I am determined to become a more ladylike woman, but this is not something that comes naturally for me. I have so much to learn so I am constantly on the lookout for books on femininity This list is the best books on femininity that I have read so far. Some are etiquette books, some are books on marriage and a few are fiction books that have really made a difference in my life.
A note on why there are so many etiquette books in this list, etiquette at its heart is caring for and loving those around you (including your self). The person with the best manners is the one who makes everyone feel at home not the person who have impressive manners. Good manners are rarely noticed, people after spending time with you just have pleasant thoughts about their time with you.
Want a list of classic books on femininity to help you along your journey? Check out this post I wrote a few weeks ago. Also do you want more information on how to dress like a lady? Check out this post on modesty standards.
Ladies Like Us by: Alena Kate Pettitt
This book is written by Alena as is the next book on the list. I really appreciate her message though as with any book I don’t agree with everything she says. This book is both informational and inspirational. She casts a vision for what it means to be a lady and whey that matters.
This book and English Etiquette by her are written from a English perspective that I really appreciate. It coves everything from when drinking is acceptable to how to dress to how to sit to how and when to eat food. This book is a great first step towards learning how to be a lady.
English Etiquette by: Alena Kate Pettitt
Also by Alena, this book is much more the nuts and bolts of etiquette for the everyday man/woman. Though they are a few differences in etiquette this side of the pond, 99% of it rings true. It also has a great part in the back that talks through what every English man and woman should have in their closet.
As A Lady Would Say by: Sheryl Shade
This bookis perfect for those of us who are a bit awkward and don’t know what to say in most situations. I have read through it twice so far and will keep reading through it so that eventually it will become second nature to me hopefully. It is a very quick and easy read, I highly recommend it.
How To Be A Lady by: Candace Simpson-Giles
How To Be A Lady is the perfect name for this book. Similar to As A Lady Would Say and part of the same Gentlemanners Series, this cover more than just conversations. It covers dressing, dinning, how to be a hostess and party etiquette among other things. Again an easy and quick read for you to read again and again.
Little Women by: Louisa May Alcott
Marmee, the mother in Little Woman, is a wonderful example of a true lady. Kind, tough, loving and true to her convictions. One of my favorite characters though is Meg especially as she gets married and learns how to be a wife and mother. Though written long ago is still speaks strong and true of being a true lady and loving those around you.
Stepping Heavenward by: Mrs. E. Prentiss
This classic book helps me keep hope that one day decades on I will be the kind of woman that I want to be. Katie is a young lady who is filled with anger, discontented and struggling to do the everyday duties everyday (reminds me of someone that I know). Follow along as she get married, raises her children and as she dies in the end of the book, finally the kind of woman she really wanted to be.
The Queen’s Code by: Alison A. Armstrong
First let me say that this a book for ladies who are engaged or married. Also I do not agree with the romantic relationship in this book. The Queen’s Code explores the idea if we as woman have the power to impact men in a positive way or negative way. Build them up or tear them down. Even with it’s issues I still think it is a worthwhile read. It is a chew the meat and spit our the bones type of books. It is really about how to relate to ourselves and to men.
One of it’s main premises is that men are not misbehaving woman. Men think and act differently because they are different. If we accept that and even embrace that we will all be much happier.
Emily Post’s Etiquette by: Emily Post
I have the book that was first published over 100 years ago. The Elizabeth Post company recently released a new edition for the modern world but went woke in the process. I really love the older one even though much of the information is either outdated or for upper levels of society that I am not a part of.
Still full of helpful tips and tricks for how to be a lady. It also helps to provide perspective on the current state of manners. Over all a very interesting and informative read.
The Madame Chic Series by: Jennifer L. Scott
I have read two of the books now and want to get the third (also her book on manners for children). These books are based of Jennifer Scott’s time as an exchange student in Paris. And the lesson she learned about femininity from her host mother. Do you want to feel like a lady? Use her “look presentable always” motto as a frame work for how you dress and live your life. Look for a post on how to look presentable always while living and working on a farm soon.
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