Rating: 
Summary: Un Peu Too Much
Review: As an Etiquette Consultant, I find the Etiquette Grrls right on the money with their concern for manners (or lack thereof) in our society today. The Writing Style, however, makes it difficult to find the True Gems of Appropriate Behavior. The over-use of Random Capitaliztion and Wee bits of French thrown in for good measure clutter up the Finer Points the Etiquette Grrls make so well. As a Southerner, raised by Maman et Papa Avec Impeccable Manners, this Etiquette Consultant was taught that if one couldn't say something Nice, then one shouldn't say Anything At All. The Etiquette Grrls would do well to heed this Teaching when Looking Down their Noses at those living outside of New England. Also, it might help the Etiquette Grrls to travel (first-class, of course) and actually Visit the South. Upon doing so, they will find that Grits are not only a Food, but a Food Group. They will also find that Grits are Tres Tasty when made from pure stone-ground corn, cooked Avec Beaucoup Butter and Milk. Bottom Line? While timely Etiquette Information exists in this book, there are much better and easier to read Volumes on the shelves from which Dear Readers may choose. One such Volume would be Etiquette by Dorothea Johnson, founder of The Protocol School of Washington. Or peut etre The New Guide to Executive Manners by Letitia Baldridge.
Rating: 
Summary: I Don't Get the EG Bashers
Review: Wow. I am astonished by the number of EG Bashers. Okay, if you have a literary criticism of their book, fine. But to critcize their looks? Their background and/or education? How inappropriate. Sounds like a case of the pea-greens to me. Why doesn't Amazon pull these personal attacks on the authors that have nothing to do with their book? In a recent review from Karen from Chicago, she takes umbrage to the EGs' fondness of Urban Decay nailpolish. What the heck? So what if that's their preferred brand? What's that got to do with the quality of the book? She also criticizes the Grrls' section on how to (kindly) treat The Help. This IS how you refer to the people who work for you. "Servants" is demeaning, especially toward people like The Help in places like your college dormitory, which is who they focus on -- in no way do they assume that anyone has an unrealistic huge "Upstairs, Downstairs"-like staff. What does she suggest they be called? Slaves? I found TYNTBT to be usuful and great fun. Emily Post is good for how to word your wedding invitations perhaps (although I much prefer my 1940 version to the current one), but the EGs dish the dirt on situations we all (especially young people) find ourselves in, and are flummoxed about -- and they make it an enjoyable read. I suggest if all these people think that the EGs' books and websites (www.EtiquetteGrrlStyle.com and www.EtiquetteGrrls.com) are such garbage that they be used as toilet paper (as another reader suggested) that they try to write their own series of books and maintain two popular websites. Maybe they think that the EGs are "snobs," but sour grapes are even less appealing.
Rating: 
Summary: good, depending on what you're looking for
Review: I regretfully admit that there is some useful information in the book, it was definately an irritating book to read. The other reviewers have chalked up the bad reviews to not having a sense of humor about it. I get the humor, I just don't find it funny. The random French words are just plain pretentious, even if it was supposed to be a joke. The references to "dear reader" are annoying as well. These women appear to be snobs simply because they enjoy feeling superior than everyone else. There is a distinction between being a snob and having class. They address the part about being a snob, they neglect the parts about having class.Personally, I don't believe making left-handed compliments as a way of insulting someone in a witty way is ever appropriate no matter what the situation. It is also inappropriate to ever call the people who work for you "help". They say they fight rudeness with "cutting remarks". These cutting remarks are often rudeness in and of themselves. The portions on dressing (white tie/black tie/semi formal) were good, as well as the gift registry etiquette was absolutely correct (although I doubt those who actually need that advice would pick up this book). Their writing style is undeniably affected and no matter how tongue-in-cheek, blatantly and unforgivably pretentious. Also, Urban Decay nail polish is chips very easily (there's a reason InStyle listed OPI and Essie as the best polishes).
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