Synopses & Reviews
From the sarcastic to the suggestive, here are quotation marks as we love them best, doing horrible damage to the English language. Who wouldn't have second thoughts about ordering the "hamburger" on the diner's menu? Would it be best to skip the "blowout" sale at the department store? What hidden price must be paid for something marked "free"? Assembled by the creator of the wildly popular "Blog" of "Unnecessary" Quotation Marks, this book surveys the havoc wreaked by quotation marks on signs, menus, placards, and posters that leave reality upended by supposed "facts." This smarty-pants guide is "perfect" for desperate grammarians, habitual air quoters, and anyone who appreciates a good laugh.
Review
"You've seen them on billboards, church marquees, and bathroom stalls: a pair of renegade quotation marks that ultimately results in an unfortunate, unintentional innuendo. You might think that a book comprised solely of photos of publicly displayed punctuation gaffes, accompanied by witty commentary, might get old after awhile. Well, you would be wrong.
The Book of "Unnecessary" Quotation Marks, based on the popular blog created by Bethany Keeley, features reader-contributed photos of these superfluous punctuation faux pas. Megan Zabel, Powells.com (read the entire Powells.com review)
Synopsis
In this celebration of creative punctuation, Keeley surveys the havoc wreaked by quotation marks on signs, menus, placards, and posters that leave reality upended by supposed facts.
About the Author
Bethany Keeley is a graduate student, blogger, and writer who lives in Athens, Georgia. She is also the founder and author of the "Blog" of "Unnecessary" Quotation Marks.
Exclusive Essay
Read an exclusive essay by Bethany Keeley