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.