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.
I’d like to read these.
I would love to give these a read! Thanks for the giveaway.
I could use the small talk chapter. I’ve never been very good at it.
I would love to win these.
A manners primer. What a great idea.
I have been looking for books like these. I always have questions pertaining to social etiquette.
mercsmercado at yahoo dot com
I’d love to read this!
Im not sure that I have the best social skills.
I want one!
I would love these books!
I’d love to win (and share the words of wisdom with my kids, lol)! Thanks!
Thanks this book sounds good for teaching our kids.
Happy Summer!
These books look like really good reads. I would like to teach my children some manners, and learn more about them myself.
Princess08181985 (@) hotmail.com
Thanks for the giveaway. Looks great.
thanks a lot.
Sounds like great books
Lack of hormones has affected my social skills. Would love to win this! Thanks so much.
I think that we have lost a lot culturally with the loss of basic manners and social niceties. Where do we learn these things any more if not from our parents?
I would love to win!
I’m following you on Twitter. (My Twitter name is @ThriftyJinxy)
Sounds like a great read, thanks for the giveaway
sharr1226 at yahoo dot com
Our grandparents would be upset over the “loss of manners” that is evident in our lives today. That is why we need this book. Thanks.
I tend to be an old-fashioned gentleman — in my mind, good manners are just as important as proper grammar, correct spelling, and appropriate punctuation. Sometimes being a bit obsessive is just fine.
This would be really nice to have. Thank you!
I would love to read these and have my older kids read these.
Please and Thank You! Would be great!
Ifeel socially akwad so this would help
After a recent trip to town, I think these books should be required reading for everyone.
I love learning the intricacies of etiquette!
These would be great for…uh…somebody I know.
enter me!
following your blog as klp1965
kathy pease
looks like a great read
I would love to win this book. Thank you.
Please enter me into the contest. Thanks!
These books sound great. Thanks for the opportunity to enter. By the way, I loved the C. S. Lewis quote!
this sounds like such a great book. I would love to show it to my class.
[email protected]
I can always use a brush-up on manners. thanks!
Great read, great contest!
What a wonderful book! I love that it is Christian based!
I would love to read it!
Thanks for the chance – everyone can always use more manners!
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
i want to win this, thanks for the great chance -love your websites.
Maybe i could fit in for once this looks like a must read for me
I am a subscriber
Shoot – don’t know if my other comment went thru (I got 404ed). So here’s another just in case… Thanks for the great contest!