Reviews

I like to support local authors and businesses, so I purchased Mitzi's Not So Common Courtesy - The Owner's Manual at The Bookman in Grand Haven, MI.  I was heading south for vacation and enjoyed reading her book on the plane.  Taking the advice in the book, I made it a point to make eye contact and smile during my travels.  I didn't realize how much I looked down or away when passing people.

Wendy Schweifler, co-author Bod-E-Nomics

This was deliciously frank and, sadly, sorely needed. I really think everyone should carry an extra copy or two of this to hand out to the next individual you encounter who is common courtesy challenged. Of course, if you actually did you'd probably give away a case a day!

The portion on cell phone usage was particularly relevant due to their ubiquitous presence in daily life. Four words – Paris Hilton sex tape. Enough said.

This one gets four stars. It was lovely, funny, and very well done. It is certainly highly recommended either for your own personal refresher course, or as a not so subtle gift.

Beth's Book Review Blog 

This book holds a lot of universal truths: bad manners is part of the deterioration of society. "Please" and "Thank-You" have taken a vacation, and, along with it, part of our basic human decency has also taken a vacation. Author Mitzi Taylor asks us to return to a time when people took the time to be more thoughtful of others. The book is lighthearted and funny, but the truth remains that basic courtesy is on the demise. The author ask us to:

1. Take our screaming children outside to calm down.
2. Say please and thank you more often
3. Smile at others and be helpful (did the old lady in front of you just drop all her change? Help her pick it up!)
4. And lastly, my pet peeve-- people with 75 items who decide to go into the express lane at the supermarket. Ugh!

The author dedicates an entire chapter to the "checkout line" issue-- the story is funny and also a moral tale. This is a great book, and it would make a nice gift to anyone that needs a hint on how to be a little more thoughtful of others!   

Christy, PassKey Publications

"Not So Common Courtesy is a very funny look at what seems to be a behavior that is disappearing in today’s society – common courtesy. Rude and discourteous behavior is almost a badge of honor these days. With her delightful sense of humor the author covers courteous behavior in: drive-through lines, communication, personal, public places, traveling, driving, and pets. The book is written in an interactive style with pages for the reader to enter their own information. There is a “Pay it Forward” page to sign and then pass the book to someone else. There are also pre-printed note pages to pass along to others and some blank ones to fill out. I enjoyed the book very much, and I think this would be a perfect gift not only for adults, but also for older teens. I would also like to see Not So Common Courtesy  in every library!"       -     Linda, Bookvisions

"Congratulations, Mitzi, on completing and publishing your book. Great title! A nice play on the phrase "common courtesy" with a nice parallel marketing tie into the Not So Basic Training brand. I believe one reason for the erosion of courtesy is the pace of our modern lives. We're all multi-tasking -- working full-time, trying to parent our children, trying to maintain meaningful relationships with our parents, paying the bills, etc. I think a lot of people have decided that there isn't enough time any more to be "nice" (courteous), and that nobody appreciates other people's "niceness" any more. I like the idea of your courtesy challenge, and applaud beginning it with the "Thank You" challenge. Until we start acknowledging other people's courtesy and affirming it with praise, we really shouldn't be surprised by the poor behavior we witness around us."        -     Jon, MI

"Mitzi, I bought and read your book and it made me much more aware of every day courtesies and how I and others behave. Your book makes a difference."   -   Carl, FL

June 05, 2009 Not So Common Courtesy has gone international!

"Have you read a book lately that you could actually identify with?  Well I have it's called Not So Common Courtesy.  I couldn't believe how author Mitzi Taylor hit the name on the head when she wrote about the lack of simple courtesy our society has. I will definitely do as the book suggests and pay it forward" -  Janelle, MI

"This book will make you laugh but it will also make you take notice of the world and people around you and how we treat each other. It's never to early to start teaching our children the basics of common courtesy" - Ashleigh, NC

"Mitzi Taylor hits the reader straight on with examples of how common courtesy is not so common but we all really want it to be" - Ramona, MI

"An amazing book. I love this authors use of sarcasm and humor. Jokes aside, this topic isn't to be taken lightly. As the title suggest, the "common courtesies" most of us come to expect are noticeably lacking in modern America. The author does a great job of using relate-able examples of this common occurrence in a way that is both humorous and eyeopening. "  -  Adam, MI

"LOVING your book! I consider myself courteous, but there are still things that I found in your book that made me realize I could improve. Thanks!"

- Scott, MI

"Mizi, I think that your book and website rock! It is about time someone wrote about the pet peeves we experience everyday. What a hilarious spin! It is like I can hear you inside my head while I am reading. You are absolutely brillant, love your dog, and your best friend is amazing! Thanks for your humor and inspiration. I am looking forward to the series. Great read!!!"  - Susan, MI

"Wanted to let you know that I ordered the book as soon as I read the announcement. Very anxious to dig into it as I am very much a Mitzi fan in anything she is behind. She is an awesome communicator and has taught me many things over the years. Thank you for writing this book!"   -   Jan, MI