A rare book review: Lynne Truss's "Talk to the Hand"

Recently, I've just finished the book Talk to the Hand by Lynne Truss, famed author of Eats, Shoots & Leaves. That book took a hard line, zero tolerance approach to punctuation. It was a charming read, which I found especially enjoyable because I have strong punctuation-related opinions as well.

But reading through her latest opus, I have to admit I find it rather pedantic. It's a continual complaint about what's horrible in society and the possible causes. I had hoped for dry British wit, but instead, it's a laundry list of annoyances, with poorly supported evidence.

The resounding comment in my mind, as I read through this thing, was, "Why does it bother her so much anyway?" On TV, there is a series of commercials where there will be a bunch of people staring at a piece of litter, and finally someone else walks by, picks it up, and puts it in the garbage. That is my reply to this book.

I've written far too much on manners and etiquette, and I won't force any more of that on you, but I will leave off with a comment. Most women say that they want to be treated like a lady. I think that these days, chivalry and gentlemanly arts are on the decline thanks to the feminist movement and a variety of social factors. That's the world we live in. However, we are all not above some common courtesy. And if you are a lady and wish to be treated like one, then please remember as well that most men wish to be treated like a gentleman. We could all use better manners.

By the way, I'm still on vacation.