Reviews (4)

Interesting and succint
Coming from a college student with a high number of international friends, I found this book interesting and succint. The book helped to explain many of the reasons for some of my friend's behaviors because of culturaltraditions. Overall, I give this book a nod of approval.

Useful, readable, accurate, respectful
Norine Dresser's work is an invaluable guide to helping people navigate the dangerous shoals of intercultural intersections.From the varying significance of yellow flowers through the opposing attitudes toward saltto the values of folk remedies, Dresser gives excellent and respectfuladvice. Know why the elevator stops on every floor?
For decades I thought it was because some prankster had been on just before me. All that wasted time while no one got on or off had begun to bother me. Now that I know the reason behind it, I smile.So glad to havethis and other cultural differences explained. Thank you Norrine Dresser.This one's on my gift list. (Bonus (not in book): Did you know that if youask someone who is deaf to have lunch and they give a big frown as they nodyes. that it means YES VERY MUCH! The deaf tendency to frown to emphasizehas led to a lot of misunderstandings. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Entrepreneurship    2. Etiquette    3. Intercultural Communication    4. Manners and customs    5. Multiculturalism    6. Reference    7. United States    8. Etiquette & entertaining    9. International relations    10. Reference / Etiquette   

Reviews (16)

Shift in Focus to Parties, Away from Home Decorating
Maybe "Elegant Shabby Chic" would have been a better name for the book.The photos are gorgeous.The events the author created are lavish affairs for Hollywood socialites.The reader can find inspiration from these and depending on the budget, create your own event.
Beautiful picture book.
I was in great anticipation of this book because I found her previous ones (with the exception of the Gift Giving one which I have not read) to be beautiful, inspiring and filled with great, new to me, information. I wasn't expecting another book like the first ones and had I, I think I would have been disappointed. What I was expecting, however, was just another beautiful book filled with wonderful images to give my brain a creative spark. And it did just that.
best cottage style reference
If you like the casual comfortable look of overstuffed slip covered furniture, this is the best reference you could buy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Design - Decorative    4. Dining rooms    5. Entertaining    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. Interior Design    9. Interior decoration    10. Party decorations    11. Table setting and decoration    12. Etiquette & entertaining    13. Home furnishing & decoration    14. House & Home / Decorating   

Reviews (11)

Not as great as I thought
From the review I thought this would be a great book to have, but I find it lacking and thin.Many of the suggestion were repeated [...]. I thought this book is more about ideas of words to write, and indeed it has some, but not a lot to choose from.
Not what I expected
I bought this book thinking it would help with my holiday letter writing and a letter I wished to write for a friend who recently married. I was very disappointed in the sparse selection of sample letters and the overabundance of poems and gift ideas. It's not something I'll reach for often.

You NEED this book . .
Spizman's book of useful tips, hints and resources for anyone who aspires to BE the kind of person who cares and does something about it is really wonderful.I already think I do a pretty good job saying kind and encouraging things to others.This book really gives me ideas and encouragement for doing it.I plan to give copies of this book to many friends.A great and useful resource.Also, her daughter's book, The Thank You Book for Kids is a terrific how to book for young people.Read more

Subjects:  1. Etiquette    2. Gifts    3. Gratitude    4. Interpersonal Communication    5. Interpersonal Relations    6. Letter writing    7. Miscellanea    8. Psychology    9. Reference    10. Word Lists    11. Reference / Etiquette   

Reviews (3)

Wedding Planning For REAL People
FINALLY! A book that doesn't assume I work as a designer for Martha Stewart Weddings.It offers guidance to all with such wonderful common sense (which I've found all TOO uncommon in today's wedding guides!) This book does not tell the bride that she can do anything she wants becasue after all it's HER day.Ms. Shaw comes straight to the point and tells you the truth.Just like a best friend.Only this best friend knows exactly how to word the invitations and seat the groom's family.And this book is actually funny!The examples of faux pas are excellent reminders of just how ridiculous and childish people can get when it comes to weddings. This book will help you make your day special,AND help you expertly manage the delicate situations that will surely arise along the way. Above all, its humor will remind you that weddings are supposed to be fun.This is a great gift for a bride-to-be.

A great reference book for everyone involved in a wedding`
I am getting married in July and my sister is getting married in August. She is my maid of honor and I will be her matron of honor. She bought a lot of wedding ettiquette/planning books that we have both been consulting, and this is by far the best.The author has obviously been involved in planning many weddings, from the most elaborate to the most simple, and she offers great advice.A must-read for the bride who wants as many personal touches as possible, but also wants to know what's acceptable -- and what's not.A very funny read, as well!

Witty and Helpful Book
This wedding book is very well done. The best part of the book is the fact that it uses humor. In an age when weddings have become the focus of obsessive mothers and brides that are out of touch with reality, Shaw uses humor to foucs on keeping the wedding tasteful and nice. The book is full of tons of practical advice. The use of humor makes it very readable for grooms! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Reference    2. Wedding etiquette    3. Weddings    4. Reference / Weddings   

Reviews (3)

Esperanto of the "Rules of Order" genre
The book is thin and exposes a limited set of rules without which anarchy becomes the hard rule.
Indispensable, For Anyone Who Conducts Meetings
Fred and Peg Francis have done an amazing job. Their book is absolutely indispensable for anyone who conducts meetings or participates in democratic discussion at any level from the parliamentary right down to school boards, environmental protection groups, churches, even book clubs or social gatherings. What the Francis' have admirably succeeded in doing is cutting through the forbidding complexities of running a meeting and reducing them to a simple set of common-sense rules which anyone can follow. With this handy guide, the frustrations which accompany many meetings can be sharply reduced and democratic participation improved. Anyone who has conducted or participated in meetings and struggled with the daunting complexities of Roberts or other rule books will be thrilled at how this little book--you can read it in an hour--will smooth out the rough edges of meetings and greatly improve the harmony and satisfaction of attendees.Over the years I have presided or attended hundreds of meetings at the governmental, business, church and social levels and have often been frustrated by the difficulties of properly chairing such meetings so that all can be heard, everyone can understand the process, and the will of the majority can be formulated and prevail. Much of the difficulty arises from the fact that few have the time or inclination to study the old-style rule books, and are therefore easily intimidated, even tyrannized sometimes, by the very few who know "Roberts" Equally distressing are meetings where the Chair is ill-informed or makes dubious rulings or is swamped by Points or Order or confusion over what are acceptable motions and amendments, when to call for a vote, and so on. By clarifying these points, the Francis' book makes an important contribution to democracy. It can be readily adopted by any group, club, church or corporation and will be of lasting benefit.Speaking personally, I have sat through years of parliamentary debate and appreciate the value, and necessity, or achieving consensus in a democratic proceeding by having rules and following them. Up until now, the rules have been exceedingly complex, often confusing, and finally unsatisfactory at many levels. From here on in, those groups who adopt Democratic Rules of Order will find significant improvement in both the tenor of their meetings and the validity of the results. (Signed) Douglas Leiterman (former parliamentary correspondent)

Simplified rules of order are easy to understand and apply
This book is an example of how less is more.Aftering struggling with Robert's Rules of Order (700+ pages) and various synopsisses, I was over joyed to find this common sense guide to conducting meetings.In less than 34 pages it outlines and defines all the basic rules and procedures to getting things done.While book is perfect for those completely unfamiliar with parliamentrary proceedure, it helps even the more experienced by simplifying and eliminating the more esoteric rules.Read more

Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Business Communication - Meetings & Presentations    3. Political Process - Political Parties    4. Political Science    5. Politics/International Relations    6. Rules of Order   

Reviews (10)

A Sassy Cosmo "Helen Gurly Brown" tone & zero content
I tried to read this after I read "52 Fights" and was very dissapointed.TMMG reads like a silly teenage magazine or Cosmo -- Maybe the "Samanta Jones" take but with juvenile lingo.It's really self-centered and offers no concrete advice or insight.It also has stupid lines in it like keeping your option open to pose for Playboy.Huh?A waste of time and money.If this is your thing, you can find it free on any number of websites and blogs."52 Fights" was much better.

Fun & Cute
This is a cute book to give as a bridal shower gift.I read it a few years after I was married...I thought it was fun & cute and I even picked up a few tips.It talks about many different things, like in-laws, entertaining, friends, neighbors, spats, money, vacations. The author has some great insights and delivers them in a way that keeps your interest.

Very fun!
A fun and fresh look at life after you say I do.Perfect for honeymoon or summer beach reading. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Conduct of life    2. Etiquette    3. Marriage    4. Married women    5. Reference    6. Wives    7. Reference / Etiquette   

Reviews (11)

Charming, entertaining and HELPFUL
This book was highly entertaining and I found myself using the lessons Miss Manners taught me almost immediately.
Good concepts, but could be more clear
I thought this book had the right idea, but I'm on the look out for something that is more straightforward. Miss Manners can be very amusing, but I got tired of her referring to herself in the 3rd person. There seems to be a lot of "filler" and very little practical advice. Honestly you can skip over most of it and just go for the comments in bold. Everyone should have those phrases at their disposal. I think I will try to read another Ms. Manners book and see if I find it more helpful.
Not up to Miss Manners' par
While this book is moderately entertaining and serves as a reminder to anyone who has forgotten how to stay out of other people's business and how to nicely keep other people out of their own, it's substandard for Miss Manners.There's a great deal of repitition and narrowness of approach, and because of this, the book is not as funy or as useful as it otherwise might be. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Conversation    2. Etiquette    3. Interpersonal Communication    4. Reference    5. Self-Help    6. Communication Studies    7. Etiquette & entertaining    8. Reference / Etiquette    9. Reference works    10. Social, group or collective psychology   

Reviews (4)

Aren't charm and manners available to everyone?
This book is DEFINITELY for you if you want your coaching in the social graces served up with a generous dollop of Christianity, including a story of a cook who prayed "Dear Lord, You are in the redemption business. Please redeem this turkey". However, if you're like me, preferring etiquette books to be available to all, regardless of faith, you may want to look elsewhere for a book dealing with charm and manners.

Loved this book
I loved reading this book.It is well written and everything in it is useful.Parts of it bring back memories of my childhood.I wish we could all slow down, remember our etiquette and be more gracious.

Help for the Hillbilly
Social Graces was a big help in knowing how to tip waitresses, bell boys, ect... Working in a tourist town and knowing who to tip or not can sometimes be a concern for most people. Especially for those of us that don't get out of the hills much, so the book was very helpful. I would like to see more manner books on social conversation and answering gracefully in difficult situations. So keep writing Aunts! (You will understand that statement when you read the book!) Buy it today. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Etiquette    2. Family & Relationships    3. Family/Marriage    4. Inspirational - Gifts    5. Reference   

Reviews (2)

A very interesting book.
The topics on careers and other subjects hit the mark. An excellent layout of writing.

A good overview for the busy business person
Do you know the proper way to enter and leave a limousine?You will if you read Dana May Casperson's book.Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Etiquette    4. Business communication    5. Business/Economics    6. Career Development    7. Careers - General    8. Communication    9. Entrepreneurship    10. Human Relations In Business    11. Management - General    12. Advice on careers & achieving success    13. Business & Management    14. Etiquette & entertaining   

Reviews (4)

Table Settings
I really enjoyed this book more than most of the books that I've purchased on the subject (I have thirteen).The pictures are fabulous and the variety of table settings is superb. same as 1985 edition, only cover differs
True, this is a very good book, and provides a "fix" for the dish junkies among us.However, it should be noted that it is a re-print of the 1985 eidition of the same volume, but with a different cover.So if you are looking for a different book or at least additional pictures, as I was, you will be disappointed.On the other hand, if you've always wanted the original, which I believe is out of print, this is your opportunity.

A Lovely Book
I am very happy with my decision to buy this beautiful book and know that I will make great use of both its table settings and recipes well into the future.My only negative comment (and this is from a purely personal perspective) is that it contains more casual table settings than formal, the latter being what I was actually looking for when I purchased the book.But I am still very glad that I did. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cooking / Wine    2. Decorating - General    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. General    5. House & Home    6. Tablesetting    7. Etiquette & entertaining    8. Home furnishing & decoration    9. Hospitality industry    10. House & Home / General   

Reviews (8)

Eh
Not terrible, but not the easiest read and a tad difficult to follow along with.Seemed to go out of order or jump around a lot.I would recommend the Unofficial Guide to Planning your Wedding or The Dummies Guide.Or better yet, do what I did and check them all out from the library first, and THEN decide which one to buy

A must have for all Brides to be!
I don't know what I would have done without this book!It told me so many things I didn't know.I only have 2 friends that are married so I am new to all this wedding stuff and this book definately pointed my in the right direction. I even recommended it to someone else that is getting married!Get this book.
Offensive and contradictory
I'm going to run out of room if I say everything I want to about this book. Suffice it to say that much of its advice is straight out of the Fifties (including all the stuff about your dad getting his Heart Broken because his Little Girl is All Grown Up Now....barf). Also, one page says that invitations should never be addressed "and family," and then about 100 pages later there's a sample invitation addressed to "so-and-so and family." This is what happens when 3 people write a book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Love / Sex / Marriage    2. Reference    3. Self-Help    4. Wedding etiquette    5. Weddings   

Reviews (17)

Seeing differently
HOwdy,
That's not what I meant
Although many newer books in the field of relationship communications have been published in the last few years, this title remains a "must read" for anyone wanting a beginning understanding of theradical yet unintentional differences in communication style betweenpersons - men and women in particular.After reading this book, one begins to understand the many nuanses embedded withinour verbal communications.

Great book
What a great book. This book opens up a world to understand all the problems in communication. It's very insightful. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Communication    2. Conversation    3. Interpersonal Relations    4. Interpersonal communication    5. Psychology    6. Psychology & Psychiatry / Interpersonal Relations   

Reviews (7)

interesting
Offers tips on everything from parallel parking to preparing a quick hot meal. However, the author's know-it-all tone was a little grating. I also wanted to know WHY these techniques were preferable as opposed to others. Finally, I wished that the author had divulged the sources of her knowledge. That would have added to the book, I think, rather than subtracted. None of us are born knowing how to do everything.
Most Informative for a self-described loaf
I really enjoyed this book. I had no idea to fold a fitted sheet or whistle loudly. I especially like the more adult topics- choosing wine, furniture, baby- holding. Very informative and helpful. And I loved the cartoons.

great for over-30 too
Adcock's wit and smart, funny writing makes me not mind that I'm catching up on some of these how-to's even though I'm past 30.A gem of a book--great as a gift or for yourself. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Conduct of life    2. Education    3. General    4. Handbooks & Manuals    5. Life skills    6. Reference    7. Success    8. Reference / Etiquette   

Reviews (1)

What to do When and Where
This is a great book to answer those questions that your mama and grandmama can't help you with. Anything and everything related to social situations that are part of the African-American community are in this book, as well as, what good manners are. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African Americans    2. Conduct of life    3. Etiquette    4. Reference    5. United States    6. Reference / Etiquette   

Reviews (25)

We should constantly remind yourselves
I don't know if I'm the best person to rate this book ...'cause I LOVE this dude,i think Larry is awesome and this book is too, I mean it's about communication and he is the king! The book is like a rule bookon how to be a better communication person,we all have heard many of his tips in life before but we just don't remember to use it on a daily basis and that's what it brings up to ushow to usethe things to know intalks and basically LISTEN ,LISTEN ,LISTEN..pretty much the key

A Reminder
This book is a good time killer. You don't have to read it straight on through because there are different sections to it. It took me about 3 weeks to read this book.
not particularly insightful....
This book provides some good tips, but they are not particularly insightful. Larry King treats his readers as extremely shy ppl or those who cannot even strike a conversation with a stranger. I think anyeone with average social skills would already know most of the things mentioned in his book.
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Subjects:  1. Communication    2. Conversation    3. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    4. Personal & Practical Guides    5. Personal Growth - General    6. Reference    7. Reference / Personal & Practical Guides    8. Sale Books   

Reviews (5)

When I was a Flower Girl
This book is a wonderful gift idea for a flower girl.It explains everything about the wedding and everyone in the wedding while providing space for you to write and add pictures. The flower girl can also add her own input and pictures.

When I Was a Flower Girl
This is a beautiful momento for any flower girl! Mine absolutely were so excited to fill in the pages, save the petals, etc.It's a wonderful way to personalize this very special experience in a little girl's life.

A fun book
This was bought by my fiancee.I have little to do with the planning of the wedding so I haven't seen the book, but she seems to like.She says it is fun. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Family/Marriage    2. Flower girls    3. Reference    4. Wedding etiquette    5. Weddings   

Reviews (3)

An outstanding compendium and documentation of what is ultimately the religions of the world
Deftly edited by Stuart M. Matlins and Arthur J. Magida, How To Be A Perfect Stranger: The Essential Religious Etiquette Handbook is an outstanding compendium and documentation of what is ultimately the religions of the world. Inclusive of a great detailing of the African American Methodist Churches, Assemblies of God, Bahai, Baptist, Buddhist, Christian Church, Christian Science, Churches of Christ, Episcopalian and Anglican, Hindu, Islam, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jewish, Lutheran, Mennonite/Amish, Methodist, Mormon, Native American/First Nations, Orthodox Churches, Penticostal Church of God, Presbyterian, Quaker, Reformed Church in America/Canada, Roman Catholic, Seventh-day Adventist, Sikh, Unitarian Universalist, United Church of Canada, and the United Church of Christ, How To Be A Perfect Stranger acts as a reference and well researched guide to a significant understanding of many of today's religions and their progression from historical backgrounds. How To Be A Perfect Stranger is very strongly recommended to all students of religion, those searching for a religion which may righteously favor their beliefs, or those merely seeking a greater understanding of societal religious perspectives.
A 'How-To' Guide For Visiting Services Among The World's Religions
Not only is this an invaluable reference book that provides reassuring guidance on how to act, what to wear, what to expect from the liturgical services of virtually all world religions, italso gives a concise, handy detailing of exactly what each of the religions believes in, teaches, and how and when it got its start. Handy for when you're about to attend a wedding or other life-cycle event within a faith with which you're unfamiliar, or if you're simply going to be a guest at a religion's worship service. A well-written, informative study done in plain, everyday language.

The essentials of religious etiquette for most faiths
"How to Be a Perfect Stranger" is the ultimate reference on how to act and what to expect when attending a religious service at any of the most common religions in America.Would you know what to do if a Hindu invited you to their infant's naming ceremony?What if a Christian Scientist family had a death in the family and you were invited to the funeral?Or what if you were invited to a Latter Day Saint, African American Methodist Episcopal, Lutheran, or Mennonite service, would you know the appropriate dress and order of service?All these questions and more are answered in this book.Read more

Subjects:  1. Canada    2. Comparative Religion    3. Etiquette    4. Reference    5. Religion    6. Religious etiquette    7. United States    8. Aspects of religions (non-Christian)   

Subjects:  1. Conversation and phrase books    2. Conversation and phrase books (for medical personnel)    3. Dentistry    4. Dentistry - General    5. Dictionaries    6. English    7. Medical    8. Medical / Nursing    9. Polyglot Phrasebooks    10. Reference    11. Spanish language    12. Medical / Dentistry / General   

Reviews (10)

Get the cassette
Play the cassette whenever possible for hundreds times, for example before bedtime and during sleeping.
101 American English Idioms: Understanding ...
This book it really helps a lot people like me that have English as a second language.
A great book for ESL children
This book includes 101 popular American English idioms along with an illustration for each that children will find amusing. Note that the illustrations are purely for amusement rather than providing visual explanations of the idiom. Some of the idioms are more popular than others but overall a good selection has been made. Each idiom is explained in detail and with example sentences and a larger context.
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Subjects:  1. Americanisms    2. Conversation and phrase books    3. Dictionaries - Idioms & Slang    4. English as a Second Language    5. English language    6. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    7. Foreign Language Study    8. Idioms    9. Language    10. Reference    11. Dialectology    12. English    13. Foreign Language Study / English as a Second Language    14. Literary & Linguistic Reference Works   

Reviews (1)

Needs to be updated
The book gives you some really good advise but it needs to be updated to today's needs. It presents anecdotes from different people but within the same companies(ex: Johnson Wax)Needs to have more zest on it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Etiquette    4. Business entertaining    5. Business/Economics    6. Exports & Imports    7. Intercultural Communication    8. United States    9. Visitors, Foreign    10. Business & Economics / Business Etiquette    11. Etiquette & entertaining    12. International business