Stand Up, Shake Hands, and Say "How Do You Do": What Boys Need to Know about Today's Manners

Instill courtesy in yourself and your family. Timeless advice, tactfully rendered. A good companion for "Manners Matter" by Hermine Hartley.

Both my sons received this book when they entered junior high many years ago. I especially liked it reminding the boys that if you swat someone with a towel in the shower you can expect it to be returned.

My boys are grown - in their 30s and blessed with the manners that would make even the most picky parent proud. And it all started with this book. They've both told me they accepted it immediately because (1) it never preached or talked down to them, and (2) it gave them really cool ideas (like putting gum down the drain - let's forget about that). Each found it amazing that he was able to actually stand up, shake hands, and say "how do you do" without feeling like a dork, and then realizing that it made a real difference in how adults responded. That first success had them hooked, and they never looked back. Now it's time for the grandsons, and their dads are thrilled that the book is still going strong. And so is grandpa.

In the days of cotillion and other social occasions, my son surreptitiously found the information he needed in this book that just happened to be in his bookcase. He was openly delighted when the updated version arrived for his son's first birthday. It is written in such a manner that young boys don't feel preached to. I do disagree with the age classification you have given it.

This is a perfect book to give as a gift to new parents or grandparents of a baby boy. Most boys will not pick this up and read it. It will have to be 'assigned' with a bribe! This is not the fault of the book, but rather the nature of young boys. It may be better read to them or read by parents and then implimented. The authors have done a superb job in making this dry topic fun and interesting. Parents can brush up on manners at the same time. I think it is a must for any family with sons.I especially liked the pictures to give you concrete information. The section on how to choose a suit and knotting ties was excellent These are just a few of the wonderful lessons.Bravo!