Some books just tickle my funny bone while at the same time teach me what a buffoon I am. The following two books did exactly that! On the one hand, I feel a strong urge to purchase these two books and give them as gifts to several people that I know. On the other hand, after having read these books, I know that that would be socially unacceptable. Still, the temptation does exist, I cannot deny it!
Raise your hand if you know a socially awkward or inept individual! Raise your hand if YOU are the socially awkward person! Raise your hand if you have kids or students that never think to say please and thank you and fail to look you in the eye when speaking! Any and/or all of you might be in need of these two books on manners.
I read these books in succession and I do feel like they compliment each other well. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that you really can’t read one book without the other. They each have something unique to offer. I started by reading Socially Smart in 60 Seconds
The second book I read on etiquette is Protocol Matters
Protocol training . . . is a primary step in learning to be faithful in real, daily actions. Almost every Christian is familiar with the commands “Honor all people” (1 Pet. 2:17) and “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself” (Phil. 2:3). Of course, learning to put these commands into consistent practice can be challenging, but protocol training is an effective tool in making such considerate behavior a part of Christian life.” (page 11)
Boswell makes some strong arguments as to why it is important to learn good etiquette. If I were rewording what she said it would look something like this: “The world does not revolve around you. Note that! Sometimes it’s about someone else.” A worthy reminder and a good message.
She makes a reasonable argument that if we fail to practice good manners, we will end up practicing bad ones, frequently making those around us uncomfortable to miserable (or at the very least, feeling very dishonored). She says on pages 13-14:
C.S. Lewis once noted, in a discussion about choosing reading matter, that life doesn’t have optional voids: “If you don’t read good books, you will read bad ones. If you don’t go on thinking rationally, you will think irrationally. If you reject aesthetic satisfactions, you will fall into sensual satisfactions.” He could have easily added that if you don’t practice good manners, you will have bad ones. Voids will always be filled and so will young minds. You ought not to coast through life – coasting is always downhill.
Boswell offers a well-thought out argument for the continuing need for good manners and manners. The present day mindset seems to be “anything goes!” but she argues against that with good cause and reason. An excellent read on the subject of manners.
Do you and yours need a refresher course on what is considered polite in society? Then you’ll want to pick up these books. Christian or not – they offer practical advice and practical tips on what is considered good behavior.
Both Harvest House and Canon Press have offered to give away one copy each to one of our readers. If you’d like to win, please leave a comment below. We’ll announce the winner on June 24. U.S. Residents only please.
For another book on manners that is specifically written for children, see my review of The Splatters Learn Some Manners
We don’t have a giveaway winner to announce this week, because the one from last week is running two weeks, but you can check out all of our current giveaways and enter them too!
Carrie comes by her book obsession honestly, having descended from a long line of bibliophiles. She blogs about books regularly at Reading to Know.
These would be great, especially with 2 sons! (They don’t always believe Mama!!!)
mj.coward[at]gmail.com
I’d love to be entered in this drawing. Etiquette is fascinating to me – these books like really interesting.
These look wonderful! My two nephews (13 and 14) could use some more advice. I’ll have to look for these.
Excellent! I can always use a brush-up on manners. 🙂
Sometimes its hard to tell or know what to do in a certain situation! This should help!
This would really help me to be more Classy!
I find that these types of books make for great discussions. Did you know…? Lots of fun.
I would love to win these books for my kids and myself.
These books would be a terrific addition to my classroom library! It is much easier to learn the correct habits when young.
Thank you!
These look great. I really want to read them. Teaching manners is a constant thing with my two boys.
These sound great! Thanks for the opportunity.
These sound like wonderful books on a much-needed topic!
sound great
I really need these books. My husband and I feel that we are reasonably polite and well-mannered, but we must not be, because our three children are exibiting poor behavior that can only be blamed on our parenting (as we don’t have cable tv, and we rarely interact with other people.)
Alicia Webster
[email protected]
One can always improve themselves being socially polite.
I would love to use these at work as some things are rather awkward.
ooh this books sounds great!
Thanks for the giveaway!
these books would be great for my home schooled nephews
I could sure use this book!
I raised my hands several times.
I need these just as much, or more, than those who came to mind. And I want to go straight over to look at the one for children.
Please enter me in the drawing!
Thank you!
I definitely could use the books. Growing up on the farm is WAY different than growing up in the city. At least at my house.
These sound great! Yes, I often am that socially awkward person. <>
Congratulations on insightful reviews of both books. The reminders will help anyone. Like many others I often feel inadequate in groups and need
to polish skills I learned decades ago. Thank you for the contest.
man i love to read [email protected]
The books sound great!
Great read, great contest!
Everyone could use this book.
I think I would enjoy these books. I’ve always felt I needed some help in the field of etiquette, and I DO have a problem making small talk when with someone I like, but don’t know very well.
not a very social person, coul use the book :0)
there are a lot of teenagers in my family that could benefit from this
would love to win this.
I raised my hand.
It only takes 60 seconds to become socially smart. Is that possible?
I could definitely use these myself! I make up my own rules…
would love this for youngest
I would love to win.
Thank you for the chance
[email protected]
Perfect for my teen! Thanks!
Since I am from Idaho I would pick Protocol Matters and maybe I can poke a few more seeds into my grandchildren’s fertile young minds.
looks good add me please
I would love to win. THanks for the giveaway.
accoupons at gmail dot com
These both sound like wonderful books! Thanks for the offer.
This looks like such an interesting book..I loved the C.S. Lewis quote!
Count me in:)
These look to be very useful! I would love to win these!
enter me
I know several people I’d like to give these to-starting with my brother-in-law!
smchester at gmail dot com
I’d love to read these. Thanks for the chance.
I think my whole family could read this and learn something. I would love to read what advice there is.
I would love to brush up on my etiquette
These books sound like they would be interesting. As a mother of 2, I am always looking for new ways to teach my kids.