Some guys are born gentlemen, but some have to learn how to become one. If you or someone you know is part of the latter, I highly suggest you get a copy of Bereolaesque: The Contemporary Gentleman & Etiquette Book for the Urban Sophisticate, a quick and entertaining read by 27-year-old style and etiquette impresario Enitan O. Bereola II.
The modern masterpiece is exactly what I’d recommend for those who want to have and learn about etiquette and style. The book is for everyone who believes that chivalry is NOT dead, those guys who understand how the world works and are willing to learn exactly how far something as simple as proper etiquette can get you in life.
Derived from Bereola’s name, the term “Bereolaesque” is defined as being “highly appealing to the human senses or mind”. The book is a guideline and easy reference for keeping cool and maintaining manners which also includes the role of faith in having a well-balanced life.
Bereola said he wrote the book because we need it! “Let’s be frank, a lot of men just don’t know how to act. We don’t know the who’s, what’s, where’s, why’s, when’s, or how’s and are too embarrassed to ask. The answers to these questions can mean the difference between a quality life and an early death!”
Bereolaesque is a brilliant book for anyone interested in appreciating the art of becoming a gentleman filled with practical advice. Bereola serves as a “big brother” guide on the journey from ordinary to excellence. He also answers your questions in a new online feature, Ask Mr. Bereola.
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Book reviews are a new feature at Concrete Loop, spotlighting authors and great reads. Submissions are welcome.
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Never heard of him…but I think a book like this is needed for men out here….but the one’s who really need probably won’t get it!!
I like the idea of book reviews on CL! Will they be ongoing like the music reviews? I’m sure you all have heard the dreadful saying “If you want to hide something from black people, put it in a book”. I hope you guys keep this up, very nice!
J Dakar I love your posts! So informative. I can think of a few brothers I know who needs to read this book!
Of course I agree with #2 (more book reviews including “APT 202″) and with #3 (your writing is awesome) and lastly #1 (this book is much needed in our community)…
Conditioning us to be more like the white man.
Yeah, book reviews are a new feature here, and Apartment 202 is the next one.
A book of this caliber is NEEDED! However, the ones who actually need the information probably don’t even read books anyway.
Lewis…
more like a white man???
to have fricken manners???
fo’real?
sounds like being articulate is talking ‘whit’e’ to you.
#5 LEWIS,
That was a joke right?
–
Yeah I like the idea of book reviews.
And I know a lot of guys that should read this – a lot of guys don’t know how to act.
#5 This book is probably reversing some of the brainwashing done to us by the white man. There is nothing wrong with the word GENTLEMAN.
@ 8
Diction and etiquette are universal. If our communities were doing a better job of indoctrinating our young people with both etiquette and black culture (taught through our own perspective), this book wouldn’t be so “NEEDED.” smh.
Unfortunately, we “need” the white man to teach us a thing or two.
Oh please! White man, teach us how to be proper like you…lol
I agree, the book reviews addition is a great idea!
How ironic that my significant other and I were discussing this yesterday, that young men and women need etiquette lessons. I will purchase this book!
intereting! too bad im a girl lol
i still might pick this up for reference tho.
@Lewis – Bereola is actually a brother. He’s African-American. I follow him on twitter and facebook
The cover alone is nice! I’m very proud of this young man…God Bless!
Good look’n out CL….love you guys
I would have to agree, this book is greatly needed, This book is already on my stocking stuffer list , and #5 you’ve got to be kidding me!
Kudos to CL for adding book reviews and Congrats Enitan! It’s great to see FAMU alum continuing the legacy of “Excellence with Caring”!
@ 15
Oh, now that’s very cool!!
We definently need more brothers out there educating and setting a positive example.
Preach on Brother Bereola!!
I own this book personally and it is the most complete and intelligent work of art i have ever read. Guys make sure you get a copy, even if you think you are well mannered, read it! it will up your game 100%.
FAMU stand up!!
This book, is a very good read. Men have forgot how to treat ladies and this book should help that. I know the author personally so please support him.
We need to treat our women better, PERIOD!
Peace and Love
GENTLEMAN, the real won’t need the book..even tho its good the idea behind…
According to me the 5 MOST BLACK GENTLEMEN ,( contemporary list )
Terrence Howard
Lewis Hamilton
kanYe West
B. Obama
J.Dakar…..
I kno ,,,randomnesss at its best
i heard him the other night on 106 kmel in the bay area…..great guy!
I know him and he’s far from a Gentleman..he’s a pig! He’s just doing this for a lil change which u can’t hate on. But he needs to read the book himself because he’s a womanizer…
I will be stuffing this book in a few stockings this Christmas. The key to any gentlemens book is to learn the basics, then you take what you need and what works for you. If it teaches a few brothers how to pull their pants up…the book is a success. And, maybe the pimps will stop ironing those creases in their jeans. Always put the toilet seat down, after you wipe away any dribbles. Never leave home without breath fresh. Always say “bless you” when someone sneezes. Attend church, regularly. Don’t smoke in the house or around children. Its hard to be a gentleman when you’re drunk or high. Always wear clean underwear and keep a seperate supply of undies for playing sports. Make sure there plenty of bathroom freshener. Wash the car and cut the grass at least twice a month in the winter and weekly in the summer. Show respect to her parents more than she does. Always go to bed smelling clean, fresh breath and wet wipe after pooping. No woman wants her breast $uckled with gingivitis…which could lead to cancer. Buy a 24 pack of Bic Razors and keep a razor at work, in the shower, in the car, and in the gym bag. Keep dental floss and toothpicks handy. Use “Witchhazel” after shaving, its better for black men who bump up easily. Initiate family discussions about “hot topics” and always inject the word of God. Share wisdom and give compliments. Learn how to do a flower arraingement and do three or four times a year. Establish an account at the store where she likes to shop and only use it for her Birthday, Valentines Day, Christmas and Anniversaries. Learn her sizes…especially her shoe size. Massage her back and feet at least once a week. Take her to dinner at least once a month. And, always be ready to grill some “cook-out” food on weekends…!
Now, here’s a few of my personal little tips: Always volunteer to fold the clothes, because you can do that while sitting on the couch watching the game. Tell her it’s okay to use paper plates and plastic forks, spoons and cups, because you can just dispose of them rather than helping with the dishes. Always remove and hang your clothes in the close. Always bring a clean towel to bed with you in case things get really messy!
Keep a toothbrush and paste in the shower. Keep Windex in the car for the chrome wheels and windows.
Gentlemen, start your engines!
Hugh, #5 Lewis, poor thing, he represents ignorance at its finest. Its a shame he thinks having manners and being a gentleman means your conditioned to be a white man. So does that mean that all black men should be rude, no manners, and just plain disrespectful? I don’t get it.
22. kanYe SwiFT, I just read your list and Kanye is not a gentleman. Nick Cannon is more of a gentleman than Kanye. I have not read the book, so I don’t know why you chose Kanye, but I would add Steve Harvey, Seal and Rev. Run to the list.
@ 15
But then I went on his Myspace and the word, “gentleman,” doesn’t exactly come to mind.
Maybe he will read his own book.
ummm Kanye Swift – Kanye West is on the list of top gentlemen?
There are lots of good black gentlemen out there,very educated and with excellent manners,the problem is most black woman out there don`t want them.Most of my Black male friends are educated and have good manners,but my female friends don`t want those kind of guys,they want Tyrone.That`s why I`m writing a book called,Why Do Black Woman Want Tyrone.
This guy didnt write the book..His friend T wrote it and he took the credit after his friend committed suicide…..
@ 31
That’s sooo f#cked up.
A guide to etiquette and protocol is critical. How can you win or play the game not knowing the rules of engagement. I disagree that this is further conditioning to being more white (Lewis posting). Understanding the game levels the playing field.
A breech in protocol can cost you a bundle. Ask Mr. Vick or the gentleman who heckled the President. It is important to set a standard for yourself that helps you reach your desired life goals.
Regards,
Miss. Char
LMAO@ Kanye West being a “gentleman” That is very funny.
And Terrence Howard has limited etiquette skills if he has any at all.
I’m not sure about books like these. But I guess that some people do need them.
It’s an interesting choice for a first book review. “How to” books are not my personal favorite. I would have enjoyed a nice fiction or autobiographical book selection but this raises good points in terms of blog thread.
This notion that if you know what etiquette is you are “acting” white is an idea that I never really thought people really believed. It’s interesting to hear that here and I’m not sure it was a joke or not. But I find the best way to gain good etiquette is to travel, education, and to be open to new experiences. But how to books can be good. Just not my personal favorite.
For real,the black women I know would look at a dude that has good etiquette and manners like he was Steve Erkel.They want a street type of fella.Furthermore,it`s not whether a dude has good Etiquette or he`s a street thug,what`s gonna get him rejected, is if has a little dick,if he has that he is gonna be talked about for 40 days and 40 nights.
WOW @ some of these comments. Sometimes I wonder…………
I will be checking this one out!
Wow @ #35 – You should seriously be ASHAMED for posting foolishness. I sat & watched the entire journey this young man has taken and was there the long nights of typing and formatting the manuscript, coming up with new ideas and brainstorming. HOW DARE YOU!
T is dear to his heart and he dedicated the book to him. If you go back to any of the 60 + interviews, you’ll see that T is mentioned as the inspiration and that they worked on the project together for 2 months. HOW DARE YOU!!! Eat those words
Correction: That was directed to #31 (GMONEY) not #35
Congrats Enitan!!! I am very proud of your success and good to see someone (besides myself and a few others we mutually know) from San Jose doing big things and accomplishing things on a international scale. Bring the Gentlemen BACK….Fellas (and Ladies) just incorporate the techniques into your lifestyle it doesn’t hurt.
Much Love and Respect
Now I know what to get him for Christmas…
There’s too many man who need a copy of this book. Although just bcos it’s the 21st century doesn’t mean that girls should totally reject/dismiss chivalry altogether. Equality is great and all but little things like that certainly don’t hurt.
having a book about etiquette and chivalry etc etc is great… the only problem is that a huuuuuuuuge percentage of BOYS….. not men….. but BOYS…. will not read it!!! there’s a new expression that my friend (who happens to be a man) & i say…. “TOO MANY NI**AS….. NOT ENOUGH MEN!!!” i’m a serial dater…. in my early dating days (18yrs young) the first guys i was serious with NEVER let me touch a door… they literally got pissed at me for touching doors or paying for things…. they took great care of me…… i began to become boy crazy and started dating a bunch of losers for the last 8 yrs….. the more i complained to guys that i didn’t want to be in a relationship or wasn’t interested the more i heard “well…you haven’t been with a ni**a like me……so give me a chance”….. i’m DONE with ni**as….. i need a MAN…. a real man!!!….. chivalrous…respectful…… funny…. caters to my every need….. takes control of a situation…. has a great head on his shoulders….. etc etc….. the list goes on and on…. i’m so tired of the whack ass dudes i’ve been coming in contact with…. and i don’t want to give up on my “brothas”…… i know there’s a great black man out there for me………… he’s somewhere……. but i’m tempted to dip into other pots….. date outside the black community…. give white men…hispanics…..etc a try…. lol……. they’ve been approaching me and from what i’ve seen they’re what i need…. but i don’t really feel too comfy dating outside my race… but if i must…. i must!!! and i will!!!…. otherwise…. serious brothas….. give me a call…. lmao!!! 760.694.3802!!!
27….
just saying that kanYe ain’t a GentleMan isn’t enough….
u don’t give arguments….
poor…
44. kanYe SwiFT, No gentleman would have did the things he’s done at the award shows. What gentleman walks around a major event drinking Hennessy Cognac from the same bottle? That was tacky and nasty. And, what gentleman flips off the papparazzi when his girl is strutting around with her stuff hanging out. I would have put my girl in check. There are tons of things that can be said of Klassless Kanye. I mean, Kanye embarrased Beyonce’ so bad, I’m sure he got a text from Jay Z or maybe not, cause he’s no gentleman either.
43. Q*U*E*E*`N, after reading your post, I don’t think you’re ready for a serious relationship. You raised issues that suggest you only want a superficial fling, a sugar daddy, or a puppet. First off, what do you do if a “serial killer” calls you rather than a serial dater? He will already know that you are desperate and therefore easy to use. I’m not trying to put you down, but I think you attract those “whacked dudes” with your swagger or lack thereof. I suggest you read Steve Harvey’s book and then get some advice on self-respect and power. Your thoughts are put together well, so I know you have some education and background, but girl, you need some moxie.
Relationship moxie…………..!
Good job E. T is proud.
i happen to know enitan… and although he appears to be a gentleman, that really is NOT the case. though he is very handsome and charming, unfortunately he is also a pathalogical liar. in addition, he has cheated on his beautiful girlfriend multiple times with disguisting woman and the worst part is GOT CAUGHT. i would not consider that “bereolaessque”. nor is he someone i would be taking much advice from… but thats just me.
#5 Acting with manners, sophistication, and sense isn’t acting like “white men”. It is how civiliezed people are SUPPOSED TO ACT!!!! Come on!!
#7 I agree! I now have some christmas presents in mind!
#35 I don’t know what black women you’re hanging around. But this black woman, and plenty of others that i know do not want ANYTHING to do with “street” or “hood”.
#48 & #31 Wow I hope those are not true, because that will totally undermine the book (in my view)
Never the less, men don’t realize that having manners, and chilvary and all of the above is soooOOOooo attractive to a woman! Men these days won’t even open up a door for a women who is walking right behind them. When a guy does open a door for me, my view of him instantly changes! I probably won’t even know the guy but just from that act alone he became 10x’s more handsome, and attractive alltogether! Guys always try to use game, but game won’t do anything if you don’t have manners or simple respect for women.
Bereola is a great guy! I’ve known him for years and I’m not surprised at all by his success and his book. He’s always been driven and kept God first. The ladies have always loved him but he’s always been humble about it. Lol at the lady talking crazy on here.