An essential, fully illustrated guidebook to day-to-day Goth living
There's more to being a Goth than throwing on some black velvet, dyeing... read full description
reviews
Aug 07, 2011
Amanda
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Gothic Charm School is a nonfiction book about goth culture and manners. Jillian Venters, aka “the Lady of the Manners,” takes us through a ton of different aspects of what it means (and doesn’t mean) to be a goth. For those of us, like me, who love goth culture, this is a hillarious and fun read. For those who are trying to understand goth culture, it’s a helpful tool to clearing up misconceptions and promoting understanding. I absolutely adored it.
The Lady of the Manners is extremely More...
The Lady of the Manners is extremely More...
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Jul 25, 2011
Stacie
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This book is snarky! If I wanted a child's point of view on life I would have asked my 4 year old who seems to have better manners than this ranting author.
In this simple guide to everything you ever wanted to know about Gothic culture in today's world, Jillian Venters:the Lady of Manners", attempts to enlighten the nieve and broaden the Goth with proper do's and don't's of the genre .
I would really like to believe that people that chose to follow this way of life a More...
In this simple guide to everything you ever wanted to know about Gothic culture in today's world, Jillian Venters:the Lady of Manners", attempts to enlighten the nieve and broaden the Goth with proper do's and don't's of the genre .
I would really like to believe that people that chose to follow this way of life a More...
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Aug 09, 2010
Tracey
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My snarling post-punk inner brat wants to know, who is this author to dish out advice to anyone? Apparently, she's a regular person with a career that enables her to wear neo-Victorian garb on a daily basis, which has resulted in enough ignorant questions, unwanted remarks, and unwelcome touching to prompt her website-cum-reference book. There aren't nearly enough nonfiction books about goths to suit me, so I really wanted to like this one more. If Venters had taken a friendlier, more peer-to-pe
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Mar 31, 2011
Jay
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Many have stated that this book repeats itself and a lot of it can really come down to common sense. However, some people don't realise that being kind to people on the street also means being kind to people at clubs, music concerts, in the shops, at work and online. And common sense, as the adage goes, isn't really that common. I will accept that Jillian Venters repeats herself a bit, but sometimes it's necessary.
A lot of this book is also just general tips on manners and kindness. More...
A lot of this book is also just general tips on manners and kindness. More...
Jul 01, 2009
Michael
rated it: 
Simply put, this should be highly recommended, if not required reading not just for goths, but also for anyone curious about the goth community, whether because they are personally interested or because they have an acquaintance, friend, or loved one (spouse, significant other, boy- or girlfriend, relative, child, or secret crush) who counts themselves among the spooky set.
Miss Manners' more somber-dressed and bat-festooned doppelgänger, the Lady of the Manners, has adapted from and More...
Miss Manners' more somber-dressed and bat-festooned doppelgänger, the Lady of the Manners, has adapted from and More...
Jan 15, 2012
Sunil
rated it:
This book is both enjoyable and appropriate for people who aren't even very Goth at all, this non-Goth proclaims! I assume that any Goths reading this post are already interested in the book, being part of the built-in audience, but you may want to read this book if any of the following apply to you:
You know a Goth personally: Does that person you hang out with who's always wearing black kind of freak you out? Jilli's here to tell you that you have nothing to worry about, and she will More...
You know a Goth personally: Does that person you hang out with who's always wearing black kind of freak you out? Jilli's here to tell you that you have nothing to worry about, and she will More...
Sep 27, 2009
Sarah
rated it:
I thought I might learn some interesting facts or insights into the goth subculture. Turns out, I already seem to know everything about it. This book is too long. The author makes the same 4 points over and over, even repeating the same sentences throughout the book, making it read oddly like deja vu.
1. If you aren't goth, don't be an asshole to those who are.
2. If you are goth, be polite to those who aren't.
3. Goth is about literature, music, and most importantly, fashion.
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1. If you aren't goth, don't be an asshole to those who are.
2. If you are goth, be polite to those who aren't.
3. Goth is about literature, music, and most importantly, fashion.
More...
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Jan 03, 2012
Karen
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This was an interesting book. It is for both the Non-Goth and the Goth. There is a lot of information in this book, but it does deal a lot with manners and who you should treat others. Respond to others, etc. Appropiately though because the author goes by "Lady of the Manners".
The author also has a website and a few videos on You Tube all about Goth.
I have to say that I learned some things from reading this book. A lot of the things you hear about Goths just are not More...
The author also has a website and a few videos on You Tube all about Goth.
I have to say that I learned some things from reading this book. A lot of the things you hear about Goths just are not More...
Aug 03, 2009
Heather
rated it:
I have followed the Gothic Charm School website for years so I had to show my support by buying the book.
I've always agreed with The Lady of the Manners that we Goths need to be twice as polite as less flamboyant people since we are expected to be horrible. It is important to counteract the negative stereotypes the mainstream has for us.
This is a delightful book told in the same whimsical third-person style as the website. A great guide for Goths and Non-Goths.
I've always agreed with The Lady of the Manners that we Goths need to be twice as polite as less flamboyant people since we are expected to be horrible. It is important to counteract the negative stereotypes the mainstream has for us.
This is a delightful book told in the same whimsical third-person style as the website. A great guide for Goths and Non-Goths.
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Jun 26, 2011
Beckie
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i just finished reading gothic charm school by jillian venters - the lady of the manners. it is a truly fabulous book! it is an 'essential guide for goths and those who love them' - and yes, it is.
this book actually would be something that everyone should read for affirmations and pick-me-ups. everything she says can be applied to any culture, not just goth. i think a lot of people need to step back, take a look around, just be nicer, and stop judging by looks. the world would b More...
this book actually would be something that everyone should read for affirmations and pick-me-ups. everything she says can be applied to any culture, not just goth. i think a lot of people need to step back, take a look around, just be nicer, and stop judging by looks. the world would b More...
Apr 01, 2010
Sidhe1
rated it:
This was a fun little book of etiquette tailored toward Goths, but it is worthwhile for anyone to read. I like Venters' writing style, affectedly formal and she knows it. It's funny and fun, which is her intention, rather than pretentious.
It's also just a good reminder of what *should* be proper etiquette, common sense behaviour. I think it's sad that a lot of what she said isn't actually common, but it was a nice little read.
It's also just a good reminder of what *should* be proper etiquette, common sense behaviour. I think it's sad that a lot of what she said isn't actually common, but it was a nice little read.
Jul 15, 2009
Brandy
rated it:
Jillian is a friend of a friend, and while I've never met her, I do remember her from back in my newsgroup days, back on alt.gothic.fashion. I always thought she was delightful and charming then, and this book proves that ten years hasn't changed anything!
Jillian's book is well-written, full of great advice, and great for both goths and non-goths. I wish I'd had a copy of it to hand to my parents when I became all morbid!
Jillian's book is well-written, full of great advice, and great for both goths and non-goths. I wish I'd had a copy of it to hand to my parents when I became all morbid!
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Apr 09, 2010
N.L.
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A silly little read I picked up randomly in my local library. The topics address in the book really did not need 236 pages to be explained. 1 or 2 pages would have sufficed - at the most - nor did the topics need to be explained repeatedly in every chapter.
As someone of the Gothic persuasion, most of the content qualified as a 'Well, duh!' reaction.
As someone of the Gothic persuasion, most of the content qualified as a 'Well, duh!' reaction.
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Jun 19, 2010
Gemma
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Venters' book is a charming and light-hearted romp through goth culture, resplendent in manners and decorum. Though written from the perspective of a Victorian goth, it runs the gamut of spin-off cultures and provides a few short essays on what they have in common.
The chapters are best read in stages, or else dipped into on an ad hoc basis, for there is a lot of repetition. Some parts of the book also read as generic common sense - only towards the end do we see some quite useful gothy More...
The chapters are best read in stages, or else dipped into on an ad hoc basis, for there is a lot of repetition. Some parts of the book also read as generic common sense - only towards the end do we see some quite useful gothy More...
Apr 06, 2010
Jenae
rated it:
A well-written book that doesn't take itself too seriously, but gets a bit repetitious toward the end. The author included several excellent lists of classic books, movies, and musicians that influenced the creation of Goth, as well as newer media that continues to evolve the subculture.
Feb 02, 2012
I love the way the author talks, and the words she's made up (such as, babybat = human baby) and still manages to write as though the book was profesionally done. I also like the topics she covers ( they are goodies).
Feb 07, 2012
Erika
rated it:
A cute way to learn about manners, even if you're not Goth. Also gives a brief description of what Goth is, which was interesting, since I could count as a Goth who doesn't dress up, lol.
Jul 28, 2011
This book is really entertaining for goths and non-goths alike! I love how she tells poeple to not take themselves too seriously, whether they are goth or not!
Jul 30, 2009
Alesia
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Although much of this was common sense ettiquete, and preached to the Gothy little choir of my heart, I enjoyed this. Especially the constant referals to her readers as "Snarklings"!
Feb 18, 2010
Andrea
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This book is so much fun. Makes my inner and outer Goth smile. It deals with history, fashion, and etiquette.
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Aug 12, 2011
Angela
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I loved it! Everyone who wants to know more about the Goth subculture should pick this up and read it.
Nov 27, 2011
Colleen-Karl
rated it:
This was painful to read. I could barely get through it. I sat it down many times, and forced myself to finish it. I am not a fan of the third person perspective, and this books lays it on thick. I did not get a fun vibe from this book at all, just another pretentious wannabe writer who thinks they are special because of the way they dress. Yawn.
Jul 28, 2011
Countess
rated it:
Hilarious guide that covers just about everything from dancing to parents to the "fashion vs. music" debate, Gothic Charm School is a must-read for everyone, be you a goth or friend or family of one. It creates humor in the face of trials, and teaches us the most important lesson of all: Friends don't let friends dress like The Crow.
Sep 06, 2010
Nicole
rated it:
Great for goths and those that love them.
Practical and snarky, full of oodles of common-sense advice for daily use by those who enjoy the ooky-spooky side of life.
From dealing with obnoxious coworkers to roommate rules to club etiquette, this book pretty much covers it all.
A joyful quirky read I'll treasure.
Practical and snarky, full of oodles of common-sense advice for daily use by those who enjoy the ooky-spooky side of life.
From dealing with obnoxious coworkers to roommate rules to club etiquette, this book pretty much covers it all.
A joyful quirky read I'll treasure.
Apr 14, 2010
Scott
rated it:
Nothing I haven't seen from every other gothic author a million times before. On top of that, exactly how many ways can she tell goths to 'play nice' and not antagonize people? Someone just likes to hear themselves talk, I think.
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Jul 28, 2011
Ashley
rated it:
Absolutely loved it! Perfect for "Baby Bats" who are just finding their way in the subculture! I love Jillian! She's an absolutely charming author!
