That Certain Something: The Magic of Charm

by Arlene Francis

Not what you'd expect. Written and published in 1960 this is not a book about etiquette or charm as would lead from conventional thought. This is a book stuffed with wonderful advice on how to live your best life!
A friend once summed up Arlene Francis' wonderful magnetic quality by saying, "Arlene is the only person I know who acts as though life were the best party she ever attended." Like the Pied Piper, she attracts droves of people who flock around, hoping that some of the sparkle will rub off on them.
Now in this witty and helpful book Arlene reveals the secrets of genuine charm-a charm that emanates from a person because he is fully himself. She says, "Counterfeit charm is worse than none at all," and tells you how to avoid the sandpaper personality, the infectious yawn, the phony glamour of superciliousness and how to develop true, warmhearted charm.
"It isn't easy to be your best self," Arlene Francis admits, "but if you dare to be yourself-completely-you might be in for a pleasant surprise." Life for you, too, may become "the best party you ever attended."
Excerpts from "The Magic of Charm" : "Charm and hate are mutually exclusive. They cannot coexist. Like a healthy-looking plank, which suddenly crumbles when you touch it, you might be able to maintain appearances for quite a while with a strenuous hate under your belt, but sooner or later it will get you before you get it. The ironic part is that hate is bound to hurt you more than the person or object hated." "Our trust should be an affectionate one. One which helps us belong with whatever community we exist in and yet still retain our own individuality. This is not as difficult as it sounds. We remain individual by becoming our best selves; we remain organized in our communities by maintaining a warm and vital interest in others." "Charm is really the best part of yourself. It's the throwing off of the bad part, and the highest and most loquacious expression of the good part. It's not some-thing that is assumed or dragged into the picture. It's not a new Easter outfit you put on for a parade up Fifth Avenue."

Genres: Nonfiction

164 pages, 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

[Iris · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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