Rules Of Civility Book Reviews Novels & Stories

Someone picked up the papers. The first page had huge words plastered on it. No one knew what font was used, but the words looked crooked and savage, as if they could swallow a person at any time. "Cloves Family Rules." Half an hour later, Dina's post—she had scheduled them before she jumped—became the trending topic online. She had scanned all 98 pages of the "Cloves Family Rules" and posted them on her social media. The contents were shocking.

I read, voice dripping with disbelief. “All juniors within the West lineage must show utmost respect to their elders, regardless of personal sentiment or circumstance.” I looked up. “Personal sentiment? What if the elder is pure evil?” “Then you respect her all the more for surviving this long,” she said, tone pleasant but final. I scowled, clutching the book. “You can’t be serious.” “Try me,” she replied, that smile of hers widening just a fraction. I wanted to throw the damn book out the window. “Why do you even care about these…rules? We don't even like each other. And you'd agree with me that staying clear of each other's paths would be best for us both.”

"Not by hand. Named and claimed wards bind him. Mother, pack, oath." “Rules,” I say lightly, eyes half-lidded. “I do love them when they belong to other people.” "You may invite him. You may frighten him. You may move the world around him until his feet choose a path. But you may not push him through the door." “Consent,” I murmur. “We’re doing ethics this century. How modern.” I close my hand; the ribbon of text flutters apart like startled birds. “Thank you, beloved librarian.”

I scanned the front and opened the book, skipping the introduction, and stopped on the table of contents. "Most important rules.... more important rules....important rules...less important rules....least important rules..." I read as my eyes narrowed into slits. What's with the title? The content is also in a descending manner. I'm sure I didn't break one, I turned the page and started reading from #1,' Least important rules and regulations.' "Number one, Double Yp." I read, remembering this from Grey and it's on the least one. I skipped the least, more, and started reading the most important one. I noticed the three took off their shirts.

I stopped in mid-track for a while but soon started to run behind her and in the process collided with someone, “I am sorry,” I said and helped the man I have collided with. His books had fallen down and as I was helping him he had a book named,” Rules are not meant to be broken.” He grabbed the book from me instantly and went away. He was going in the same direction that the old lady had gone. “Anvi, stop.” Bhaiya was calling me but something in me was telling me to follow that lady. The lady had crossed the road. She turned around and smiled at me. As I was crossing the road a kid passed by me but before reaching to another side he said: “Rules are not meant to be broken.”

Civility, if you want to see it that way. He narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms. Then he leaned back in his chair. - What are you talking about? - A list. A list with a set of simple rules that we must follow to the letter. I could see how he was holding back his laughter. Damn you, god of the perfect abs. - Rules? I swallowed dry and nodded. His gaze transformed into a penetrating, darker one. Then he leaned over to the table and rested his arms on top of it, hands laced together.

When I read it for the first time, the rules seemed harmless, almost laughable. The type of things you'd expect from someone of his calibre, who no doubt obsesses over his routine and privacy. Don't enter his bedroom. Don't touch anything. Dinner was compulsory unless excused. Always answer his calls. Never bring guests home. Return before dinner. Easy. That is what I thought until I kept reading. Every rule ends the same way, not with a threat, but with confidence and arrogance. There were no exceptions, negotiations and second chances. His rules didn’t bother me but the way it is written did.

That evening— back home— Ava sat qui⁠etly. Liam walked in. ‍P⁠laced something down. She l‍o⁠oked.‌ A notebook. Sh‌e‍ frowned. ‍“What’s t⁠hat?” He sat. Opened it. First page. RU‍LES. She blinked. He pointe‍d. Rule 1: Tell somebody. Rule 2: No pretending okay. ‌Ru⁠le 3:‍

She spoke and Lillian felt the rage flowing through her. “So this is what all this is about, right? Are you indirectly mocking me for not having a job?” Lillian fired and Nora crossed her hand. “Call it whatever you want, Lillian.” Nora said with a bitchy attitude and Lillian stepped closer to her. “Ladies, please, for heaven's sake. I am still trying to get some sleep. Why can't you two just behave normal for once, huh?" Mila cried out and moved closer to the ladies, who seemed like they were about to rip out each other's eyes.

“That is not a rule book.” Lucy folded her arms. “Yes it is.” Emma pointed at it. “That is a dictionary.” Lucy sighed. “It is the company rule book.” Emma sat upright. “Why is it so big?!” Lucy tapped the cover. “Because every rule is explained in detail.” Emma stared at the giant book like it had personally offended her. “I am a fool.” Lucy nodded. “Yes.” Emma glared at her. “You agreed too fast.” Lucy shrugged. “You said it first.”