Editorial Review

Everyone's life is governed by an internal code of conduct. Some call it morality. Others call it religion. But Bros in the know call this holy grail the Bro Code.

Historically a spoken tradition passed from one generation to the next, the official code of conduct for Bros appears here in its published form for the first time ever. By upholding the tenets of this sacred and legendary document, any dude can learn to achieve Bro-dom. ... Read more

Reviews

Priceless humor for any fan of the show, November 10, 2008
This book isn't some quick, half-hearted cash-in for How I Met Your Mother Fans, it's basically Barney Stinson in paperback form. The Bro Code is hilarious. If you're a fan of the show you'll likely hear Neil Patrick Harris' voice in your head as you read the book cover-to-cover. With diagrams, footnotes, and over 150 "codes" written by the show's writers, this is a can't miss book.

enjoyable, but not as funny as I expected, July 28, 2009
Listening to the audiobook is definitely the best way to read this. Barney Stinson himself narrates. It was a good way to pass the time, and the accompanying pdf file is pretty funny, but I wouldn't go out of my way to read this unless you're a huge huge fan of How I Met Your Mother and Neil Patrick Harris.

Great Quick Read, October 11, 2010
If you watch How I Met Your Mother, this book will make the show much more emjoyable. Great Quick read, funny, sometimes real.

Eh, June 27, 2010
I was expecting something more. The book is basically just like Barney makes it sound in the series. It's a list of rules, most of which are mildly humerous/somewhat entertaining. Something good for reading on a train but hardly worth buying in my opinion.

Legen.......i hope you're not lactose intolerant because the next part is.....dary!!!!!, May 28, 2009
This book embodies what it means to be a bro, how to act like a bro, and even proper punishment for violation of bro code. Besides countless laughs this book does in fact set a good standard for bro's to follow

Penetrating Parody, March 25, 2009
The premise: we are all presided over by innate rules of conduct and behavior - some call it morality - but Bros in the know call it the Bro Code. This side-splitting prize comes fully loaded with penetrating parody. Although a quick read, "The Bro Code" is suitably weighted with entertaining one-liners. Men, keep this awesome book on your coffee table, or your desk. Women, buy this book for a peak into the psyche of a Bro in the know. This effortless and gratifying book makes a great gift.

-D.E. Boone,
Creator of LEGS TALK: A MODERN GIRL'S DATING GAME

It's Gonna Be Lengendary!, January 26, 2009
The Bro Code, as an audio book, is a brilliant thing, indeed. The writing itself is clever and very HIMYM, or--to be more specific--very Barney. Not only does Matt Kuhn (er, Barney) supply readers with ample material to laugh at and enjoy, he also rewards loyal fans with references to things that have occurred throughout the series' colorful seasons. Furthermore, he had me picturing the characters in an array of hilarious new situations that could arise from the ideas presented in The Code. I read the book first and the narration by Neil Patrick Harris makes the many articles of The Code jump off the page. He manages to bring Barney's personality very convincingly to life through voice alone. I would recommend this audio book to all who are fans of the show or simply wish to have a good laugh.

Wait for it....Awsome, January 1, 2009
This book is a quick but funny read. I finished it in one sitting, but I swear I as I read the book I could hear the spoken word of Barney from How I Met Your Mother. The lessons are meant as a joke, but in reality most college guys do live by these rules.

This is a must have for any fan of the show How I Met Your Mother.

laugh out loud funny!, December 20, 2008
If you are a fan of the show How I met Your Mother, then you are a fan of Barney. And if your a fan of barney then you will love this book! It is a quick read and laugh out loud funny! I am constantly reopening it to figure out what bro code was just broken!

The Bro Code Reviewed, May 11, 2009
The Bro Code is a light hearted read... very simple and strongly related to the "How I met your Mother" TV show character Barney Stinson.
The quality of the book Amazon sent me was very poor... the pages look like they had been photo copied with a lot of black smudges... I would recommend buying this book in a book store where you can see what you are getting. I didn't complain about the quality as it was ledgible and a quick read... ... Read more

Editorial Review

Since the dawn of history man has searched for the answer to the most fundamental of questions: “Why am I here . . . not banging chicks?” The search is over. Now, with the help of The Playbook, you’ll be able to approach any beautiful woman, discover her innermost passion, and use that to trick her into sleeping with you. You’ll master more than 75 seduction techniques, developed by pickup guru and all-around good guy Barney Stinson, guaranteed to turn you into a bona fide ladies’ man. ... Read more

Reviews

Suit Up!, October 7, 2010
This is a hilarious read, another gem from the 'How I Met Your Mother' series. The "plays" Barney Stinson uses to pick up women would not work on a girl with half a brain in real life, but nevertheless, it's fun to think about trying to pull off some of these moves on girls. You take it for what it is-- a great extension of a great episode of the show. The ones featured on the show are there: "The Mrs. Stinsfire", "The My Penis Grants Wishes", "The Cheap Trick", "The Scuba Diver", "The He's Not Coming", "The Snasa", "The Don't Drink That!", "The Ted Mosby", "The Scuba Diver", and among others, my personal favorite, "The Lorenzo Von Matterhorn."

There are exactly 76 plays broken down into sections from the basic to the advanced. Each play has its own fact sheet. You're given a success rate, what type of woman the play attracts, the requirements to perform the play, the prep time, and the "bummers", which is a way of saying "but here's the catch."
From there, the play is broken down into steps. The rest is self-explanatory.
I won't explain any of the new plays in detail, but I'll give you a couple play names so as to build a little intrigue:
- "The Little Orphan Barney"
- "The Ghost"
- "The Mannequin"
- "The Confused Inheritor"
- "The Ballet Defector"
- "The Vampire"
- "The I Can Land This Plane"
- "The Trojan Lesbian"
- "The Ghost Of Christmas Future"

It carries much of the same type of humor as 'The Bro Code.' It follows common stereotype assumptions of men and women, leaves little remarks, anecdotes and/or tips at the end of some plays (and in between) and extensively uses sarcasm to make very obvious points. If you're a fan of 'The Bro Code', I highly recommend picking this up. It's creative and smart and I doubt would be offensive or repulsive in any way to anyone. As a matter of fact, I think it appeals just as much to women as it does men, especially those women who have been the target of some ridiculous pick-up scheme (I'm guessing that's somewhere in the range of most to all). After all, they're the "victims" in this, so to speak. Might as well make light of it.

Like the show, 'The Playbook' is well thought out, well executed, and well... just plain quirky. Hopefully it wins your praise as well.

Note: The episode this book is based on is called 'The Playbook.' It's episode 8 of Season 5 and the 96th of the series.

Grade: A+

Bro! Suit up!!, October 27, 2010
How could you not love this stuff. Too funny. The HIMYM writers are great. Love the show. Love the books. Barney is great. Ted is a tool. See if you can find this at like half price books or something. I know it's really cheap already but still... It's such a fast funny read you can easily read the entire thing in the bathroom in one morning. Borrow it from a Bro.

Do Not Try This At Home, October 24, 2010
This is basically a spoof version of pickup artists' routines manuals such as The Art of the Approach and Rules of the Game, and as such should be considered more of a companion piece to the show than an actual how-to guide because it demonstrates the absurd lengths Barney will go to for his next conquest. While I'm certain you can pull off The Fireman in the real world because I've been mistaken for one at least twice just by wearing a Boston Fire duty T-shirt I got online, there's no way you're going to find a girl so stupid that she'll fall for The Olympian's lock-in prop of an aluminum foil-wrapped oatmeal raisin cookie posing as an Olympic silver medal. ... Read more

Editorial Review

From the mind of New York Times bestselling author Barney Stinson comes the ultimate companion to The Bro Code - a handy reference guide crafted for today's active Bro. With new rules, inspirations, and wisdom, coupled with classics staples from the original Code, Bro on the Go is designed to quickly aid a busy Bro in any situation he might face - at the beach, on the job, at the game, or with the ladies. Plus, it looks good stuffed in your pocket. ... Read more

Reviews

Yet again, Barney Stinson strikes gold., December 1, 2009
After purchasing the Bro Code, the Bible of Bro-dom, if you will, I decided I could not be without Bro on the Go. Upon receiving my package, I tore it open and immediately read the whole thing. It's not long, no, but the wisdom contained within its meek blue cover is second only to that within the Bro Code itself.

There are a few original Bro Codes, usually one at the beginning of every chapter, but the majority of this book consists of fresh nuggets of wisdom regarding various situations a Bro may or may not find himself in, with titles such as "Bro at the Beach" or "Bro in Outer Space", and various other everyday situations.

This is a book any Bro should own. No exceptions.

Bro on the Go, January 1, 2010
Bought this as a last minute Christmas gift for my son on a friend's recommendation. It was a huge hit with everyone laughing as we read parts of the book outloud. It was a double bonus since my son's name is Joseph and his nickname is Broseph. Also purchased The Bro Code, equally as funny.

Bro on the Go: A perfect companion to..., December 23, 2009
A friend forwarded me an Amazon link she received recommending Bro on the Go to those who previously purchased The Ones That Got Away - A Dating Memoir. As the author of that book, this surprised me a bit.

Bro on the Go is just what watchers of HIMYM would expect - a fun, little, pocket full of light and witty Barneyisms. My story is a little different. Spanning 25+ years of dating, it's an elaborate answer to the question, "Why are you still single?" One too many Barneys, eh?

Both of these books obviously fall under the Humor genre and I've been thinking that if I renamed the OTGA, it could be a companion for Bro on the Go. I'd call it 'Ho on the Go!

Ho! Ho! Ho!
~ M. Hill

BTW, No one - neither bros nor hos - should ever exit a bathroom announcing they "just dropped a bomb in there."

Don't Waste Your Time!, October 9, 2010
This shouldn't even be called a book! I love the Kindle; however, I just found a major draw back.., there's really no way of assessing the value of your purchase beyond "Trying a Sample!" I read the "Brief" sample which was Just A Tease... This book is awlful.., I got (as kids would say), "Punked!" Trust Me, I have better things to do than write a Book Review. The only conselation I get in writing this review is hoping someone will save their Time & Money by by-passing this waste of paper & Electronic Text! Well, you've been Warned! ... Read more

Editorial Review

Man Up!

While it's definitely more than just monster trucks, grilling an d six-pack abs, true manliness is hard to define. The words macho and manly are not synonymous.

Taking lessons from classic gentlemen such as Benjamin Franklin and Theodore Roosevelt, authors Brett and Kate McKay have created a collection of the most useful advice every man needs to know to live life to its full potential.

This book contains a wealth of information that ranges from survival skills to social skills to advice on how to improve your character. Whether you are braving the wilds with your friends, courting your girlfriend or raising a family, inside you?ll find practical information and inspiration for every area of life. You?ll learn the basics all modern men should know, including how to:

1. Shave like your grandpa
   
   
2. Be a perfect houseguest
   
   
3. Fight like a gentleman using the art of bartitsu
   
   
4. Help a friend with a problem
   
   
5. Give a man hug
   
   
6. Perform a fireman?s carry
   
   
7. Ask for a woman?s hand in marriage
   
   
8. Raise resilient kids
   
   
9. Predict the weather like a frontiersman
   
   
10. Start a fire without matches
    
    
11. Give a dynamic speech
    
    
12. Live a well-balanced life
    
    

So jump in today and gain the skills and knowledge you need to be a real man in the 21st century.

Reviews

What makes a man a man?, February 8, 2010
Men don't have many places to turn for solid lifestyle advice. Most men's periodicals and websites offer trendy fitness fads, designer suits or softcore bikini photos with all the lifestyle help of a beer commercial.

And then there's The Art of Manliness. As time goes by I've gained great respect for Brett and Kate McKay and the classic-yet-fresh take on masculinity on their Art of Manliness website. True to form, their first book isn't an e-book sold on Clickbank, it's a paper-and-ink tome fittingly titled The Art of Manliness: Classic Skills and Manners for the Modern Man.

This book delivers on its promise in spades. If you get past the swaggering Victorian dandy on the cover you'll find practical advice that applies here and now, for almost every aspect of a man's life.

Its eight chapters reflect all sides of the total man. "The Gentleman," for example, includes tips and advice on becoming well-groomed and well-mannered, from how to fold a pocket square and iron pants to the "lost art" of wet shaving with a safety razor. If you want to know the difference between the American Man Hug and the International Man Hug, how to land a plane in an emergency or how to braid your daughter's hair, it's in there.

As a bonus, I found Art of Manliness to be a quick, engaging read. Where the AoM site frequently discusses its topics at length, the book is concise and well-structured, quickly laying out the steps to a tip or the case for a concept and then moving on.

Tying these tips and trivia together is the notion that what makes a man a man has never changed -- it just gets lost in the noise. A well-put-together guy still has a better shot at the women, fathering is still a manly art, and a man who practices common courtesy as well as his fighting skills still has a leg up on both the meathead and the mouse. Many of the references here are from a "golden age" of manliness that may or may not be a tad idealized, but the information is solid.

Most of this book is just plain common sense, and you'll find yourself nodding in agreement with advice like "Stop Hanging Around with Women and Start Dating Them" and "Give and Accept Criticism Without Coming Off as a Cad." That's not to say there aren't some concepts that might make you think twice: reading the McKays' advice on "Modern Technology and the New Rules of Etiquette," you might realize you've been using your cell and e-mail less like a man and more like a cross between a 14-year-old girl and Unfrozen Caveman Computer Nerd. (Yes, it IS possible to use actual grammar in an e-mail message!)

Reading deeper, another key concept surfaces: one change we suffer in the modern world is that the brotherhood of men has become less of a brotherhood and more like a loose circle of disposable acquaintances. And that, son, makes you disposable too. How many of us under the age of 50 (hell, 65) have thought of joining a fraternal organization? And how often have you planned a vacation with your buddies that involved gathering firewood or catching your own dinner? I think the McKays nailed it on the head: there's an underlying homophobia that keeps us leery of true male friendships, and a modern detachment that keeps us closed off from (or worse, antagonistic toward) our communities.

Rant over. The point is, you WILL learn something from The Art of Manliness, and you WILL come away a better man no matter where you come from. The first print run completely sold out before Christmas, but the second printing is finally available, so make haste before it's gone too.

Get this book., November 11, 2009
The lost art of manilness is described in this book, along with its remedy. The authors really make a good case on how to act and what sorts of things a manly man needs to do. It's not all pomp and circumstance, either. There are really, really good tips throughtout and it has helped me in tremendous ways. I don't like to admit that I didn't know some of the things inside the book, but it's good to know them now so I won't end up looking like a fool. I think all men should read this and I think all parents should give one to their sons. It can really help a guy out a lot. Another good one, in my opinion for the same reasons, is How to Get a Girlfriend: Two Classic Dating Guides in One Volume-Understanding Women and How To Be The Man Women Want.

A Must Read, October 8, 2009
Simply put, The Art of Manliness is a must read.

Finally, a men's book that isn't focused on "12 easy steps to getting ripped," or "10 secrets to hooking up with your coworker." If that is what you are looking for then The Art of Manliness is not for you. (Actually, it is probably more of a must read for you than you realize, but I digress).

The Art of Manliness is a witty, well-written collection of topics that are pertinent to true men. Topics your grandfather and father should have taught you. With today's limited quality of options related to men's literature, The Art of Manliness is a welcome change.

Go ahead - make the purchase. You'll be glad you did.

Best Book for Young Men Out There!, October 3, 2009
For a long time, I've been looking for a good book for my teenage son that can teach him some of the things he should know about being a man. I'm a single mom and I worry that my son hasn't learned some of the important skills that men need to know. But I just wasn't happy with what was out there. I looked at "The Modern Gentleman," but found the writing very pretentious and it wasn't really about being a good man. I also looked at the "Compleat Gentleman," which had some interesting historical information but it was really dry in some places and didn't have any practical advice for how to live a good life. I've been following the Art of Manliness website for a long time now and I love it, so I had high hopes for this book. But it definitely met those hopes! I got the book this week and gave it to my son and he's been reading it every night and says he really likes it. It's a wonderful book with such good advice, and it's interesting enough to keep a young man interested. I would recommend that all the moms out there get this for their sons!

Destined to become the Bible for many men., October 3, 2009
Brett McKay is a Tulsa, Oklahoma blogger, who, along with his wife Kate, has penned some of the most articulate and thoughtful sentiments on the dwindling state of manliness today.

This book should be a reference for any modern man who is living in today's gender-neutralized society where it is hip to poke fun at men, and the term "manliness" never shows up in the media unless it is connected with a crime or applied to a woman.

Mr. McKay is a bookworm; he has read all the great classics and studied the lives of great men from Theodore Roosevelt to Winston Churchill, from Martin Luther King, Jr. to George Washington. He uses his extensive knowledge and acute observational skills to draw up witty, detailed, and sincere advice on every area of being a man, from heroism to cleanliness, chivalry to friendship, fatherhood to virtues. This book is indispensable. Men all over America and the world are benefiting from the Art of Manliness, be it in book form, or on the blog.

He writes with the sympathetic but direct prose of a good father or male role model. The Art of Manliness does not make you feel bad if you are lacking in some areas of manliness; it just gives you direct, clear advice on how to improve. It is not written from a conservative or a liberal slant, a religious or an anti-religious slant; it reaches out to ALL men who are willing to improve. While other man-books out there turn manliness into a big joke, and others bog you down in deep philosophical ponderings, The Art of Manliness takes its subject seriously, but presents itself in a witty, easy-to-understand manner.

Also, be sure to check out my personal favorite blog post that was composed after Mr. McKay had already set the table of contents for the book in place: The Art of Letter Writing. Mr. McKay's thoughts on the dying art of hand-written, mailed sentiment and how to construct a proper letter have turned me into a passionate letter writer. Just one of the countless examples of how The Art of Manliness has influenced men everywhere. This book and its accompanying blog is a true one-of-a-kind.

Finally, something for men.

A guide to becoming a well rounded man in modern society, October 5, 2009
Mr. Ben Geets' review include excellent background on the author husband & wife team, so I will keep this review strictly to the contents of the book. I received this book earlier than I expected and finished it in just about a day and a half.

I ordered this book as soon a I heard about it for 2 reasons. First, I am an avid reader of the Art of Manliness (AOM)Blog, and I thought it would be a great way to support the site. The other reason is because I thoroughly enjoy the McKay's writing style in their blog posts, I knew the book would echo similarly.

I cannot recommend this book enough. There are plenty of books out there that try to be a guide to all things men should know. They all fall into one of two categories. They are either specific to one topic like[...] or they cover TOO MANY areas without really going into depth on particular one. That is, until The Art of Manliness came along and found that sweet spot right in the middle.

The Art of Manliness (book and blog) provide just enough detail to leave the reader in the know on any particular topic, without trying to make them a pretentious snob about it. The writing is funny, but this is by no means a book with humor as its main goal. The information is solid, and the McKays have presented it in such a way to be enjoyable and keep your attention. For example, in the same chapter you may find insights by "manly" men in history like Winston Churchill or Teddy Roosevelt as well as references to Facebook. I appreciate the mixture of modern and historical perspectives.

You can skim or skip over certain parts completely that you wouldn't necessarily find relevant, as I did when I skimmed over the parenting chapter (being a 26yr old single future CPA at the moment). The chapters do fall into a kind of natural order though and you could read it straight through as you would a novel. It's a fun read and I enjoy the use of older "slang" that is no longer part of the modern man's vernacular (a glossary of these terms is included.

The Art of Manliness is more than just another book for the shelf of coffee table. It's got the right amount of the right information and is presented in an attention-keeping way. The Guide is interactive and thoughtfully crafted to provide a modern man with what he needs. It does all this without sexist, homophobic, or other negative yet still commonly considered "manly" sentiments.

Pick up the book, you will enjoy it and you will be supporting an excellent blogger and "Manly" Man and his wife.

A contemporary guide to being a gentleman, January 22, 2010
I grew up in a household where etiquette was highly valued. I wish this book had been around when I was younger. The McKays do a great job in bringing back this lost art. It has inspired me in different ways to become more of a gentleman. I intend to buy this book for all the high school seniors in my church youth group as a graduation present. The skills they will learn can make real difference in their future at home, at work, and at play. Be sure to go to their website at [...] as well as listen to their podcasts on iTunes.

The Art of Manliness: Classic Skills and Manners for the Modern Man, January 15, 2010
Brett and Kate McKay have given the latest generation of young men something they truly need--a guide on how to be a man. In a day and age where there is no clear rite of passage for young men, this book provides the teaching that had previously been passed on from grandfather or father to son. It is truly a reference guide for many of the common situations a man will encounter. It provides instruction on how to be a gentleman, friend, lover, hero, leader, father and virtuous man. Most of the teachings are set toward a nineteenth century English gentleman adapted to the modern world without losing the colorful language of nineteen century London streets.

It is entertaining and funny while at the same time being educational. It has the practical things every man should know including changing a tire, table manners, and the all important--what different types of flowers mean. It also has some of the impractical but humorous things as well, like how to land a plane in an emergency and how to perform the American man hug. Using the teachings of many classic gentlemen such as Teddy Roosevelt, Ben Franklin, and Rudyard Kipling, the McKays provide a history of man as well as a guide. //The Art of Manliness// proved to be a late but important addition to the Christmas gifts for all the young men of my family.

Reviewed by Mike Scott

How to be the "Real Deal" (rather than a caricature), January 4, 2010
This book separates the men from the boys, then it spurs the boys on to BECOME men. Brett and Kate McKay have certainly developed a firm grasp for all things related to the art of being a gentleman (not an easy task for an attorney, I'm sure).

I've been following the McKay's work for awhile now on their blog site [...], and I'm constantly struck by how deeply they care about the men of our age. They've described their approach by means of the old analogy: "Throwing the baby out with the bathwater." The feminist movement did many great things for both women AND men in our culture, having removed many bad assumptions and inequalities. However, if those bad things were "the bathwater," genuine manliness was "the baby;" Brett and Kate are in the business of saving that baby.

Men today are looking for a good role model. We want to know what a REAL man looks like, because we're pretty sure that it's not the 30-something perpetual teenager, slumped down on a couch in his parents' basement, playing his XBOX. "The Art of Manliness" is a how-to book for that guy, a resource to help him become a creature of dignity, someone he can, himself, admire.

At its core, I believe this book is an attempt to call every man to a life of dignity, honor, and respect for his fellow man; in short, manliness.

And it does a great job, at that.

Required reading., October 22, 2009
So far my favourite chapters have been, Chapter One: The Gentleman, which is chock full of the basic stuff that your father should've taught you but serves as a good refresher course, or a solid foundation to build on. Chapter Four: The Lover, I am pretty tight with the chivalry stuff but it was a cool read especially the segments pertaining to marriage, I was hoping this chapter was Kate approved to help me get inside of the female mind and not let anything unimportant slip through. By far my favourite chapter was, Chapter Five: The Father, of course because I am a father and I especially appreciated the segment "Raise Resilient Kids, it reaffirmed many things I already practice in raising my daughter which is good because some of those things can be scary such as "2. Let Them Do Unsafe Things". Plus I was amused at the "Teach Your Kid To Ride A Bike" segment in particularly the old dirty trick of "..let go of the bike's seat. To avoid a possible freak-out and ensuing spill, don't tell him you're letting go." The last two chapters "The Leader" and "The Virtuous Man" could be combined with chapter one as required reading for every young man. The humor peppered into the segments is a nice touch and keeps the writing down to earth and kept the pages turning. The glossary in the back is a nice "The Clockwork Orange" touch, and I know if I adopt too much of it I will sound like I stepped out of a movie (although I do naturally use a few of those). I now count "square-rigged" the newest edition to my vocabulary.

It definately sets itself apart from any self-help, lifestyle, fashion, philosophy type of books by means of the honesty of its we-give-a-damn tone that it strikes. A great book for perpetuating the endangered art of manliness.
... Read more

Editorial Review

Foreword by Stephen R. Covey, Author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

A PAPERBACK ORIGINAL

"Most books make promises. This one delivers. These skills have not only helped us to change the culture of our company, but have also generated new techniques for working together in ways that enabled us to win the largest contract in our industry's history."--Dain M. Hancock, President, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics

A powerful, seven-step approach to handling difficult conversations with confidence and skill

"Crucial" conversations are interpersonal exchanges at work or at home that we dread having but know we cannot avoid. How do you say what needs to be said while avoiding an argument with a boss, child, or relationship partner? Crucial Conversations offers readers a proven seven-point strategy for achieving their goals in all those emotionally, psychologically, or legally charged situations that can arise in their professional and personal lives. Based on the authors' highly popular DialogueSmart training seminars, the techniques are geared toward getting people to lower their defenses, creating mutual respect and understanding, increasing emotional safety, and encouraging freedom of expression. Among other things, readers also learn about the four main factors that characterize crucial conversations, and they get a powerful six-minute mastery technique that prepares them to work through any highimpact situation with confidence. ... Read more

Reviews

For when the going gets tough, November 30, 2010
We all face situations in life where things are tense and saying the right things is critical. This is what the authors call a "crucial conversation," as opposed to a casual discussion. Crucial conversations happen between two or more people when opinions vary, stakes are high, and emotions run strong. Whether you are approaching a boss who is breaking his or her own policies, critiquing a colleague's work, or talking to a team member who isn't keeping commitments, keeping the conversation productive can be very difficult.

The main technique the authors teach is the talent of dialogue. This is the free flow of meaning between two or more people. People who use this technique are able to find a way to get all relevant information from themselves and others out in the open and make it safe for everyone to add their meaning to the shared pool. These people try hard to ensure that all ideas find their way into the forum; and as this "pool of shared meaning" grows, it helps people by exposing them to more accurate and relevant information so they can make better decisions. This wise and witty guide gives you the tools you need to step up to life's most difficult and important conversations, say what's on your mind, and achieve positive outcomes. You'll learn how to:

* Prepare for high-impact situations with a six-minute mastery technique
* Make it safe to talk about almost anything
* Be persuasive, not abrasive
* Keep listening when others blow up or clam up
* Turn crucial conversations into the action and results you want

All in all, it's a great book for developing advanced "people skills" and I rank it right up there with Emotional Intelligence 2.0

Fluffy, but very good, April 23, 2007
This is kind of a fluffy business book... I generally hate these books, but this one has a creamy nougat center of knowledge that I've never encountered before. At 200 pages, its a must read. Please ignore the Franklin Covey vibe: the authors really have something important to say.

This book solidifies what many have said before: those who genuinely understand how to communicate have all the power in this world. It's not about knowledge, skills, manipulation, or strength... Those who can get groups of people who distrust each other to come to genuine consensus will always have power. Why? Because its so incredibly difficult... and its so incredibly important.

This book helps you identify the behaviors that help -- and the behaviors that hurt -- when building consensus. Make no mistake about it: human beings are poorly designed to get along with each other. Our brains are wired for competition. At most we co-operate with genetically similar groups. Evolution has wired us to not want to work together with people too different from ourselves, lest we threaten our own survival.

That may have been useful 2000 years ago in highly competitive tribal cultures, but in the modern world such prejudice is usually counterproductive.

This book helps you identify which behaviors may be hindering you. When confronted, a human's instinct is fight or flight. In a conversation, the fight instinct comes out in argument, sarcasm, or belittling. Likewise, the flight instinct comes out as keeping quiet and doing nothing, or totally ignoring what the other person said... typical passive-aggressive behavior.

This book also presents exercises to help you keep a cool head, communicate clearly, and get things done... despite your evolutionary wiring.

If you read this book, and practice their exercises a lot, you will slowly gain a reputation as somebody who can really make things happen.

Highly recommended!

Crucial Conversations, March 5, 2003
As an executive coach working in merger integration activity for many years I have found that the wisdom found in Crucial Conversations can be worth millions and even hundreds of millions of dollars to the clients I work with. Far too many mergers fail because executives avoid having crucial conversations. Finding an authentic path to work through tough issues and critical moments of truth while building long term relationships is a real art. Crucial conversations is filled with practical wisdom from individuals who have discovered "simplicity on the far side of complexity" as it relates to this most difficult and important subject. In my business and personal life, I have found the ideas in this book are invaluable in helping get to the root of difficult issues while maintaining and even enhancing relationships. Very insightful and brilliantly practical.

Insightful, practical, engaging--an exceptional book!, May 6, 2003
When I obtained a copy of Crucial Conversations, I had very high expectations of this book having read the authors' outstanding earlier work, The Balancing Act. I must say I wasn't disappointed; in fact, I was delighted! Crucial Conversations is an extremely insightful and very practical book. Indeed, it is a very rare combination to find a book that contains profound ideas as well as provides actionable tools and Crucial Conversations delivers both.

The book addresses a topic that is largely misunderstood and vastly underestimated: high stakes dialogue. The authors define crucial conversations as those where 1) stakes are high, 2) opinions vary, and 3) emotions run strong, or in other words, much of both our professional and personal lives. We're all involved in crucial conversations at home and at work but most of us are not very aware of the interpersonal dynamics at play and/or we're unskilled in how to respond differently. The book helps the reader first understand the principles involved in "crucial conversations" but then also helps the reader develop real skills and abilities to choose or change their communication patterns. The end result is remarkable. The book's impact is a much bigger idea than simple communication--it's all about effective human interaction and getting results with and through people.

The book is highly readable, extremely engaging and actually quite fun. It is filled with illustrations and stories from all walks of life: business examples, personal examples and family examples. The fact that the principles and skills the authors teach can be applied in all dimensions of life--work, home, personal--is very appealing to me and made the book extremely helpful on many fronts.

I benefitted most from this book from a business standpoint and have found that applying these skills has made a real difference at work. I'm more courageous and more considerate at the same time. I understand people better but I especially understand myself better. I'm far more conscious and aware of my dialogue with others and I've greatly improved my skills and abilities to lead effectively. The bottom line is, I'm helping my company get better results and I'm far more effective personally. If more people in business were to apply these principles and skills in the frequent crucial conversations they have at work, they would make better decisions, achieve better results and do it all in a way that would build the trust and strengthen relationships. I couldn't give a book higher marks. Outstanding!

worth listening to, May 9, 2007
I'm not a fan of self-help books or motivational speakers. Usually I'm driven off by the smarmy tone or self-serving verbal gimmicks. But that's not what you get with Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High.

The purpose of this book is to teach skills for managing verbal dialogue in the face of emotional conflict. The authors stay focused on this topic, teaching a series of behavioral, planning, and interpretive techniques for developing a more effective communication style. They are NOT selling happiness, fulfillment, total quality satisfaction, competitive transformation, etc.

Crucial Conversations uses a variety of instructional methods (examples, diagrams, memory devices, and repetition) to reinforce a modest set of techniques. It avoids gimmicks and hyperbole. The writing is smooth enough to be readable, without diluting the message with entertainment.

Probably I should wait a few months before writing this review. The authors point out that their dialogue skills can't be mastered without sustained practice and review. But already the book has made me more aware of my own conversational habits and responses. I've got some "crucial conversations" coming up and I'm looking forward to trying some techniques to ratchet down the emotion and cultivate information flow.

Every adult and teenager should read this book!, February 24, 2006
Since most of my career has included public speaking I am rarely intimidated by confrontation. I have been the employee negotiating for my salary and a boss dealing with overworked, stressed employees. Even with years of experience, this book helped me to be more aware of how my own speech patterns may affect the people I deal with - on both sides of the fence.

After reading Crucial Conversations, I more easily recognize words that usually invoke an emotional response and avoid them.

This book makes a wonderful gift for employees, friends and family - all careers from CFO to Coffee Barista to Secretary. I highly recommend this book for seasoned professionals and college students.

Crucial Conversations - Crucial Results, March 4, 2003
I have read Crucial Conversations cover to cover 4 times now. The results in my business and my marriage have been amazing. The book is well written and easy to understand. It teaches step by step skills to help you master the content. Before reading this book, I thought influential people possessed a natural ability to effectively handle conflict. After reading the book, I now realize that there are specific skill sets that anyone can learn (and master) to effectively deal with these "High Stake," "Strong Emotions," and "Opposing Opinion" conversations.

My confidence and productivity has increased in every area of my life (My business has increased by 30%-50% since I read the book the first time) and I am now effectively handling conversations with my wife that once caused constant upset.

I would recommend this book for anyone 1) wanting increased results and 2) willing to have a profound breakthrough in how they communicate. It has made a profound difference for me.

Start now and change your life!, September 17, 2002
Too many of us never say what is really on our mind, that is until we let the pressure build and it escapes in a way we regret. This book will change your life. It provides the tools you need to commit to meaningful dialogue with those who matter most: family, co-workers and friends. You can have candor and respect at the same time.
The book is a delightful read, adding humor along the way. It is powerful in the examples taken from real life. It is meant to be read time and again. You will want to practice and perfect these skills, using the time-tested principles until they become a part of you.

It helped me immediately!, March 24, 2004
I see now why now why my principal gave others and me this book. Earlier today our committee of educators came up with a new program to replace a set of undefined steps that had us three months in arrears in our caseload. The unanimous and accepted consensus, I believe, only came about from applying the ideas in Crucial Conversations. Those that had disagreed with the new program did behave badly, but this did not side track the process. Applying the authors advice of keeping focused on what I want enabled me to avoid being sucked in.

I offer one snippet the books ideals. They say, If you behaved badly apologize but if your intentions have been misunderstood don't apologize do a clarifying "don't/do" statement: "Don't think I mean this awful thing you have been thinking. Do realize that I mean this." They indicate that such statements are just the beginning of repairing what they call safety. This repair was crucial to obtaining today's agreement. Try it!

Life-changing book, February 5, 2007
This book should be required reading for almost everyone! It describes how to initiate and carry through difficult conversations which effect everyone's lives. It teaches the reader how to examine his own motives and desires before attempting to share his ideas with someone else. It shows how to clarify issues and then present them openly and honestly without offending the other person in the conversation. Too often we resort to silence or violence when dealing with crucial conversations and the authors point out the futility of either position. This book is now being used in many businesses and is required reading for employees. Whether dealing with business or personal issues, this book is a superb resource. ... Read more

Editorial Review

A concise and user-friendly guide to the essentials for conducting a meeting by the official Robert's Rules of Order authorship committee.

In a club, a condo association, or a board of overseers, how is business carried over from one meeting to the next? How is a meeting best kept on track? Who keeps the order and who decides what the agenda will be in the first place?

The answers to these concerns of assembly can be found in the rulebook of orderly meetings: Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised 10th Edition. But weighing in at over 700 pages, at least 80 percent of its content will be needed less than 20 percent of the time. Those not well versed in parliamentary procedure can find themselves lost while trying to get guidance on the everyday basics.

The solution? Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised Concise. Written by the officially sanctioned Robert's Rules of Order authorship team, this short and user-friendly "cheat-sheet" of a guide briefs readers on the rules most often needed at meetings--from debates and amendments to votes and nominations. With sample dialogues, helpful references to the "big" book throughout, and handy tips for elected or appointed officials, Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised in Brief is the essential abbreviated meeting rulebook. ... Read more

Reviews

User-friendly meeting guide
This has to be the most user-friendly book I've seen, starting with the inside of the front cover. It says, "If you only have 30 minutes" then read certain chapters.

Somehow these experts figured out what the rest of us would need to know and how we would be looking for it. Maybe they had a panel of non-experts to critique.

There are chapters detailing what the words are that you use to make something happen and how to use those words. Best of all, everywhere you look there are copious examples.

In the back are succinct tables of those same words and there is also a chapter on how to find the completely complete information on the topic in the big "Robert's" book

Most of the book is concerned with what you need to know as a member of the group. There are separate chapters for an officer of the group, which contain the things that most of us don't need to know.

This is not a book you'd save for a winter evening curled up in front of the fireplace. It's to tell you all sorts of things you'd really rather not have to know, but that you really need to know. I've already decided that mine is mine alone. Nobody is going to borrow it because it would never come back to me.

Buy this one first
Even though I have both the "in Brief" and the unabridged editions, it is only the "in Brief" edition that I take with me to my meetings. I recommend that you buy and read the "in Brief" edition first.

Everyone should read the unabridged version ....
... but let's be realistic about it; most people won't. For the 95% of us who just want our PTA, Condo Association, or other group to run an efficient meeting, this is the book to read. It tells you the most important parts about Robert's Rules -- the stuff that comes up regularly at meetings. I'm on several non-profit boards, and this is the most useful book on running meetings I have found.

Perfect tool for the job!
I was really impressed by the simple and concise manner in which Roberts' Rules of Order was explained. Perfect tool for the person newly responsible for running a meeting.

Concise, well written
A nice, concise, well-written summary which should be useful for all members of organizations which hold meetings.

Robert's Rules Rule!
If you wish to be consistent in your meetings, "Rules" is essential -- this edition allows quick checks with the option of going to the complete rules when necessary.
I recommend this brief edition highly

Great Resource!
I bought five copies of this book to give to the elder board at our church. It is helping us to conduct our meetings in a more organized fashion. I highly recommend this book for anyone wishing to brush up on their parliamentary procedure. ... Read more

Editorial Review

With sales of more than 750,000 copies, the books in the GentleManners series have become the most popular gift etiquette books on the market today. This latest book in the series was written especially for boys ages 8-14, to teach them the basic skills every young man should have and every young man's mother and grandmother want him to have. Among the topics covered in this book are how to shake hands, how to make an introduction, what to do when you sneeze or cough, and how to use a napkin. It is written in a style that will appeal to young men of that age. ... Read more

Reviews

Grandsons loved it!!, February 17, 2007
I bought this book to use with my grandsons, ages 11 & 13. I pulled it out one day when they were visiting and read them the introduction. It might have been the phrase "impressing the girls" that first caught their attention! I read to them from the book, starting with "How to behave in a movie theater". The chapters are short instructions followed by "You do" and "You don't" and "Why" sections. The advice is excellent and concise! After reading a few chapters to them, the 13 year old asked to see it and picked a few chapters he wanted me to read to them. Then the 11 year old wanted to pick a few!! We spent over an hour reading and discussing and they never lost interest! The next morning they were still saying things like "I put the toilet seat down, "just like a young gentleman should"! We will read more together the next time they visit. The book is written so you can randomly pick chapters that appeal at the time. Money well spent, time well invested in "my two fine young gentlemen"!!

A Really Good Place to Start, September 17, 2008
I have an eleven year-old son who thinks he's 13-going-on-21. Like most modern fathers, a nine-hour day - bracketed by a 40-minute commute - doesn't leave me with nearly as much time as I would love to spend with him. Add two younger brothers to the mix and "one-on-one" time becomes truly precious. I honestly believe that being a gentleman gains a man a lot of respect - even if the people he encounters really don't know why they respect him. Like all fathers, I want my sons to be liked & respected.

50 Things Every Young Gentleman Should Know covers the basics in a no-nonsense manner. Each situtation is breifly described and defined. It is then followed by "What you do," "What you DON'T do" and "Why." It is a very easy read (I read it from cover to cover in under 45 minutes.) that communicates it's ideas in a very clear manner. Does it cover EVERY situation that a young man is going to encounter? No, but it does a good job of covering the most common ones. Everything from "What to do with a napkin," to "How to treat someone with a disability."

These are all things that my four brothers and I were taught at home, but we had the absolute luxury (By today's standards.) of Dad being at home on the family farm when he wasn't commercial fishing or working for the county road department. Being the youngest, I got lots of "peer reenforcement" from my older brothers.

My son's reaction? "You're joking, right, Dad?" I looked him squarely in the eye and informed him that I was most certainly not joking and that I expect him to not only read the book, but to learn the things it has to teach -- and to put them to work in his life. He shook his head and walked off to his bedroom with the book. He was back in five minutes, promising to read five "Things" each day. I think he must have read the dedication I enscribed on the inside of the front cover. Most of it is highly personal and (I pray) not applicable to your individual situtation, but here is the last paragraph: "Why is your learning to be a gentleman so important to me? Because I love you and I want you to be liked and respected by everyone you meet. Love, Dad."

Like I said in my review's title: This is not the last word on training up your sons to be gentlemen, but it is a good first step on that all-important journey.

50 Things Every Young Gentleman Should Know

My son loves this book!, July 15, 2007
My son is 7 and I was not sure what he would think of this book. He loves it. I was very surprised by his reaction to the book. I skimmed the book and felt that it was appropriate for any age boy with good reading skills.

Unfortunately, today "common sense" has become nonsense to a grunge-influenced culture, August 8, 2008
Detractors will argue that a book like this is only common sense, but unfortunately, our society today has been influenced by the "grunge-activists" so that good manners in word and deed are disappearing. Bridges and Curtis touch on such mundanely topics as shaking hands with the elderly, with ladies, etc., writing (a lost art) of thank you notes, giving and receiving compliments, opening doors for others, answering a phone (and cell phone usage), table manners, making introductions, etc. These and all are essential in the business and professional world.
Good manners in what one says and does is always appropriate: putting others before oneself. While there will certainly be variations, the untaught and unsure cannot go wrong by going by their "letter of the law." jhr

Chief cook and bottle washer, March 23, 2010
This is a book that everyone should own to read and review at will, especially now in this time of forgotten manners and courtesy.

Great Review, Great food for thought........., November 30, 2009
Many of these jewels found withing these pages are long forgotten, or never heard of. Every young man should read this cover to cover, Easy reading, common sense brought to the forefront with a touch of class. If you exercised in social setting all the great things in this book, you'd command respect, anywhere, everytime!
... Read more

Editorial Review

How to Be a Gentleman: A Timely Guide to Timeless Manners is the revised and updated edition of the smash-hit How to Be a Gentleman and offers practical advice on being a gentleman in the twenty-first century.

Should you take your BlackBerry on vacation? What is the best way to accept a compliment? Is an e-mail an acceptable means of writing a Thank-You note? While the tenets of gracious behavior never change, the situations a gentleman faces do and have changed significantly in the last ten years. In this revised, updated, and expanded version of the bestselling How to Be a Gentleman, Bridges addresses new issues such as airport security, Bluetooth and BlackBerry usage, and appropriate internet and instant message communication. Still featured are topics ranging from how to receive a compliment to how to act at funerals. Certain to be the must-have guide for the modern gentleman, this revised edition will echo the success of its predecessor.

Editorial Review

For the first time in its history, this American classic has been completely rewritten. Peggy Post gives us etiquette for today’s times. Read by millions since the first edition was published in 1922, Emily Post—the most trusted name in etiquette—has always been there to help people navigate every conceivable social situation. The tradition continues with this 100 percent revised and updated edition, which covers the formal, the traditional, the contemporary, and the casual.

Based on thousands of reader questions, surveys conducted on the Emily Post Institute and Good Housekeeping Web sites, and Peggy’s travels across the country, the book shows how to handle the new, difficult, unusual, and everyday situations we all encounter. The definition of etiquette—a code of behavior based on thoughtfulness—has not changed since Emily's day. The etiquette guidelines we use to smooth the way change all the time.

This new edition resolves hundreds of our key etiquette concerns: dealing with rudeness, netiquette, noxious neighbors, road rage, family harmony, on-line dating, cell phone courtesy, raising respectful children and teens, and travel etiquette in the post-9/11 world…to name just a few.

Emily Post's Etiquette, 17th Edition also remains the definitive source for timeless advice on entertaining, social protocol, table manners, guidelines for religious ceremonies, expressing condolences, introductions, how to be a good houseguest and host, invitations, correspondence, planning a wedding, giving a toast, and sportsmanship.

Peggy Post's advice gives us the confidence of knowing we're doing the right thing so we can relax and enjoy the moment and move more easily through our world. Emily Post's Etiquette, 17th Edition will be the resource of choice for years to come. ... Read more

Reviews

from SherriAllen.com, March 24, 2005
"Emily Post's Etiquette, 17th Edition" is not your grandmother's guide to manners. The most respected authority on all things proper since 1922, "Emily Post's Etiquette" has been completely rewritten by Peggy Post, Emily Post's great-granddaughter-in-law, to help you conduct yourself with courtesy appropriate for today's contemporary living.

In "Emily Post's Etiquette, 17th Edition," Post offers advice for handling modern situations such as online dating,"blended" families and breastfeeding or pumping at the office. Guidelines are given for using high-tech devices like cell phones, e-mail, and instant messaging. There is even a discussion on the inappropriateness of displaying body piercings at a job interview.

Fortunately, when updating the book to address modern advances and changes, Post did not disregard the situations and concerns that have remained important through the years. "Emily Post's Etiquette, 17th Edition" is packed with timeless advice on matters such as table manners, introductions, displaying the flag and responding to invitations. Entertaining, planning and attending weddings and communication are covered in detail. Most people will find the guidelines in the chapter titled "The Finer Points of Tipping" very useful. There's even a section on Official Protocol, so you'll know how to behave if you are ever invited to the White House.

"Emily Post's Etiquette, 17th Edition" is well-written and well-organized. That is of key importance considering this book is 896 pages long. Post's style is easy and conversational, keeping you from feeling like you're getting bogged down and welcoming you to continue reading. If you have a specific etiquette question, you will be able to find the answer quickly and easily due to the attention paid to the book's structure. The table of contents and index are intuitive. The chapters are broken up and easy to navigate through the effective use of headings and subheadings. Indexed tabs are even thoughtfully included.

Peggy Post has done an excellent job with "Emily Post's Etiquette, 17th Edition." She has provided a guide that allows for the more casual nature of modern society while honoring the simple courtesy and civility that will never be out of style.

An essential read and reference for everyone, January 20, 2006
This book is an essential read for almost everyone, period. If you go outside your house, open your curtains, answer your phone, or even reply to your mail, electronic or otherwise, this book is for you. If you want a primer on manners because you feel like you're not "doing the right thing" in a social situation, this book is for you. The only reason you shouldn't have this book is if you have so little contact with other people that you would not even be on the internet reading this review in the first place.

When most people imagine what's inside a book like this, they see detailed instructions on how many inches the dinner fork must be from the salad fork, how many seconds one is required to wait before answering the phone, and how many inches of shoelace should hang off the side of one's sneakers. "Emily Post's Etiquette" is nothing like that. She emphasizes that changing times have put the heart of good manners where they belong: In the spirit of courtesy and respect for others.

What you should get from this book by reading it is the confidence to deal with life's difficult situations, and the grace to be polite even when others are not. What everyone else should get from this book is a little bit better world, where at least one more person can lead with a good example.

These potential benefits alone are enough to merit my recommendation. I encourage you to pick up a copy and find out for yourself just how much you can get from it.

The best of its kind, June 19, 2005
Emily Post is arguably the most famous American writer on the subject of etiquette. I have heard about this book a few times but it was written so long ago that I thought it to be obsolete and never purchased it. Recently, my grandmother passed away and I stumbled upon the 1957 edition of Etiquette while searching through her books. I must say that I was dead wrong about the book being out of date. There are some traditions that have since died out, like what to do with hats, but only because the fashion has changed. The rest of the book is still very practical. In the preface to this book Emily Post says, "Graciousness and courtesy are never old-fashioned, though their expression does change."

The importance of learning etiquette can be summed up in one quote from the first page of the book: "no one--unless he be a hermit--can fail to gain from a proper, courteous, likable approach, or fail to be handicapped by an improper, offensive, resentful one."

While most people think of etiquette in relation to table setting and dinners, it is much more than that. This book guides the reader through everyday good manners and civility.

Emily Post's Etiquette, 17th Edition(Thumb Indexed), January 31, 2007
For Christmas 2006, upon my daughter's suggestion, I purchased this book for each one of my four grandsons. The first one to open the book began to complain, but when I looked at the other three, their heads were buried in the books, and soon the complainer did too. All four boys are college age, and have the book with them away at school or close at hand. It is the perfect life-long etiquette reference for 19 and 21 year-old boys, and even for me!

Disappointing, March 14, 2006
I have an older copy of Emily Post's Etiquette that I think is much better written than this version. Yes, I do admire the idea of updating the book to recognize changes since the 1980s, such as the rise in the use of email and cellphones. Nonetheless, I think the book raises these issues without giving much in the way of practical etiquette advice. Want to know something surprising? Letitia Baldrige's new etiquette book does a much better job on this front. Frankly, I'll probably donate the new Post book to clear space on my crowded bookcases.

The Bible of etiquette 'rules', August 1, 2006
I teach etiquette. In one of my courses I teach those who wish to be etiquette teachers. Even though I write etiquette articles and booklets myself, I give this book to everyone of my teachers--it is that good. I only disagree with her views on gift giving, which isn't an overwhelming negative considering that the book is 896 pages and gift giving is a small element.

Not your grandmother's Emily Post, December 24, 2007
I purchased this as a gift for a friend who often asks me etiquette questions and it was a big hit! First, the layout of the book is fantastic. It has a thumb-index (think old-fashioned dictionary), which makes it very easy to use and reference when you have any question. Second, it is a great modern update. This is not the Emily Post our grandmothers knew -- it has everything from when/how to tell friends/family you are divorcing to gay marriage/commitment ceremonies. Finally, all topics are handled very well and will answer almost every question you have -- even if it is as simple as do I wait to eat until the entire table is served (you may be surprised -- in parties over 5, you do not need to wait!). I recommend this book for recent graduates or those just starting out in the business world and want to feel more confident in business social interactions.

Still the Best, February 25, 2008
No matter what your background is, you must be able to move comfortably in all circles; this is as true for the Rock-Star, Film-maker or Avante Garde painter as it is for the executive. Where some sources of modern manners are a bit too cute for men, Emily Post is straightforward and comprehensive. The large volume covers every aspect of social life from how to walk down the side-walk so as not to interrupt the flow of traffic to how to plan a wedding and all points between.
Etiquette is not the restrictive discipline that it was in the Victorian era, but there is still an art to making people feel comfortable around you and confident in you. There are also sections of the chapters devoted to manners in different cultures that increasingly make up the fabric of America.
I have enjoyed just opening the book at random and gleaning what wisdom is there, and make no mistake, there is great wisdom in behaving well. Far too often people do not get on in life and never know that it is their behavior that is at fault.
Some people just seem naturally to do the right thing with great grace and people are effortlessly drawn to them. For the rest of us, there is Emily Post.

Grand Ma Ma's Gift, January 12, 2007
After observation for the past sixty years or so of present day human group contact and serving as a teacher of young children during a great deal of that time, I have come to the realization that many of my generation did a poor job in equipping their children with the necessary tools to teach their own children how much more civilized our civilized world can be when we are aware of each other and strive to make all contact as pleasant as possible. Concern and respect for all whose lives you touch makes your own life happier and more worth while. Knowing how to conduct oneself in a given situation allows you to concentrate on those around you rather than worry about yourself.
On a slightly different note, a simple walk in any mall brings to light people seemingly oblivious to strangers around them. In most cases they are not deliberately rude; they are unaware. They are so focused on themselves and their current needs that they allow their children to run unchecked and they themselves proceed across the paths of others without any realization that they have cut someone off. This, of course, doesn't just happen at the malls. It happens everywhere. I can attest to this after almost falling down 20 steps in Reed Arena while at a basketball game, when a child of five or six didn't realize that the elderly woman in front of him using a cane to walk down might be dislodged as he ran passed her. I might add, that I never heard a word to guide him by his father nor of apology to me.
Your Emily Post's Etiquette from Amazon may have already arrived. If not, it will come soon. I have decided that this year I will send this book to all of the grandchildren on their birthday. This is not because any of you are rude, uncaring young people. All of you are quite the opposite. This is simply to help you guide your own children. Although this Biblical quotation means something quite different in the Bible, I think that it also applies here. "Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free."

"Emily Post Etiquette" A Valuable Companion, February 25, 2006
This 17th edition (hardback) is excellent. It only arrived a week ago but has already proved to be a tremendous help in solving many tricky situations. I have recommended it to all my friends and relatives as a MUST to have on the Reference shelf of the Home Library. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The Wall Street Journal bestseller, now with new material.

The master teacher of positive change through powerful communication,Susan Scott wants her readers to succeed. To do that, she explains, one must transform everyday conversations employing effective ways to get the message across. In this guide, which includes exercises and tools to take you step by step through the Seven Principles of Fierce Conversations, Scott teaches readers how to:

€ Overcome barriers to meaningful communication
€ Expand and enrich conversations with colleagues, friends, and family
€ Increase clarity and improve understanding
€ Handle strong emotions-on both sides of the table ... Read more

Reviews

How to get to the heart of the matter through conversation, August 9, 2004
Susan Scott has written an outstanding book on how to use everyday conversation to cut through the politics of work relationships and start talking about what we are all "pretending not to know". I was consistently impacted while reading it, not so much that the material is brand new, but that it is presented in such a way that the opportunities and misses of my own interactions were obvious.

One of the topics discussed is called "Mineral Rights", a type of conversation designed to get deep, past the surface and into the truth of what is going on. The approach accomplishes four purposes: Interrogate reality, provoke learning, tackle tough challenges, and enrich relationships. It has been my experience that this rarely happens in corporate America, and is rarer still where I work now. The book uses examples from various companies that have identified their core values and been honest enough with themselves and others to start acting on them. The many questions posed throughout the book, and the sections at the end of each chapter are a great way to start interrogating reality in your workplace. The answers usually are "in the room" if we can really get honest and start looking for them.

In addition to some great business council, much of the book focuses on how we get honest with ourselves. Often we are the problem, and our own inability to truly understand where our own issues lie, is an essential journey to better facilitate the kind of change we want in our business or relationships. Another great approach used is the "Decision Tree" to help build empowerment in others. Communicate clearly what decisions can be made and what must be communicated to others. (Page 252). Her insights into how silence is an effective communication tool, both internally and in interactions with others, were right on.

While this was all excellent, and perhaps the most well written summary of engaging communication approaches, what was the most powerful for me were the sections on our "emotional wake". We all leave an emotional wake behind us as we engage in conversations with people. The question is, what kind of wake do we want to leave? How do we want people to feel? This served as a great wake up call for me while reading.

Overall, this book is so full of great wisdom and insights I couldn't begin to do it justice here. From the opening examples to the very useful questions in the back and the study guides throughout, I believe this to be one of the best books on business and personal communication I have read. It is both deep and practical, both academically sound and real world tested, and is written in such a way that it felt like a conversation itself. Highly recommended!

a practical, real world tool, December 27, 2002
Susan Scott was a corporate coach who realized that people are hungry for authentic communications. She takes the concept of authenticity and mixes it in with good leadership practice to produce a book that is filled with practical advice in one's professional and personal conversations.

I am generally put off by simple "formula" approaches to dealing with tough issues, but Scott mixes the importance of reflection and courage along with a simple structure. As a corporate consultant who was using this book as a resource, I was prepared to write it off as too "pop" or simplistic, and instead found solid reference to the importance of showing onesself, understanding the value in recognizing that each party to a conversation brings their own set of "truths," and grounding our conversations in a solid understanding of who we are and where we want to go. Furthermore, she makes a point of using listening as a key strategy for leaders -- one that is often talked about, but rarely reinforced as ably as it is here.

Some of Scott's examples are stilted and overly simplistic,she holds herself up as a model of perfection a little too often, and she ocassionally lapses into self-help verbiage that is annoying, and a distraction from a solid product. Nevertheless, for those of us who need to persuade others about the importance of authentic one-on-one communication, or for those of us who forget the magic of intense one-on-one communication with those we care about, this is worth reading and acting upon.

Fierce as in True, September 19, 2002
If we have ever needed a book like this, now is the time. Just think what could have happened at Enron, WorldCom, etc. if people had been willing to talk to each other about what was really going on? This is both a "think about this" and a "here's how to use it" book that can give people the courage and tools to tell others what they are seeing and believing. Don't be put off by the title, Fierce does not mean you get to beat everyone up - it really is an invitation to, as the author says - interrogate reality. Susan Scott does an effective job in weaving her three big ideas about conversations through the book. The ideas are simple yet powerful and can change the way we talk both to ourselves and to others. She captured me right away with the first concept; that our lives (and work) succeed or fail one conversation at a time, including those conversations we don't have. The book is an easy read. The concepts are clearly presented both in theory and with amusing stories and, best of all, there are practical tips on how to use the information. I enjoyed reading it and putting the principles into action. I'll be giving copies to friends and colleagues. This is one of those books that belongs both at home and the office.

Fierce Conversations: Achieving Success at Work and in Life One Conversation at a Time, July 3, 2005
This is a worthwhile book for personal and leadership development. It contains practical tools such as:

1) The Decision Tree for delegation and professional development
2) A confrontation model
3) Questions for one-to-ones (fuel for discussion with colleagues and direct reports)
4) A Leader's Stump Speech: Where am I going? Why am I going there? Who is going with me? How will I get there?
5) The concept of our "Emotional Wake" - worth reading and pondering about. "An emotional wake is what you remember after I'm gone. The aftermath, aftertaste, or afterglow."
6) The image of the crucible to remind us that our job is "simply to hold, so that whatever needs to be said, what needs to be heard, can safely be said and heard."

And much more....

There are also many fresh metaphors -- one is tempted to keep highlighting the book. Rich quotations, references to books, music, poetry.... good examples and stories.

I also appreciated the "Assignments" and Brief Summaries at the end of each chapter.

What are you pretending not to know?, July 17, 2004
Most breakdowns in life have some connection to conversations -- conversations not had, conversations that go poorly, or conversations not yet even imagined. There are a number of good books on conversations and this is one of them.

I tend to refer my coaching clients to "Fierce Conversations" when they are having trouble getting motivated and avoid a lot of uncomfortable conversations (compared to recommending other books for those who botch difficult conversations).

Susan's section on "stump speeches" is good for gaining clarity on personal vision (i.e., where are you going, why, who is going with you, and how will you get there?).

Once clear on "where you are going," it's time to start noticing and speaking about what "you're pretending not to know" (otherwise known as breakdowns -- yours or others).

Although "Fierce Conversations" doesn't cover the underlying emotions like "Difficult Conversations" or "Nonviolent Communications" do, or the styles under stress (silence or violence) as "Crucial Conversations" does, it does have some good discussion on "interrogating reality" (with an emphasis on questions and remaining curious) and identifying your own role in conversational breakdowns.

Fierce, difficult, crucial, nonviolent -- whatever you call these conversations, they're at the core of all meaningful relationships. I can definitely recommend "Fierce Conversations" to the mix of books on skillful conversations.

Fierce Conversations, November 24, 2002
"Fierce...robust, intense, strong, powerful, passionate, eager" - good words for real relating. Susan Scott puts it into her four purposes of a fierce conversation: interrogate reality, provoke learning, tackle tough challenges, and enrich realtionships. Like most really useful authors, she stresses individual responsibility. There are useful checklists and reviews. "Burnout happens, not because we're trying to solve problems, but because we're trying to solve the same problem over and over." This quote begins the 4th chapter - "Tackle Your Toughest Challenge Today," which has techniques for getting to the core of the difficulty in looking for a solution. It is one of many useful approaches in this book. I will share this book with others as well as continue to learn from it. Like all books of this kind (self help), only putting the ideas into action makes a real difference, however, the perspectives gained from reading are of value in and of themselves. The book is indexed, which I like, although not a great index. Occasionally, I felt the author introduced an idea without quite enough follow-through; still, I found a lot to value. Other books in the same vein that I value are the books from the Harvard Law School Negotiation Project (such as Difficult Conversations, and Getting to Yes), Tongue Fu by Sam Horn, and, to stretch the vein a bit, Everyday Ethics by Joshua Halberstam.

Packed With Knowledge!, June 3, 2004
This book offers numerous useful principles that will help anyone become a better conversationalist and a more responsive listener. Read carefully because gems of very valuable content are scattered through the entire book, a sentence here, a quotation there, buried in long, interesting digressions about the author's life, people she's known and clients she's worked with over time. A judicious editor could have made a very sharp and effective pocket book out of this material, which is about managing intense, strong discussions with skill. As it is, you'll have to do some digging, but you'll have a perfectly good time doing it, particularly if you are a fan of New Age mantras and can handle a little touchy-feely vocabulary. We assure you that the lessons you'll learn about conversations - including fierce ones - will stand you in good stead.

A Real Breakthrough in More Effective Communications, August 28, 2003
I have seen this great book unfolding over the years as I have learned from her training sessions and listened to Susan Scott and seen her fierce determination to communicate about the "the art of communication". So much of our interaction and communication over the years is rendered ineffective because we use the wrong words, avoid conflict, or have the "put off to later" attitude. Susan has captured the answers to clear communication in a way that makes it possible for all of us to be great communicators. The exercises are extremely helpful and the step by step approach helps to make more concrete the skill sets. Her examples enliven and enrich the concepts and make them real. There have been many books written on communication. This one captures at the deepest and yet most basic level the simple rules to make "all" conversations effective both in business and in our personal lives. Ultimately we all have the same objectives: to improve relationships, to listen better, to communicate more effectively, and to be understood. Thank you, Susan, for giving us the very best way to get there "one conversation at a time!"

Step Up And Talk About Things That Matter, November 16, 2002
I think the most important point that this book struck home for me was that you, and only you, are responsible to bring up things that matter to you. If something is bothering you, you need to find the courage to have a conversation with the person that can make a difference. Many people go through life putting off those "difficult" conversations, and letting things just happen by default. This book makes it clear that those very conversations that people avoid are the really important ones that can change your life. By having them, you can change your destiny.

Not as Helpful as "Difficult Conversations.", February 21, 2004
I listened to both this and "Difficult Conversations." I found that "Diffiicult Conversations" offered much more helpful, concrete advice, and the material was much better organized. I was disappointed that the emphasis of "Firece Conversatons" was almost entirely on business related conversations. Example after example focused on her executive clients. After listening to this program, I felt no more prepared for conversations with friends and family than before. There were a few helpful ideas, but they were presented much more clearly in "Difficult Conversations." "Difficult Conversations" gave me real, practical strategies that have made a big difference in my ease in bringing up tricky conversations and working through them with positive results. ... Read more

Editorial Review

In a society driven by celebutante news and myspace profiles, women of class, style and charm are hard to come by. The Audrey and Katharines of the world continue to lose their lustre as thongs, rehab and outrageous behaviour burn up the daily headlines. But, despite appearances, guys still want a girl they can take home to their mother, employers still like to see a tailored suit and peers still respect classy conduct. So is it possible to maintain old fashioned virtues in a modern world without looking like a starchy Amish grandma? Christy shows women how in this guide to glamorous style, professional success and true love...the classy way. Full of fun assignments, notable names and real-life examples, Christy offers a new look at seemingly 'old fashioned' advice. She covers diet, speech, work ethic, friends, relationships, manners, makeup and fashionable yet modest clothing, showing modern ladies how they can be beautiful, intelligent and fun while retaining values and morals ... Read more

Editorial Review

The only authorized parliamentary procedure guide, completely revised and updated by the authorized Robert's Rules Authorship Committee.

Originally published as a slim document in 1896, General Henry M. Robert's classic guide to smooth, orderly, and fairly conducted meetings has sold close to five million copies in nine editions. The only book containing the completely developed Robert's Rules of Order subject matter, this latest edition will continue the book's reputation as the gold standard of meeting procedure for parliamentarians and novice club presidents and members alike. Thoroughly revised and updated to reflect the past decade's technological advances and usage, this tenth edition contains new information on how to conduct meetings over the Internet, on phone and video conference calls, and with members in absentia. The best book from which to learn all about running and taking an effective part in meetings, General Robert's gift of order is as indispensable now as it was a century ago. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Clinton Kelly won't just revamp your wardrobe -- he'll revamp your life!

The huddled masses yearn to be fabulous, and finally Clinton Kelly is heeding their call. As co-host of TLC's popular What Not to Wear, he regularly transforms dumpy fashion disasters into traffic-stopping, get-an-instant-promotion, reignite-the-passion-in-that- relationship makeovers. But fabulousness doesn't stop with style. Let's face it: you might look good, but if you're chomping on that crudit� with your mouth wide open, nobody at the party will talk to you -- even if you can explain to them what crudit� actually is.

Of course, the keys to being better than everyone else aren't always so obvious. Don't worry; Clinton's here to help.

• How do you make a flat butt look big and a big butt look flat?
• What's the one trick that will slim down your entire silhouette and make your ta-tas look va-va-voom?
• How do you eat an oyster without getting kicked out of the best restaurant in town?
• What's the grammatically correct form of "lay" to use when propositioning a Baldwin brother?

He'll teach you how to look your best, sound your smartest, use the manners your momma taught you, poach an egg, fix a perfect gin and tonic, throw the most popular parties (and top the guest list at other soirees), make your home the envy of your neighbors, and generally be the fabulous person you always knew you could be.

From the three style criteria he uses to dress any shape for any occasion, to his eloquent approach to appreciation, to his four must-memorize recipes for whipping up a last-minute meal, Clinton Kelly shares it all in Freakin' Fabulous. ... Read more

Reviews

Wildly Entertaining Crash Course on Becoming Fabulous, October 29, 2008

"What to do" and "What not to do", October 23, 2008

Freakin' Amazing!, November 1, 2008

True to it's title, October 23, 2008

Clinton is FREAKIN' FABULOUS!!!, October 13, 2008
This book is AWESOME! I got it after a fashion show Clinton was hosting (and got to meet and even have him sign it!). Im a fan of WNTW and not only does his book talk about how to dress, but also how to carry yourself with some couth, cause let's face it, even if you "look" put together, one's demeanor can totally ruin the whole package. He has tips about entertaining, recipes, decor...you name it. But the best part is enjoying his dialogue...he is SO HILARIOUS!!! A must have book if you are even remotely a fan...

Hilariously Funny, October 13, 2008
I laughed all the way through this book. Clinton is hilariously funny in this book, and it makes for an enjoyable reading experience. The humor is very tongue-in-cheek, but the advice is very real.

A must have for Clinton Kelly fans!

Clinton is Freakin' Fabulous, December 27, 2008
I love this book. It's fun, witty and informative. Just when you thought you knew it all, he gives you the real 411. This book is priceless. Even though I missed him when he came through my town, I was lucky enough to get an autographed, personalized "book plate" from Clinton. He's great and his book is FABU!!!!!

How to have class, November 19, 2008

Be One of Those Fabulously Together People!, November 13, 2008

Not Freakin', just so-so, December 4, 2008
Clinton, Clinton, Clinton. I love you so, but was this book necessary? Do people really need to know how to eat an asparagus properly? Do we really need to see a 8 x 10 glossy of two lovers french-kissing?

This book was a huge disappointment for me. First, I love Clinton. He has style and she shares that with the rest of the world. But this stuff seems so basic that it really scares me that people out there don't already know how to eat, how to talk, etc. Another disappointment was the sexual tone of the book. Why does everything have to include sex? We are bombarded with it everywhere we look... do we really want our kids growing up with this emphasis on sex? (Stepping off my soapbox now.)

I am actually returning this book because it was such a waste of money and the earth's resources, and I'd rather spend my dough on something useful. I do have to say that I'm giving it two stars because the recipe section was actually pretty good. Good, but not great enough for me to want to keep it. Especially since I have a 10-year-old daughter who is starting to notice fashion and really would love to get her mitts on a book that talks about how to be fabulous. The people tounging each other was a deal-breaker here.

Sorry, Clinton! ... Read more

Editorial Review

This book provides seeker small group leaders with 1,001 seeker-friendly icebreaker questions to start and sustain meaningful interaction in their groups. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Have you ever cringed at the sight of your four-year-old waltzing through the neighbor’s front door without an invitation? Have you ever had to call to apologize when your six-year-old forgot to thank his grandmother for the birthday gift she so lovingly sent? How about the formal dinner for Dad’s promotion when your ten-year-old decided that she didn’t like the meal she’d ordered, and then refused to eat a thing—making for an uncomfortable evening for you, the other guests, and the waiter? As a parent, you’ve probably experienced these and many more instances when it seemed that your children had forgotten their manners completely, leaving you frazzled and embarrassed.

Sheryl Eberly’s 365 Manners Kids Should Know gives clever and insightful advice for the myriad of situations where consideration counts, but is sometimes forgotten. Using her smart one-manner-a-day format, parents, grandparents, and even aunts and uncles can find practical ways to teach basic manners, such as:

* How to address elders when being introduced
* How to write a thank-you note
* The polite way to answer the telephone
* How to accept and decline an invitation
* What is expected at formal occasions such as weddings, funerals, and religious services

Full of role-playing exercises, games, and other activities that parents can do with their children, 365 Manners Kids Should Know helps parents and other caregivers understand not only what manners to teach, but also how—and at what ages—to present them. Most important, 365 Manners Kids Should Know makes learning manners fun.



... Read more

Editorial Review

Have you ever been in a situation in which you were caught off guard, left speechless, or, worse yet, put your foot in your mouth?

This easily accessible book focuses on those moments when knowing exactly what to say is both a challenge and important.�From the light-hearted how to react when your boyfriend gives you a blender as a gift or what to say when you run into another lady at a party wearing exactly the same dress to the more serious what to say to a friend who has had a miscarriage or to a friend who has suffered the sudden death of a parent.

As A Lady Would Say differs from other etiquette books.�It not only offers suggestions for the correct thing to say in more than 100 social situations, but it gives humorous examples of the wrong thing to say as well.� Saying the right thing requires a little logic, a bit of forethought, and a great deal of consideration for others.�With the advice provided in this book, a lady will never need to stumble or stutter again.

Editorial Review

The Book of Questions may be the only publication that challenges and changes the way readers view the world, without offering a single opinion of its own. Posing 265 questions, The Book of Questions is bound to provoke hours and hours of thought. 1,855,000 copies in print. ... Read more

Reviews

The ultimate in books of this genre., June 20, 2000
It's up to you what you take with you from this book as you aren't likely to get much if you're not honest with yourself. This book will require you at times to be insightful, introspective, self-doubting, and questioning.

Do you really know as much about yourself (or others) as you think you do? Chances are that you don't, and this book is just the piece you need to help you discover that.

This book is great to go through by yourself, but I prefer to read through it either with my significant other or a group of friends. The questions are random so you can go straight through, or have someone pick a number and read the according question. Either way you're going to get a wide variety of questions.

This book is great for creating conversations where there might typically not be one. My girlfriend and I always had a hard time communicating, and I bought this book as a way for us to talk. The questions would branch off into so many other questions. What I got out of it in this instance was well worth the price paid.

I would highly suggest anyone who can read to purchase this book.

A relationship builder, December 31, 1999
I'm in my forties and several months ago I met a great man who introduced this book early on in our relationship. We have committed time to reading and answering questions with each other so we have been able to get to know each other much faster and deeper than many people in relationships. And when you're in your forties, you don't have the luxury of time to do this! I've given the book to all my friends- single and married. Try it! And actively use the one on Love and Sex. It's well worth the price!

You'll find yourself fascinating, May 1, 2000
It's a little odd to try to rate a book that doesn't really have any content per se; it is simply filled with questions for YOU. How interesting you find the book, then, depends on how deeply you want to delve into yourself.

The questions deal with everything from personal tastes and desires (such as whether you would prefer the free, unlimited services of an extremely good cook, chauffeur, housekeeper, masseuse, or personal secretary for five years), to personal behavior (when was the last time you sang to yourself, and to someone else? do you tend to listen or talk more in conversations?), to fascinating and challenging hypotheticals (what you would do if you could successfully wish people dead without getting caught, or whether you would leave the country forever for a million dollars -- although that was worth a bit more when this book first appeared, 13 years ago).

The questions are nicely arranged in no particular order, so each turn of the page brings a surprise and a shift, from mere daydreams to extreme tests of personal values. It might make a great conversation starter -- I seem to recall discussing some of the questions and answers with my girlfriend at the time -- but some questions may be a little uncomfortable among relative strangers.

If you keep a journal (or perhaps if you've had difficulty doing so), this book is an excellent spur to writing and thereby learning a little more about yourself. I answered most of these questions in my journal when I first got this book in about 1988, and I think perhaps now might be a good time to answer them all again (before reading what I wrote so long ago) and see how my answers compare. I recommend this activity to anyone....

Others question book are imitations of this one, May 2, 2000
If you could wake up tomorrow having acquired any skill or trait, what would it be?

Would you like to know the precise date of your death?

Questions like this ........................ make this book worth owning. I have 3 copies. I use it for long road trips by myself or with friends. (I have a first-run 10 year old copy in the glove box) Also acts as a great way to steer those lunchtime co-worker conversations from company politics to something more interesting.

The companion Book of Questions About Love and Sex is a must-have. The Kids Book of Questions is not worth the ... price tag.

A Crowd Pleaser, November 25, 1999
I teach high school special ed and my kids love when I ask them questions from this book. It gives them an opportunity to discuss issues that may otherwise not come up. As a teacher, it can give you great insight into your kids and allows a higher order of thinking. It creates a relaxing atmosphere and no one is wrong! CAUTION: Use discretion. I censor many of the questions or substitute to make it age-appropriate.

Food for Thought, April 20, 2007
I have been a writer for 20 years and this book has openned many doors and friendships. It also has made me think and ponder ideas and isssues I never thought before. I have had three copies over the years and still go back to this book for thoughts to ponder. I suggest any writer get a copy and keep it for ideas.

I enjoy sharing these questions with friends & family. I have gotten to know many people better just by openning this book

So a question for you, Are you going to buy this book or not?

Bennet Pomerantz AUDIOWORLD

Can You Answer Them All?, June 23, 2004
Gregory Stock has put together a geart book filled with insightful and thought provoking questions. This little book has so much potential between its pages.

I originally purchased this book for myself in my continuous quest to know myself better. It took some time to get through the 200 questions, some of them easy and some requiring great moments of contemplation. This book is also useful at parties, events, dinners and when meeting someone new. It would be a great exercise for relationships as well...opening up a whole new ball game I imagine. But mostly it is just fun and something interesting to think about or discuss with friends.

The Type of Book You Would Look at Over and Over Again, April 7, 2007
This booklet is both powerful and simple. It has been said that everything we do when we make a decision is based on an internal question we ask ourselves whether we are conscious of it or not.

What if we asked more powerful questions to ourselves in the hopes of better answers? This book will help you with those questions. Be prepared, though, this book is holding up a mirror to yourself.

This is also a Great book for:
1. Thinking about what you would do in extreme circumstances.
2. Finding out about what your date really thinks about things.
3. Spending quality time with a spouse or sig. other and really talking to them.
4. Parties. (I almost seem halfway intelligent when I use it.) ;-)
5. Sales. (Yes, you could ask a very unusual question as an icebreaker)
6. Giving Interviews. Find out how your candidate thinks. (be careful with the Human Resources and legalities, though)

I keep coming back over the years to look at the questions. This is not a book to get at the library or borrow, it is A gem you should buy and keep on your shelves. Special.

A fun book to share with other like minded people, May 20, 2001
First off, this book is great fun but only if the people you do this with are willing to think and be open. I tried this with my older brother and his wife several years back but they were too close minded and guarded to be honest.

Stock's book challenges the mind and makes any literate person take a look at their own life, as well as the lives around them.

Even better, if you want to get to know someone really well . .. I'm talking about their values, morals and beliefs; not their favorite rock group or favorite food . .. this is a great book. Just be careful of what you ask; you may not always like the answers.

Some top questions . .. (1) If you could get honest answers to any questions you asked, what would be your top three and why?; (2) If you caught your father holding hands with another woman and he asked you not to tell your mother, what would you do? What if your mother confided it was eating her alive b/c she felt your father was cheating on her?; (3) would you like to know the precise date of your death?; and (4) If 100 people were chosen at random, how many more do you feel would be leading a more satisfying life than you?

There are lots of others but you'll have to do some reading and buy the book. :)

Great Conversation Piece, March 12, 2007
My wife introduced me to this book almost 20 yeas ago and we still find uses for it today. It's great to have at parties and gatherings because it breaks the ice and gets people talking. There are endless spins you can put on the questions asked. They really make you think and examine yourself, as well as others. I recommend it. ... Read more

Editorial Review

This easily accessible book focuses on those momentswhen knowing exactly what to say is an absolutely necessary challenge.From the light-hearted how to react when someone turns you down for a date or what to say when you notice someone's fly is open to the more serious what to say to a co-worker who has had a miscarriage or to a friend who has suffered the sudden death of a parent, As A Gentleman Would Say differs from other etiquette books in that it not only offers suggestions for the correct thing to say in more than 100 social situations--it also gives examples of the wrong thing to say! ... Read more

Editorial Review

If you belong to any type of organization—from school board to garden club to bowling league to trade association—chances are this book can save you many boring meeting minutes. Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised is the current authoritative guide for properly conducting everything from sessions of the U.S. Senate or House of Representative to meetings of neighborhood associations. This friendly guide translates Robert’s Rules into principles you can understand and apply the next time Billy Bully tries to dominate the discussion or Debbie Dictator issues another edict. If you’ve ever been frustrated at the way condominium association business was (or wasn’t) conducted or fidgeted while PTA members debated whether to have goldfish or pencils as prizes for the elementary school carnival, this is the book for you. Written by a Professional Registered Parliamentarian, it covers:

• The basics of bylaws that establish the real framework of your organization, and nine things that should be covered
• The requirements for a legal meeting
• How to use an agenda to plan your meeting and keep things on track
• Following the standard order of business
• How to put ideas into motion and the eight steps to handling a motion
• Voting procedure and different methods of voting
• The functions and characteristics of seven subsidiary motions, five privileged motions, fifteen incidental motions, and four motions which bring a question again before the assembly
• Nomination procedures, holding elections, and making appointments

With Robert’s Rules For Dummies, you’ll not only discover how to hold more effective meetings, you’ll get advice for dealing with malcontents or monopolizers who can disrupt, derail, or prolong meetings. And if you’re in a leadership position, you’ll get great information on:

• Running meetings efficiently and fairly
• Effectively using standing and special committees
• Ensuring proper paperwork, including minutes, treasurer’s reports, committee reports, and more
• Handling discipline or removing officers or members

Complete with a glossary of parliamentary terms and sample agendas, reports, and minutes, this guide has everything you need but a gavel. Whether you belong to an elite country club or a civic organization, an investment club or a volunteer fire department, when you use the principles in this book, meetings won’t be dominated by the loudest or pushiest member or go on and on and on and on and on…. ... Read more

Reviews

Very Well Written and Very Clear, August 3, 2005
The scripture for parliamentarians is, of course, Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised, 10th Edition (Cambridge, MA: Perseus Publishing, 2000). All other books for parliamentarians are just "commentary"--but some are better than others. Jennings' book is superior to most: it is very well written, very well edited, and very clear. I'm now a Registered Parliamentarian (and my proctor for the test was Jonathn M. Jacobs, listed in Jennings' Acknowledgments and also a reviewer here) and even I got a better understanding of a few things. Like: p. 114, preferential voting; p. 130, handling a substitute motion; p. 193, call up motion to reconsider; p. 194, reconsider and enter on the minutes; p. 278, the chair and the 2/3 threshold; p. 293, adopting reports; and p. 315, a serious Audit Committee Report.
I normally throw in a few complaints in most of my book reviews, but it was hard to find any problems with the book; maybe just this: rather than the bonus chapters being available on the Web for download and printing, it would have been better to incorporate them in the book proper.

Excellent coverage of Robert's Rules, January 10, 2005
The author describes this book as a book about a book of rules: Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (RONR). Why do you need a book like this? The reason is that RONR is not easy to digest. Only rules geeks like me enjoy reading RONR! If you are not a rules geek, then you might choose this book (you will still need RONR as the official reference) which is much more fun to read! This Dummies book is also very complete: almost every motion is covered, as are disciplinary procedures, elections, etc: This book will teach you what you need to know from RONR without skipping any important details. (Other books you might consider include RONR in Brief, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Robert's Rules, and Robert's Rules in Plain English.)

Robert's Rules for Dummies, January 30, 2005
This is both an excellent "starter's book" and a good intermediate book for someone studying Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised.

The section on discipline is expectionally good and the description of the society's rules, i.e. bylaws and rules of order, is probably the the most lucid explanation I've ever read.

If you are NOT an expert parliamentarian, this is good book to start with.

Jonathan M. Jacobs, Professional Registered Parliamentarian, Certified Parliamentarian

great book, great author, March 15, 2005
The book itself is very helpful and provides a clear explanation to many complex factions of Robert's Rules. It is written in a way that almost anyone can understand and would be excellent for someone, like myself, who is starting out with little knowledge of Parliamentary Procedure.

The best part is, not only is the book an excellent help, but the author is available for questions as well. If you type his name into a search engine, such as Google, you'll find his website, which also lists his phone number. I called him regarding a question that I had and he offered a clear explanation and did not mind at all in helping me out.

I definitely reccomend this book, and author, to all!

No Longer a Dummie, September 22, 2005
This book was a great introduction to Robert's Rules. I came in with zero knowledge and was able to understand and learn a great deal about Parliamentary processes through this book. You can read straight through or cherry-pick according to topic and your needs. I needed this material for my role in church leadership. It is helpful to also have bought RONR for reference and the whole story but I would not suggest just reading RONR straight through as I do with "Dummies." RONR In Brief is just for a curious meeting attender, in my opinion.
As a suggestion, it would be nice if the book had ready references to the corresponding RONR section. I emailed the author a few questions and got a quick, friendly, and helpful response.

GREAT book to help you understand board meetings!, January 21, 2007
Robert's Rules for Dummies is a fantastic resource for anyone interested in parliamentary procedure, but especially for anyone serving on a committee or Board that is governed by Robert's Rules. Main motions, incidental motions, calling the question, rules of debate, knowing when you can interrupt and when you need a second on a motion -- all are much easier to understand when you've read Alan Jennings' excellent explanations of what they all mean.

Take charge of your meetings and don't let yourself get railroaded just because you don't understand parliamentary procedures! This book is an excellent companion to Robert's Rules (Newly Revised, 10th edition) and should be studied before your next meeting. You'll be glad you did!

Good for the Madding Crowd, August 18, 2005
Easy to use. Very handy for shutting up the obstreperous members of meetings.

This book is a must have for presiding officers!, February 13, 2007
This book can easily be read cover to cover in one sitting, then can be used as a reference book for questions pertaining to parlimentary procedure. I especially appreciate the author's understanding of the psychology of presiding, not just the Rules.

end the power struggle, November 4, 2006
Roberts Rules for Dummies is affordable. I passed out 5 copies to my entire committee and the guide put everybody on the same page, (for the 1st time ever). So we don't fight about motions or procedure anymore and that leaves extra time to fight about everything else.

Excellent Introduction, August 10, 2006
If you love meetings, then don't buy this book. If you don't like meetings, find them boring, intimidating, or incomprehensible; then definitely buy this book.

Many young meetings goers stumbled over the original Robert's Rules and thought it was really not in English, contained no logic, and was like memorizing a phone book. Jennings actually makes learning how to run meetings fun. This book is as much about attitude as about rules.

Jennings presents everything in a logical and entertaining fashion. After reading this book, reading Robert's Rules and using it appropriately as a reference becomes a cinch.

Even if one's group is using Sturgis instead of Robert's, I still recommend any novice start with this book which is even more basic (and far more entertaining) than "The Idiot's Guide" or any other "prep book" for learning the Rules on how to run efficient meetings. Warning: You might even enjoy meetings or at least accomplish your goals! ... Read more

Editorial Review

It is possible to argue about taste--but not about true style. A gentleman can be recognized immediately from his confident appearance, his charm, and his carefully chosen clothes. Gentleman is the tried-and-tested guide on matters of style and quality. ... Read more

Reviews

Elevate your life style, June 18, 2003
Bernhard Roetzel's "Gentleman" is one of two definitive works on classic style for men. The other book is Flusser's "Dressing the Man." While Flusser's work is primarily concerned with developing a classic style for business dress, Roetzel's "Gentleman" is about creating a classic, elegant life style. Following Mr. Retzel's philosophy, style is not something we do for others. The pursuit of style is for one's own personal satisfaction. Therefore, Mr. Roetzel focuses on an understated, conservative elegance, with an acknowledgment of the importance of details, even if no one else notices. Roetzel's book focuses on mens fashion, with a bias toward tailored English clothing, but he goes beyond business clothing, to address casual, sport, and home style. In addition to the obligatory chapters on suits, shoes, and casual dress, there are sections on grooming and fragrance, hairstyles, wristwatches, and how to enjoy an elegant, relaxing breakfast at home. This book is a treatise on gracious living, and he introduces his readers to many of the small luxuries which no one should miss out on: the experience of a traditional shave from a good English barber; a pair of shell cordovan shoes; a bespoke suit; a comfortable and beautiful dressing robe. His philosophy is best exemplified by the section on eating breakfast, where he exhorts one to begin the day with a leisurely elegant ritual including "perfectly toasted bread." Personally, I barely ever eat breakfast, but the call to slow down and take the time to enjoy life's small pleasures resounds loudly none the less.
The book is not perfect, and Mr. Roetzel has some rather quaint and outdated ideas (such as the kind of clothes worn by students at Ivy League universities.) Overall, however, the book is an excellent roadmap for those who wish to live a cut above the norm in this too-fast, hyper-casual, overly-efficient, mass-produced, machine-made, often-shoddy world.

One of the Classic Essentials that Every Man Should Have, April 24, 2006
This book is widely regarded as something of a classic - and for good reason. It has been translated into no less than 17 languages. Of all books on the subject it is the most encyclopaedic in thoroughly covering everything from shaving, to suits, to sportswear, knitwear, dressing gowns and much more. The whole book is crammed with succinctly presented information from start to finish that it becomes a perfect reference book to keep on the shelf.

For many people the question will be whether to choose this or Allan Flusser's 'Dressing the Man'. The answer is really that they serve different purposes. If you quickly want to know how to look your best for a job interview in a suit then go for Flusser, as his book best explains suits in greater detail, and better still, tells you how to coordinate it with the shirt and tie. Roetzel tends to be more segmented and tells you less about how to coordinate the different items.

However, Roetzel great strength is that he has countless little tips jam-packed into his book that Flusser never touches on. One point at which Roetzel thoroughly surpasses Flusser is in his section on shoes, which is by far and away superior. The plethora of full colour photographs of different shoe types and on what occassion they should be worn has superior clarity to the brief and poorly illustrated overview dealt the topic by Flusser. Other places that Roetzel surpasses Flusser is his discussion on items such as sport coats, overcoats, socks, as well as with extremely useful tips such as how to fold a suit jacket when travelling, and even the best way to iron a shirt.

One point worth mentioning is that the book is orientated towards an English ideal of what a 'gentleman' is. However, the book was originally written in German and also gives a good continental perspective on how the French, German and Italians have adopted English fashion. Of course the likes of Ralph Lauren and Alan Flusser still strive to recreate the classical English look to the point that these Americans strive for an ideal more English than the English themselves. What you will read here is therefore perfectly adaptable to New England in the United States and unless you are a Southerner in your seersucker or linen suit there will be precious little that fails to translate into an American setting. Also Ivy League looks do get a bit of mention even if it presents an idealized and nostalic Ivy League look of yesteryear more American than Americans.

One of the top 3 books ever written on Men's Style, March 24, 2010
Summary
Bernhard Roetzel's book "Gentleman - A Timeless Guide to Fashion" is to put it simply one of the finest books available on menswear. It is comprehensive, full of beautiful images, binded handsomely, and methodically researched. I rate it as one of the three greatest books ever written on mens clothing.


Introduction - Who I am and how do I use this book
My name is Antonio and I own and operate [...], an online custom clothier. I talk with men on a daily basis about how to dress properly, have written over 100 articles on classic men's style, and write for the popular blog The Art of Manliness. I maintain my own personal library on men's style books and have read well over 70 of the most popular ones. I have owned this edition of Gentleman for 6 months, but read the first edition over 8 years ago. I use this book as a source for my writing and every time I read it (5 times now!) I seem to find something new.


Positive - Things I Love about this Book
1. Quality Content - The second edition of "Gentleman" is well researched and most importantly breaks into new thought when it comes to menswear and the lines of thinking in the industry. Where many authors are comfortable just repeating what they have read elsewhere, Berhard has used his experience as a journalist and textile expert to present the reader with a truly unique view fully supported by beautiful images. Within this book you will find information and ideas no other men's clothing expert has articulated. In fact the number and quality of pictures deserves a mention in itself - each page is elegantly laid out and presented so as to be digestible in seconds or chewed on for an hour. He manages to both give you an overview, while offering a deeper insight if you have the time.
2. Quality Build - The book is physically beautiful - the binding is crisp and clean, the pictures true to color, and the text small but readable without glasses.
3. Order in which he presents the subject matter - Bernhard systematically addresses all of the major issues in menswear. Within 350 pages he covers everything from grooming to dress shirts to custom suits.
4. Value - I would have paid $100 for this book - the information is that good. As that it is in print and there are plenty of them, it can be had for 1/5 this cost and is a steal. I own more than one!


Possible Problems
1. European Viewpoint - Bernhard is German, therefore his view points are more European than American. This "problem" is not really a serious one, just something to keep in mind when you find certain items a bit eccentric or if the tone seems to be a bit too stuffy or formal.
2. Overwhelming for some - At 350 pages, this may appear to some as just too large of a book. However, its heavy use of images makes it very easy to read and understand even for a man who gives it a 10 minute glance over.
3. If you own first edition, perhaps not worth the upgrade - There is new material, but over 90% of the content is the same from the 1st edition. What he has brought in are new companies, tailors, and given Italian tailoring more attention - although not enough in my very biased opinion


Final Recommendation
10 out of 10 stars (5 out of 5 for Amazon!), it is one of the world's top 3 books on men's style. If you buy one book on men's clothing, you cannot go wrong with this one.

Wonderful book with some minor flaws, February 1, 2000
This book is what the Chic Simple book on men's clothing aspires to be. It contains a veritable treasure trove of instructive pictures and good information about just about every aspect of men's clothing and men's style. The text is generally well-written, and I found the book to be utterly engrossing. Although it will not be particularly helpful as a practical reference for the vast majority of readers who cannot have suits and shirts custom-made, a number of the points it makes about clothing quality and style should be read by anyone buying a suit, even if he can only afford a $400 one.

Good as this book is, it is not without some shortcomings. First of all, the author has a decidedly British outlook. Italian and American tailors and shirtmakers get short shrift, the Americans disturbingly so. There is more to American fine clothing than Brooks Brothers (Robert Talbott, Oxxford Clothes, and Hickey-Freeman can hold their own with anything off the rack from Britain, to say nothing of American custom makers such as Alexander Kabbaz), but you wouldn't know it from reading this book. Given that the author is German, it really isn't that surprising that he's Anglocentric in his clothing ideas, but he could at least acknowledge that the United States does have something to offer. Secondly, there are times (especially in his description of the shoe-making process) when the author's prose becomes muddled and hard to understand. This may be because of the inherent arcanity of the subject, but it still is unfortunate.

All in all, however, this is an excellent book. While it does not eclipse Alan Flusser's books, it is their equal is many respects and their superior in many more. Despite whatever minor shortcomings it may have, I recommend it whole-heartedly to anyone who has any interest in men's clothing whatsoever.

A book that changed my life, May 28, 2009
Prospective Reader:
This is one of my favorite books of all time. It is a history book of fine men's clothes. It includes everything from shaving instruments, saville row suit makers, fox hunting uniforms, and classic male celebrities that influenced fashion. It is different than many other books because it is so easy to read and profoundly interesting and inspiring. I can not stress enough how much it will inspire the reader to dress well. It was so interesting my friends and I actually read it cover-to-cover although it is the type you could flip through.
If you are interested in men's fashion, then this is a must read for you.
-Adam Aleksander

Good for what to wear, December 20, 1999
This is a very detailed book on clothes and accessories for men. It concentrates on traditional American and English styles with some mention of other styles such as Italian. This is not a book for those interested in the latest fashions.

The book has many good photographs showing details such as how a properly tailor suit jacket sleeve, collar, etc. should look like and what it should not look like. This is very useful information when trying out a suit and the salesperson keeps saying you look marvelous even though the sleeve is too long and the suit bunches up under the collar in the back.

The amount of detailed information with good accompanying photographs is this book's best point.

The list of accessories covered (shoes, umbrellas, canes, cigars, watches, etc.) is quite huge. One can question the utility of discussing the correct walking cane to go with a tuxedo but if you need this information, it is here.

The book is rather non-judgemental in that it does not advocate American style over English style over Italian style. It simply gives the details of the various styles so you properly adhere to the style you chose.

If you did not grow up in a household where this information is imparted by your valet, this is a good book to get if you need to ever dress as a gentleman should dress.

One of Two Definitive Books on Mens Style, June 16, 2004
As a web developer, I have recently had a run of men's custom tailoring customers. I found myself looking for an encyclopedic source of styling details and fashion fundamentals.

This book by Bernhard Roetzel's provided many of the answers. It is a trove of the tried and trusted classics of men's clothing. In one volume one can find advice on combining familiar patterns, materials, fabrics and colors. Unlike the other book I consulted - Dressing the Man by Alan Flusser - breaks down the details and elements of Italian, English and American styling.

To be sure, there are topics I could have done without - underwear, jewelry, umbrellas, walking canes, tobacco and pajamas, to name a few. However, if you are looking for detailed information about men's style, this is one of two books to consult.

One of the best men's fashion books ever published, January 25, 2000
I own a library of most of the published volumes concerning men's fashion and fashion history. This full color, 357 page "encyclopedia" covers every aspect of men's clothing in depth and with compelling photos and illustrations. It's an indispensable tool for anyone interested in men's fashion.

One of the Best Books on Men's Clothing in A Very Long Time, January 4, 2000
This book is really very comprehensive! An excellent value considering the information in here as well as the fact that it is very richly illustrated. It has very good detail on sartorial esoterica such as formal wear. This really is one of the best books I've ever seen on the subject. Better than any book by Flusser - although this book is more along the lines of Clothes and the Man than it is to Style and the Man (both by Flusser.

The book covers a range of items from brushes, and razors, to suits and shirts - the books is a fairly entertaining book with a coffee table book feel and layout.

Gentleman's Guide: To Grooming and Style, December 17, 2003
First, I bought a book by the title above and thought it was great. I tried to find a copy to buy a friend only to find no one sold it anymore. A few weeks later I found the book has been reprinted under this new name. So if anyone else is like me and looking for the guide to grooming and style, this is the same book only in hard cover.

Second, this book is worth having. ... Read more