GRACIOUS

GRACIOUS is a sort of Adulting 2.0. More than manners, more than style, Graciousness is that lovely, deeply coveted characteristic we see sometimes in women we admire – a trait that most people think is inherent, but in fact can be learned! Kelly would argue that it’s essential we do learn, for it’s becoming endangered in our rather narcissistic, fast-paced society.

Graciousness is practicing the arts of kindness, thoughtfulness, good manners, humanity, and basic decency. As a bonus, it makes your life and even the world (or at least the room you’re in) much lovelier. It’s not about memorizing every rule of traditional etiquette to a T (though there is so much there to explore!) or spending all your time maintaining a spotless house. It’s about approaching the world with compassion, conviction, self-confidence, and whole-heartedness, whether you're at the Met Gala or saying good morning to a convenience store clerk.

From chatting easily with anyone to mastering the subtleties of social media etiquette (hint: block early, block often), Brown has talked to gracious women and men all over the country to give you easy ways to embody your own graciousness. Throughout the book, she provides tips on how to deal with the people and circumstances that challenge even the most socially graceful among us, advice on how to practice graciousness in everyday life, and thoughtful discussions on being kind to those around you without ever losing your sense of self.

With the wisdom of gracious folk ranging from celebrities to the author’s mother-in-law, this book explains the perspective, actions - and, sometimes, inaction - that help us move smoothly and effectively through whatever life tosses at us.

Kelly Williams Brown is the founder of the popular Tumblr, AdultingBlog.com, and the New York Times bestselling author of Adulting. Previously, she was a features reporter and an award-winning humor columnist for the Statesman Journal, a daily newspaper in Salem, Oregon.