Rating: 
Summary: Sugar and Spice... and everthing nice!
Review: While on a recent business to Tampa, I came across this book. I thought it was a cute title and I needed a book for my flight home. I completely fell under the spell of this book. Most of the advice is good manners, taking care of yourself, and using the difference between the sexes. As I was reading the sections, I often thought of my co-worker Kate. She follows these 'rules' to the T. Having grown up in Florida, she is a true southerner. Since we are in California, she is often teased about being conservative or old-fashioned in her thinking. Kate is someone who literally has men (personally and professional) falling over her, so I can honestly say that the tips Ronda Rich talks about work. I don't think of Kate as manipulative in any way but rather, she just gets it.This book will appeal to those women who need a reminder in this day and age that it's ok to be feminine. It certainly doesn't mean you are weak. Unfortunately, I think if you do not subscribe to that basic thinking, you will not find this book useful. As someone brought up by a mother who grew up in New York (Long Island) before heading out west, I found that many of the topics were things I was raised to do. They are the items that fall under etiquette and that are so easy to let slide in our busy daily lives. As women we instinctively put others first, which takes it's toll on us. This book also reminds us to be good to ourselves. Kate is now reading this book and we talk about the sections. This was a fun and informative book!
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Summary: KUDOS FROM A SOUTHERN WANNA BE!!!
Review: I am not a southern but after reading this book, I sure want to be! In fact, I have fallen so love with the South from what I discovered in this book that as soon as I graduate from college in the next few months, I am moving South. Now, that's the power of the written word! Who could not fall in love with a land of people who are proud of their heritage, kind, compassionate and funny? What Southern Women Know is completely engaging and entertaining. I did not want it to end because the anecdotes are so good and funny. In this book, you'll find women who balance it all --- home, career, community, casseroles and lipstick. It's fun yet full of depth and thought provoking. A lot of good advice and wisdom. It certainly has changed my life! When I get South, I'm going to be very happy.
Rating:
Summary: AMEN!
Review: I was raised as an Air Force brat so there never really was a place I truly called home. My mother, however, was from Columbus, Georgia so she made certain that I was raised with the manners and courtesy of the South. Because of that, I have always considered myself a southerner. I was so happy to read this book and be reminded of the good upbringing that my mama gave me and the values she instilled in me. I just wish both she and my grandmother were still alive so that I give them copies to show them how right they were! Thank goodness, that some things never change.
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Summary: Southern born and Southern proud!
Review: I bought Ronda Rich's My Life In The Pits, a terrifically moving book about her years in Winston Cup racing. When I finished it, I wanted to read more of her writing so I ordered What Southern Women Know (That Every Woman Should). How in the world this book ever got by me in the first place, I'll never know. I love it! It's funny with the kind of wit for which southerners are known. It's practical with great advice especially in dealing with back stabbing people and heart breaking men. And, it's just full of good stories well told. Ms. Rich has a way with words and a way with stories that will keep you well entertained for hours and, most importantly, leave you wanting more. I finished this book and tried to find another one by her but there isn't one. Not yet anyway. I just hope we can count on this author to share more of her wit and wisdom in the future. If you haven't read this and you're fascinated with or interested in the South, grab a copy then plan on buying a few more for gifts. I can also highly recommend My Life In The Pits and would have to say that asked which was my favorite, I would be hard pressed to answer. Both are excellent, although in different ways. Kudos to Ronda Rich and the publishers who brought us these books.
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Summary: WORTH THE MONEY!
Review: I Have Bought so many copies of this book that I should be able to buy them in bulk. It's one of my favorite gifts. I use it for hostess gifts, shower gifts with a piece of lingerie or cookware, and always for graduation gifts. Normally, I don't write reviews but when I started to purchase some new gifts, something caught my eye and I had to express my opinion. This book, though filled with great advice, is bent more toward humor. I have read it four times, highlighted many passages and bought dozens for gifts. It is a lovely book and throughout the book, the author tells many stories tongue in cheek, not meant to be taken seriously. It is a southerner's particular brand of humor. Most importantly, the author makes fun of herself as much as or more than anyone else which makes the book more endearing and charming. Never does she single out a particular city and throw jabs at those people which is very classy and smart. If you are a southern woman, this book is a must have. If you have an admiration or intrigue about the South, this book is a must have. But if you have any bias about the region or its people, this book is not for you. If you have a good sense of humor and love to laugh, then don't miss this book. It will capture your heart.
Rating:
Summary: Thanks for the help!
Review: I recently went through a painful divorce and was suffering greatly. My self esteem was so battered and I had reached a point where I was not taking care of myself. I rarely wore makeup, didn't care how I dressed or how I looked. A friend gave me a copy of this book and I wondered how it could help me. She explained that she had found many uplifting words in this books. She was right. In a chapter called "When Love Doesn't Treat You Like A Lady, Teach It Better Manners", I found several pearls of wisdom that hit the right spot. In "A Good Attitude Is Like Kudzu," I was reminded that our attitude plays a big part in how we take life. I also started taking better care of myself and found what that when I took pride in my appearance, I felt better inside. The author points out that we can choose to be bitter or to be better from the experience. I'm embarrassed to say that my previous behavior was that of a bitter victim. Now, I can say I'm doing much better, thanks to these stories and pieces of wisdom. Yes, I know that much of this book is light hearted and funny but there are some powerful words, too. For me, that was what I needed and I'm so glad that I got it. If you have a friend who is having a hard time, do her a favor. Buy this book as a gift. I'm so glad that I had a friend who thought enough of me to give me this book.
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Summary: One of the worst books I have ever read- y'all
Review: Unbelievable! I picked up this book after having lived in the south for 10 years. I thought it would give me some insight into how Southern women think. I am not too sure (at least I hope!) the author represents most southern women.
The theme of the book is to teach women how to be deceitful, manipulative phonies, dress in tasteless loud colored clothing, in order to be noticed and get what you want from everyone.
The author further states that southern women must be tolerant of those that are different, then in the next breath, tells us that southern women must shun those southern women who don't follow her described behavior.
In addition, there are the typical biased comments against northerners, ... As if there are no rude southern women!
If you want to learn how to be deceitful, never express your true feelings, dress in poor taste to draw attention to yourself, by all means buy this book. Otherwise don't waster your money. If all southern women acted like this, the population down here would be greatly decreased.
If (as the author states) southern men like this type of behavior, Ladies, go find a Cowboy in Colorado!!
Being an authentic honest person, with the ability to express those feelings without phoney embellishment, is much more feminine and attractive in my (and my husband's) opinon.
Rating:
Summary: Simply, the best on the subject!
Review: I collect books on the South, especially southern women. Although I live in the South I was not born here but I have been fascinated by the easy charm with which these women live. Since I moved here from California several years ago, I have bought every book I could find on the subject. Recently, after reading two other books, I realized that What Southern Women Know is the final word on the subject of these intriguing women. I can certainly say that I understand them much better and even better than that, I act more like them! Yes, I know when to write thank you notes, when to wear lipstick and mascara (always!) and how to make a terrific pecan pie since the author included her own personal recipe. Take it from someone who has read many books on this subject -- this is the starry best!
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Summary: AS WELCOMED AS SPRING AFTER A COLD, HARSH WINTER!
Review: A good friend recommended this book to me after hearing Ronda Rich speak at a women's conference recently. She promised that I wouldn't be able to stop laughing and she was right. I loved every word. When I finished reading, I started over again and highlighted passages that were particularly entertaining and uplifting. I don't know how to lable this book because it's a mixture of humor, advice and homage to a culture where women celebrate their femininity but are deceivingly strong. The first chapter, Hail To The Belles: Strong as Oaks, Sweet as Honeysuckle, sums up the thesis. Ms. Rich writes poetically in lyrical words but can quickly switch gears and hit you smack in the eye with a succinct anecdote or a hilarious one liner. Beware: this book is addictive. She repeatedly proves the point that when it comes to southern women, it really is "More That The Drawl, Y'all."
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Summary: Pretty Is As Pretty Does and It's Pretty Worthwhile!!!
Review: In this book, the author stresses repeatedly the art of treating people with kindness, graciousness and good manners. How refreshing! True beauty, she writes, comes from within and radiates toward others and most battles, she points out, are won with a smile rather than harsh words. I'm all for it. I'm tired of a world where many people are quick to criticize and slow to recognize the importance of being polite and civil. Frankly, I like everything about this book because it reflects a return to a period in time when women who were feminine, ladylike creatures were the norm and not the exception. In this gentle approach to life and love, much is won and women triumph repeatedly. Southern women, without a doubt, know much about the art of charm. I have always been in awe of these women --- and I admit more than a little jealous --- but thanks to What Southern Women Know, I now know what they know and I have already begun practicing it with full enthusiasm. Chapters like "Pretty Is As Pretty Does," "Charm That Disarms" and "It's More Than The Drawl, Y'all" are well worth the price of the book. The other chapters are absolute bonuses.
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