From Clueless to Class Act

April 15, 2007
Human resources professional Smith, president and founder of the etiquette consulting firm Mannersmith, here proves that mastering social behaviors can be fun and painless. Smith's refreshingly commonsense attitude that these social secrets are merely guidelines, not intimidating rules, makes the art of conducting oneself with poise and grace seem as simple as mastering a set of pointers. Though both guides cover much the same territory, e.g., gracious dining, meeting and greeting, life at work, staying in touch, and building relationships, chapters devoted to personal appearance, appropriate attire, and dating dynamics have gender-specific references. Smith's decision to split the guides along gender lines seems at times as old-fashioned as the nostalgically retro line drawings used to illustrate her tender texts. Females are coached on proper undergarments, makeup application, and meeting Mr. Right and males on boyhood bonding, tying bowties, and the art of gentlemanly behavior. Yet at other times, the author's sensitivity in addressing ethnic, religious, and multicultural matters is arrestingly au courant. This duet of genteel, user-friendly guides would be a worthy addition to most etiquette collections, especially those serving young adults.Deborah Ebster, Univ. of Central Florida Libs., Orlando

Copyright 2007 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.