Customer Reviews

Talk to the Hand: The Utter Bloody Rudeness of the World Today, or Six Good Reasons to Stay Home

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If memory serves, I described Lynn Truss's first audio book, "Eats, Shoots & Leaves" as great good fun and the author as having an unstoppable, irresistible wit. I'll gleefully use the same description for "Talk to the Hand," the indefatigable author/observer's take on modern manners - more accurately the lack thereof. Yes, Truss is highly amusing. Perhaps more importantly she's on target.

Granted, Emily Post most certainly wouldn't have discussed etiquette in Truss's manner, but Ms. Post was a bit tedious. That adjective can never be applied to Truss as she sets out six reasons for today's rampant rudeness.

First of all, are the simple words "thank you" and "please" difficult to pronounce? Truss believes their lack of use is due to our self absorption. Next she tackles the multiplicity of choices indicating that they are a source of befuddlement for us. Thus, we create our own small universes which leads to alienation.

Our use of personal space is also on her no-holds-barred agenda noting those who talk during movies or share their personal lives with the world via in public cell phone conversations. Truss continues by positing that for many criticism is totally unacceptable. Instead we blame others for whatever has or has not occurred. This she calls the "Universal Eff-off Reflex."

The older I get the more I appreciate her decrying the lack of respect - whether for elders, officials, professions or property. Finally, she mentions the loss of feeling that we are a part of something larger than ourselves - a city, a church, a state, our world.

It's a special treat to hear Truss deliver her whacks at the inconsiderate in her very British voice, totally in charge and direct. Don't miss this one!

- Gail Cooke

My kids and I LOVE Lynn Truss- this was so funny and perfect! I just wish there was more available by her!
Kristen

I laughed myself silly listening to this. I like it even better than reading it. Wonderful. And of course I am slowly givng it to all my friends--the nice and the rude, friends all.

Talk to the Hand
By Lynne Truss
Nonfiction

The title explains it all. Why are we so rude to our fellow humans? Are we just to good for them? Or in a constant bad mood? The bottom line is, each and every person is not treating others with the respect that they deserve. The book, "Talk to the Hand", puts modern day society into perspective. Lynne Truss gives the reader her ideas about why people are acting the way they are. In a bad mood? You can virtualy dial out of world using ipods. Or talk to your friends through text messaging with a cell phone. These products have interferred with a good old face to face chat with a friend. I saw this happen the other day. Two friends, only 100 yards apart, and instead of making the quick walk over, they simply whip out the trusty cell phone and made a call. Where is society heading? It's anybodys guess at this point. It's as simple as saying hi to the dorky kid at school. Or giving aid to a person in need. Or donating to charity. But it needs to happen now or the future is not looking good.
I really liked how Lynne Truss Wrote this book. I was hooked the whole time and wanted to read more! This nonfiction book is great for the person looking for a quick, entrancing read!