I quite enjoyed this book and it's much bigger than I usually read these days! (500 plus pages). Watching the English: the Hidden Rules of English Behavior (updated version) by Kate Fox. Having learned what I did, I'm pretty sure I would have been very happy to grow up with these 'rules' .... little to no eye contact, respect person space (especially on a crowded bus or train), self modesty ... I had to chuckle over some of the comments of the author, who had to overlook some of these in order to write her book! Seems the politically correct term here is "socially challenged" (p. 549) to describe this behavior. Humo(u)r is VERY important (when in doubt, joke). Also important is the Importance of NOT Being Ernest. Everything is done in moderation. There is a lot of 'moaning', just to each other, known as "eeyorishess" ... it is mock moaning only, real despair is not allowed! You do not ask how someone is doing (or their family) instead, you discuss the weather. You apologize often. You'll learn how to deal with gossip, flirting, mobile phones, stress, and more. A delightful read on the foibles and eccentricities of the English.

Back to a Canadian author again today, this time a favorite of mine, Farley Mowat. His books will make you laugh (Dog Who Wouldn't Be), cry (A Whale for the Killing), reflect (And No Birds Sang) ... if you've not yet discovered him, he's worth it.

Reading Hermit With Dog