I Know You Think You Know It All: Advice and Observations for You to Stand Apart in Public and Online

Black reappropriates the "listicle" format to uproarious effect in this book of advice aimed at young urban professionals. Part personal manifesto, Black's manual is tinged with cheekiness as he addresses many aspects of contemporary life. His guidance includes the professional (#12: "Sending work emails late at night makes you seem like a crazy person"), the social (#297: "It's a group text, not a filibuster"), the mundane (#156: "There's no shame in going to the mall"), and the practical (#90: "If you call the cops on your own party, you have to look surprised when they show up"). With 414 pieces of advice in all, the compendium never loses steam as the author provides a mix of insights that are by turns bizarre (#204: "The Oscars is no place for a kilt") and astute (#347: "Outrage is the go-to emotion for amateur critics"). Though generally directed at male Millennials, readers of any ilk will find advice that hits close to home. Most importantly, Black advises, "Never take yourself too seriously." His book%E2%80%94a social etiquette guide disguised as a gag book (or vice versa)%E2%80%94is testament to that. (Apr.)