By Harriette Cole, Bestselling Author of 'Jumping the Broom'

The author of Jumping the Broom, former fashion editor of Essence and president of Profundities, Inc., Harriette Cole has the experience and the skill to translate into contemporary language the values and rules of behavior one learned, or was supposed to learn, as a child, updating them to take into account the vicissitudes of modern life. Drawing on ancient sages and anecdotal tales, Cole covers general codes of conduct and every particular from dating, travel, and work to money, politics, and family. More conversational than an Emily Post treatise, more reflective than a simple laundry list of do's and don'ts, Cole's How To Be is as much a guide for the spirit as it is for specific behaviors. Still, she does take on specific questions that represent common quandaries, such as "What can I do when my child comes home proclaiming that he has changed his religion?" and "Do I have to change my vocabulary when I am speaking with elders?" and "I am in love with a wonderful man, but my family doesn't like him at all. How can I manage this?" Cole's answers reflect the history and culture of the African American community, but the topics and concerns of her book will be familiar to everyone, regardless of race, and her candid sagacity is refreshing and instructive, no matter what your color or background may be.