How Rude!: The Teen Guide to Good Manners, Proper Behavior, and Not Grossing People Out

As a 24-year junior high school teacher and parent I was intrigued by this book, but expected it to be simply an informative reference—something I would take a look at over the next few weeks as we wrap up the school year. Instead, I found it so funny, relevant, comprehensive, accessible to teens and infinitely readable that I carved out the time to read it through. Who would have thought a book on manners would be a page-turner! The book is peppered with short paragraphs by the author called 'True Stories from the Manners Frontier,' where the author gives first-hand examples of manners challenges from his real life, some of which are hilarious. Each chapter ends with a Chapter Quiz - an amusing and light send-up of old-style textbooks, but always with a humorous twist and best of all, no right answers! I was surprised and pleased to get to chapters with topics one doesn't always think of when it comes to manners: funerals, people with disabilities, sex (Sex-Ediquette) - approached responsibly and age-appropriately - and all things digital (Netiquette). I highly recommend this book for parents, teachers, counselors or grandparents who want to know more about social media and the role it plays in young people's lives today. And I recommend it most of all for teens since understanding the role of good manners is increasingly necessary in today's rather uncivilized world. The book has already proven to be a lively topic of discussion at the dinner table, and I'm planning to use it in teaching when we're on the topic of character, success and social skills, which is practically daily.

Just in time for our grandchildren. State of the Art issues are discussed in Dr. Packer's inimicable and brilliant prose. His always elegant comic flare compels a thorough read-through and ongoing reference reading in the most pleasurable manner imaginable. His insights and suggestions are rational, reasonable and super conducive to civil behaviour and impeccable manners. Our children profited so much from Dr. Packer's earlier work and, need I say, all have grown into practically perfect adults. This updated version of How Rude will educate them as well as their children. We expect perfection will blossom with the spring.

This book was a huge hit in my household. I initially checked it out from the library, thinking I could incorporate some of it into the homeschool lessons I plan for my Aspie son. I skimmed the first chapter and left it out only to discover that my son had appropriated it for himself and stayed up late, reading and laughing. He really connects with the witty tone of the book and has absorbed the content. We see real changes in his approach to different social situations. If your child is at the point that they want to learn how to handle the complex world of teenagers but just can't navigate it by themselves, this is a great book to share with them.

I bought this because I am a middle school administrator and, frankly, I wanted something I could use when a student has been sent to the office for inappropriate conduct in class. I found it fun to read myself and I have already used it twice with students. I select one section of the book and have the student read and respond to some questions about that section. The kids don't seem to mind reading it and they might actually learn something! It has also sparked some conversation between the student and me. Useful and very readable.

Exceptional book! It should be used as a high school text book! It is full of super advice without being preachy. There is lots of wit and will be loved by all ages. For younger children a parent should be present when reading it as there are some mature themes. Those chapters can be skipped.

For our pre-teens and teens, this is a great book to have lying around the house. They've picked it up on occasion and laughed at some of the silly rude things, as well as gained knowledge on other tidbits of life scenarios! Nice way of letting the kids know about rude behaviors without Mom or Dad nagging them about it constantly.

I got this for my kids, ages 14 and 11. I wound up reading it as well. It's funny and not at all stuffy. It values the young person's perspective. Great information, great layout.

Bought this book for my rising 6th grader because it was initially on their required summer reading book. After I received it and my son had already read about 10 pages, they revised the list and it was removed. However, when I told my son it wasn't on the list, he decided to finish reading it anyway because he already liked it from the first 10 pages. He loved this book and has quoted back several things to me from it already. Well worth the investment for a little boy who is mostly polite but needs some reminders from time to time! Definitely recommend!

Some adults didn't receive enough education about manners when they were younger. They can read this book to catch up.

great book

Ceremony, etiquette and good manners, rooted from our ancient civilization of MISR which known EGYPT. we worked some time to research in good books and looked to the content before purchase it. it is attractive. we have a copy now and will order more copies nearly. it is part of building human being behavior.We looked and read the book, it is very useful and we suggest that this could be divided into parts/series and arranged to be studied and learned at schools or summer courses, sure without examination. but need good teachers to highlight different topics and discuss it with the students(teens). Also it is attractive book that people can introduce it as gifts to teens.surely it will be good if such book translated to different languages for example Arabic. *The design of the book and its pages in good level and added value. *The book is great guide for the subject. Tarek-MISR EGYPT

Sometimes a bit vague, and the quizzes are odd, but a good reference book nonetheless. Do not regret buying this.

I bought this book for my teenage granddaughter who like most teenagers "knows everything" (but now't). I think it will prove to be a very useful tool in her growing up and how to deal with grown ups.