Rating: 
Summary: Embrace femininity without being judgmental.
Review: I can certainly see why so many have appreciated Ms. Rich'stales of southern charm. The book was cleverly written, with niceanecdotes, a little too many "sweet as vinegar pie" analogies, but, overall, an interesting read.Where it fails, on the other hand, is in its generalities. Not all southern women would look down their noses at another woman for neglecting to keep up her appearance - as on page 16, where it says, "We ignore them, scorn them, mock them, and hope, in general, that they will just go away and stop embarrassing us." Personally, I love the idea of a woman embracing her femininity, celebrating her womanhood. However, my southern mother and grandmother would no doubt scorn ME if I were to be so bold as to shun another being based on such a superficial concept, as the one above. Another philosophy that has my southern hackles rising is the book's fixation on "me, me, me" and what "I" can get. I don't disagree that a person, male or female, should not be afraid to chase a few dreams, or to go after what they want in life, but, to manipulate a situation to your own liking, such as encouraging one's husband to purchase a sporty car he can't afford (page 34), is going too far. If the title were "What SPOILED Women Know (That Every Woman Shouldn't)", I would be more lenient. The book would then be as it claimed to be. As it is, it focuses on "charming compensation" - with the author "sweetly suggesting" that a clerk, who had mistakenly left a bag out of her purchase, give her the bag of groceries for free, since she'd had to drive back to the store to retrieve it - yet it, casually, overlooks the kind and giving nature found in so many genuine Southern women. If you'd honestly like to learn a few "southern" moves, wave at your neighbors, say hi to strangers, and greet everyone with a smile. Don't, as Ms. Rich suggests, snub anyone, simply because they don't live up to your own standards. We, as a society, have come too far to be so callus in our judgments of one another.
Rating: 
Summary: Love, love, loved the book
Review: I love, love, loved the book, and have to agree that the world needs more women and men with the graciousness and charm of the Southern folks. I have a sort of infatuation with he South; although I am from Philadelphia and when I read about your book I was so excited. I passed along to my Grandmother, and want to pass along to friends because most of my friends are at the stage in life where they would find the points in the book useful. Best wishes for much success to Ronda!
Rating:
Summary: Worth Every Penny!
Review: Ronda Rich's book is worth more than a year in finishing school. The secrets she reveals are the ones that Southern mothers everywhere whisper into their little girls' ears. For those of us born and bred in the South, Ms. Rich's book is a wonderful reminder -- a primer of sorts -- of all the things our mothers told us. For women born outside the South, this book will teach you the quickest way to get what you want without really trying. If you want to win friends or just impress the boss, "What Southern Women Know" is the tell-all guide to getting there. Some women may shun some of Ms. Rich's advice as being anti-feminist or manipulative. But these are usually the same women that are left on the sidelines of life watching the winners play. Reading this book quite literally may change your life. And even if doesn't, it definitely will change how you look at yourself. And the amazing thing is, Ms. Rich practices what she preaches. I met her once, and was knocked out by how beautiful, kind, gracious and charming she was -- to both men and women. This is the kind of book you want to hide from your husband or boyfriend, hoping he won't get a glimpse of your secrets. Buy it and be ready to fight off the friends with a stick!
Rating:
Summary: A great book to read and keep close by.
Review: A real tribute to the women of the South. The book is well-written with frequent touches of homespun humor sprinkled around. Rich shares portions of her own life with her readers in a delightful way. She makes all women wish they were Southerners and all men wish they had southern women in their lives.
Rating:
Summary: That' What I Like About The South!
Review: Ronda sure does live up to her name. Rich! This book is rich in wit, warmth and humor. Ronda opens up the door to her world, sits you down, makes you comfortable and then imparts some of life's best lessons in true Southern style. This is a great read. The stories she shares about relatives and friends are priceless. I want to sit on her front porch on a Sunday surrounded by each and every one of them. The one message that I truly agree with is that a woman's best asset is her femininity. In a day and age where neither men nor women know how to behave any longer, it is nice to be reminded that the basics for women include confidence, intelligence, charm and femininity. I feel validated by these insights and will continue on in my search for excellence. I highly recommend this book to anyone from the North, South, East or West. Go Ronda!
Rating:
Summary: Great and Accurate Book!
Review: I was commissioned to develop a web site for Ms. Rich and the book peaked my interest. I have now bought the book for four of my Southern Female relatives for Christmas and highly recommend it as a Holiday gift for any of your friends and relatives, Southern or not! It is an entertaining read and Ronda Rich is right on the money on so many topics!
Rating:
Summary: A book for every woman, not just those south of Mason Dixon.
Review: Being born and bred in the Midwest there's a great deal I could learn from my Southern counterparts. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and caught myself laughing outload. I enjoyed the author's stories. The way she describes how to handle certain situations has given me food for thought and I'm trying them out to see how "Southern" I can be. My husband already appreciates my new lingerie and the scenting of the sheets! The pride she takes in the South is contagious.
Rating:
Summary: Entertaining and informative
Review: This is a truly enjoyable read and I plan on giving several copies as holiday gifts. As a fellow Southern belle I can relate to so many of the stories of family and traditions that we hold dear. It is truly a time to get back to the basics of kindness and consideration for others. Bravo, Ronda!! Looking forward to your next book.
Rating:
Summary: A treasure of good information and insight and fun
Review: I am an actor living and working in Hollywood, and I have a role coming up soon that required that I do research for a part regarding the inner lifestyle of Southern women. I hit the jackpot when I read "What Southern Women know" by Ms Rich. There is more information and interesting wit concerning the mystic "Southern lady" than I think a man could learn from living in the South for a decade. Women from different regions within the united states have a lot in common on one hand, but reading this book is extremely insightful regarding the subtle and not so subtle differences that make a Southern lady different and special. Being an artist myself, I really appreciate an artistic expression such as this book by Ms. Rich that bares the soul, in a colorful, witty, informative manner. The bottom line is, that if all women are this funny, charming and practical, I think I should head South to find my wife. What a refreshing change from some of the Hollywood acquaintances I've had. Best of luck to you in the future Ms. Rich.
Rating:
Summary: The Southern Guidebook for Women
Review: Ms. Rich has created a southern masterpiece. This is one of those books you can't put down. It has a wonderful aire of charm and delightfulness through its enterity. Ms. Rich holds the key to all secrets of Southern Women. Southern Women have long needed an intelligent and knowledgable voice. Ms. Rich has earned the right to be the voice of Southern Women.
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