The Joy of Conversation: The Complete Guide to Salons

by Jaida Nha Sandra

Get into the heart of the new movement rediscovering the lost art of conversation. Salons are lively gatherings where people engage in "big talk" -- talk that amuses, challenges, amazes, and is sometimes passionately acted upon. The Joy of Conversation tells you all you need to know about joining salons, organizing them, and energizing them. Also, it provides a fascinating background on great salons in history. This groundbreaking book will inspire you to rediscover the art of conversation in your life.

280 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1997

Reviews

[Evan Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wide-ranging book that emerged from some very practical experiences from the editors of the UTNE READER to re-invigorate the social / intellectual salons of the past. There's a good informative history of the movement (if it can be called such) and solid practical advice for how to form, promote and operate a salon out of one's own living room. The author has a good, informal voice, as if she's sharing her experiences while sitting across the couch from you, holding a cup of tea. If you're a social person on a more intimate (living room) scale than large, this is an excellent resource for how to create and maintain the salon that's just right for you and the circle you choose to invite.

[LemontreeLime · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you really want to know about setting up an intellectual salon, then this is the go-to book for you. But unfortunately for me that wasn't what i was looking for, I wanted more about how to personally converse gracefully not monitor a group. Thus, i was the wrong audience, but another might find it peachy keen.

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is very geared to people wanting to run a conversation salon. I was hoping for something helpful about running a book discussion but didn't find much. For salons it is very informative.

[Charles Benson]

Good