Book Review: “Modern Manners” by Dorthea Johnson & Liv Tyler

modern manners

FTC Disclosure: I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

“Modern Manners” by Dorthea Johnson & Liv Tyler (2013)

Genre: Self Help, Etiquette

Page Length: 176 pages (hardcover edition)

Synopsis:

From the world-renowned etiquette expert and her granddaughter, Liv Tyler, an elegant guide to 21st-century manners for professionals who want to be confident and successful in the business and social arenas. 

Developing good manners is an important investment in your future. They allow you to feel at ease in any situation–and give you the polish and confidence to become a leader. Etiquette expert Dorothea Johnson’s essential dos and don’ts address both 21st-century and classic questions, including:

* acing job interviews
* giving confident handshakes
* making conversation
* proper business attire and meeting protocol
* e-mail etiquette, including what to post–or not–on social media
* how to deal with rude cell phone users
* conducting a meeting at a restaurant
* attending business or social events
* table manners

With style, wit, and delightful commentary throughout from her granddaughter, Liv Tyler, on everything from being a good guest to finding a balance with technology, Modern Manners is the must-have guide to ensure your success. (description from Random House)

Review:

Modern Manners is a nifty little handbook full of etiquette tips with colorful instructions. Since it’s more of a self-help book, I recommend not digesting it all at one time, but slowly bit by bit. You can also keep it on your desk as a reference book and flip to a subject where you might need to refresh your mind.

The book is organized really well and breaks down topics such as “how to address someone”, dress code for events, and the many do’s and don’ts depending on the situation. While I thought some of these topics are self-explanatory, I did find myself still learning new etiquette tips and even realized things that I was doing incorrectly and bad habits I need to drop. For example, when people say “you’re welcome”and I respond with “yeah” or “no problem”.

There are also fun facts about etiquette practices from around the world and the authors give the book a personal touch by sharing their own experiences of how they handled situations.

Final Verdict:

A handy book for the basic etiquette you need to know. 4 out of 5 stars!

2 thoughts on “Book Review: “Modern Manners” by Dorthea Johnson & Liv Tyler

  1. I have a weird fondness for etiquette books (particularly some of the rather laughable old ones; I always buy them from antique stores and library sales) but I’m just dreadful at putting the advice into practice. The writers’ voices are often so posh and entertaining, like characters instead of real people. This one sounds a little more realistic, like it could actually trick me into being more polite.

    Is that Liv Tyler the actress? Arwen giving etiquette lessons is the best image.

    1. The “Girl Talk” (etiquette/self-help) book I reviewed last year was more humorous and lightweight. This book is a little more posh than that one, but for the most part tries to keep things nice, simple,and illustrated. I actually took some good tips from this book. And yes its Liv Tyler the actress. 🙂

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