Customer Reviews

How to Be: A Guide to Contemporary Living for African Americans

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was interested in a professional etiquette book but there were far more chapters on how to raise your kids in a today's society and african religions, interesting but not what I wanted. Rather then provide info on how to behave in certain social situations the author focuses on her position about social behaviors and issues.....not that useful when you want to know what all those utensils at the table are for. If I had an opportunity to check out the table of contents before purchasing this book, I wouldn't have.

"How To Be" was a good book. But I would not say that it was an "etiquette" book. We learned about the religious beliefs of the author. We learned her personal views on things. It is fine to use your own life as an example; however, I would have gleaned more if she had used her own life to teach us about etiquette. That did not really happen

Harriet Cole is a brilliant woman and writer. Her experiences in life and from those whom she has worked with, qualifies her to write this book. She has been seen on ABC's The View, displaying proper etiquette for dining. This book takes a look at different cultures and what is proper etiquette in different enviornments. From this wonderful book one can learn what are respectable calling times whrn calling others, proper dining, and even how to address others upon entering a room. This book is a great buy for anyone of any race or background.

I always keep a copy of this close by as well as extras to give to friends. It has come in handy in many situations that have occurred in my life from funerals to birthdays to just plain everyday situations. I will give copies to my children as they grow older to serve as a reference for "how to be" when you don't know.

I picked this up on sale and gave to all my Bridesmaids, because Harriette Cole wrote Jumping the Broom a decent reference on African-American weddings. I thought it would be a nice gift. I also picked up a copy for myself to find that it was very cursory and not as thorough on many issues as I felt necessary. I would recommend Basic Black over Ms. Cole's guide, unless of course you catch a great sale as I did. I don't think there is much here your grandmother or mother probably hasn't already told you.

Great, great resource. History and legend come together in an easy to read, well thought out and well laid out format.
True to life, accurate accounts of "How we are". For everything Emily Post is not to the African American citizen, How To Be has your answers!

If you want a biography instead of actual etiquette tips, this is the book for you. Otherwise, stay away. It has no practical usage at all.