Reviews (2)

Kodansha's Communitive English-Japanese Dictionary
The book is a hard cover book with excellent paper and printing.Even the furigana print is high quality although you might need a magnifying glass to read the kana on top.The book says it is "A practical and comprehensive reference for learners at all levels." I am a beginning Japanese student.I have memorized the Hiragana and Katakana syllabaries and reviewed many Kanji. I found the book un-useable at my level.I am light on Japanese grammar and hoped the book would help me understand the grammar better.Appendix A goes over Japanese Grammar but expects the reader to have a greater understanding of English Grammar than I have.Appendix A could use more examples and explanations.Maybe after I learn more about Japanese Grammar (maybe from another book) I will then be able to use this book.

4 and plus
every english word is defined with subtle nuances having more than one example sentences written first in japanese and then in english.sentences are generally not long but giving a good sense of the word in the context.a brand-new great help.I recommend. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Conversation and phrase books    2. Dictionaries    3. Dictionaries - General    4. English language    5. Foreign Language Study    6. Japanese    7. Language    8. Reference    9. Bilingual dictionaries    10. English    11. Foreign Language Study / Japanese    12. Reference | Bilingual Dictionaries | Japanese   

Reviews (5)

Great aid for the Health Care Professionals
This book was an immediate help to be able to begin the vitals and check in process.It is not a know all/do all, but it does help a lot.

A bit shocking
The book was so-so. I've studied several languages before, including spanish, and I'm not convinced the usage is correct throughout the book. I was shocked to find a discriminatory and I think they are reading the book as they go (on the CD)
Great idea, a bit sloppy in execution (you can hear them turning pages as they go through the book, editting is choppy, sounds like a cassette (inherent hiss) but is on CD.Read more

Subjects:  1. Conversation and phrase books    2. Conversation and phrase books (for medical personnel)    3. Dictionaries    4. English    5. General    6. Medical    7. Medical / Nursing    8. Medicine    9. Polyglot Phrasebooks    10. Reference    11. Spanish    12. Spanish language    13. Spanish: Adult Nonfiction    14. Medical / Dictionaries & Terminology   

Editorial Review

We have witnessed a reemergence of cigar culture--everyone is doing it, in popular movies, TV, and in the many cigar-friendly clubs which have sprung up. Read more

Reviews (5)

It's Fidel-icious! It's Fidel-ectable!
A detailed and richly illustrated tome discussing the finer points of cigar selection and enjoyment. As the title suggests, this is a guide for the connoisseur, not the novice. The perfect gift for anyone urbane enough to let a trash fire burn three inches from the tip of his nose.

A great little book.
This book is packed full of useful information. A Good Work, but is getting dated
This is a good reference work for cigar lovers, but it is becoming dated. An update would be appreciated. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Entertaining - General    3. Sale Adult - Cooking / Wine    4. Tobacco-Related    5. Cooking / Entertaining    6. Etiquette & entertaining    7. Food & Drink / Cookery    8. Sale Books    9. Reference    10. SALE BOOKS-ADULT    11. Entertaining    12. Cigars   

Reviews (3)

Show Off Your Inner Geek at Boring Cocktail Parties
For some reason, this slim volume reminds me of the old TV commercial for Silly String which featured a room of yawning guests as a naval officer showed off his ribbons and said, "This is from the Boer War." It's always a good idea to have something up your sleeve to break the ice with strangers that doesn't have to do with the latest edition of People Magazine. After all, you want to have some semblance of an intellect on display to make that right impression. Ah, Mental Floss!
If you do not know mental_floss the magazine, you are in for a treat with this little book.Not only is the information fun and facinating, it is very well organized and you could almost actually use it at a cocktail party!
wish I'd kept it
I bought this as a gift, and of course, started to thumb through it.The trivia is interesting and humorous.It is a good leisurely dipping book.I didn't read the whole thing, but enjoyed the excerpts that I did.Hopefully my friend enjoys it as much as I would have! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Conversation    2. Curiosities and wonders    3. General    4. Humor    5. Reference    6. Reference And Information Services    7. Trivia    8. Humor / General    9. Humour collections & anthologies   

Reviews (8)

great book; some concerns
I ordered this book for my young granddaughter who, at nearly 3 years of age, is ready to consider simple discussion of table manners.I am generally delighted with the book and believe it is one that can grow with a child, having applications even into adulthood.
Manners Made Fun!
You've Got Manners is a delightful, creative book which makes learning manners a fun and interesting "game" for children of all ages.It can be used as a learning tool whether at the dinner table, eating out or traveling, and all family members can participate.I love the author's use of illustrations and vivid primary colors which are instrumental in keeping a child's attention.The author also cleverly incorporated another learning tool, the alphabet.I can unequivocally recommend You've Got Manners for every family's library.

Manners made fun
The charming characters, bright colors, and friendly verse make this book a delightful learning experience into the world of manners, for children young and old. I recommend it highly. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alphabet books    2. Child Care/Parenting    3. Children's 12-Up - Family    4. Children's Books/Young Adult Misc. Nonfiction    5. Etiquette    6. Family & Relationships    7. General    8. Juvenile literature    9. Parenting - General    10. Social Issues - Manners & Etiquette    11. Table etiquette    12. Juvenile Nonfiction / Social Situations / Manners & Etiquette    13. Personal, health & social education (PHSE)   

Reviews (24)

The last 112 pages of this book contains lists of vendors
My first disappointment with this book was that out of 348 pages, the last 112 pages are credits, acknowledgements, and pages upon pages of vendor lists ranging from calligraphy to ethnic artifacts.I could not believe when I got to page 236, the credits began!My disappointment was complete when I turned to the Winter section.I am having a winter wedding and thought this book might provide some ideas on winter wedding receptions.Not so... The chapter focuses on a single home wedding.I had hoped the book would cover pictures and ideas of multiple wedding receptions.I was so disappointed that I wrote this review.It's the first and only review of a book I've ever written.Don't waste your money on this one.

Whimsical, refreshing, inspiring . . .
. . . just a few words to describe this book.Like her other books, The Perfect Wedding Receptionis NOT a how-to book.Nor does it suggest that you have to do everything within its pages. Instead Maria gives us ideas and sparks our imagination so we can create a wedding that is classy, elegant, and fun!
Great Tool
Myself working in the Hospitality Industry have used this book several times when talking to clients to give them some ideas during sells talks. For professionals and those who want to make their special day a bit more special, a most! Great value for price. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Etiquette    2. Family/Marriage    3. Planning    4. Reference    5. Weddings    6. Reference / Weddings   

Reviews (18)

Thank You Notes Are SO Easy & Appreciated With This!
I picked up this book on a whim this summer to help me thank friends and family for engagement gifts. I considered that it would be useful in the long run for wedding gift thank you notes as well. Sure enough, this book is essential. Though its topics are limited, it inspires the basics to compose a simple and heartfelt thank you note. If I were to change this book in any way, I'd add more 'template' notes for different types of gifts, like coffee makers, tea sets, and other common registry items.
Just OK
There is nothing in this book that isn't reviewed by a larger, all encompassing etiquette book. It seemed like the suggestions didn't acknowledge the widely popular use of bridal registries. "Thank you for the crystal vase. It's just what we wanted." ...well obviously, if that's what you had registered for initially, right? It does, however, address some unusual situations. Fair content. Nothing special.

okay
Didn't receive book in rather slowly.But overall, it was good and in great condition ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Etiquette    2. Letter writing    3. Love / Sex / Marriage    4. Reference    5. Thank-you notes    6. Wedding etiquette    7. Weddings    8. Etiquette & entertaining    9. Marriage, family & other relationships    10. Reference / Weddings    11. Writing & editing guides   

Reviews (4)

More useful for doing business *in* Japan
Content: DeMente seems to know what he's talking about (this author was recommended to me by an instructor in Chinese culture).Although I've dealt with Japanese business people for many years, I've not been to Japan, and therefore have no basis to completely judge the book's content.Based on what I do know, though, this book is best read as instruction in how to deal with Japanese business people when doing business *in Japan* (as opposed to doing business with Japanese companies and their representatives in the U.S.). Japanese Ethics and Business
This is one of the best books I have read on Japanese Business and Ethics. The author gives an explanation on the character of the japanese. Explains the differences between doing business the japanese way and the western way.The author gives a history of the japanese and gives stories on how the japanese think and act. You will gain so much knowledge from this book about the japanese. I will recommend this book to anyone that is going to do business in Japan or with the japanese in their own country. A must read.

Effective Use of Stories
Not only is the author knowledgable about the topic, but I like the manner in which he makes his points through real life anacdotes. I use the same technique in my book: The Constant-Sum Approach to Business Success". ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Ethics    4. Business Etiquette    5. Business/Economics    6. Exports & Imports    7. Industrial management    8. Japan    9. National characteristics, Japa    10. National characteristics, Japanese    11. Business & Economics / Business Etiquette    12. Etiquette & entertaining   

Reviews (9)

Dated like her picture on the cover - Avoid
I bought this at a garage sale for $2.00.Our neighbor's daughter was getting married but the book was not very good.The ideas are very dated.If you want to plan a 1970s style wedding and want to spend a lot of money for a picture of Martha when she was young and not grossly overweight than this is your book.

Martha Stewart Weddings
I was very disappointed with this particular book. I was looking forward to a book with many wedding ideas, however, this book is less of ideas and more on weddings meanings and tradition. The ideas it does share are very out-of-date.

French readers will love it.
Gaby deLourdes-Renoir reviews(a Top-10 Amazon.com reviewer) made us love Martha Steward books. "Wedding" is full of extraordinary pictures. You just dream you were there! Will your daughter ever know suchbeautiful moments? Martha Steward helps you to think "yes" as ananswer. Just because she explains you how to cut into small pieces a huge"wedding-cake" (the wedding party you will have to organize).Chapters are divided into specific subjects that can easily be handled byone specific responsible in your family. In the "lightning"chapter, you will discover through artistic (and useful) pictures how tocreate a cheap impressive range of lights in the garden with yellow paperbags and ordinary candles. All chapters include bright ideas for beautifulpeople (like you and me...). I love books that make me feel "I can doit". Especially when they show me beautiful people a a help in theidentification process. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Family/Marriage    2. Marriage service    3. Planning    4. Reference    5. United States    6. Wedding etiquette    7. Weddings    8. Reference / Weddings   

Reviews (7)

For Sincere Expressions In Writing Those Notes.
Written by a past president of the American Society of Journalists and Authors, there is a new (updated and expanded) volume of this little book informing us on the importance of sending personal notes and giving ideas of how to go about it."There are certain general guidelines which apply to every occasion."The right words are readily accessible if you know how to find them.
90% How To and only 10% samples
Although the sample notes were very good, they could have incorporated many more samples instead of the How To's and Scenario Set-ups necessitating the Notes.

oodles of concise, eloquent examples
At first I thought this might be too simplistic a guide to social and personal notes, then I found myself getting choked up in the chapter on "Writing Notes for Difficult Moments." The author is straightforward, friendly, and sensible, and she blends sensitivity with emotion in just the right mix, facing illness, AIDS, cancer, and impending death with clarity and compassion.She also gives snappy suggestions for graduation, holiday, and congratulatory notes, and devotes additional attention to writing to children and teenagers.The book gives such heartfelt, meaningful examples of short notes that if you keep a copy on your writing desk you need never be at a loss for words again. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. English Composition    2. English language    3. Etiquette    4. Interpersonal communication    5. Letter writing    6. Reference    7. Rhetoric    8. Writing Skills    9. Etiquette & entertaining    10. Gift books    11. Reference / Etiquette   

Reviews (7)

Brilliant: The bridesmaid's guide to a wedding toast.
I was the bridesmaid in my friends wedding and this book provided me with the know how on delivering an exceptional toast worthy of my best friend's wedding.I would highly recommend this book to anyone.A must own

Waste of Money
I bought this book based upon some of the other reviews that said it was great and they couldn't have been more wrong. I needed the book on short notice so it cost me $25 and it was absolutely useless. There is nothing useful in this book at all. I ended up just winging the toast because I didn't have time to look for another book.

Very helpful
My brother got married recently and I was the best man. The thought of getting up and giving the toast at the reception was really scary to me so he got me this book to help. When I read through the book I found several that made a lot of sense so I combined a couple together and added a few things of my own.It turned out great and I know I couldn't have done it without this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Etiquette    2. Public Speaking    3. Reference    4. Reference / Weddings    5. Wedding toasts    6. Weddings    7. Reception    8. Speeches    9. Toasts   

Editorial Review

Nancy Holyoke's user-friendly guide to manners, brought to you by the beloved American Girl Library, is for girls who are "getting older, going new places, and doing new things." The introduction explains that "Manners can help. Manners are a common-sense guide to getting along with other people. They prevent you from being selfish or annoying. They remind you to be kind. They make you better company--and a better person." This cleverly designed, comically illustrated 116-page manual covers topics such as first impressions, introductions, invitations, thank-yous, table manners, good sports, embarrassing moments, family gatherings, and more. Holyoke's tips and suggestions, enlivened by numerous, humorous cartoons, are funny, easy to digest, and informative without being heavy-handed. Girls will be happy to know what to do and how to act in different situations. No doubt this tool will help them radiate confidence even when eating gristle, meeting new people, or having tea with the Queen of England. Read more

Reviews (18)

Ridiculous
Listen, I have loved American Girl dolls since I was seven years old (it's probably because of their adorable outfits), but i can't say the same for the books, especially not this one.My mom got it for me as kind of a joke. The girls in this book are completely unrealistic. The good ones are so perfect, sweet, and innoccent. I just feel like screaming at them "can't you ever do anything wrong for once in your life?" According to American Girl, if you're not a what they consider a charming young lady, you're impolite.I try to act as polite as I can, but that doesn't mean acting like a little goody two shoes. (I know this sounds incredibley immature, but I couldn't think of a better way to say it). The so called real life situations are not very helpful.How many times have you heard the story of the girl who made plans with her friend to go shoppping on saturday, only to find out that she's hanging out with her other friends instead? Trust me, it's a pretty typical cenario that the guidance counslers at my school use as an example all the time. I will say something good about it: on page 69 there's a helpful piece of advice on what to do if you're chewing on a piece of meat and you get a piece of gristle stuck in your mouth.It happens to me all the time.

Thumbs Up from Down Under
This book surpassed all my expectations!!! I teach kids with social skills and anger management problems in the state school system in NSW Australia. This book has got it all! In an easy to read and understand format, my students can have the information on do's and don'ts explained. It is coming in really handy with some pre adolescent girls with Asperger's Syndrome. I highly recommend it. My colleagues with adolescent daughters keep borrowing it off me too. It's for everyone, I even learned a thing or too!

Why can't there be more books like this?
This is such a positive book, I wish there was a counterpart for boys.I think everyone could benefit from the gentle advice given in such a friendly way.Manners are presented in a way that makes a young person understand why they make a difference.There is no guilt or talking down to the subject, but a positive and uplifting approach to refining the best in everyone.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Reference    2. Children: Grades 3-4    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Etiquette    5. Etiquette for girls    6. Girls & Women    7. Juvenile Nonfiction    8. Juvenile literature    9. Reference - General    10. Social Issues - Manners & Etiquette    11. Social Situations - Manners & Etiquette   

Reviews (16)

Helpful Money Saving Ideas
I have looked at/read a number of `how to' wedding planning & idea books. Many have the same information, but this book did have some additional ideas. I am an older, second-time bride, therefore, I don't have friends whom have recently married to ask for help or recommendations. The author did list ideas that I had not thought of and I did find many of the suggestions for saving money helpful. One idea I plan to look into is renting a nice automobile for the weekend, instead of a limo for the day. We will have a small wedding party, (therefore no need for a large limo) and I have grown sons, one of which will be happy to drive us. No need to worry about the limo and driver arriving on time, or running over at the end of the evening, or the cost of a tip. Some of the ideas in the book may seem common sense, but when you are in the middle of planning and making decisions, you may over look the obvious. The author lists many suggestions for planning ahead, so you don't have to spend more money later to correct an oversight, or mistake.
Not bad
I found some very useful ideas in this book. I would recommend buying a used copy to save a couple bucks, but it is worth it.

Dah!
This book was not helpful.It gave you ideas on how to save that were common sense.For example, cut down the guest list.Dah!!! That is obvious, the less people the less expensive. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Family/Marriage    2. Marriage    3. Reference    4. Weddings    5. Etiquette & entertaining    6. Reference / Weddings   

Reviews (2)

Good foundation for not forgeting anything
This is a short, quick book that stays on track with all the must-haves, must-asks, and must-dos of wedding planning.You should pair this with something more flowery if you want to get into the gorgeous details of your wedding, but this is a basic essential for those of us who didn't want to forget anything!I used this to make my own checklists, agendas, plans, schedules, etc. in Microsoft Word and Excel (but you can also use the book as is).
Covers all the bases and keeps you on track!!
This book covers all the bases.I chose this based on the simplicity of it when I skimmed through it.I wasn't looking for a planner, but a book that told me exactly what steps I needed to take so I wouldn't forget anything.This book covers every detail of your wedding, breaking down every task that needs to be done.It also had lists of questions that you should ask photographers, caterers, musicians, and all the other people offering serves to you.There were also song lists, which was really neat too.This book really got me started on my wedding plans.I took this book, and typed out checks lists for each month building up to my wedding date, and it's been So helpful to keep me organized and on track.Plus its so inexpensive!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Family & Relationships    2. Family/Marriage    3. Marriage    4. Reference    5. Weddings   

Reviews (1)

Compact, Comprehensive Guide to Tipping in the US.
"The Itty Bitty Guide to Tipping " is a fairly comprehensive reference for gratuity customs in the United States. If you've ever wondered when a tip is expected or worried that you have embarrassed yourself by leaving too much or too little, the information in this little book will put your mind at ease. Following a brief Introduction and "History of Tipping", the tipping advice is divided into 9 chapters, each for a different situation in which you will be expected to tip: Dining Out, Transportation, Lodging, Personal Care, House Calls, Weddings & Other Special Events, Casinos & Cruise Ships, Going Abroad, and Off the Beaten Path (which discusses tips for more exotic service providers, such as tattoo artists and lap dancers). Each chapter begins by describing the topic and"the players", those service persons whom you will encounter and possibly need to tip. This is followed by an explanation of the job each service provider does for you, accompanied by the appropriate tip. At the end of each chapter, there is a "tipping chart", which allows you to see whom and how much to tip at a glance. Also included throughout the book are bits of tipping trivia, advice on when not to tip, and ideas for how to plan and organize your tipping expenses. The "Going Abroad" chapter differs from the others in that it is organized by continent, and then by country, and its tipping guidelines are more general in nature. There are tip tables in the back of the book for calculating 15 and 20 per cent gratuities. Read more

Subjects:  1. Etiquette    2. Reference    3. Reference - Tips    4. Tipping    5. Travel    6. Etiquette & entertaining    7. Reference / Etiquette   

Editorial Review

At last! An antidote to Martha Stewart. Read more

Reviews (3)

A fun and useful book!
Suzanne Williamson and Linda Smith have outdone themselves by writing a wonderful book that everyone will love to read.This is the most practical guide to entertaining that you can get, and is a must have for anyone who is planning on throwing or attending a party any time in the future.Buy one for yourself, buy a few for your friends too.You will be glad that you did.

Great for instilling courage
I've always been a party-goer, not a party-thrower. Why? Throwing a party scared the heck out of me. Far, far too much could go wrong, and I felt that nothing could be more devastating for a relatively shy person than a disasterous party. Yet as I've moved around a number of times, I've realized that there's no better way to meet people than at a party, and that it's silly to wait for the parties to come to me. This is the Best-Party book out in the stories
I give Suzanne Willamson and Linda Smith a pat on the back with a great job in writing the all-purpose entertaining guide. They covered everything very well and the forward by the renowed author, Pat Conroy, was superb. If you are looking for a book for enertaining, no matter the occasion ,Enertaining for Dummies is the book to get. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cooking / Wine    2. Entertaining    3. Entertaining - General    4. General    5. Home Economics (General)    6. House & Home    7. Menus    8. Self-Help    9. Etiquette & entertaining   

Reviews (2)

Excellent Reference
This little book is perhaps the best guide to personal note and letter writing available, which is surprising given the number and size of other books that purport to do the same thing but fall horribly short.
Does Exactly What It Says
This book does exactly what it says - it provides a concise, contemporary guide to personal correspondence for men.I read it in one sitting, and the insight I gained was well worth the price paid.Bridges and Curtis share about when to send a note, what to write, what stationery to use, and even how to deal with poor, illegible handwriting.Read more

Subjects:  1. Etiquette    2. Etiquette for men    3. Letter writing    4. Reference    5. Writing Skills    6. Etiquette & entertaining    7. Reference / Etiquette    8. Writing & editing guides   

Editorial Review

Back in 1993, the editor-turned-designer Kate Spade made a splash in the fashion world by turning out a small collection of boxy, utilitarian handbags, each elegantly accented with her name stitched in discreet, lowercase letters. As a result, the simplicity and unabashed refinement of the Spade moniker on those Lilliputian labels has come to define the very foundation on which the designer has since built a fashion empire, one that now, in addition to handbags, includes shoes, clothing, and smart home things, all of which embody the Spade formula of timeless style--a seamless merging of cheerful colors, clean shapes, and well-chosen embellishments. Not bad for a Kansas City-born girl who used to comb vintage stores for fun. Having perfected and expertly marketed her own brand of personal style (one that has famously been counterfeited throughout the world), the designer has emerged with an equally elegant trio of books whose topics Spade has become a virtual authority:Read more

Reviews (13)

Emily Post Redux
This is a cute book, but lacking in substance.Like her other books in this series, it's layout is like a magazine- with watercolor illustrations, quotes and short paragraphs interspersed through out the pages.The advice Kate gives is not bad- it's just that you can get this information, and in greater detail from Emily Post's book.Kate does give some modern advice for cell phones and re-gifting, but nothing you have not heard already.It was an entertaining one-time read that you can finish in about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.Check it out at your library instead of buying a copy though.

Cute manners book that needs a little more pizazz
This book does include some helpful information, but at times I found it boring.If you really liked the other two books in this series you probably would like this one as well.

Kate Spade's Pet Peeves
This book reads more like a list of Kate's pet peeves. There is really nothing new to be learned from this book other than what most people already know, such as chewing gum in public, turning cell phones off in the movie theater, sharing arm rests, splashing people with water while in the pool, etc.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Etiquette    2. Manners And Customs    3. Reference    4. Fashion design    5. Reference / General   

Subjects:  1. American Satire And Humor    2. Etiquette    3. Form - Essays    4. General    5. Humor    6. Humor / General   

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business entertaining    3. Business/Economics    4. Customs & Traditions    5. Entertaining    6. Industries - Hospitality, Travel & Tourism    7. Manners And Customs    8. Performing Arts/Dance    9. Planning    10. Recreation (General)    11. Sociology    12. Special events    13. Business & Economics / Hospitality, Travel & Tourism    14. Etiquette & entertaining    15. Food & Drink / Cookery    16. Hospitality industry