Would It Kill You To Stop Doing That: A Modern Guide To Manners (2012) - Plot & Excerpts
This isn't a modern guide to manners as in "here's how to word your email so you don't sound like an asshole," it's a modern guide to manners as in "here's situations where you shouldn't send emails because it makes you sound like an asshole, and also here's a time when I sent an email and sounded like an asshole, and also here's a bit about how when Americans go to Japan, we look like idiots." It's HILARIOUS and really more like a collection of essays than an etiquette guide. But I thought the toilet on the cover made it pretty obvious that this was going to be a tongue in cheek thing- a lot of the reviews here seem angry that it isn't a literal manners manual, which....if you pick up a book with a smart ass title and then you get angry at its smart-assitude, the problem is probably you. Alford, who perceives himself as bitingly funny, searingly witty, and more polite than average, has written short essay-memoirs loosely collected around the idea of manners, etiquette, and protocol. This is not even close to "A Modern Guide to Manners," as Alford demonstrates by dishing out strange advice on how to effectively steal a cab, inquire about someone's rent, and end a love affair while maintaining the upper hand, in between his ranting about what he perceives the role of manners to be in his (insular) world. If taken as a portrait of those white gay males, living in NYC and making careers in the arts, who are woefully unaware of the world beyond their borders this book might be an interesting anthropological piece, but as it is I found it difficult to read and impossible to relate to, much less like.Caveat: if you are a fan of David Sedaris, this book might read better for you. Alford does have a few genuinely funny moments, though not nearly as many as he intended to have.
What do You think about Would It Kill You To Stop Doing That: A Modern Guide To Manners (2012)?
3 1/2 stars. Funny but uneven. Might be fun to hear this author's NPR broadcasts.
—elnanss
Hilariously written, smart and elegant piece of literature, loved it!
—Bcbook
