By Jordan Christy
Every once in a while the soul benefits from not focusing on the stressors of life (or the stressors of a fictional world). I found this book to be a perfect escape from the rigors of the adult world as it transported me to remember some of the things I grew up hearing my grandma discuss regularly. I am not saying that this book is grandmotherly at all. Simply, the book provides ample support and instills confidence in whatever path you have chosen, all while delicately elucidating some wonderfully feminine mannerisms. The words on the page are not charged in any way so if you're looking for a political conversation, this is the wrong place. Instead, we get to discuss real world situations that every human faces. As a young woman, the many reminders from my grandma at the necessity of being 'lady-like' or 'proper' were not meant as a condemnation (though in hind-sight they slightly annoy me). The words were meant as a pause button to readjust how a situation was being handled. It was (and still is) about showing grace and kindness instead of being impulsive or rash. The concept of being a lady has always intrigued me and I absolutely hold it in the highest esteem. A lady exudes poise and humility while managing the circus that is life. A lady does not realize her success herself, typically (there are always exceptions). Being a lady means that your head stays on your shoulders even in moments it feels as though a rocket is attached and attempting lift-off. Clearly, this book resonated with my ideals.
Back to the book! We travel through a myriad of sections in which adjusting your viewpoint or merely being aware of various views could behoove your (self) image greatly. The topics range from the idea or rather illusion of perfection, to how to act around boys, to choosing friends, and to how to operate on social media. That last topic, social media etiquette, is a chapter that I think all people of all backgrounds could absolutely learn from. A simple cleaning or refining of your current posts could cause the world of a difference. Even if you don't (or haven't) read this book, I implore you to try changing your social media with the idea that you are a host for a dinner party for which the whole world has been invited. Would it achieve your goal of being an excellent host?
This book was given to me as a present by a woman of such grace and stature only comparable to Audrey, herself. Thank you for thinking of me! I agree; having grace and being weird is not a zero sum game. And to my grandma, if you are reading this, thank you, I love you, and I think I understand.
Happy Reading, Bookworms
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