New Yorker copy editor Mary Norris's 'Between You and Me' has 'wit, sass, and smarts'
Already half-asleep when you hear about a guide to grammar and punctuation? Reviewers say Norris's book is 'sprightly' and 'laugh-out-loud' funny.
'Between You and Me' is by Mary Norris.
Most readers perhaps wouldn鈥檛 use the word 鈥渇un鈥� when describing a guide to grammar and punctuation.聽
But the book 鈥淏etween You and Me鈥� by New Yorker copy editor Mary Norris (subtitle: 鈥淐onfessions of a Comma Queen鈥�) is not only earning positive reviews, it鈥檚 being praised for being accessible and enjoyable to read. 鈥淏etween鈥� is being released on April 6.
Norris noted in an interview with that despite all best efforts, a few errors did slip in. 鈥淥f course I wanted the book to be perfect,鈥� she said, 鈥渂ecause it would look very bad if it wasn鈥檛.鈥澛�
The book was named as one of Amazon鈥檚 best books of April, with Amazon editorial director Sara Nelson saying of the book, 鈥淸Norris] doesn't make anybody feel bad鈥�. She just talks about punctuation like it was your neighbors..... [S]he's just adorable.鈥� staff agreed with the positive assessment, giving it 鈥渆ditor鈥檚 recommendation鈥� status and calling it 鈥渟prightly 鈥� pleasantly spiced with personal stories and strolls down the history of language lane ... [and] educating entertainment.鈥澛�
The book has also received other positive reviews, with both and giving it starred reviews. Florida International University Library staffer Gricel Dominguez wrote for LJ, 鈥淭houghtful and humorous鈥�. engaging and entertaining鈥�. Her rules are easy to follow, and her writing fast paced and smart, making this a great read for anyone interested in a refresher course on the elements of style. This is not your grade school primer; expect wisecracks and pointed commentary on the many ways in which we embarrass ourselves while trying to sound grammatically superior.鈥� Meanwhile, KR found the book to be 鈥渆ducational [and] entertaining鈥�. Norris delivers a host of unforgettable anecdotes about 鈥� famed New Yorker writers鈥�. countless laugh-out-loud passages.鈥澛�
noted in its review that 鈥渢he New Yorker has an unconventional house style鈥� so 鈥渢hough Norris doesn鈥檛 always agree with its strict style rules, readers may not agree with her ideas on language.鈥� However, the publication found the book to be 鈥渄elightful鈥�. Norris writes well 鈥� with wit, sass, and smarts.鈥�