Title: How Not to Be a Dick: An Everyday Etiquette Guide
Author: Meghan Doherty
Format: egalley
Pub. Date: October 1st 2013
Source: Netgalley and Zest Books
★★★
Three stars.
This book is a quick read of advice for the modern person on how to act better in a variety of situations. Like most people (I assume, anyway), I was intrigued by this book because of its awesome title. But for me, the rest of the book wasn't as awesome.
This is due in large part to the fact that I have no idea who this book is supposed to be marketed towards. I initially thought it was just an adult satire, spoofing the old primer books. But then I realized it was published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Book Group. Children's. I don't want my children to be reading advice on how not to be a "dick." And sure, I got a few chuckles out of this, but it's not laugh out loud funny to the point where it's for adults. My guess is that it's aimed for young adults, even though there's advice included about being a boss and more adult themed sitautions.
That being said, the advice is solid, and the examples and illustrations did make me smile. This book at the very least will be amusing to the reader, and will probably teach them a thing or two, no matter the age.
Thanks to Netgalley and Zest books for my copy.
This sounds like an amusing quick read to pass the time between classes, I think I'd like to borrow it some time =]
ReplyDeleteThe title lured my wits as well. Sorry it didn't match the hopes for you!
ReplyDeleteThanks. I still love the title, haha.
DeleteI remember seeing this pop-up on NG. The title is hilarious, but I was confused about who the audience was as well. I'll probably check this out if it pops up in my library system, but it isn't something I would ever think of purchasing.
ReplyDeleteIf I could have gotten a definitely age range, I think this would have been a very different rating!
Deletedefinite* oops
DeleteHi Jillyn, I'm writing from Zest Books, the publisher of How Not to Be a Dick (it's not published by HMH children's, HMH is our distributor). The prepublication NetGalley copy of the book that you looked at was unfinished and uncorrected, so we'd love for you to review the book with a finished hardcover copy in hand. If you're interested, please send your mailing address by email to: publicity (at) zestbooks (dot) net and we'd be happy to snail-mail you a complimentary copy. As for the actual intended audience, the official recommended ages for the book (as it appears in the major book cataloging systems) is for ages 18+. Thanks! --Zest Books
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for clearing things up. I've just sent you guys an email :)
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