How Rude!: The Teenagers Guide to Good Manners, Proper Behaviour

I'm so delighted by this book. I'm a father of four, and as I read "How Rude" I asked myself, "What is it that makes this book so effective?" Perhaps it's the simple practicality of its message. The main point is that it's in your own best interests to use good manners. One of the places it says this is on page 109: "Adjust your requests and behavior to the emotions and needs of others. This is not only a cornerstone of politeness, but also a way to increase the chances that your requests will be granted."

Perhaps it works so well because it concerns the things teenagers obsess about, such as how to be popular, how to get your parents let you do what you want, what to do about braces, how to handle friendship problems, and how to get a date. It even talks about when it is OK not to use good manners. The section headings reflect the fascination youth of all ages have: "Things you do to your body" and "Things your body does to you" and "The blended, shaken, stirred or mixed family, " and "Sex-ediquette."

Maybe what makes this book work so well for kids is Packer's dead-on humor, with just the right amount of grossness so that you can't quite turn away. It's a fast-paced kaleidoscope of quips, anecdotes, lists, jokes, and chummy advice. There's no way to lose interest, because it's so juicy and fun. I challenge anyone to open the book to any page and not find some undeniably useful tidbits.

It's a great book for teens, of course, but it's also a great book for parents who are looking for ways of talking about manners with their kids.


Irreverant and funny answers to everbody's questions.   August 7, 1999
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

How Rude has irreverant and funny answers to questions kids and adults should ask more often. The text is not pedantic. Learning good manners is presented as a game, and after reading this, anyone can see the logic and effectiveness of playing this game for life!


Poignant, a pleasure to read, and accessible to teens   August 4, 1999
Rarely do I read any book that elicits chortles as easily and regularly as "How Rude!"...Yet the book contains wisdom and insights that belie its light-hearted facade. Kudos to Packer for his well-targeted, and much needed, advice to those on whom we will depend in our old age!


Excellent book for all ages.   August 3, 1999
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Written with humor, energy, and style, HOW RUDE made me laugh page by page. Teens can learn from this book, and so can their parents. Plus, they can laugh at the same time. A wonderful book, and a unique one as well. Alex Packer has a unique style, one that both teens and adults will enjoy.