Product Description

Just in time to save the world from a manners meltdown, here's an etiquette book that teens will want to read--because it keeps them laughing, doesn't preach, and deals with issues that matter to them. Packer blends humor with sound advice as he guides readers through the world of manners from A ("Applause") to Z ("Zits"). Full of practical tips for any occasion.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #83929 in Books
• Published on: 1997-09
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 472 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781575420240
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From School Library Journal
Grade 6 Up?From its intriguing title to the tongue-in-cheek ideas for dealing with many kinds of situations, teenagers will find this manual humorous, nonthreatening, entertaining, and educational. The narrative is light and lively, and the advice is realistic and practical. The situations covered in the question-and-answer format far exceed those found in standard etiquette books, with section headings such as "Sex-Ediquette" (realistic rules for relationships with the opposite sex), Toiletiquette, (polite bathroom-sharing), and Netiquette (cyberspace behavior codes). The correct way to answer an invitation, which fork to use at a formal dinner, and all of the standard protocols for life in what once was called a "proper" environment are included. Yet there are many scenarios, from sexual situations to in-line skating, that will be relevant to today's teenagers, and questions that many would not be able to ask an adult, yet for which they urgently need answers. They will certainly find guidance here. Charts listing options for correct or incorrect behavior with probable outcomes appear throughout, as are anecdotal snippets entitled "True Stories from the Manners Frontier." Survey results that show what teens think and then what parents and teachers think about the same issues are presented. This volume should be considered ahead of any traditional etiquette book for YAs. They will return to it again and again as they face new and different situations.?Marilyn Fairbanks, East Junior High School, Brockton,
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Gr. 6^-12. Although manners aren't high on any teen's list of things to read about, this volume not only uses humor to make the subject palatable but also makes good sense in terms of most young people's everyday lives. Whether the topic is rude noises, table manners, or squabbles over the TV remote, Packer has a word or two to say, managing to get the point across without scolding or haranguing. He also has some advice on a few issues not usually covered in books on manners--like in-line skating, computer hacking, and "sex ediquette" (it's "beyond rude" to give someone HIV, get someone pregnant, or ignore the word "No"). The text is nicely broken up by cartoons, boldface headings, goofy chapter quizzes, and survey results (no background on how these were obtained is given), but the book is still a formidable 400 pages. For reference, however, it's first rate: teens can turn to it when they have a specific problem (both the index and the table of contents are good) or use it as an adjunct to the study of human relationships or contemporary culture. Stephanie Zvirin

Review

Customer Reviews

Why good manners makes your life easier, not more difficult.
Question: What teenager would be interested in reading a 465 page book on manners? Answer: Just about any one who is holding a copy of "How Rude!"

I'm so delighted by this book. I'm a father of four, and as I read "How Rude" I asked myself, "What is it that makes this book so effective?" Perhaps it's the simple practicality of its message. The main point is that it's in your own best interests to use good manners. One of the places it says this is on page 109: "Adjust your requests and behavior to the emotions and needs of others. This is not only a cornerstone of politeness, but also a way to increase the chances that your requests will be granted."

Perhaps it works so well because it concerns the things teenagers obsess about, such as how to be popular, how to get your parents let you do what you want, what to do about braces, how to handle friendship problems, and how to get a date. It even talks about when it is OK not to use good manners. The section headings reflect the fascination youth of all ages have: "Things you do to your body" and "Things your body does to you" and "The blended, shaken, stirred or mixed family, " and "Sex-ediquette."

Maybe what makes this book work so well for kids is Packer's dead-on humor, with just the right amount of grossness so that you can't quite turn away. It's a fast-paced kaleidoscope of quips, anecdotes, lists, jokes, and chummy advice. There's no way to lose interest, because it's so juicy and fun. I challenge anyone to open the book to any page and not find some undeniably useful tidbits.

It's a great book for teens, of course, but it's also a great book for parents who are looking for ways of talking about manners with their kids.

be aware
I bought this book for my 12 year old son. I found the majority of the book acceptable, entertaining and informative . However the book also had sections geared towards older teens (I assume). I was surprised to find information regarding who should bring the condom on the date and other sexual issues. The book states that wether or not teens should be sexually active is not a topic of this book but if you are sexually active it is beyond rude to....and goes on to list a number of sexual situations.
I was hoping to share this book with my son as I think he could benefit from it. However, I'll be putting it aside until I feel we have discussed some of the sexual issues addressed by the book and he is mature enough to handle it.It's too bad because I think he'd be more likely to want the other information now while he is excited about starting junior high and wanting to be treated as an adult.I

The most popular book in my waiting room
This is easily the most popular book in my waiting room. I see both parents and adolescents looking at it and laughing. It is actually an etiquette book, but Emily Post would probably run away screaming if she saw this one.

The author uses amusing "stories from the manners frontier" and fictional anecdotes. Some parents may be "grossed out" by examples of what not to do in public. Still, the message to the adolescent is clear. It is in your own best interest to be polite, courteous and responsible. That is ultimately the best way to get what you want.

Carol E. Watkins, M.D.