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The Experts' Guide to 100 Things Everyone Should Know How to Do
The simplest things are the hardest to master. From brewing your morning cup of coffee and reading the newspaper to apologizing or remembering names, it’s the small stuff that makes up day-to-day life. The Experts’ Guide to 100 Things Everyone Should Know How to Do provides unparalleled insights into how to do them better—more resourcefully, more effectively, and more efficiently—in 100 brief how-to essays by 100 of the world’s leading experts,
• Interpersonal skills like how to Tell a Story by Ira Glass and Listen by Larry King
• Etiquette essentials like how to Shake Hands by Letitia Baldrige, Set a Formal Table by Peggy Post, and Give and Receive a Compliment by Ms. Demeanor, Mary Mitchell
• Home pointers such as how to Paint a Room by Bob Vila, Remove a Stain by Linda Cobb, the Queen of Clean, and Do Laundry by Heloise
• Beauty basics that include how to Apply Lipstick by Bobbi Brown and Wash Your Hair by Frederic Fekkai
• Cooking tips such as how to Bake Chocolate Chip Cookies by Mrs. Fields, Barbecue by Bobby Flay, and Make Eggs by Jean-Georges Vongerichten
• Health hints like how to Breathe by Bikram Choudhury and Do Push-ups and Sit-ups by Kathy Smith
• Athletic advice including how to Hit a Tennis Ball by Jennifer Capriati, Swing a Golf Club by Jim McLean, and Swim by Summer Sanders
Some of these experts are household names, others are industry leaders—all are at the very top of their professions. From Holiday Inn’s housekeeper of the year (Make a Bed), the head groundskeeper of Fenway Park (Mow a Lawn), and the mayor of Buffalo (Shovel Snow) to the CEOs of Harry Winston (Buy a Diamond) and Thomas Pink (Tie a Windsor Knot), they are the authorities on their subjects. The Experts’ Guide to 100 Things Everyone Should Know How to Do brings together the best of the best, offering the world’s most valuable advice. With this book in hand, life will indeed be better.
• Interpersonal skills like how to Tell a Story by Ira Glass and Listen by Larry King
• Etiquette essentials like how to Shake Hands by Letitia Baldrige, Set a Formal Table by Peggy Post, and Give and Receive a Compliment by Ms. Demeanor, Mary Mitchell
• Home pointers such as how to Paint a Room by Bob Vila, Remove a Stain by Linda Cobb, the Queen of Clean, and Do Laundry by Heloise
• Beauty basics that include how to Apply Lipstick by Bobbi Brown and Wash Your Hair by Frederic Fekkai
• Cooking tips such as how to Bake Chocolate Chip Cookies by Mrs. Fields, Barbecue by Bobby Flay, and Make Eggs by Jean-Georges Vongerichten
• Health hints like how to Breathe by Bikram Choudhury and Do Push-ups and Sit-ups by Kathy Smith
• Athletic advice including how to Hit a Tennis Ball by Jennifer Capriati, Swing a Golf Club by Jim McLean, and Swim by Summer Sanders
Some of these experts are household names, others are industry leaders—all are at the very top of their professions. From Holiday Inn’s housekeeper of the year (Make a Bed), the head groundskeeper of Fenway Park (Mow a Lawn), and the mayor of Buffalo (Shovel Snow) to the CEOs of Harry Winston (Buy a Diamond) and Thomas Pink (Tie a Windsor Knot), they are the authorities on their subjects. The Experts’ Guide to 100 Things Everyone Should Know How to Do brings together the best of the best, offering the world’s most valuable advice. With this book in hand, life will indeed be better.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published September 21, 2004
29 people are currently reading
697 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
March 19, 2017
1.25 stars.
There may be some useful things to learn in this book, but a lot of the 100 items chosen are things most people can likely live their entire lives perfectly fine without, not to mention there are surely far more important things that could have been added instead. Most of it was so dull I don't even remember what they all were, (though the fact that it took me three months to finish the book might also explain that), but one that I recall is "How to swing a golf club". For one thing, if you like golf, you probably already have a decent idea on how to do so. B) if you don't, but you still enjoy the sport, you're likely on courses at times, where people (coaches) can actually watch you and give you personal tips on how to improve, as opposed to some catch-all tip that you'll get from reading a paragraph or two on it in a book. 3) Is this really something everyone needs to do? It really only applies to people who already enjoy or are interested in the sport (which is far from "everyone"), or corporate slave brown-nosers who get dragged to the green by their bosses. It's not important. It's not even culturally relevant for some peoples. You can live your life without knowing how to do this. If there is a heaven, knowing how to swing properly will have nothing to do on whether you can get in or not.
I also don't care what sort of credentials these experts have, they are ultimately one person's opinions, and I didn't even agree with some of them. Since most of these people are likely not writers, while they may have an idea on what they believe is the best way to do something, it doesn't mean they'll be able to write it down in a way that translates any meaning to the reader. (Anything that involved folding and stuff pretty much went right over my head, since I couldn't imagine most of it.) In this internet age, you can easily look up "how-to" videos on Youtube, or refer to ehow and wikihow, both of which will likely have diagrams to better figure out how to do things. The people writing the articles may not be "world-class experts", but there are often discussion boards, and people from all over can discuss things that they think don't work too well and others that worked out well for them. (And if you ever find yourself in an apocalyptic situation, where there is no internet to refer to and all you have is this book, how to swing a golf club or how to wash your hair properly or how to make your bed hotel-style isn't going to do you any good anyhow.)
The only particular entries I enjoyed were "how to kiss" (which I think many romance novelists could stand to read), and "how to tie a bow tie" ("The good news is, you'll never commit adultery when you wear a bow tie. You won't have the opportunity.")
There may be some useful things to learn in this book, but a lot of the 100 items chosen are things most people can likely live their entire lives perfectly fine without, not to mention there are surely far more important things that could have been added instead. Most of it was so dull I don't even remember what they all were, (though the fact that it took me three months to finish the book might also explain that), but one that I recall is "How to swing a golf club". For one thing, if you like golf, you probably already have a decent idea on how to do so. B) if you don't, but you still enjoy the sport, you're likely on courses at times, where people (coaches) can actually watch you and give you personal tips on how to improve, as opposed to some catch-all tip that you'll get from reading a paragraph or two on it in a book. 3) Is this really something everyone needs to do? It really only applies to people who already enjoy or are interested in the sport (which is far from "everyone"), or corporate slave brown-nosers who get dragged to the green by their bosses. It's not important. It's not even culturally relevant for some peoples. You can live your life without knowing how to do this. If there is a heaven, knowing how to swing properly will have nothing to do on whether you can get in or not.
I also don't care what sort of credentials these experts have, they are ultimately one person's opinions, and I didn't even agree with some of them. Since most of these people are likely not writers, while they may have an idea on what they believe is the best way to do something, it doesn't mean they'll be able to write it down in a way that translates any meaning to the reader. (Anything that involved folding and stuff pretty much went right over my head, since I couldn't imagine most of it.) In this internet age, you can easily look up "how-to" videos on Youtube, or refer to ehow and wikihow, both of which will likely have diagrams to better figure out how to do things. The people writing the articles may not be "world-class experts", but there are often discussion boards, and people from all over can discuss things that they think don't work too well and others that worked out well for them. (And if you ever find yourself in an apocalyptic situation, where there is no internet to refer to and all you have is this book, how to swing a golf club or how to wash your hair properly or how to make your bed hotel-style isn't going to do you any good anyhow.)
The only particular entries I enjoyed were "how to kiss" (which I think many romance novelists could stand to read), and "how to tie a bow tie" ("The good news is, you'll never commit adultery when you wear a bow tie. You won't have the opportunity.")
January 10, 2008
One of the most surprisingly enjoyable books I've run across. Has entries on "how to wash your hair" by a leading hair sylist in New York, or "how to jog" by a 10-time winner of the Boston marathon...or "how to get out a stain" by Heloise. You get the point. It's a fun read with 2-3 page chapters - good for bathroom readers or busy moms.
June 12, 2012
My sister gave this to me for Christmas, and it has been my upstairs bathroom reading material pretty much since then. It works very well for that. And I have learned some techniques to use for things.
The book is a series of brief how-to essays on various things most people do regularly. The essays are written by acknowledged leaders or experts (or a few celebrities) explaining how to do things. Michael has occasionally read some of it as well, and we've discussed/debated things suggested.
I will say, however, that the instructions for tying a bow tie were NO help. We went to YouTube for video instructions.
The book is a series of brief how-to essays on various things most people do regularly. The essays are written by acknowledged leaders or experts (or a few celebrities) explaining how to do things. Michael has occasionally read some of it as well, and we've discussed/debated things suggested.
I will say, however, that the instructions for tying a bow tie were NO help. We went to YouTube for video instructions.
May 25, 2010
Light, easy to read, entertaining book about 100 things you're supposed to know how to do like read out loud, barbecue, change a flat tire, write a thank you note, those kinds of things. I learned a couple of interesting tidbits.
Not bad over all. I skipped the parts about drinking wine and applying lipstick. Hopefully that last one won't come back to bite me in the end...just in case I get cast in the "Rocky Horror Picture Show", or a remake of "Tootsie" or a remake of "Bosom Buddies" or that movie with Patrick Swayze and Wesley Snipes were in.
Not bad over all. I skipped the parts about drinking wine and applying lipstick. Hopefully that last one won't come back to bite me in the end...just in case I get cast in the "Rocky Horror Picture Show", or a remake of "Tootsie" or a remake of "Bosom Buddies" or that movie with Patrick Swayze and Wesley Snipes were in.
September 20, 2011
Loved this. Still working on some things from this book. Like how to tie a niecktie. I feel like as a woman,I sometimes rely too much on that others could do for me. Just because I am a woman doesn't mean I should know how to do these things. Like change a tire. I felt empowered after reading this.
May 27, 2015
How-tos for 'small' actions (Brew Coffee, Wash Your Hair, Tie a Windsor Knot) are much better than the long, general ones (Jog, Eat Right, Care For Your Skin - standard glossies fare). Some tutorials are completely redundant (Read a Newspaper? Negotiate?)
November 6, 2007
This is a really cute book, filled with things everyone really should know how to do!
February 9, 2018
I don't know why, but I am a sucker for the sorts of books that teach you how to do things. Case in point, this book is just another questionable buying decision of mine. Some of the advice really is quite good, but I don't know if it is worth the original price. I got it for a bargain price of $7.98 myself.
The book itself covers 100 things that the author feels people should know how to do. I can agree with this sort of ideal; after all, specialization is for insects. I guess the biggest issue the author had was choosing 100 skills out of a multitude of possibilities. For instance, the book will tell you how to Negotiate courtesy of Donald Trump, but will not tell you how to milk a cow. This is just as well since I doubt a book could give you all the intricacies of running a Dairy Farm or something. It also seems to be aimed at women in particular. I mean, I'm not going to disparage you for being a man and wanting to know how to apply lipstick, but that isn't the sort of information that would grab my attention. Though thinking back, that isn't really something I can say. I mean, the book also focuses on how to tie a Windsor Knot, how to tie a Bowtie, and how to get the perfect shave.
Also, this book is older than I thought it to be at first glance. It makes no difference since good advice is timeless, but it is rather surprising to me. Anyway, the book is good, but not great. I would recommend it in some cases, but reading about a skill loses something in translation. 3/5 stars.
The book itself covers 100 things that the author feels people should know how to do. I can agree with this sort of ideal; after all, specialization is for insects. I guess the biggest issue the author had was choosing 100 skills out of a multitude of possibilities. For instance, the book will tell you how to Negotiate courtesy of Donald Trump, but will not tell you how to milk a cow. This is just as well since I doubt a book could give you all the intricacies of running a Dairy Farm or something. It also seems to be aimed at women in particular. I mean, I'm not going to disparage you for being a man and wanting to know how to apply lipstick, but that isn't the sort of information that would grab my attention. Though thinking back, that isn't really something I can say. I mean, the book also focuses on how to tie a Windsor Knot, how to tie a Bowtie, and how to get the perfect shave.
Also, this book is older than I thought it to be at first glance. It makes no difference since good advice is timeless, but it is rather surprising to me. Anyway, the book is good, but not great. I would recommend it in some cases, but reading about a skill loses something in translation. 3/5 stars.
April 29, 2012
Pequeña guía en plan cool en la que 100 expertos en su campo nos hablan de cómo hay que hacer ciertas cosas. Así, Grete Waitz, nueve veces campeona del maratón de Nueva York y medalla de plata en Los Ángeles ’84 nos cuenta cómo debemos hacer footing. El director del NY times nos cuenta cómo leer un periódico (no cómo leerlo, sino cómo interpretarlo). El jefe del CDC (Center for Disease Control, los de la peli “Estallido”) nos explica cómo lavarnos las manos… Por supuesto, son articulillos en los que no sólo se nos cuenta, por ejemplo, cómo hacer un nudo de corbata; además, nos hablan un poco de la historia del tema de que se trate. Es una lectura muy ligera, entretenida la mayor parte del rato y en ocasiones muy interesante. Como único elemento criticable, podríamos decir que a veces apesta a publicidad. Me explico con un ejemplo hipotético: Capítulo del Sushi.
Cómo hacer y comer Sushi. Autor del capítulo: Matsuhito Tomonaga, chef del restaurante Sushiluz (5th avenue, New York) cuya página web es sushiluz.com (visítela!), autor del libro Suhimasters of the sushiverse, que puede usted encontrar en las mejores librerías.
Da en ocasiones la sensación de que les hacen un poco de publicidad a los autores, no sé yo si para que rebajen el caché a la hora de escribir el artículo. La nota que le pongo al libro: Si te lo quieres comprar, no seré yo quien te diga que no, aunque hay otros mejores.
September 25, 2016
This book gave me insights on things I should know how to do, or ways to do what I am doing better. Some of the brief essays were longer than others, and I might have suggested a different focus on several, but all-in-all the spirit of the book was appreciated. Added insight was gleaned by looking up additional information about the expert which wrote each of the brief essays. This book will certainly be a welcome resource for me moving forward. This book is recommended for anyone wishing to learn more about a wide variety of subjects from an expert in their field, and not wanting to open up an encyclopedia to do so.
December 13, 2018
So glad this was a library book rather than one I had purchased.
It was okay and there are some things that were helpful (how to change a tire) and the type of things I expected this book to contain. However, there were quite a few things including that expert advice is NOT needed for, case in point, how to change a diaper. There were many things I skip because I have no use nor interest in them, like how to swing a golf club. Overall, while it had a few handy tidbits it felt mostly like a waste of time. Generally, it's not hard to find blogs with more tips than are given in these very short sections and then you'll be choosing your own subjects.
It was okay and there are some things that were helpful (how to change a tire) and the type of things I expected this book to contain. However, there were quite a few things including that expert advice is NOT needed for, case in point, how to change a diaper. There were many things I skip because I have no use nor interest in them, like how to swing a golf club. Overall, while it had a few handy tidbits it felt mostly like a waste of time. Generally, it's not hard to find blogs with more tips than are given in these very short sections and then you'll be choosing your own subjects.
March 12, 2010
The author interviewed some of the experts in 100 different things that she feels everyone should know how to do. I admit that the subjects of this book went from boring (how to tie a bowtie) to interesting (how to remove stains) to entertaining (how to flirt, how to get background info on someone, etc). Not all the things I could use and some I wish I had heard many years ago (the flirting one! and several others). The audio version is good though because they use different narrators for the interviews/how-tos.
July 24, 2010
This book filled some knowledge gaps that I had. I learned things that by rights I should already know how to do, but it was nice to see it all spelled out; like how to make a bed, how to shave, how to tie a tie, how to apologize, etc. I think there are many more life skills that could have been included and I would love to see an expanded edition. Dan and I are talking of writing up one for our kids.
July 25, 2012
Quick read, and I liked learning some things I didn't know how to do (according to the authors): Make Eggs, Tie a Windsor Tie, Shine Shoes, Shovel Snow. As a military spouse who has moved more than 7 times in the last 14 years, I expected to find the Relocate essay extremely relatable. I was wrong, and therefore gained a whole new perspective on moving, making friends and living in a community.
September 11, 2013
Distilled in 2 page essay, some are interesting, some are useful, some are annoying. When an expert is asked to teach, some can help you cut through the largeness of a field to point you in a good direction. But some say things like- choose an 'appropriate' plant and completely miss the point of how to be helpful.
This was ok, but not really a book to sit and read through, more like something to have on a shelf and perhaps help start a conversation.
This was ok, but not really a book to sit and read through, more like something to have on a shelf and perhaps help start a conversation.
October 8, 2013
I listened to this as an audiobook and found it to be very fascinating. There were some things that I already knew how to do, like wash my hands, do laundry, or hang a picture. But there were many that I didn't know, like how to set a formal dining table, tie a bow tie, or take a picture. This is one book that I would like to have a paper copy of for future reference, and is certainly one that would make a fun gift for someone!
March 21, 2017
Ettus began collecting a list of skills she had never acquired - her "Personal Knowledge Gap". After determining that others had similar "black holes of skills", she set about getting 100 nationally recognized experts in their field to write some "Cliffs Notes to Life." They range from the practical to the abstract, but all are concise and informative. There's something for everyone and a great opportunity to get practical advice from the experts!
May 30, 2017
Do I really need to know how to do each one of these skills? Probably not. I like learning though so I gave it a shot.
I have to say reading how to do some of these things did not help. There are just some things that you need to watch or do to understand. There is always youtube! There were also some chapters that were too tedious for me!
With that said, I did enjoy reading the chapters under Work Life and The Big Life. These topics I could learn from and connect with better.
I have to say reading how to do some of these things did not help. There are just some things that you need to watch or do to understand. There is always youtube! There were also some chapters that were too tedious for me!
With that said, I did enjoy reading the chapters under Work Life and The Big Life. These topics I could learn from and connect with better.
December 5, 2008
An all around enjoyable and useful read, this book is comprised of 100 short essays on everything from kissing to breathing to making coffee. Excellent for reading on the train or the pot or just before bed - you can knock out a couple of very informative pages and feel like you've accomplished something - in no time flat!
Want to read
January 10, 2011"Seven of the pontificating experts are Harvardians, viz: Thuy Tranthi, M.B.A. '93, on how to tie a Windsor knot; Terry Lenzner '61, LL.B. '64, on how to conduct a background investigation; and Ronald Winston '63, on how to buy a diamond. Much wisdom here, but the expert on scrambled eggs is mistaken." - Harvard Magazine, Jan/Feb-05
July 28, 2011
Quite good. Jean-Georges did the "Make Eggs" section. I liked the "Wash Your Hair", "Manage Your Time", "Give and Receive a Compliment", "Make Conversation", "Remember Names", "Tell a Story", "Deliver Bad News", "Make Tea", "Relax", "Be a Good Houseguest","Hold a Baby", and "Pack for a Trip".
I did not like "Understand Your Pet" - that was super dumb.
I did not like "Understand Your Pet" - that was super dumb.
March 18, 2012
This is a neat book. It had some tips on common sense things that I didn't know how to do or didn't know how to do as well as the expert. Some of the experts weren't writers, and I thought that the editor should have guided them in their passages a little more.
Overall, I'm glad that I read this.
Overall, I'm glad that I read this.
November 5, 2015
To sum it up, I wish I had this book since birth. The experts, some famous, give advice on how to do things that every person ought to know. I am slightly intrigued and somewhat embarrassed to admit, but I never knew the minor details of bed making until I picked up this book. I am actually thinking about buying a copy for myself now.
December 26, 2017
Interesting compendium of bite-sized pieces of advice, from relevant experts, on a wide-ranging list of topics. Two that I found particularly useful were "Manage your time" by Stephen R. Covey (i.e., how to make daily progress on longer-term goals) and "Tell a story" by Ira Glass (!). Most amusing was "Negotiate" by ... yes ... Donald Trump (for context, this book was published in 2004).
September 8, 2008
I saw this at the library "sure, I would like to know how to do these 100 things that are important." Well, I am pretty sure everyone I knows how to do these things without the book. My favorite was add a chair to the dinner table when a guest brings an uninvited person. No Really!!
October 1, 2008
I really enjoyed this book, very interesting and entertaining. It's got 100 short essays by experts on how to do things - how to listen by Larry King, give and receive a compliment by Ms Demeanor, wash your hair by Frederic Fekkai. An easy, fun read.
September 11, 2014
This was an interesting book, but almost an information overload, while at the same time offering pretty obvious guidance. A few chapters were helpful. Probably more of a reference than a direct read.
December 6, 2010
Great idea for a book! So many of these little instructions were written by the person who I would really like to most learn that skill from as well! I learned quite a few things from this easy to read book. I'll certainly look for more books in this series.
March 26, 2011
This book is interesting, funny and engaging. It has already helped me to improve my life and I am working every day on perfecting my shave and making the bed right, and vacuuming the carpet more efficiently.....
January 19, 2012
Unless you are in desperate need to learn how to fly a flag I don't recomened this book. Every once and a while there was good advice but a lot of the time I found myself skipping the pages I didn't care about.
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