Rating: 3.5 Stars
Source: NetGalley
Description: The New York Times bestselling author of Lessons from Madame Chic and At Home with Madame Chic revives the timeless quality of poise and shows how to cultivate it as a daily practice and a life-long endeavor. Just step out of your door today and you will notice that poise is a rarity in our wired, fast-paced, and unmannerly world. As uncivil behaviors like flip-flops at Broadway shows and digital oversharing proliferate, this timely book reminds us of the quiet power of behaving with dignity, kindness, and grace. Jennifer Scott's Parisian mentor, Madame Chic, embodied poise and not just with the good posture, stylish attire, and natural manners that made her extraordinarily elegant. She also demonstrated steady assurance and graceful calm in everything she did; from interacting with her family and receiving guests at home to presenting himself in public. Jennifer L. Scott passes on the lessons she learned as well as some of her hard won wisdom, addressing topics such as proper attire at social events, good grooming, communication skills, hospitality and being a good guest, our interactions with neighbors and strangers, role models, self discipline and self-image. This charming illustrated, practical, and inspiring book, full of tips, lists, and ideas, is certain to start a new conversation about the timeless art of poise. (from Goodreads)
Genre: Nonfiction
Why I Picked This Book: I really enjoyed Scott's previous book, At Home with Madame Chic, and was intrigued by the focus on poise - especially as we're entering the holiday season where poise is definitely hard to find!
My Impression: While the previous book I read by Jennifer L. Scott had focused on the home this one is all about the individual. She talks not just about behavior but a mental attitude and a method of doing things so that you create calmness and confidence around you.
I found myself nodding along with quite a lot of what she says - especially the sections on appropriate clothing. The whole pajamas in public thing mystifies me as much as mystifies her! I also really enjoyed what she had to say about about being a hostess and a guest as well as taking compliments.
While I agreed with everything that Scott had to say I didn't really feel like this book was for me. With a few exceptions I felt like I was already acting in the ways that Scott recommended but I think I would have gotten a lot out of it when I was in my early 20s, just out of college and entering the work force and had just gotten married.
Despite that I got some useful reminders about cutting down screen time, not being so stressed on absolute perfection, and being more mindful on how I present myself. While I won't be cooking or cleaning in nice clothes with an apron over it as Scott suggests I can take the extra minute to put together a more comfortable outfit that still feels cute and put together simply because it makes me feel nice!
Would I Read More of this Series/Author?: I definitely would! While most of her information is not earth shattering-ly new information, she always provides very useful reminders and a very positive way of looking at things.
Would I Recommend this Book?: I would! Especially if you're just starting out or feeling frazzled. I feel like this book does a good job of providing tips to add more calm to your life.
This sounds interesting and I think I would have gotten a lot of out this one when I was in my early 20s. Alas, I've long since passed those days.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed a Madame Chic book during my reading slump last winter. Even though I may not be the 'target reader' for this one, I'd still borrow it from the library :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like it might be interesting; poise if definitely not as common as it used to be. This might be a good book to get from the library.
ReplyDeleteSeems to have some good tips, but like you won't be dressing up with an apron to do the chores. However dressing nicely does help to give poise. Um... I like to slum in jeans most of the time!
ReplyDeleteThere's a lot to be said for a calm, confident demeanor!
ReplyDeleteSometimes I wish I could wear pajamas in public, but I come to my senses before I walk out the door every time. And thank goodness too. :-) I don't know if this book is for me, but it sounds like it has some helpful tips.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't have less poise if I tried but at least I've never left my house in pjs! I like reading books like this even if I never actually follow though on any of the advise. But for a few minutes I believe that I will get my act together! :D
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