Table Manners

July 11, 2016
James Beard Award–winning author and chef Tower (New American Classics) offers a smorgasbord of tips for negotiating human decency in social situations in an increasingly complex and technologically connected world. Based upon the principle that “when people approve of your table manners they think you know how to do everything else properly as well,” he lends clarity to everyday moments that require a degree of social prowess. On interrupting, he says, “Best to get a grip and realize the evening will not crash because your pet opinion is not aired.” He adds, “The number-one rule for enjoyable and profitable conversation is to listen more than you talk.” Perhaps the most culturally relevant section is the chapter titled “Techiquette,” in which he addresses the vexing intrusion of smartphones on table fellowship: “Once you pull out your phone others will, too, dissolving what may have been a lovely conversation.” Cell phones must be silenced, he says, because “no one wants to hear your bells and whistles.” This lively and helpful book offers the last line of defense against social barbarity and self-referential boorishness, emphasizing that “the more you think about others around you... the more likely you are to behave well.” 13 b&w illus. Agent: Lisa Queen, Queen Literary.

Starred review from September 1, 2016

Notable chef and James Beard Award winner Tower (Jeremiah Tower's New American Classics) presents a whimsical look at modern table manners. The author suggests that as a general rule people should strive for the least messy, most unobtrusive method of eating, regardless of what's served. There's advice on the basics of conversation (it's a dialog, not a monolog) along with how-tos on coping with party bores, consuming dishes you dislike, and handling guests who simply won't go home. An entire chapter is devoted to "techiquette," the fine art of not inciting guests to throw your phone out the nearest window. Tower continues with practical answers for questions such as whether a host should be flattered when someone takes a picture of their entree and what is proper dinner attire? Tips for both hosts and guests are included. Most importantly, guests should remember who's throwing the party, and hosts need to make guests feel as comfortable as possible. VanderPloeg's drawings illustrate the good, the bad, and the simply appalling with style and zest. VERDICT Tower successfully narrates the dos and don'ts of entertaining for all partygoers and planners.--Susan B. Hagloch, formerly with Tuscarawas Cty. P.L., New Philadelphia, OH

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2016
Emily Post may be decades in the past, but her specter looms large: who doesn't fear making an embarrassing gaffe at the dinner table? Knowing the proper location of a salad fork is all well and good, but handling situations that fall outside prescriptive rules takes real aplomb. Tower, a celebrated chef and the co-owner of Chez Panisse, wittily guides readers through best practices in formal, casual, and unusual dining situations alike and gives gentle reminders on how to subtly keep the peace around the dinner table. (What if the food is downright bad? Push it around until the next course. ) Sections such as Techiquette and Pretentious or Not? make the book timely and set it apart from other manuals. Tower gives context and explanations for his suggestions, making them far from a simple list of dos and don'ts. The advice is thorough (including a discussion on how to properly eat snails) but never pedantic or old fashioned; Tower has succeeded in bringing an entirely modern spin to the question of etiquette, and it feels effortless.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)