Rating: 
Summary: I am this kind of woman and PROUD of it!
Review: This book, enchanting, funny and warm, describes me to a T. and I am very proud of that. Throughout this book, Ronda Rich writes entertainingly of a special breed of southern women who are gracious and thoughtful. The kind of women who give gifts in appreciation for kind gestures, who take magazines to the families who are sitting with love ones at the hospital, who take the time to write a handwritten note of gratitude and who strive to treat rude, unkind people with good manners and a smile. It warmed my heart to be reminded how important these things are. Yes, she, too, writes of how important clothes, hair and jewelry are to this special breed but she's right --- how we present ourselves is undeniably important. It's part of the package and reveals the pride we put into everything we do -- from loving our families to doing our best in our professional lives. I have given away at least two dozen of these books to women like me who, I knew, would appreciate the beauty of the words on these pages. This book represents southern womanhood at its best. The women who are the cream of the crop in our society. If you are unashamedly feminine with a strong respect for tradition and a tendancy for thoughtfulness and compassion, you will LOVE this book. I guarantee it.
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Summary: my review
Review: I don't quite know how to start this review, because I have a lot of mixed feelings about this book. I ordered it because I saw a review of it in Cosmo, and the excerpts they had looked interesting. At some points in the book, it is entertaining, even humorous. Some ofthe suggestions Rich offers are right on target...but she seems to think that Southern women are so much better than women from other regions. A lot of the advice she gave was advice that's been drilled into me for years from my own mother. (by the way, I am from Montana, which is about as far north as you can get)
For some reason, Rich seems to believe that the only way you can get ahead in life is to wear a lot of makeup and focus on your outward appearance...hasn't she ever heard of inner beauty? And a lot of the stuff she says seem to be way off base. I know quite a few "southern women" whom I admire very much that have successful marriages, nice homes, and great careers who say that a lot of the things in this book simply aren't true. According to Rich, this makes them outsiders. She states straight out several times throughout her book that women who do not do the things she describes are in fact deemed outsiders and are not accepted in the south. This simply isn't true.
Overall, I guess this book is okay for entertainment purposes and does present a few valid points, but I wouldn't recommend it as a "must read".
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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: 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.
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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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