Gestures: The Do's and Taboos of Body Language Around the World,   ISBN:9780471183426

Customer Rating: 

Well, I was really blown away by this book, which seems to cover more things than I could have conceived! Well written, easy to understand, numerous drawings for us visual people so we have no doubt about what is being discussed, and a sense of humor too.

Although the book is over 200 pages in length, it was a quick read because of the easy format and interesting history behind why we do what we do when it comes to gesturing.

And for me, it brought back memories of places I have traveled to, and customs encountered. For instance, in India when the people you are talking to want you to know that they agree with you or that they are listening to you, they bob/nod their head quickly back and forth, left to right. At first you think they are indicating "no" or disagreeing with you. Had I bought the book before that trip, I wouldn't have been so confused!

Highly recommend this to anyone who travels a lot or for someone who just has an interest in customs around the world.

Customer Rating: 

Axtell vividly shows how common sense is NOT enough to get you through all social or business situations around the world. Travelers ignore Axtell at their own peril.

Customer Rating: 

This book is good to read in general terms as it attempted to explain the gestures from all around the world. Sometimes, it's amusing to read & at times, I would be loss for words as what I thought was the right things to do in certain countries is actually considered as rude or obscene. Perhaps, it's the kind of book that you can read in the plane or just as a matter of interest. The presentation is rather text book-ish with bullet points, occasional pictures to ease readers' boredom, something like a PowerPoint presentation. I guess that denotes the writer's background being a prominent guest speaker.

Customer Rating: 

This is a nice book. If you are going to travel abroad or you meet foreign people, you would like to know what these people understand from your body language. Of course, the book also gives you good material for chatting with friends from anywhere (including your own coutry).

Don't expect the book to tell you what a gesture means in every part of the world or to show you every gesture used in some part of the world. The book of course doesn't do such a hard task, though it tries: it explains you the gestures that are generalized (or most common) in a country. However, be always aware that there are exceptions and gestures you should know and are not included in the book.

Below are some questions you'll answer reading the book. In some cases the book gives you also the explanation about the gesture (what it comes from).

Where should you avoid the "OK sign"?
Where should a man enter before a woman?
Why Latin people get closer to you when talking?
How should you bow in Japan?

Customer Rating: 

Very helpful, amusing,well-organized, and no unnecessary information. For our diverse society, this is good to have on hand. connie338 shipped the book right away, too. Thanks!