Reviews (13)

Good place to start
I am a native speaker trying to teach my hubby a few words for our trip to Brazil.I found the book very easy to use.Most nights he practiced by himself and I reviewed the material.He was able to get pretty good pronunciation using the books guidelines, but emphasis was harder.It think this is true anytime you are studying language through a book.The stickers were fun to use, we did label items around the house.After getting this book down we moved on to a CD ROM package which has been useful as well.My husband felt that the book did not do a very good job with teaching tenses and conjugating words.This is true, the books aim was to teach you useful phrases and words, you would still be limited in your ability to understand a native speakers anwers to your questions.However, after only one month he definitelty learned quite a bit.Even though I am fluent it is easier to work from a program, as learning from me is hit or miss, this way we have the basics covered.
Great product
I enjoyed this book a lot. It is a great way for a beginner to pick up the basic words and phrases needed to communicate in Portuguese. When you actually follow the directions and spend the 10 minutes a day, you really pick up the language quickly! I like the way the book is written and found it easy to follow and understand. Great way to learn!

Trying to Learn
This is a wonderful book if you are going to be in Brazil for a very short time. It is also a good beginner book. Unfortunately the pronunciations (esp at the end of words) is hard to understand. My husband is from Brazil and we will be going there soon. He had to correct me the majority of the time when I was pronouncing the words how this book has outlined how they should be pronounced. Overall it is a nice book but you might want need a tutor as well to get the sounds right.If you are going to be staying in Brazil for a longer time you will need a better book for sure. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. English    2. Europe - Spain & Portugal    3. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    4. General    5. Grammar    6. Language    7. Portuguese    8. Portuguese language    9. Reference    10. Self-instruction    11. Textbooks for foreign speakers    12. Conversation and phrase books    13. Language self-study & phrasebooks    14. Portugal    15. Spain   

Editorial Review

"As a chef," says Michael Chiarello in Read more

Reviews (5)

Another Success!
Am an admitted Chiarello fan but also a serious, experienced cook.Found this new book to be as good as his last one.Love the pantry recipes - having these extras onhand make the ordinary extraordinary just like he promised.Best section is the side dishes.If you are looking for new dishes for your vegetables, this is a great source.Most are good enough to stand on their own and do in this carnivore's home frequently.If you like things just a little different - buy this book.The recipes are clear, the writing entertaining and your friends & family will be impressed!

Good recipes, beautiful photography and plenty of unique ideas on serving.
To be honest I don't watch many of Michael's shows but the book is beautiful and perfect for those who are constantly on the lookout for entertaining recipes and ideas.
WHERE does The Food Network get these people???
Michael Chiarello needs to stick with the non-Italian dishes because dude doesn't have a clue how to pronounce Italian nor, to compund the problem, does he know the reason why he cooks the Italian dishes.
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Subjects:  1. Cookery, Italian    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Entertaining    5. Entertaining - General    6. Regional & Ethnic - Italian    7. Southern style    8. Cooking / General    9. Etiquette & entertaining    10. General cookery   

Reviews (1)

Absolutely Brilliant!
I purchased these books as both ice breaker to guests in my home, but also to give a good reading.Well the books are a simple read, one a day.The information contained in these books is absolutly worth its weight in gold.In fact when put into to practice, you almost immediatly become memorable as one who values certain lost traditions.
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Subjects:  1. Etiquette    2. Personal & Practical Guides    3. Reference    4. Gift Books    5. Non-Classifiable   

Editorial Review

What makes a perfect wedding? "[The bride] and the groom both look as though there were sunlight behind their eyes, as though their mouths irresistibly turned to smiles," wrote Emily Post in 1922's Read more

Reviews (18)

Basic Wedding Info for Mother of Bride
I have enjoyed this book because it gives so many options, traditional as well as non-traditional.I will feel more comfortable making decisions because I've read this book.
Beautifully done!
Not only does this book look beautiful, it's packed with solid wedding advice. I recommend it to all newly-engaged couples. Emily would be proud of Peggy's updated and revised edition of her classic wedding etiquette book.

VERY HELPFUL BOOK!
We just used this book to help us get through the etiquette that it took to plan our wedding.It was VERY helpful and very easy to understand and follow.She has some really great and applicable ideas and gives you ideas on how to word almost anything! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Etiquette    2. Manners And Customs    3. Reference    4. Wedding etiquette    5. Weddings    6. Reference / Weddings   

Reviews (31)

Excellent book-
When my son was approaching his 12th birthday, he was forgetting the good manners he had before - everything was a "joke" for him, however, I was afraid he could be offending people, friends, with his behavior.I gave him this book for his birthday.When he read the title "How Rude" he got mad.Later, I saw him taking this book to his room and saw him reading it.Since then, every night he was reading a part.A week later he confessed that this was a great book and he thanked me for it.Any guidance from parents sounds like "nagging" - this book guides teenegers (and pre-teens)giving them good tips.Needless to say, my son improved a lot - he's back to "normal" and we all read this book because is very funny.I highly recommend it.

Hilarious But A Bit Immoral
At 465 pages, this nonfiction book is longer than many fiction books. Who knew there was so much to say about manners? But apparently, there is, and Dr. Packer deals with it in a light, amusing way that had me laughing so hard I actually fell on the floor. It also includes some valuable information known to few -i.e. "don't floss your teeth before having sex".
Great book!
Most teenagers will love this book but not all. One grandson and one granddaughter thought it was very helpful, a third grandchild did not like it. It deals with real kids' issues and problems and gives then actual things they can say, as well as what not to say.It even has some very good advice for how teenagers can talk to their parents.Best of all, it has lots of humor in it.We read parts of it aloud with a teenage grandson and we were all laughing.It has good advice for non-teenagers too. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Young Adult Social Situations    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Etiquette    4. Etiquette for children and tee    5. Etiquette for children and teenagers    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Social Issues - Manners & Etiquette    8. Adolescent children    9. Life Skills & Personal Awareness, General Studies   

Reviews (9)

Great book!
I'm using this book as part of homeschooling my preschoolers. It is great to get ideas from, and the children love learning and practicing new manners. This book not only serves for the good of my children, but also in reminding me of certain things as well. Family life has been much more pleasant since implementing the ideas in this book. My only complaint is that it should have been organized by topic and had tabs for quick reference. Otherwise, it's a good book if you take the time to look for what you want.

Great Information, Poor Layout
This book is FULL of great ideas and information.It is however, listed in calendar format which cannot really be used practically.February 16 is about swimiming pools and unless they are indoors, not many are swimming at this time of year.And there aren't exactly 365 differnent manners because some of them are repeated and build on each other.
Very good-every parent should read
We need more people to follow the guidleines in this book.Easy to read and very practical ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Child rearing    2. Etiquette    3. Etiquette for children and tee    4. Etiquette for children and teenagers    5. Family & Relationships    6. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    7. Family/Marriage    8. Parenting - General    9. Parenting - Parent & Adult Child    10. Advice on parenting    11. Family & Relationships / Parenting    12. Marriage, family & other relationships   

Subjects:  1. Americanisms    2. Conversation and phrase books    3. Dictionaries - Idioms & Slang    4. English As A Second Language    5. English language    6. Foreign Language Study    7. Foreign Language Study / English as a Second Language    8. Language    9. Reference    10. Slang    11. United States    12. English    13. Idioms    14. Language teaching theory & methods   

Editorial Review

Miss Manners' down-to-earth collection of wisdom and pithy wit is a joy to read. Under the chapter on Table Manners, she notes "the inevitable slippage of spaghetti from the fork back onto the plate is Nature's way of controlling human piggishness" and suggests "a quick motion of the wrist, such as one uses to shake down a thermometer, will remove excess ketchup" from French fries. From common courtesy and proper attire to the etiquette of weddings, Martin knows right from wrong and sensible from rude. But this is no prissy, preachy tome. Miss Manners is very funny and has impressive insight into life. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Maintains the tradition
I bought the original, and this one is even better.Very helpful.

THE Etiquette Reference
If you can only buy one etiquette reference book, make it this one.Miss Manners is second to none; her knowledge is extensive, her instruction is flawless, and her tone is pointed yet compassionate.
Miss Manners rides again!
As a career reference librarian, I have answered probably several thousand inquiries from the public regarding the details of wedding invitations and condolence letters, and whether you're "allowed" to wear white shoes in months with an "R." Those are just "etiquette" questions and most of them I can answer from Emily Post or Amy Vanderbilt -- but for the rationale behind *manners,* I turn always to Judith Martin, the leading authority on civilized behavior for a quarter-century, combining sometimes starchy asperity with a home-grown love of American democracy and classlessness. Who else could lay out so lovingly the rules for a formal dinner � la russe, followed by thoroughly sensible guidelines for the civilized use of cell phones, email, and instant-messaging? And you won't find her wishy-washing when it comes to inviting same-sex couples to dinner or organizing a shower for an unwed mother; to her, people are people and all are deserving of polite treatment, if not always respect. And her dry wit, as always, is a quotable marvel. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Etiquette    2. Reference    3. Etiquette & entertaining   

Reviews (10)

Good but short and not Great
Covers several items but is somewhat limited.
An enjoyable read that covers the basics
I bought this book hoping to be both entertained and instructed about how traditional gentlemanly ways should be applied or adapted to our times. In many respects, Essential Manners for Men did not disappoint; the author's impressive credentials are indeed sufficient to make one listen and take notes about everything etiquette.
Misleading title; and book contains more obvious than helpful information
This book is probably not helpful to anyone seeking more than VERY basic social skills.I did not find anything particularly informative.The writing is long-winded, is generally an midly annoying, boring lecturing style.At many points, it actually seemed as if the author was not a man, but rather, someone's wife carrying on about the commonplace, stale female gripes and frustrations about how filthy are their men. Where's the male backbone? Not here. The male author seemed to cowtow to the female of the house; it actually looks like he mirrored the concerns of various women consulted and then determined that essential manners require full male compliance.
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Subjects:  1. Conduct of life    2. Etiquette    3. Etiquette for men    4. Interpersonal Relations    5. Men    6. Personal & Practical Guides    7. Reference    8. Etiquette & entertaining    9. Men's studies    10. Reference / Etiquette    11. Self-Help & Practical Interests   

Reviews (3)

Words Are Weapons
This is an excellent book using age appropriate language to send out the message of just how hurtful and harmful words can be.We all know the doggerel bravado verse of sticks and stones is just a crock.I never bought it because words are infinitely more painful than any stick or stone.I think that deceptive verse should be changed to:
Wonderful message
This book does a great job reinforcing how powerful words are.The book sends out a great message in a child centered and creative way.

Designed especially for children ages 4 to 7
Written by parenting columnist Elizabeth Verdick with an age-appropriate vocabulary, and illustrated by Marieka Heinlen, Words Are Not For Hurting was designed especially for children ages 4 to 7, a time of growing vocabularies and increasing social interaction with peers and others. The simple, positive message is think before speaking, and choosing not only what to say but how to say it. Young readers will also learn of the power in saying "I'm sorry" when the speak words that hurt the feelings of others. Enhanced with a special section at the end that includes activities and discussion starters, Words Are Not For Hurting is confidently recommended for home, school, and childcare center early childhood library resources and character education reading lists.
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Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    2. Conversation    3. Etiquette    4. Etiquette for children and tee    5. Etiquette for children and teenagers    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile literature    8. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    9. Social Issues - Manners & Etiquette    10. Emotions & feelings    11. Personal awareness: family, relationship & social issues   

Reviews (18)

Mandatory
It is precisely what it claims to be. If you're going to come over here, you should read it. So much information, all in one place. My life would've been much easier if I'd read this five years ago, but perhaps Who Moved My Rice? wouldn't be quite so much fun.
A consultant's review
Excellent guidelines, especially for larger corporations.Can be used by smaller companies that have some expertise in international business, or that are working with a consultant in the subject area.I plan to use it as reference in my classes for small business on the subject of initiating business in China.

Clear and wonderfully practical
As someone who was about to embark on business in mainland China, and who has never ventured further north than Hong Kong, this book has been a god-send.
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Subjects:  1. 1976-    2. Anthropology - Cultural    3. Business & Economics    4. Business / Economics / Finance    5. Business And Society    6. Business Etiquette    7. Business/Economics    8. China    9. Corporations, Foreign    10. Exports & Imports    11. Organizational Behavior In Business    12. Social life and customs    13. Business & Economics / Business Etiquette    14. Business communication & presentation    15. Etiquette & entertaining    16. International business   

Editorial Review

Reviews (100)

The author needs to follow what she says...
The authos like someone has said earlier is a good observe of human behavior and practices. Each time she re-enforces the idea that people are extremely impolite about things... I just wonder if she herself does follow it. There is no notion of not ranting about one thing over and over again. This is "effing" joke for the intellectual mind. To summarize the author actually is very good with english, in that she creates an entire book out a material that is worth about a page and a half at its very best.
Talk to the Hand and Look into the Mirror
Lynn Truss has written another witty book that will stick well beyond the initial read. "Talk to the Hand" is a good whack to the head. In "Talk," Truss defines and analyzessix areas in which our dealings with strangers seem to be getting more unpleasant and inhuman.
Are people really that bad?
I started the book and laughed at the beginning. Then she became to me somewhat egocentric. Now, this is a Brit writing this and I'm sure they are different than us. First, service people tend to be nicer here in America and don't behave as boorish. If for no other reason if enough people complain to the management, they would be fired. I know once I complained about a service person at the supermarket they were fired on the spot (not my intention but apparently she was a repeat offender). And I've never had a stranger tell me to "EFF OFF"...yet. And never had a small child swear at me.
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Subjects:  1. Courtesy    2. Etiquette    3. Form - Essays    4. Humor    5. Interpersonal Communication    6. Reference    7. Humor / Essays   

Reviews (9)

All You Need to Get Started
I'm just getting into Robert's Rules to help w/ our union meetings & this was a great book to cut through it all.The book was easy to read - providing a run down of the rules & the rational behind them.This book coupled w/ some of the quick cheat sheet-type products out there should go a long way to getting the process down.

Extremely Helpful Book
Nancy Sylvester does an excellant job of simplifying & clarifying what can seem very complicated and confusing.This book would be helpful to anyone who needs to get a handle on how to lead parliamentary type meetings.It is also quite helpful for those who simply participate in such meetings. This book is recommended to anyone who uses Robert's Rules.

Just what I needed!
I recently became President of a small non-profit group and had no idea of what Robert's Rules were.They seemed so confusing and complicated/convoluted on the surface.This book has been a great help in getting me up to speed on how to conduct a meeting and use the Rules.They are explained clearly as are the reasons why you follow certain procedures which is helpful. Excellent resource! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Parliamentary practice    3. Reference    4. Rules of Order    5. Reference / General   

Editorial Review

"A good party is not about the food," says Ina Garten, "it's about the people." That may be true, but her Read more

Reviews (73)

The Best Cookbook!
This cookbook is absolutely fantastic.As are all of Ina Garten's books.I have cooked at least half of the recipes and they never fail to get rave reviews.The recipes use common ingredients which are easy to find and no fancy techniques are required.It is also nicely illustrated.Watch out though if you are "fat" conscious!Low-fat is not her style!

Not as good as her other books, but a good addition
I wouldn't start with this book -- I actually 'inherited' it from someone who didn't care for it. I like the recipes, but the book is laid out as a series of party menus, rather than desserts in one section, main dish in one section, etc. While I appreciate the menu suggestions (they are a big help, as I am sometimes stymied as to what to serve with what), I would rather see them listed in the back of the book, rather than have the book organized this way. Otherwise, the book is stellar.

Something out of the ordinary
I must disagree with some of the reviews that have placed this book at par or below. Ina hits it out of the park yet again with Barefoot Parties! It is true that you will not find your run of the mill "holiday" parties in here, but who needs more books on those types of parties? We need ideas and recipes for all of the months in between! Parties! delivers just that. First of all, the recipes work; every time. Secondly, Ina chooses menues that one might not associate with that particular get together. It's a refreshing book that you will use over and over again not only for parties but for every night of the week. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Entertaining    5. Entertaining - General    6. Entertaining - Party Planning    7. Parties    8. Regional & Ethnic - American - General    9. Cooking / Entertaining    10. Etiquette & entertaining    11. General cookery   

Reviews (8)

The Party Planner
This book is a definite must have! Mr. Tutera covers everthing from invitations, to atmosphere and everything in between. His hints and tips can even make a novice look like an expert. It is easy to see why his parties are so memorable. He gives you everything you need to make your party a smashing sucess!

Can't wait to plan a party
The book's great and the idea's behind each party are wonderful. I love that a scent is included to enhance the atmosphere of the party.
Grain of salt
My questions on reading this book were, "who GOES to these parties?" and "who THROWS these parties?"If you can get your mind around those questions, the book is useful.
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Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Decorating - General    5. Do-It-Yourself    6. Entertaining - General    7. Entertaining - Party Planning    8. General    9. Home Improvement / Construction    10. Home Management    11. Parties    12. Etiquette & entertaining    13. House & Home / Decorating   

Reviews (4)

Positive Infusion of Manners Into Modern Society!
Author John Morgan has successfully compiled modern changes and adaptations to the traditional code of civilized behavior in the form of "Debrett's New Guide to Etiquette & Modern Manners: The Indispensible Guidebook."
An Essential Book
This book is an excellent resource for tips on manners from mobile telephone and internet etiquette to throwing a party for the Queen.Almost all of the tips are correct - though I have my doubts about the suggestion that a man help a lady into a taxi and then follow her in through the same door (forcing her to slide along the taxi seat). be prepared for the social occasion
The book Etiquette and Modern Manners by John Morgan, who died much too young in a tragic accident in 2000, is published by the British publishing house Debrett's, publisher of many authoritative social reference guide books. Some advice you might find overdone. However, if you follow the suggestions when in doubt you can hardly go wrong. This guide covers many things, such as entertaining, dressing or writing letters in correct style. For example, this book informs you about the correct way to address people with titles and what to do if you are invited to a shooting party. We like John Morgan?s style as he always tries to explain why an etiquette would make sense. For some it might be an old fashioned thing of the past, but if you would like to be prepared for that social occasion, this book will give you some reliable advice. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Etiquette    2. Reference   

Reviews (2)

Virtually essential
Virtually essential when travelling to Japan for business (or visiting relatives) and extremely helpful for the casual tourist. In spite of its brevity, it covers nearly all of the essentials and provides a weath of historical and cultural background for many of the customs. Even though this is the only one I have read so far, I would imagine that other books by De Mente are well worth reading.

the authors time tested phonetic system is great
the authors time tested phonetic system is great and I think he should write a complete English-Japanese and Japanese-English dictionary using romaji and true Japanese characters.a complete dictionary with all four systems:english, romaji, japanese, and the authers phonetic system. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - Japan    2. Etiquette    3. Travel    4. Travel - Foreign    5. Cultural studies    6. Etiquette & entertaining    7. Japan    8. Korea    9. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (42)

Good source for information
While no book is really the end all be all in any topic, this book does give a great deal of information.Bridges, while not Emily Post, does cover topics that one my encounter in everyday life.He writes in an easy to read style that makes reading effortless.
Some Right, Some Wrong
I must absolutely agree with the reviewer who said that many of the author's "rules" of etiquette are merely preferences, not actual indicators of gentlemanly virtue.For example:
Excellent Resource
This small volume is packed with wisdom and insight.With humor and intelligence, Mr. Bridges gently instructs his readers in what is becoming a lost art. Other reviewers have commented that Mr. Bridges' book is not always correct.However, if it is not 100% on target, it is certainly above 95%, which represents an excellent effort.
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Subjects:  1. Etiquette    2. Etiquette for men    3. Men's Studies - General    4. Reference    5. Etiquette & entertaining    6. Reference / Etiquette    7. Self-Help & Practical Interests   

Reviews (2)

Not a practical choice
Too much of personal letters not much variety of bussiness letters. Very simple choice of words. I could'nt use it at all

1001 Letters for All Occasions: The Best Models for Every Business and Personal Need
Everyone should have this book in their personal library. It's one of my best purchases to date. Being an administrative assistant to my pastor makes it necessary for me to be able to construct a proper letter, using correct word choices and grammar. I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business Writing    2. Composition & Creative Writing - General    3. English Composition    4. English language    5. Etiquette    6. Form letters    7. Letter writing    8. Reference    9. Rhetoric    10. Writing Skills    11. Written Communication In Business    12. Writing & editing guides   

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Etiquette    4. Business communication    5. Career Development    6. Career/Job    7. Careers - General    8. Etiquette    9. Reference - General    10. Business & Economics / Reference