Readers' Reviews

I am thrilled by all the great press reviews the book has been receiving, but I was totally surprised and wowed by some of the feedback from "regular" readers, who've actually paid for the book! Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to comment.

--Toni

Hello Toni,

Just wanted to congratulate you on an extremely entertaining AND (of course) valuable resource for anyone planning to visit the U.K.  I have been there several times, dating back to the early 60's, but cannot truly say that I feel that I know anywhere near enough about the people or the country.  I have had a couple of English penpals dating back to when we were all about 18 years old.  Yes, we are still good friends.  I am also Godfather to the son of one of them. 

I confess that I am writing this email before I have completely read your book.  I'm about halfway through it.  I am enjoying it...as I learn...in preparation for another visit to England this coming September/October.  I haven't peeked ahead in your book, so I have no idea if it will touch on the subject of self catering cottages.  But, that is what a friend and I will be doing during this visit.  I have already done the driving tour of cathedral cities and here and there from Cornwall to Lands End...and places from east to west. 

Now that I am 69, I want to more or less stay in one place and experience what that place has to offer.  The first week will be spent in Methwold, the small Norfolk farming town where my ancestors lived for hundreds of years before a couple of them sailed off to America to NOT make their fortune.  After a week exploring Norfolk, we will drive down to the Kent/East Sussex border and spend a second week in a self catering cottage there....also exploring that part of England.  I am sure that I must read your book at least another time before we depart for England.  I would prefer not to offend the good people we meet along the way by doing something carelessly American. Happily, I have been a houseguest of a couple of my English friends in years past, so I won't be totally lacking in proper behaviour.  Incidentally, I am seriously considering buying a couple of more copies of your book as gifts for these friends.  I'm sure they would enjoy it as much as I have....although perhaps from a slightly different perspective.  Thanks again.  What will you do to follow up on this great book?

Sincerely, Art (Seattle)

Toni Hargis for Ambassador!

Whilst scanning my local bookstore's shelves for a quick read I came across "Rules, Britannia" by Toni Summers Hargis. After finishing it (in one sitting) I know not to say "it was 'quite' good", for that would indicate something less than extreme pleasure on my part. "Rules, Britannia" is VERY good, informative and funny and while our language differences deserve credit for the book's inspiration the author has earned all of the rest.

Having grown up on the other side of the pond, Ms. Hargis has spent sixteen years in the States and has a perspective that is most welcome from an American point of view. For those of us who have spent a good amount of time in England, reading "Rules, Britannia" tells one more of the things one doesn't know but probably should. This is not merely a collective glossary of word translations (although at the end of each chapter there is one, relating to that particular chapter) but a look at what every American needs to know upon visiting the mother country. From transportation and food to shopping and partying, the author is a gentle teacher, or perhaps more of a cultural ambassador.

What Toni Hargis does so well is relate things from an English viewpoint. I was surprised to see that the Brits find it very rude if you refer to another person in your midst as "he" or "she", or that if you cannot attend a dinner party it is essential (almost to a comical fault) that you let your host know exactly the reasons WHY you won't be there. I laughed out loud after reading about the fact that Brits never park their car leaving it in gear when the author then goes on to say, "if you borrow someone's car, for heaven's sake don't leave it in gear when you return it, or the owner will kangaroo straight through the garden wall next time the engine's turned on." Who can resist such advice?!

Occasionally, you'll find some repetitions in the book....what you're reading you just read a few pages ago. A couple of additions would be good also... (unless I missed them) when stepping off the pavement make sure to look right before crossing the street (there are reminders on London streets) and if trying to book passage on BritRail on Christmas Day or Boxing Day, forget about it. I suppose this is a way of saying there is probably enough material for another book by author Hargis.....one I would stand hours in a queue to purchase!

I highly recommend "Rules, Brittania". It's practical, down-to-earth and immensely enjoyable.

--Jon Hunt, Greenwich, Ct.

This is a hoot!

Very funny, easy pick up and put down...and then pick up again. I read parts aloud to my ten year old and she laughed too. Good variety of topics and the website additions helpful. I liked best when she wrote about her American born husband and her children's reactions. The potty talk section really got me laughing.

--A. Roberts, Chicago

A Delightful Companion for UK Travel!

I wish I had read Toni Hargis's entertaining and informative book before my trips to England. I could have saved myself time and spared the patient and kind Brits the time they spent educating me. Traveling in England is a wonderful adventure, but be prepared for some culture shock. This book will tuck right into your carry-on and serve as a quick reference in various situations. It would also be a great gift for friends crossing the pond.

--Judith A. Robinson, Little Rock, Arkansas

Dear Toni,

I enjoyed the book very much! I'm married to a Mancunian, so many terms were familiar. I heard you interviewed on our local (Santa Cruz) radio station, KSCO. Rosemary Chalmers lives just around the corner from me.

There's nothing like the little custard pies and the bacon and the cheeses in England! My Mum-in-law manages to smuggle these in when she visits us!

Thanks for a fun book!

--Paul, California