Gothic Charm School: An Essential Guide for Goths and Those Who Love Them

Absolutely fantabulous book! (Yes, I just used the made-up word "fantabulous.") If you are looking at this book, go ahead and stop looking and either buy it or borrow a copy and start reading. I personally think that this book should be on the (non-existent) Required Reading list of every young person, whether they be Goth or otherwise.Ah Jillian, where were you when I was a "babybat" in high school? Had I read this book in high school (it was published after my high school years), I believe my teen years would have been worlds easier and more enjoyable. Those were the years I vehemently denied that I was a "Goth," feeling that I was above labels (as were my fellow students, friend and foe alike) because they always carried derogatory connotations. Now, having read this book in my 20s, I found myself nodding my head in agreement with The Lady of Manners on many subjects, if not all, but particularly during her section about labels and those who are labeled "Goth" but deny they are, because they do not want to be associated with labels at all (or for whatever other reason they may have).I could sing the praises of this book for hours, I'm sure, but I'll wrap this up by saying you should read this book. No matter who are, what scene/clique/sub-culture, etc., you tend to associate yourself with, and no matter your age, I truly believe anyone could benefit from this book in some way.

This was the very first book on the goth subculture that I purchased with my own money so many years ago. It doesn't have everything a budding goth would need to know to jump into the lifestyle and activities but it's a start. There are some references to the music here too, which is much appreciated. Usually the first thing people see in regard to goth is the look and they assume that's all goth is so anyone who references the actual music is amazing!

This book is helpful for goths and non-goths alike. While the Lady of Manners does present some highly valuable information and advice for those who have embraced the goth lifestyle, her tips for etiquette can be applied to everyone. The title does not lie: the book spends a fair amount of time explaining aspects of the subculture for people who are not a part of it. I think every parent should pick up chapter 3 for a read. If you're looking for a handbook on how to be goth -you are wasting your time because there are no set rules. Pick up this book instead of something that claims to be gothier than thou. The Lady of Manners is fair and does not point an accusatory finger. Instead, she points you in the direction that will probably end up benefiting you the most -good manners. She does offer advice and recommendations for fashion, music, books, romance, and socializing. There is also a very important chapter covering something that every goth probably goes through: the misunderstanding of others regarding the lifestyle they (the goth) have chosen. Overall, this book is worth a read for anyone who is interested in, or is a part of the subculture.

For those of you that are familiar with the Lady of the Manners' column, the short review is that you'll love the book. You'll find classic lessons revisited, such as manners towards curious bystanders, etiquette, and the old "Why friends don't let friends dress like The Crow". I personally enjoyed her list of favorite vampire books, as she and I share the same liking for them.For those of you who don't know Jillian Venters, she is a classy columnist and a member of the Goth community for quite some time. With this book she tries to teach the essentials of Goth to those who are not familiar with the term, as well as explaining to familiars, friends and coworkers of goths the inside of the subculture. She provides too with lists of "typically goth" music, films and books. All of it written in an informal and educative manner, while the drawings of Pete Venters provide a lovely background to the text. There is a bit of everything, from swirly bats to decorated pages' numbers, cartoons... My personal favorite was the collection of different types of goth girls (in which I saw myself depicted a couple of times!).An essential book for those that are curious about Goth.

I think this book should be aimed at babybats. If I was armed with this book at 11-16 I think I would have found it to be VERY useful and probably would have saved me a LOT of issues I had growing up, floundering in the scene (Tripp pants, anyone?). I found that most of the things I read were things I already knew at this point (I'm 22) from simply finding them out the hard way. I figured out in my late teens that being polite and spooky was far more shocking than being rude/aggressive and spooky. I think a lot of the concepts are beaten to death in the book as far as manners goes. Then again, maybe I am just viewing it that way because I already knew a lot that was discussed. Side note, I think Jillian occasionally forgets that there are other style Goths than the Victorian wing and it might alienate some babybats who are growing into a different wing of Goth. A lot of the fashion advice is Victorian related. However, maybe we can't blame her for that, since it IS HER style. PERSONALLY, my experience was a 3 star experience, with MY SITUATION. However, I think for younger Goths poking around in the dark, this would be a 5 star read for both them and their parents. If I see some floundering babybat, I'll probably give my copy away to them. Won't do much good teaching a black bookshelf how to be respectful.

Written in a fun easy to understand manner however I didn’t need reminding at every turn to be polite to others.Interesting insight into goth fashion and culture but repetitive to the point of becoming dull and a little boring.I could have put the money towards some nice skull jewellery instead.Not over impressed. I also don’t need to be told over and over again how I should react to other people.My 15 yr old granddaughter is into the goth culture and even she said it’s an ok book but a bit boring

I think this book does exactly what it says. It is a useful handbook for any goth or person who loves them and has a kind of charm to it that will always make you go back to it for more. I find that it is especially good for goths who do not know any others like them or don't have any around. If you are in that situation and read this book it will make you feel better due to the fact that it proves that you're not alone. When not being able to be around others like you, it helps to buy books about yourself and those others.Playful and orderly, this book will present you with the decency that any goth should have!

Having had a goth 'phase' when I was fourteen, I recently started getting back into it, but was at a loss as to where to start. Gothic Charm School is a useful introduction to Goth for those who are interested in rejoining the subculture, or simply curious about its beginnings and peculiarities. A lot of it will be old news to Goths who have been invested in the scene for a while, but for babybats, I think it's perfect.

A fun little read. Gives a bit of history of the Goth subculture, some cool recommendations for things to check out, and basic helpful hints on how to deal with the world while being Goth. Like I said, a fun read.

This is a must for Goth and the Goth curious alike. Jillian Venters (aka The lady of the Manners) writes with humour whilst imparting much good, and relevant, advice about Goth and the Goth lifestyle.I recommend this book not only as a light hearted source of the 'do's and don'ts' for the Goth and Goth curious, but also as an entertaining and often humourous read. There is also plenty of relevant, and good, advice and information in regard to Goth and the Goth subculture.