The Art and Power of Being a Lady

What a fun and thought provoking read. As a woman who frequently swears, bites her nails and breaks many of the "social rules," this book did inspire me to question --- "Am I a lady?" By the time I closed it, I realized that yes, I am. Loved the list of the 100 women --- some I agree with and others I do not. But they certainly made me think --- and it's clear the writers did their research. It's nice to read something that reflected American women and not just NY!It's a great present for a girlfriend or your mom. Include a note on why THEY are a lady...or not!

In a world in which it seems good manners and even common courtesy are ever dwindling, it is nice to know some people still care. A guide to how to live with grace in your everyday life is something everyone can benefit from- and this is that guide! Fun and easy to read, it is modern and non-exclusive, with a sense of humor towards the long-standing parameters of lady-dom. I challenge anyone to follow the basic tenets of this book and not come out a winner- and a lady to boot!

Today's woman is much more than an extension of her husband's identity or a person whose place is to "rattle pots and pans in the kitchen." There is absolutely nothing wrong with rattling pots and pans, if that is one's choice. Even today, there are many woman whose work is solely in being a homemaker. Raising children and making a house a home is no easy job. However, what women do have today is choices.In the home or outside the home, as this book points out, many of today's women are emotionally and financially independent, free-spirited, and a fair number are well-educated, worldly travelled, informed professional women. From social style and grace to responsibility and even humour, this book is interesting from start to finish. Unlike early generations of women, today's women are restricted only by self-imposed limitations. There is nothing in this world we cannot accomplish with hard work, determination, perseverance and commitment. Oprah Winfrey is a shining example to women everywhere that we truly can overcome life's challenges, no matter how great or small. She is a woman who exudes class and style and, indeed, a lady in every sense of the word. As readers will learn through the pages of "The Art and Power of Being a Lady" any female is born a women, but being a lady requires much more...refinement, etiquette, style, class and feeling confident and good about who you are and what you are doing. This book gives readers a better understanding of what really separates "the women from the ladies."

If you are ever feeling confused about doing the "right" thing or tempted to do the "wrong" thing, flip through this book to the appropriate chapter and you will be inspired to maintain your lady-like nature and feel good about it no matter what happens.

Have you ever hung up the phone, wishing you'd been a little less strident? Or bungled a break-up, because you just wanted to get it over with? This little book is an elegant primer that reminds us that keeping one's temper or respecting the feelings of others is just as important today as it was in simpler times. There are no shortcuts to good manners but the rewards are enduring. I loved reading, in the words of accomplished women whom I admire, why being considered a lady still matters.