Customer Reviews

Great Letters for Every Occasion

The section on thank you notes should generally be ignored. The author makes several claims which go against proper etiquette and general good taste. For example, she says if a gift arrives prior to the big event, wait to send a thank you note until after the event. This is completely wrong as a thank you note should be sent *immediately* upon receipt for any gift. Most of the sample letters actually begin with the words "Thank you for..." which is also improper. The thanks are enclosed within. She also admits to going against proper etiquette by saying it's okay to close with the phrase "Thanks again." It's not okay and makes for a poorly written letter which looks to be written from a child who does not know better.

The section on employment is especially good and is a nice change from the droll letters seen by those who specialize in such letters. The section on introductions is also particulaly good. The section on apologies is excellent.

The model letters in sympathy are generally good, but certain letters are completely tactless, such as the examples written in the case of couple's divorce. Put yourself in the recipient's shoes when reading the model letters in this section to gauge how you would feel receiving such a letter in similar circumstances before you actually commit such a letter to paper and mail it off to a friend.

As a side note, the book is sprinkled throughout with small quotes from notables. They are very enjoyable and apropos.

This is a good reference manual to add to your library, but do not let proper etiquette go when referring to this book.