That Certain Something: The Magic of Charm

by Arlene Francis

1961 PB

Genres: Nonfiction

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1960

About the author

Arlene Francis was an actress, radio and television talk show host, and regular panelist on the game show What's My Line?

Reviews

[V]

Arlene Francis (her real name is something Armenian and mellifluous), were she with us today, would mark Goodreads as the fount of charm. In one chapter, she encourages readers to develop expertise in their areas of interest -- Shakespeare or grassroots politics are her examples -- through the profound consultation of library books. Charm, she says, is borne of caring about the world: other people, politics, and culture from the high to the lowbrow. Sounds good to me. Thanks, Arlene.

There's more! Check out the "charm-o-meter" in the back of the book. It is a quiz determining the extent to which you have dire need of charm schooling. 90 points means 100% charm. I scored 82 out of 90, being docked 8 points due to "excessive introversion"; well, my ego considers itself mightily flattered.

[Kit]

Arlene is perfection and I adore her. I've learned so much from this book about charm and life. It's such a shame it's not in print anymore because a lot of young women like myself could benefit from reading it.

[Lorna Badeo]

Calling this a charm book seems like an understatement! There's so much to this gem of a book. It's unpretentious, endearing, informative, funny, relevant, and a reflection of its author.

[Readitnweep]

I find Arlene Francis interesting, and I was surprised to find she was also an author so I found this book. Published in 1960, when most women still worked at housekeeping, the book encourages the idea of being charming - or really improving how interesting and appealing your presence is to others - and to yourself.

There were definitely some helpful bits - much of it is common sense, but a refresher can be helpful.

The main ideas are repeated too much - particularly towards the end - but overall I found it an easy read and a good reminder of many of the things my own mom taught me.

[Barbara]

An intelligent and insightful book about charm, written by an incredibly charming woman.