Title: Everyday Etiquette made easy 

Author: Patricia Rossi

Format: eBook and audio version

Pages: 30 

Content: Six chapters covering topics such as: 

• Introducing Yourself, 
• Communicating with Confidence, 
• Table Manners, 
• Giving and Receiving Gifts, 
• Thank You Notes and Sympathy, 
• Tough Etiquette Questions Answered. 

Published in: 2009

Editor: Traci Feit Love

Price: $19.95

What I particularly liked: 

• The introduction because it explained effectively the importance of etiquette. It reminded people that rules of etiquette are guidelines and not laws. Also the fact that “people want to feel like they matter - they want to be known, respected and remembered”.
• The author considered contemporary etiquette topics, for example the “fist bump” practiced by Barack Obama when it comes to explaining different types of handshakes. Furthermore, also tips on social media etiquette. 
• Some original tips on how to behave in certain situations. For instance, how to easily remember peoples’ names, what to do when you find it difficult in keeping eye contact with other people, etc. I also liked the idea of having “just in case gifts” at hand. 
• The illustrations because they help the reader to remember certain rules very easily. The rule of “salt and pepper travel together” was featured as a bride and groom. Really original! 
• The chapter on “Thank you and sympathy cards” was excellent. I consider it as the best part of the entire book. It showed the structure of a really thoughtful thank you note (five things you should mention). Additionally, you can find eight samples that you can use in very different social situations. It makes clear the difference between just a simple thank you note and a more effective, meaningful and impressive thank you card/letter. Also the part on “sympathy cards” had good tips and two good samples. 
• The last chapter which consisted of nine tough Etiquette Questions. My two favourite ones were regarding “pet etiquette” and “parents behaviour at their children’s sporting event”. I liked them because usually you don’t get to know or to read a lot about it. 
• The fact that you also receive a FREE audio version of the Ebook. Something that - as far as I know - nobody in the etiquette industry has offered until now. 

What was new to me? 

The meaning of “EOM” (which stands for “end of message”) when it comes to email etiquette. You use it if the entire message is combined in the subject line. For example: “I got the job - EOM.”

How would I rate it? 

I would give it 9 out of 10. 

I would have given it 10 if:

The book would have considered more real-life stories. I liked the story of a law firm and their layoffs.