Quick Reads: “That’s Not English” by Erin Moore

Allie GrossMarch 17, 2015 11:00 AM


That’s Not English

By Erin Moore

GOTHAM BOOKS

In Erin Moore’s book on the distinctions between American and British English, each chapter zeros in on a single word, examining definitions and offering historical context for the divergences. For example, we view “middle class” through a prism of income, while for the Brits it’s a state of mind—a difference she attributes to a relative lack of social mobility in the UK. While some chapters are trivial, Moore’s unvarnished enthusiasm for the language makes for an enjoyable read.

IT'S TIME TO TALK ABOUT MEDIA BIAS

We believe that journalism needs to stand for something right now. That the press is the enemy of secrecy and corruption. That reporting without a sense of right and wrong only helps liars and propagandists succeed. And that we're in this fight for the long haul.

So we're hoping to raise $30,000 in new monthly donations this fall. Read our argument for journalism that is fair and accurate and stands for something—and join us with a tax-deductible monthly donation (or make a one-time gift) if you agree.

  • Allie Gross was a Mother Jones fellow whose work has appeared in Jacobin, VICE, Slate, and GOOD magazine. Prior to joining Mother Jones, Allie worked as a fifth-grade teacher in Detroit, where she cofounded Detroit Charter Data, a website aiming to bring accountability, transparency, and coherency to the city's education landscape. You can follow her on twitter @allie_elisabeth.