Between you & me (2016) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

The book contains frank discussions of gender and anatomy as it relates to pronouns and grammar. Mary Norris examines the linguistic history of gendered terms, occasionally referencing specific body parts like the penis and vagina to clarify the biological roots of certain nouns. There are mentions of sexual orientation, including the author's observations of LGBTQ+ identities within the context of evolving pronoun preferences. While the book touches on adult relationships and workplace dynamics at The New Yorker…

There are no depictions of physical violence or gore throughout this memoir. The narrative focuses strictly on the professional life of a copy editor and the nuances of the English language. Any mentions of conflict are limited to intellectual disagreements regarding grammar, punctuation, and editorial style. Norris may use metaphors of 'killing' a sentence or 'slaughtering' a paragraph, but these are strictly jargon for the editing process. The most intense conflict involves a professional rivalry or a heated…

Strong and frequent profanity is a hallmark of this educational memoir. The author spends an entire chapter, titled 'Chapter 9: The F-Word,' analyzing the usage and history of the word 'fuck,' using it repeatedly in a linguistic context to demonstrate its versatility as different parts of speech. Other profanities like 'shit,' 'piss,' 'bastard,' and 'hell' appear throughout the text as Norris recounts anecdotes from the copy desk. She explores the 'dirty words' that writers like Philip Roth or John Updike fought…

The author mentions drinking wine or cocktails in social or workplace settings common in New York publishing culture. Norris describes the 'three-martini lunch' era and mentions specific drinks like gin and tonics or glasses of wine consumed at parties or while traveling. There is a brief mention of her brother's struggles and the general presence of alcohol in the literary world, but substance use is never glamorized or central to the plot. The book treats drinking as a casual, social component of adult…

Themes include the pursuit of perfection, the evolution of language, workplace professionalism, and the value of mentorship and expertise. Norris reflects on her childhood in Cleveland and her transition to the high-stakes environment of The New Yorker, illustrating the theme of personal growth and career dedication. The book explores the tension between tradition and modernity as language shifts to accommodate new social norms. There is a strong emphasis on the dignity of labor, whether it is driving a milk truck…