Good Manners for Nice People Who Sometimes Say F*ck

Starred review from September 15, 2014

The main problem with etiquette books is that the people who need them don't read them. Alkon, who writes the award-winning syndicated column "Ask Amy," not only tells readers what good manners are but also provides useful suggestions for politely calling offenders' attention to their rudeness. And she does this in a ferociously funny style--it's worth a read for the laughs alone. There is nothing here of the proper arrangement of table settings, nor of how to address a letter to the Archbishop of Canterbury; rather Alkon deals with modern problems in interpersonal relationships, such as how civilized people should act when standing in lines, on airplanes, online, and elsewhere. In addition, she offers very dependable, sensible, caring advice to those whose friends or family are coping with terminal illness. VERDICT Solid psychology and a wealth of helpful knowledge and rapier wit fill these pages. Highly recommended.--Susan B. Hagloch, formerly with Tuscarawas Cty. P.L., New Philadelphia, OH

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