16 August 2019

Book Beginning: Speaking American by Josh Katz


http://www.rosecityreader.com/

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader. Share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires.

It used to be that if you wanted something to wear on your feet, your only option was expensive handcrafted leather.


The sub-title of this fun book might give you a better hint of its subject: "How Y'all, Youse, and You Guys Talk, a Visual Guide". Using many colorful maps of the United States, the author delves into regional differences in the terms we use in everyday American English. The opening sentence begins a discussion about canvas shoes with rubber soles. Tennis shoes? Sneakers? Gym shoes? Or my friend Don's term, Tenniebops? (And in England they're trainers.)

6 comments:

  1. What a great idea for a book! This would be a valuable tool for writers, too. We could check to make sure we're referring to soda, Coke, pop, etc. correctly for our stories' settings.
    My post features a mystery: Bless Me Father For I Have Sinned.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I never thought of that, but you're right. It would add some local authenticity to your writing.

      Delete
  2. I agree with Sandra. This is a must have for writers. You betcha.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This looks like an interesting book. Enjoy your current read! :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was a quick read due to all the full-page color maps! I hope you're having a good reading August!

      Delete