Talk to the Hand: The Utter Bloody Rudeness of the World Today, or Six Good Reasons to Stay Homeand Bolt the Door [Large Print] [Hardcover]

Lynne Truss (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 17, 2005

This title is a hilarious rallying cry for courtesy, written and read by the bestselling author of "Eats, Shoots & Leaves". 'Talk to the hand, coz the face ain't listening', the saying goes. How did society get so rude? "Talk to the Hand" explores the boorishness of the modern world, and the sense of outrage that infects us when we discover that other people are - generally speaking - crass, selfish and inconsiderate. That man just dropped a cigarette packet on the floor. Should you do anything? You say to the shop assistant, 'Can you tell me the price of this? There doesn't appear to bea label' and she says, 'What do you think I am, psychic?'. In her follow-up to "Eats, Shoots & Leaves", Lynne Truss asks why rudeness is a universal flashpoint and examines specific sources of affront. What ever happened to 'please' and 'thank you'? Why does the customer have to do all the work? Why do people behave in public as if they are in private? Whatever happened to the idea of public-spiritedness? It's a big rant, essentially. But on the plus side, it's quite short and has virtually no hard facts to slow the argument. You are advised that there is nothing here about pandas or punctuation, and that anyone listening out for grammatical errors will be considered a bit of a bore.

--This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Lynne Truss is a writer and journalist who started out as a literary editor with a blue pencil and then got sidetracked. The author of three novels and numerous radio comedy dramas, she spent six years as the television critic of The Times of London, followed by four (rather peculiar) years as a sports columnist for the same newspaper. She won Columnist of the Year for her work for Women’s Journal. Lynne Truss also hosted Cutting a Dash, a popular BBC Radio 4 series about punctuation. She now reviews books for the Sunday Times of London and is a familiar voice on BBC Radio 4. She lives in Brighton, England.

From AudioFile

Lynne Truss immediately admits that the "zero tolerence" approach she adopted for punctuation in EATS, SHOOTS & LEAVES would not work in the world of manners. In a bright and conversational style Truss tells us precisely how rudeness reigns and common courtesies are mangled in today's culture. Her columns in London's DAILY TELEGRAM are the source for much of the program, but Truss has cleverly woven in readers' feedback and uses examples of insulting behavior that both American and British listeners can relate to. The resulting program is hilarious, but before you've finished laughing, Truss is briskly on to the next. Underlying the furious pace and sharp wit, Truss raises interesting questions of civic responsibility. Should we stay home and bolt the door? R.F.W. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 14 and up
  
• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Gotham (November 17, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592401929
• ISBN-13: 978-1592401925
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 6.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,278,692 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars FIGHTING RAMPANT RUDENESS WITH WIT AND WRY REMARKS, December 16, 2005

By 

Gail Cooke (TX, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Talk to the Hand: The Utter Bloody Rudeness of the World Today, or Six Good Reasons to Stay Home (Audio CD)

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

5.0 out of 5 stars Lynn Truss is EXCELLENT!, April 7, 2008

By 

Kristen Hansen Coppa "Kristen C." (Huntington Beach) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Talk to the Hand: The Utter Bloody Rudeness of the World Today, or Six Good Reasons to Stay Home (Audio CD)

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

Kristen

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Truth-Wonderful Humor, January 18, 2008

By 

Gwendolyn D. Galsworth - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Talk to the Hand: The Utter Bloody Rudeness of the World Today, or Six Good Reasons to Stay Home (Audio CD)

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.