Etiquette Books

I was sooo happy and surprised to actually read someone's view on the word and be absolutely correct. No compromise was made. If I had 4 thumbs, "4 thumbs up!" to Ms. Olivia Harris Woodfork. Usually you read something and the truth is half told or left those "little important things" out. Well done. God bless!

Some economists say that the purpose of corporations is simple: to earn profitable returns on their capital investments. All else is incidental, even superfluous. This might be termed the Milton Friedman approach, for the famous Chicago-school economist. However, others contend that corporations, particularly global ones, must assume responsibility for "sustainable economic development." If corporations don't, they argue, who will? Without concerted corporate action, the earth will become polluted, and sooner rather than later, global warming will increase, with calamitous effects. Poverty and hunger will mount. The superrich will live in guarded enclaves, cordoned off from the hellish and chaotic lives of the majority. In Simon Zadek's award-winning book, the ethicist and visionary examines corporate social and environmental responsibility and provides a practical prescription for meaningful, positive changes. getAbstract says Zadek's book is required reading for executives, public policy makers, academics and others who ponder the role of corporations in creating a sustainable world economy.

A teacher friend gave me this book, and I love it! My family and I have discussed many of the issues raised in the text, not to mention plain old manners. I recommend this book to anyone concerned about a lack of civility in the United States.

DIANE TUPPER SIECK, owner of International Artwork, and one of the developers and pioneers in the use of bar codes, states: "I wish every school in the state had a copy of this wonderful book. A little bit could be read every morning and the lessons the kids would learn from it would make the world a better place." December 1, 2003

This is a book that helps to teach children manners in a gentle way that they can relate to. Loonette is a young girl dressed as a clown, and she is taken through her day. As events unfold from the time she wakes up until she is back in bed at night, they are presented in both impolite and polite mode. The form for the presentation of all the mannerisms is:

Clowns DON'T talk with a mouth full of food.
Clowns DO chew with their mouth closed. They talk when they have no food left in their mouth.

What do you talk about at the table?

It is a very pleasant book to read and the illustrations are colorful and will keep the visual attention of a child. I heartily recommend it.

Charming drawings with lots of details - my 3-year old daughter reads it with us at least three times a day.

Should you bring a gift to a Bar Mitzvah? What about an Egyptian wedding?

At a same-sex wedding, should you refer to the "bride" or "groom?"

These and many other questions are answered in Norine Dresser's "Come As You Aren't," a resource guide to the details and customs of a wealth of multi-cultural occasions.

Dresser, a folklorist, Los Angeles Times columnist and professional consultant on diversity issues, discusses holidays for interfaith and multiracial families, as well as cultural celebrations and rites of passage from many cultures, pointing out the "dos and don'ts" of gift-giving, appropriate dress and conversation, even body language (some cultures kiss and touch, among others this is taboo.)

Dresser also explains to us the "rites and wrongs" of events such as birthdays, marriages, comings of age, funerals and holidays. There is also a section on gay and lesbian celebrations, and guidelines for families adopting children from other cultures.

"Come As You Aren't" is entertaining, readable and full of interesting, sometimes surprising details. I was impressed by the extent of Dresser's research and her insights into the diversity issues facing our rapidly changing society.

This book is a 5-star book because of all the absolutely beautiful and very creative instructions for how to make the most beautiful birthday cakes and other party food for children. Food is usually the center of a party, and this one has amazing instructions of hwo to turn ordinary jello into a boat with a sail or make a sandwhich house complete with carrot windows and doors, a castle cake, dinosaur cake, whale cake, bus cake, etc.. All the instructions are here to guide you to making a party filled with very creative themed food. Great Book!!

This book is thoughtfully written, about a very confusing topic for the rest of us. Sue Winner is clearly an expert. A must buy if you are planning a wedding and you didn't win the lottery.

This book covers all of the basics for how to conduct oneself in the business world. Office politics, dining, and social functions are all addressed. The wardrobe section is very helpful, as well. It offers sound clothing advice for both men and women. The women's section is noteworthy in that it gives women the freedom to actually dress like a woman in the office. Too many books of this sort pigeonhole women into the traditional black hole of a dark suit, round earrings, and sensible pumps. The dining section gives advice on being proper, but not stuffy, at the table. There is also a useful glossary on hard-to-eat foods. This book offers useful and practical tips for the seasoned executive and the young up-and-comer, alike. I recommend it to anyone in the business world.