General Books

The Knot Ultimate Wedding Planner: Worksheets, Checklists, Etiquette, Calendars, and Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Carley Roney

Amazon Price: $11.53 List Price: $16.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Broadway Amazon Marketplace: 72 new & used starting at $4.22

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Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Weddings -> General
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Weddings -> Planning
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Social Sciences -> Sociology -> Marriage & Family

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 50 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

This practical companion to The Knot Complete Guide to Weddings in the Real World acts as a stand-alone guide to the nuts and bolts of planning a wedding. The Knot Ultimate Wedding Planner is where the bride and groom can record wedding ideas, create budget guidelines, check items off their to-do list, generate the guest list, store contact information for their wedding vendors, and get tips and advice on the best way to plan their big day.

Chapter by chapter, the planner walks the bridal couple through each major step: for example, choosing the reception site, picking a photographer, and deciding on a menu. Author Carley Roney and the editors of The Knot Web site have talked with both wedding professionals and hundreds of thousands of brides and grooms, and have a good idea of the necessary ingredients for a successful wedding. Most helpful and thorough are each chapter's "Questions to Ask" checklists and the "Knot Knowledge" tips, which include money-saving ideas. The book also contains a gift log, a budget tracker, and a wedding-day phone contacts sheet.

Roney offers loads of helpful advice, such as recommending that the bride and groom declare "wedding free zones" where the couple makes time for activities together that have nothing to do with planning the wedding. Each chapter also includes her down-to-earth answers to commonly asked questions, such as whether it's appropriate for a relative to host a shower or if the wedding couple should pay for guests' travel expenses. With all of its tips, advice, and organizers, The Knot Ultimate Wedding Planner may just be, next to a wedding coordinator, the best way for modern couples to ensure their wedding is a smoothly run, stress-free affair. --Kris Law

Emily Post's Etiquette, 17th Edition (Thumb Indexed)

Peggy Post

Amazon Price: $23.97 List Price: $39.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Collins Living Amazon Marketplace: 54 new & used starting at $21.23

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Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Relationships -> Interpersonal Relations
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> General
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Education -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 33 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

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.

Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands (The Bestselling Guide to Doing Business in More than 60 Countries)

Terri Morrison, Wayne A. Conaway

Amazon Price: $16.47 List Price: $24.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Adams Media Amazon Marketplace: 51 new & used starting at $10.44

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Subjects -> Business & Investing -> Skills -> Communications
Subjects -> Business & Investing -> General
Subjects -> Business & Investing -> International -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 38 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

In a global economy, it is crucial for business people to be sensitive to cultural differences. And although the best reason for doing so may be ethical, it's great for business as well! This is an invaluable book for "doing well while doing good" in your intercultural relations, covering the protocols of appointments, business entertaining, greetings, forms of address, gestures, dress, and gifts in 60 of the nations you're most likely to be doing business. Some interesting excerpts:

• Australia: The "thumbs-up" sign, which in the U.S. indicates "O.K." is considered rude.
  
• Brazil: The colors of the Brazilian flag are green and yellow, so avoid wearing this combination in any fashion.
  
• China: Avoid making exaggerated gestures or using dramatic facial expressions. The Chinese do not generally use their hands when speaking, and become distracted by a speaker who does.
  
• Indonesia: Since it is impolite to disagree with someone, Indonesians rarely say "no"...a clear way to indicate "no" is to suck in air through the teeth.

The authors are very aware that no generalizations apply to all residents of a nation, and are careful not to stereotype or judge. Highly recommended to any business traveler--or any student of the diversity of human cultures.

(Note: a great companion volume for this book is Gestures, which is devoted entirely to explaining the varieties of hand gestures in 82 countries!)

Barefoot Contessa Parties! Ideas and Recipes for Easy Parties That Are Really Fun

Ina Garten

Amazon Price: $23.10 List Price: $35.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Ina Garten - Model: B377 Amazon Marketplace: 66 new & used starting at $16.39

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Features:

• Sold individually
• See Product Description below for a complete description of this item.

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Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> General
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Regional & International -> U.S. Regional -> General
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Special Occasions -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 92 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Exceptionally good recipes 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This was my first introduction to Ina Garten and I loved this book so much, I ended up buying 2 more. Every single recipe in this book came out looking great and tasting even better. Her recipes are extremely easy to follow and are very detailed. This is great for any kind of cook, from beginner to advanced. Two thumbs up!

Barefoot Contessa Parties 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This is a quality product, the best cookbook I've read in years! Each recipe is clear, precise, and appetizing. Yes, I will buy others written by Ina Garten.

Awesome recipes! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

My friend invited me to a dinner party where she served the filet of beef, the gorgonzola sauce/gracy, the spinach gratin and the garlic potatoes...it was delicious! So I had to order a copy of this book for myself and the recipes are just out of this world. I'd highly recommend this to anyone who loves food.

Editorial Review:

After more than twenty years of running Barefoot Contessa, the acclaimed specialty food store, Ina Garten published her first collection of recipes. The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook was an overnight sensation, but it's the kind of success that can only be g

Choosing Civility: The Twenty-five Rules of Considerate Conduct

P. M. Forni

Amazon Price: $10.36 List Price: $12.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: St. Martin's Griffin Amazon Marketplace: 80 new & used starting at $5.95

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Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Self-Help -> General
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> General
Subjects -> Reference -> Etiquette -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 19 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Great reminder of what it takes to get along in a crowded world 4 out of 5 stars.
11 of 11 people found this review helpful.

I read *Choosing Civility* because I found that the pressure of living in a crowded city was beginning to make me a bit misanthropic towards my fellow humankind, which led to me becoming a bit less civil in my behavior in this crowded world. I wanted a refresher on how to treat my fellow man in a manner that I wished to be treated myself. I also read this book because I saw that the pressures and pace of the modern world was beginning to break down our civilization.

*Choosing Civility* definitely delivered on my first need, it made me more conscious of the little things that lead to better interactions with people; little things like ensuring that I respect the personal space of others in a conversation, being inclusive of everyone in a group such as my coworkers, refraining from idle complaining, and respecting other people's time. After reading this book, I found myself noticing moments where I was being uncivil in small ways and allowing me the opportunity to correct these behaviors.

Where the book falls short, at least for my needs, but not necessarily for everyone, is in how to deal with and accept the uncivil behavior of others. Before reading this book, I was aware of a general incivility in our everyday lives; but, after reading this book, I became painfully aware of how bad the problem was and the book didn't prepare me properly for those times when I felt the victim of uncivil actions and how to remain civil myself at the moments.

>>>>>>><<<<<<<

A Guide to my Book Rating System:

1 star = The wood pulp would have been better utilized as toilet paper.
2 stars = Don't bother, clean your bathroom instead.
3 stars = Wasn't a waste of time, but it was time wasted.
4 stars = Good book, but not life altering.
5 stars = This book changed my world in at least some small way.

Editorial Review:

Most people would agree that thoughtful behavior and common decency are in short supply, or simply forgotten in hurried lives of emails, cellphones, and multi-tasking. In Choosing Civility, P. M. Forni identifies the twenty-five rules that are most essential in connecting effectively and happily with others. In clear, witty, and, well...civilized language, Forni covers topics that include: * Think Twice Before Asking Favors* Give Constructive Criticism* Refrain from Idle Complaints* Respect Others' Opinions* Don't Shift Responsibility and Blame* Care for Your Guests * Accept and Give PraiseFinally, Forni provides examples of how to put each rule into practice and so make life-and the lives of others-more enjoyable, companionable, and rewarding.Choosing Civility is a simple, practical, perfectly measured, and quietly magical handbook on the lost art of civility and compassion.

The Complete Book of Questions: 1001 Conversation Starters for Any Occasion

Garry Poole

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Subjects -> Reference -> Etiquette -> Conversation
Subjects -> Reference -> Etiquette -> General
Subjects -> Religion & Spirituality -> Christianity -> Christian Living -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 23 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Not bad, but disingenous 3 out of 5 stars.
5 of 9 people found this review helpful.

This book is OK. With 1001 questions, there will be at least some that you find useful. My quarrel with this book is that it doesn't advertise itself as being evangelical Christian, but in many ways it is. It has two separate sections of spiritual questions, and a large percentage of them seem to presume that you are an evangelical already. There are two or three token questions about non-Christian religions and perspectives, out of 200.

This carries over in other ways. Most glaring - there are very few questions about dating and romance, no questions about sex and sexuality at all, and no questions about drinking and drug use. At least some of us find these topics juicy conversation, at least under the right circumstances. I wish the author had been more upfront about his biases.

Entertaining and Fun 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I LOVE this book. I have given this book out as gifts several times. It can be used at dinner parties to make the conversation even more interesting or used as a business tool for tough clients that are hard to get to know. It's also fun to bring along in the car or plane for long trips to past the time. I highly recommend.

Editorial Review:

This book provides groups with 1,001 engaging and thought-provoking icebreaker questions to start and sustain meaningful conversations.

The Civility Solution: What to Do When People Are Rude

P. M. Forni

Amazon Price: $13.57 List Price: $19.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: St. Martin's Press Amazon Marketplace: 36 new & used starting at $11.58

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Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Relationships -> Interpersonal Relations
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Self-Help -> Personal Transformation
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Psychology & Counseling -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Many of us find ourselves confronted with rudeness every day and don’t know how to respond. From the intrusive cell-phone user who holds loud conversations in public to the hostile highway driver who cuts one off with a quick swerve of his car, politeness seems to be on a downward spiral, surprising us at every turn. P.M. Forni, the author of Choosing Civility, has the answer. knows that rudeness begets rudeness and, in The Civility Solution, he shows us what to do when confronted with bad behavior by being assertive as well as civil. In more than one hundred different situations, he shows us how to break the rudeness cycle by responding to a variety of confrontations from bullying to rude internet behavior or the hurtful words of an insensitive family member. How would you respond to the following?

…A salesperson ignores your requests

…A fellow driver gives you the infamous “finger”

…Your child’s playmate misbehaves

…Your boss publicly reprimands you

P. M. Forni has solutions for all of these and many more. In yet another simple and practical handbook, P. M. Forni presents logical solutions that reinforce good behavior and make our world a more civil place.

100 Words Almost Everyone Confuses and Misuses (The 100 Words)

Amazon Price: $5.95 List Price: $5.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Houghton Mifflin Amazon Marketplace: 52 new & used starting at $0.48

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Subjects -> Reference -> Dictionaries & Thesauruses -> English (British)
Subjects -> Reference -> Dictionaries & Thesauruses -> Synonyms & Antonyms
Subjects -> Reference -> Etiquette -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 14 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

The 100 Words series continues to set the standard for measuring and improving vocabulary, with a new title focusing on words that are best known for getting people into linguistic trouble. 100 Words Almost Everyone Confuses and Misuses is the perfect book for anyone seeking clear and sensible guidance on avoiding the recognized pitfalls of the English language.

Each word on the list is accompanied by a concise and authoritative usage note based on the renowned usage program of the American Heritage® Dictionaries. These notes discuss why a particular usage has been criticized and explain the rules and conventions that determine what's right, what's wrong, and what falls in between. Troublesome pairs such as affect / effect, blatant / flagrant, and disinterested / uninterested are disentangled, as are vexing sound-alikes such as discrete / discreet and principal / principle. Other notes tackle such classic irritants as hopefully, impact, and aggravate, as well as problematic words like peruse and presently.

A great graduation gift or stocking stuffer for anyone who cares about language, 100 Words Almost Everyone Confuses and Misuses is guaranteed to help keep writers and speakers on the up-and-up!

India - Culture Smart!: a quick guide to customs and etiquette (Culture Smart!)

Nicki Grihault

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Subjects -> Reference -> Etiquette -> General
Subjects -> Travel -> Asia -> General
Subjects -> Travel -> Asia -> India -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Culture Smart! provides essential information on attitudes, beliefs and behavior in different countries, ensuring that you arrive at your destination aware of basic manners, common courtesies, and sensitive issues. These concise guides tell you what to expect, how to behave, and how to establish a rapport with your hosts. This inside knowledge will enable you to steer clear of embarrassing gaffes and mistakes, feel confident in unfamiliar situations, and develop trust, friendships, and successful business relationships.

Culture Smart! offers illuminating insights into the culture and society of a particular country. It will help you to turn your visit-whether on business or for pleasure-into a memorable and enriching experience. Contents include:

* customs, values, and traditions
* historical, religious, and political background
* life at home
* leisure, social, and cultural life
* eating and drinking
* do's, don'ts, and taboos
* business practices
* communication, spoken and unspoken

"Culture Smart has come to the rescue of hapless travellers." Sunday Times Travel

"... the perfect introduction to the weird, wonderful and downright odd quirks and customs of various countries." Global Travel

"...full of fascinating-as well as common-sense-tips to help you avoid embarrassing faux pas." Observer

"...as useful as they are entertaining." Easyjet Magazine

"...offer glimpses into the psyche of a faraway world." New York Times

Watching the English: The Hidden Rules of English Behaviour

Kate Fox

Amazon Price: $12.21 List Price: $17.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Nicholas Brealey Publishing Amazon Marketplace: 13 new & used starting at $11.32

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Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Social Sciences -> Customs & Traditions
Subjects -> Reference -> Etiquette -> General
Subjects -> Travel -> Europe -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 15 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Hilarious and revealing observation of the English by a social anthropologist 5 out of 5 stars.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful.

Kate Fox, a social anthropologist and Co-Director of the Social Issues Research Centre in Oxford, who has lived in England, America, Ireland and France, takes a revealing look at the quirks and habits of the English people. Being very English herself, she holds a mirror up to the English national character and reveals the most famous traits as well as the most bizarre reflex reactions. She attempts to discover the curious, hidden rules of behaviour that all English people seem to follow, but few are aware even exist. In a separate section consisting of 14 pages she focuses on defining Englishness and attempts to define Englishness in contrast to being British.

Writing with gentle humour and astute perception she portrays the foibles in the English and in herself as well. Kate Fox is immensely perceptive about all kinds of English cultural values, behaviours and oddities. Watching the English falls into two main parts: part one - Conversation codes; part two - Behaviour codes. The first part covers everything from the obsession with the weather through English humour to how people use mobile phones. The second part deals with how the English behave inside their own homes or when visiting other people's homes, life in the workplace, food, drink, eating-habits, sex... and many more topics.

Though the smallish print might irritate some, it's an easy read with good flow and the reader will get much material to provoke lively discussion with anyone interested in the English.

Anthropologist Kate Fox, has forced herself to engage in many humiliating field tests-- like bumping into people on purpose and seeing how many people say `sorry'-- in order to test the common theories about English behaviour. Watching the English is the result of her research. Fox's book displays most of the traits that she points out as representing the English: being sensitive to the tiny signifiers of class status (e.g. the `M&S test', which identifies your class by your shopping choices at that particular department store), it purposely avoids taking itself too seriously and is continuously self-deprecating (of course, this is the `popular anthropology', not the real scientific one). Admitting to being neither, Watching the English is positioned between satire and science.

Warmly recommended for anyone from another culture, who tries to survive living in Britain, or live among the English abroad. People working in international teams with English members or bosses would have many aha-insights through this book.

Editorial Review:

A bestseller in the UK, Watching the English is a biting, affectionate, insightful and often hilarious look English Society. Putting the English national character under her anthropological microscope, Fox finds a strange and fascinating culture, governed by complex sets of unspoken rules and bizarre codes of behavior. Through a mixture of anthropological analysis and her own unorthodox experiments-even using herself as a reluctant guinea-pig-Fox discovers what these unwritten codes tell us about Englishness.