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Chapter 1 What's Greek to Me by Mary Norris"Greek to Me: Adventures of the Comma Queen" by Mary Norris takes readers on a fascinating journey through the author's love of the Greek language and culture. Norris, known for her role as a copy editor at The New Yorker, highlights her experiences learning Greek, visiting Greece, and navigating the intricacies of language.The book is a blend of memoir, travelogue, and linguistic exploration, where Norris shares her passion for words, grammar, and the beauty of expressing oneself in different languages. She reflects on her encounters with Greek people, the significance of language in understanding culture, and the humor found in language misuse.As she recounts her adventures, Norris also delves into Greek mythology and history, weaving in anecdotes that illuminate how language shapes identity. Throughout the narrative, she humorously tackles the challenges of mastering Greek, showcasing her determination and enthusiasm in embracing the nuances of this rich language.Chapter 2 Greek to Me by Mary Norris Summary"Greek to Me: Adventures of the Comma Queen" by Mary Norris is a memoir that intertwines Norris's personal journey with her passion for the Greek language and culture. Summary: Mary Norris, known for her insightful and often humorous writing as a copy editor at The New Yorker, explores the depths of her love for the Greek language and its relevance in her life. The book is a blend of memoir, linguistic exploration, and cultural commentary. It begins with Norris recalling her childhood fascination with classical literature and the Greek language. Her experiences studying Greek in Athens reflect her desire to connect more deeply with the texts that have influenced Western thought. Throughout the pages, she shares anecdotes from her time in Greece, capturing the beauty of the landscape and the warmth of the people. Norris's narrative is rich with discussions about the nuances of Greek grammar, vocabulary, and the language's historical significance. She compares modern Greek with its ancient predecessor, delighting in the intricacies and peculiarities that often leave learners baffled. Additionally, she delves into her professional life, providing insights into the world of editing and the challenges of maintaining clarity in writing. Through her experiences, the reader gains a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of language and how it shapes communication. Overall, "Greek to Me" celebrates not just the Greek language but also the joy of learning, the thrill of adventure, and the connections forged through shared culture and words. Norris's wit and relatable storytelling make this memoir a delightful read for anyone interested in language, culture, and personal growth.Chapter 3 Greek to Me AuthorMary Norris, known for her wit and expertise in language, is the author of several acclaimed works, including the memoir "Greek to Me: Adventures of the Comma Queen," which was released on April 20, 2021. Norris has built a reputation primarily as a longtime copy editor at The New Yorker, where her insights into grammar and style have garnered a loyal following.In addition to "Greek to Me," Mary Norris has authored the book "Between You & Me: Confessions of a Comma Queen," published in 2015. This book explores language, grammar, and the quirks of English in a candid and engaging manner.Her writings stand out for their humorous and approachable style, making complex grammatical concepts accessible to a broad audience. When it comes to the best editions of her books, both "Greek to Me" and "Between You & Me" have been well-received, but the latter may be noted as particularly significant due to its deeper exploration of language and its wider recognition.Overall, Mary Norris's contributions to understanding and enjoying language are reflected in the positive...
From the archives: Mary Norris, author of "Between You and Me: Confessions of a Comma Queen."
Dialogue host Marcia Franklin talks with New Yorker editor Mary Norris about her book Between You and Me: Confessions of a Comma Queen. The two discuss grammar tips, some of her favorite writers to edit and what it's like to help hold up the editing standard at The New Yorker. Don’t forget to subscribe, and visit the Dialogue website for more conversations that matter. Originally Aired: 11/20/2015 The interview is part of Dialogue’s series “Conversations from the Sun Valley Writers' Conference” and was taped at the 2015 conference. Since 1995, the conference has been bringing together some of the world’s most well-known and illuminating authors to discuss literature and life.
Mary Norris’ New York Times bestseller Between You & Me: Confessions of a Comma Queen gives an account of the author’s years in The New Yorker’s copy department. Now she returns with Greek to Me: Adventures of the Comma Queen, a witty romp around language, love, and the crystalline Greek coast, along which she adventured. She speaks with Adam Dudding. Supported by Platinum Bold Patrons Josephine & Ross Green.
Episode Seventy Five Show Notes CW = Chris WolakEF = Emily FinePurchase Book Cougars Swag on Zazzle! AND at Bookclub Bookstore & More.If you’d like to help financially support the Book Cougars, please consider becoming a Patreon member. You can DONATE HERE. If you would prefer to donate directly to us, please email bookcougars@gmail.com for instructions.Join our Goodreads Group! Please subscribe to our email newsletter here.– Upcoming Readalongs –We are hosting co-reads in June 2019 with Jenny Colvin of the Reading Envy Podcast. More details are forthcoming, but the books are:Gone with the Wind – Margaret MitchellThe Goodreads discussion page can be found HERESapphira and the Slave Girl by Willa CatherThe Goodreads discussion page can be found HERE– Currently Reading –Where the Crawdads Sing – Delia Owens (CW)The Lost Family – Jenna Blum (EF)Gone with the Wind – Margaret Mitchell (EF) – Just Read –The Jewel Garden: A Story of Despair and Redemption – Monty Don, Sarah Don (CW)The World That We Knew: A Novel – Alice Hoffman (EF) (release date 9/24/19)The Museum of Modern Love – Heather Rose (CW)gods with a little g: A Novel – Tupelo Hassman (EF) (release date 8/13/19)Keep Going: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad – Austin Kleon (CW)If Beale Street Could Talk – James Baldwin (EF)A Lost Lady – Willa Cather (CW)The Marriage of Phaedra – Willa Cather (CW) which is part of the Willa Cather Short Story Project– Biblio Adventures –Emily watched the movie If Beale Street Could TalkChris attended an event co-sponsored by Bank Square Books and the Lagrua Center where Mary Norris discussed her new book Greek to Me: Adventures of the Comma Queen. Check out this article about Mary’s apartment in New York City.Emily went to RJ Julia Booksellers to hear Patricia Marx and Roz Chast discuss their book Why Don’t You Write My Eulogy Now So I Can Correct It?: A Mother’s SuggestionsEmily visited Tennessee and North Carolina and caught up with author, Shuly Cawood. She has appeared on two episodes of the podcast:Episode 22 – where she discussed her memoir, The Going and GoodbyeEpisode 64 – the book launch of 52 Things I wish I Could Have Told Myself When I Was 17They spent a day in Jonesborough, TN visiting the Jonesborough Public Library and the International Storytelling Center (check out their festival October 4-6, 2019). They also shopped at Mr. K’s Used Books, Music, and More.Chris and Emily had a joint jaunt to hear Delia Owens discuss her book, Where the Crawdads Sing, sponsored by RJ Julia Booksellers but located at The Country School, in Madison, CT.Other Books by Delia Owens:Cry of the KalahariSecrets of the SavannaThe Eye of the ElephantSurvivor’s SongBooks recommended by Delia Owens:To Kill a Mockingbird – Harper LeeA Sand County Almanac – Aldo LeopoldWest with the Night – Beryl Markham– Upcoming Jaunts –This weekend, Laura Thoma, playwright, has a play, Meet Me in the Lobby, appearing in the Norwalk Theatre Artists Workshop festival April 26-29, 2019. Laura was on Episode 19 and Episode 66.Emily will be attending the Newburyport Literary Festival on April 26-27, 2019Booktopia 2019 at Northshire Bookstore in Manchester, VT is taking place May 3-4, 2019Chris and Emily will be attending Book Expo America May 29-31, 2019– Upcoming Reads –Lost Laysen – Margaret Mitchell (CW)Gone With the Wind – Margaret Mitchell (CW)The Givers: Wealth, Power, and Philanthropy in a New Gilded Age – David Callahan (EF)The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World – Melinda Gates (EF)– Also Mentioned –Check out Alice Hoffman’s website for her backlistGirlchild by Tupelo HassmanMel’s Bookland AdventuresThe Stella PrizeMarina Abramovic InstituteSteal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative – Austin Kleon (CW)Documentary about James Baldwin: I Am Not Your Negro Between You & Me: Confessions of a Comma Queen – Mary Norris Lonesome Dove – Larry McMurtryRussell of Ink and Paper Booktube Channel
After a career of carefully editing so many accomplished writers, language and punctuation remain a joy to Marry Norris, renowned New Yorker Copy Editor. Her first book, “Between You and Me: Confessions of AComma Queen,”was nominated for a Thurber Prize for American Humor.In her follow up,“Greek To Me: Adventures of The Comma Queen,” Norris shares her love for the Greek language, culture and land.
''A rollicking adventure into the origins of the apostrophe, the proliferation of profanity in American culture, and everything in between'' (San Francisco Chronicle), Mary Norris's bestselling Between You and Me: Confessions of a Comma Queen was a raucous, cheery memoir about grammar, usage, and practical life advice gleaned from her three decades in The New Yorker's venerable and notoriously fastidious copy department. Her latest book is another paean to language and expression. In Greek to Me, Norris celebrates all things Greek-words, gods, wine, and waiters-as she offers a hot take on the distant but oddly familiar language that helped beget our own. (recorded 4/15/2019)
On this episode: Mary Norris, the comma queen, calls in to talk beer and pencils with the DDD gang. She also introduces us to the seedy Twitter underbelly of double spacers and answers a listener question about ellipses… Links: Between You & Me: Confessions of a Comma Queen