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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Also contains many solid practical hints and tips, May 3, 2010
This review is from: A Boy Should Know How to Tie a Tie: And Other Lessons for Succeeding in Life (Hardcover)
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I am going to take a little different reviewing turn here, and concentrate on the hints and tips sections of this book, instead of the "life lessons" portions.
Ok, we start out by learning to tie a tie. This is not easy to find, kind of hidden up front in the Introduction, rather than in the `Clothes make the man" chapter. However, it teaches "how to" simply and well, showing the Half-Windsor. He has a simple set of illustrations and detailed step by step instructions. What's nice is that he doesn't go on to show a full Windsor or a bow tie, or any of the other stuff that usually clutters up and confuses other guides. He's right- you need to learn to tie a tie, so learn one knot and learn it by rote.
Next we have a simple and easy to follow guideline for trimming men's nails, including the very important advice to keep your nails fairly short.
He follows this with an excellent stroke by stroke guide to shaving. I mean, this is so good, every male needs to read this. Antwone importantly adds the advice to not use a alcohol based aftershave, and to stay away from strong scents.
The author goes on to shoe selection & care and a very well written guide to doing a good shoe shine. I have a couple quibbles here- he brings in styles like the derby and blucher, which I think add trivia and are a little confusing. He also prefers a cloth to buff while I prefer a soft finishing brush, but that's just personal style. Again- a useful and well done section.
Important tips on buying and wearing a suit, and business wear are next. Also chock full of useful advice- including the wide differences found in "business casual", which can be a pitfall for a new employee. Solid practical advice. I don't know how many young men will ever iron their own shirt, but there are times when it's useful to know this.
A good part of another chapter is devoted on setting a budget and other good solid practical basic financial advice. This section would be good for any reader, including advice on buying a car, budgets and credit cards.
I have to admit I have not yet tried any of the few simple recipes in the back, but I agree young men should know at least the basics of cooking.
All in all, the "hints and tips" portions of this book are very practical, presented in a clear and helpful and no-nonsense style. I am impressed. I admit I missed having an index, however. Perhaps the next edition will add that.
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7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Basic Necessities for Life's Success, April 23, 2010
This review is from: A Boy Should Know How to Tie a Tie: And Other Lessons for Succeeding in Life (Hardcover)
Author Antwone Fisher penned a timely self-help book that clearly explains how important the basic things in life that pertain to life and living it successfully. The things that most people would not think are important really are, as they build character, self-esteem, self-worth and provide lessons on one's way to succeeding in life. Simply, it begins with the basics.
Drawing from his own life experiences, Author Fisher shares how important it is to know how to tie a tie and what it means to a young boy. From hygiene to clothing to developing life plans to inventing yourself, the basics of doing these things are an integral part of who you will become. Discipline, starting with taking care of your body, keeping yourself clean and presentable, from your haircut to the shoes you wear, even the food you eat and how you care for the spiritual side of yourself.
Personal experiences and suggestions are not what make this book; it is the illustrations and instructions on how to tie a tie, how to shave, the type of clothing every young man should have in his closet, how to ensure that your clothing is clean and what to do when traveling, and a host of other very basic ways of living that would help a young man to not only put his best foot forward, but to present who he is the first time someone makes his acquaintance. This very detailed, very frank and open-hearted book reveals that the basics may seem simple at first glance, but they are indeed the foundation and blueprint that will help our young boys become the men they endeavor to be.
I recommend this book to boys everywhere, boys youth groups and men who never had the opportunity to learn these important life lessons from their own fathers.
This book was provided to me courtesy of the publisher for review purposes.
Review by Sharel E. Gordon-Love
APOOO BookClub
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great for older teens...."Dad's advice on life", February 16, 2011
This review is from: A Boy Should Know How to Tie a Tie: And Other Lessons for Succeeding in Life (Hardcover)
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Since the title of this book says right across the front "A Boy Should Know", I figured it was for a boy, not a teen becoming a man. This book is most definitely aimed at an older "boy"; I would guess 16-20 yr olds.
This book is full of good information, especially if there is no male role model around to teach it. A lot of these things I know I learned from my Dad. Guess I was a lucky one. That being said, the book really does hold a wealth of information for a good basis in any older teens life or even just a written reminder.
Most topics are general life skills and knowledge. Everything from cleaning, keeping clean, clothing one's self and looking sharp, taking care clothes, making a plan for your life, inventing and reinventing one's self, finding good role models, statistics on obesity and how to eat well, getting organized, managing money, car facts, everything in moderation, and developing a spiritual side. These are just the general topics but most are discussed in detail for instance, keeping things clean entails; what to clean, when to clean, how to clean, and what to buy to clean. This is a well written book that slides from one topic into another adding tid-bits of information around every corner.
I like that Fisher wrote this on a personal level with stories about his family throughout along with all of the good advice.
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