About book Social Q's: How To Survive The Quirks, Quandaries And Quagmires Of Today (2011)
Philip Galanes' short book on etiquette is a fun, easy read with a good message: be kind.Not necessarily unique, Galanes' witty urgings that we be patient, listen, consider others, and be kind are wrapped in interesting and fun questions posed to him through the New York Times' Sunday Styles sections "Social Qs." Frankly, we can all use reminders to be ethical and turn the other cheek, and this is an entertaining vehicle for that message. A long-time admirer of Philip Galanes’s sassy etiquette column for the New York Times, I’ve actually solicited his advice on two occasions: once for help in settling a dispute with roommates over a security deposit, and once seeking guidance on how to “break up” with my hair stylist after she moved to an exorbitant high-end salon. Galanes has yet to address my queries (I’m still overpaying for highlights, Philip!) but I bought his book Social Q’s anyway. After years of reading a column a week, gaining access to so many servings at once was like bringing home a full-size cheesecake when you’re used to just a single decadent sliver after dinner on special occasions. I couldn’t stop.If you’re a fan of the column, that you’ll enjoy the book is a no-brainer. Galanes organizes some of his most memorable Q&As, as well as previously unreleased material, according to the daily routines and unexpected hiccups that trigger our internal “SOS!” From tolerating the coworker who blindly saddles you with an unwelcome nickname, to when you should resist the urge to text and place an old-fashioned phone call, he doles out practical advice with his signature irreverence. As the introduction states, this is “not your mummy’s advice column” (thank God).My one qualm with Social Q’s is that what comes across as sharp wit in a short newspaper column is occasionally stretched to the point of cheesiness in the longer format. For instance, I found the repeated reference to Scarlett O’Hara’s signature bitch slap during the breakup chapter a little tiresome, and the “now you try it!” prompts for readers to contemplate their own response to queries a little patronizing. At the end of the day, though, the scenarios in Social Q’s are relatable and Galanes’s responses are on-point and hilarious.Read it: on the subway, before the office holiday party, or any other time you’re being subjected to unavoidable awkwardness and need some pointers – or a laugh.
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The column is one of my favorite parts of Sunday. The book doesn't come close.
—Pasta
Irreverent and witty answers to funny questions, by NYT advice columnist.
—Kikiminew
Sensible etiquette advice, delivered with wit and charm.
—lashbak
