Life Is Friends: A Complete Guide to the Lost Art of Connecting in Person

I found this book heartening in that I agree that as a society we use technology as an end and not a means to connect with people. We hide behind text messaging, e-mail messages, Twitter, Facebook in LIEU of face time, which is what it's all about. These are helpful where geographical distance is a hindrance to more personal interaction. In mid-life I find myself at the cusp between a generation that doesn't feel the need always to 'plug in' and a generation that grew up online. It was also comforting to know that people share in common trepidations about entertaining in their homes, but that kind of intimacy is worth experiencing. My only reservation about this book is the coaching around 'artful dodging' and the 'white lies' around disconnecting with people you don't wish to know better. I think transparency and direct communication are better options here - having told and been told that a greater friendship is not in the cards - to me that's kinder than letting go via the unresponsive 'fade away'. I decided to 'unplug' for a couple of days and it was great fun!

This witty and helpful book is the most wonderful antidote to "hostess anorexia," or any of the other confounding problems associated with socializing in a world gone nuts over Twitter and Facebook. People seem connected but are in fact, more distant than ever, as Ms. Martinet points out. Time to get over our fears of actually cooking for people, because as she says, the more you entertain in your home, the more others will invite you over, and that's truly how you meet people in relationships that "stick." "Say yes," "go out," stop interacting all the time with a video screen, that's how she sees it, and she provides wonderful tips on how to start and then keep on with your own wish to reach out. This work is a delight, filled with wisdom and laughs from someone who clearly understands the new age of relationships and how to cope - nay - triumph.

Another great book from the author of "The Art of Mingling". This book is wonderful at reminding us that there is no substitute for live, in-person hospitality. The book is filled with wit and delightful all-too-true stories. What a great gift for all your friends...I will be giving it too all of my friends! I loved reading it.

Do you really spend more time calling, emailing and texting friends than spending actual face to face time with them? I was more than a little embarrassed to realize I do. Witty, illuminating and dead-on true, Jeanne Martinet's book makes a serious case that for all the gizmos, devices and doodads we use to stay in-touch with friends and family, nothing can replace good old actual contact. I stumbled upon this book, looking for a housewarming gift. Not only was I highly pleased with my purchase, but I bought three more (two for friends, and one for myself). From how to meet new friends to deepening and maintaining current relationships, this book covers a wide range of social situation how-to's, all illustrated with humorous anecdotes. It's a pleasure to read. Bottom line--this book got me off my butt and out with my friends.

I loved this book for the warmth, humor and value it puts on face-to-face friendship. It was also a great gift for my aunts and step-mother who already treasure the values in this book and appreciated that I understood and validated them by giving them this book.