything I said earlier about focussing on newly published works, I am now going to rant briefly about what should be the one book we all have in common. The one you carry in your handbag or backpack: it's The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White. Yep, that's E.B. White of Charlotte's Web fame.

Some people hate this book and find Fowler's Modern English Usage or one of the many other books on the English language much more useful. I think Fowler's is great but it doesn't fit in your back pocket they way this baby does.

The Elements of Style is about just that: the basic elements of using the English language. It covers commas, colons, dashes, pronouns, composition, commonly misused words, and writing tips, among so many other things that are jammed into its 128 pages. I would be a better editor, and arguably a better person, if I knew by heart everything in this book.

Some readers find Elements stuffy and too-obviously written by two old men. But for me, when it comes to grammar and language, stuffy is pretty damn good. I don't want some freeform, highfalutin hipster trying to teach me grammar. I want tweed, authority and the pungent odour of pipe smoke. As long as I have my ventolin handy.

While The Chicago Manual of Style, Fowler's and even the good old Australian government standard-issue Style Manual are all great holiday reads, they can be a little overwhelming. I use most of the popular reference books, including dictionaries and atlases, weekly for work and pleasure. So for once I know what I'm talking about.

As for the competition: my Chicago Manual of Style is like my good dress. I love it so much and think of it often and fondly but I certainly don't throw it in my gym bag and use it daily. On the other hand, Fowler's is more like a pair of shoes that makes my calves look great but which hurt like buggery to wear. Both of them do, however, contain more wonderful information about the world of language than I could ever hope to know.

And that's part of the reason I love Elements so very, very much: Knowing everything in this book is actually achievable. It hasn't happened for me yet but it will. One day, I'll know what a pronominal possessive is, I'll be able to spout lists of transitive verbs and articulate the difference between literal and literally. I'll also claim the world featherweight title for Muay Thai and say no to a second helping of food. All these unbelievable feats are possible. With a little help from Strunk and White (and steroids).

If you like words but you don't know too much about them, grab a copy of Strunk and White – there is even an illustrated edition for people who are less likely to spill food on it or attack it with highlighter pens the way I do. My copy is now 90% fluorescent pink.

Buy it, read it, carry it with you. And when we meet on the street, let's compare fluorescent, dog-eared pages.

Snap by Sara Fileti.