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Rules of Civility: A Novel Audiobook
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(4.00) - 31,155 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
From the New York Times-bestselling author of A Gentleman in Moscow, a “sharply stylish” (Boston Globe) book for Mom on Mother's Day about a young woman in post-Depression era New York who suddenly finds herself thrust into high society—now with over one million readers worldwide
On the last night of 1937, twenty-five-year-old Katey Kontent is in a second-rate Greenwich Village jazz bar when Tinker Grey, a handsome banker, happens to sit down at the neighboring table. This chance encounter and its startling consequences propel Katey on a year-long journey into the upper echelons of New York society—where she will have little to rely upon other than a bracing wit and her own brand of cool nerve.
With its sparkling depiction of New York’s social strata, its intricate imagery and themes, and its immensely appealing characters, Rules of Civility won the hearts of readers and critics alike.
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"I absolutely adored this book. I loved the setting of New York in its years of late 1930, and the lavish characters. Its so descriptive I got caught up in the scenery and period of time. The end of the book was my favorite though, it made my heart warm and sad that it was over. As I closed the book I felt like I could relate to her story of lost love and what ifs but knowing that every decision that got you to where you are was the right one, and that being content and happy with what you have had, have, and what's yet to come is what life is about."
— Samantha (5 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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An irresistible and astonishingly assured debut about working class-women and world-weary WASPs in 1930s New York…in the crisp, noirish prose of the era, Towles portrays complex relationships in a city that is at once melting pot and elitist enclave – and a thoroughly modern heroine who fearlessly claims her place in it.
— O, the Oprah Magazine -
With this snappy period piece, Towles resurrects the cinematic black-and-white Manhattan of the golden age…[his] characters are youthful Americans in tricky times, trying to create authentic lives.
— The New York Times Book Review -
This very good first novel about striving and surviving in Depression-era Manhattan deserves attention…The great strength of Rules of Civility is in the sharp, sure-handed evocation of Manhattan in the late ‘30s.
— Wall Street Journal -
Put on some Billie Holiday, pour a dry martini and immerse yourself in the eventful life of Katey Kontent…[Towles] clearly knows the privileged world he’s writing about, as well as the vivid, sometimes reckless characters who inhabit it.
— People -
[A] wonderful debut novel…Towles [plays] with some of the great themes of love and class, luck and fated encounters that animated Wharton’s novels.
— The Chicago Tribune -
Glittering…filled with snappy dialogue, sharp observations and an array of terrifically drawn characters…Towles writes with grace and verve about the mores and manners of a society on the cusp of radical change.
— NPR.org -
Glamorous Gotham in one to relish…a book that enchants on first reading and only improves on the second.
— The Philadelphia Inquirer -
“This very good first novel about striving and surviving in Depression-era Manhattan deserves attention…The great strength of Rules of Civility is in the sharp, sure-handed…evocation of Manhattan in the late ‘30s.”
— Wall Street Journal -
“Even the most jaded New Yorker can see the beauty in Amor Towles’ Rules of Civility, the antiqued portrait of an unlikely jet set making the most of Manhattan.”
— San Francisco Chronicle -
“An elegant, pithy performance by a first-time novelist who couldn’t seem more familiar with his characters or territory.”
— Kirkus Reviews -
“With this snappy period piece, Towles resurrects the cinematic black-and-white Manhattan of the golden age…[his] characters are youthful Americans in tricky times, trying to create authentic lives.”
— New York Times Book Review
Awards
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Selected for the August 2011 Indie Next List
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A New York Times bestseller
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A USA Today bestseller
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A Kirkus Reviews “New and Notable Title” for 2011
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A Barnes & Noble Best Book of 2011
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Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award
Rules of Civility Listener Reviews
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MJ, 1/8/2023
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chris kuebler, 9/10/2019
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sonia mcvean, 6/3/2015
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" Honestly I wasn't as impressed with this book as I thought I would be, given how highly recommended it came. I enjoyed the writing, but I thought the story line was weak and not all that compelling, and I had a hard time keeping track of all of the secondary characters. "
— Avalyn, 2/10/2014 -
" A beautifully written ode to New York City in the 1920s. "
— Kathryn, 2/9/2014 -
" Loved this book. One of my favorites of 2012. "
— Darcy, 2/9/2014 -
" I will repeat several of what others are saying about this book -- that it is a love story for the city of New York and it is very reminiscent of The Great Gatsby, which is why I may be so fond of it. But it is more than that. It's also a book in love with literature and discusses the dynamic of wanting to be wealthy but not losing your working class ideals. This is a lush, cinematic book and it was very entertaining. "
— Luci, 2/6/2014 -
" Despite some promising flashes of descriptive beauty, I found the book rather shallow. "
— Sue, 2/1/2014 -
" Loved this book. Smart dialog, interesting characters and great story line. I love to read books of this period. "
— Patricia, 1/29/2014 -
" Rules of Civility made me think, about life and the choices we make and those we don't. I wasn't around in 1932 but I felt like I was there with them all. "
— June, 1/27/2014 -
" Beautifully written in the old fashioned, literate, detailed style of F. Scott Fitzgerald and other American writers of that period.. This book paints a picture of a time (around 1938, post jazz age) a place (New York City) and a time of life, being 26 or so. Every delicious word should be savored. "
— Sandi, 1/17/2014 -
" Different from most of things I have read. Hidden meanings became tiresome. "
— Jocelyn, 1/16/2014 -
" Loved. The main character and the world were a delight. I loved the way her character rolled out. "
— Brynn, 1/3/2014 -
" Good read. One of the best narrative voices I have encountered for a while. "
— Lois, 1/1/2014 -
" Loved this book and recommended to all and sundry. Beautifully evoked NYC and highlighted how a chance encounter can alter your entire life. My favourite book from 2012. "
— Mark, 12/20/2013 -
" When a book either enters your dreams or causes a significant amount of pondering I would have to give the book high marks. I found myself not just reading but rereading to savor the meaning of some of the passages. "
— Kathleen, 12/14/2013 -
" Just couldn't get into this one...never was quite sure where the story was meant to go but kept reading thinking it would get better. It just didn't get better for me-I was pretty bored through this entire book. "
— Mary, 8/21/2013 -
" At first I wasn't sure I was going to like it as much as I did. Maybe it was because I love the time period but this book really grew on me and I still think about it and its characters. I really liked it and would recommend it "
— Diana, 7/25/2013 -
" lack of content and substance. "
— Sminkles, 7/24/2013 -
" Really unique, interesting story with great characters. Loved this one. "
— Michele, 6/18/2013 -
" I do not normally like historical fiction, but this had me after the first few pages. The dialogue is smart and witty and you can't wait to find out what happens next to Katey. A great portrait of a girl and a side of New York in the 1930s. "
— Chrissy, 4/8/2013 -
" I really enjoyed this book after recently reading some Hemingway, the Great Gatsby and a depression time period book. Really found Rules of Civility to be a great bookend. Read this for a book group book and it lent itself to a wonderful, interesting discussion. "
— Stephanie, 3/9/2013 -
" This book was, to say the least, incredibly. It had an almost "Great Gatsby" feel to it in the sense of the era, the language, the love triangles. Absolutely wonderful. "
— Keaton, 8/10/2012 -
" Really enjoyed. So many wonderful "rules" ... wish I could remember most of them! "
— Jill, 3/15/2012 -
" Gorgeous writing, plot twists I wasn't expecting (I wasn't expecting any!), and a book I could see myself reading again someday... "
— Dawn, 2/20/2012 -
" Great book. One of the best I've ever read. "
— Gerre, 2/11/2012 -
" this book was just ok for me. For some reason I had a hard time keeping up with the storyline and characters. "
— Michelle, 2/3/2012 -
" Interesting read... not my fav but glad I read it. "
— Felisa, 12/2/2011 -
" Thoroughly entertaining! A little F. Scott Fitzgerald. Quick read (4 days). I love time traveling and New York in the 30's is just my cup of tea. A little disappointing in the end but all-in-all nice prose with some thought provoking thoughts on the meaning of life. "
— Tema, 11/8/2011 -
" This book made me want to go back and read The Great Gatsby, It made me remember authors and events from the 20s and was completely entertaining as well as well written, <br/> "
— Cynthiaf, 11/7/2011 -
" I really was sucked into this book from the first few pages. I loved the style of writing and the great characters. I think it would be a great movie! "
— Barb, 11/5/2011 -
" Read the last 200 pages in one sitting. A great page turning story but with bits of wisdom which will stick with me for a long time to come.<br/> "
— Tamah, 11/2/2011 -
" Fantastic. Towles first novel has great characters, dialogue and brings alive the atmosphere of Manhattan in the 1930s. Rebecca Lowman's narration was spot on. "
— Becky, 11/2/2011 -
" very enjoyable, easy read (one day) "
— Leenie, 11/2/2011 -
" One of the best books I have read in awhile. Incredibly well written. Those who love NYC will love this book even more. Set in the 1930s. Great, strong, female main character. Everyone in my book club liked it. "
— Hays, 11/1/2011 -
" It was fine. Lots of stories/events but nothing really happens...let's just say its not a page-turner. "
— Stacy, 10/30/2011 -
" Sex and the City from the late 30's. Good writing. "
— Eileen, 10/29/2011
About Amor Towles
Amor Towles is the author of the New York Times bestsellers Rules of Civility, A Gentleman in Moscow, and The Lincoln Highway. The three novels have collectively sold more than six million copies and have been translated into more than thirty languages.
About Rebecca Lowman
Rebecca Lowman is an actress and audiobook narrator who has won numerous Earphones Awards. She has starred in numerous television shows, including Law & Order, Big Love, NCIS, and Grey’s Anatomy, among many others. She earned her MFA from Columbia University.