Delta Style: Eve Wasn't a Size 6 and Neither an I [Paperback]

Delta Burke (Author), Alexis Lipsitz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1998

Meet Delta Burke--beloved star of Designing Women, accomplished actress, founding partner of Delta Burke Design, a sassy, glamorous actress for whom learning to live as a "real-size" woman has presented all kinds of opportunities. A beauty-pageant winner, Delta had a much-publicized weight gain during Designing Women and was the subject of press speculation and gossip. But as she started to come to terms with the fact that her body would always be full-figured, she found her fans loved her all the more, and the outpouring of support began to compensate for the emotional strain.

With wit, honesty, and directness, she discusses the pain she felt, her agonizing efforts to achieve a size 6 body, and her own journey to self-acceptance, which led her to found Delta Burke Design, a clothing company for the real-size woman.

Filled with inspirational, motivational advice, humorous anecdotes, and style tips from this nationally adored celebrity, Delta Style shows how positive thinking can transform your state of mind and give you the confidence to live up to your own--and only your own--expectations.

Beautiful Delta is a perfect role model for the millions of women who find coping with a real-size body requires strategy and acceptance, as well as for those captivated by her screen presence and smart, upbeat approach to life.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

TV sitcom star (Filthy Rich, Designing Women) Burke describes her journey from beauty pageant winner (18 in all) to TV star and, most recently, tabloid fodder for her weight problems in this "slim" but engaging memoir/style book. While pageants gave Burke a start, it was TV that made her a household name, most particularly as the irrepressibly self-absorbed Suzanne Sugarbaker on Designing Women. It was also in TV that she discovered that anything larger than the size six she struggled to maintain was not acceptable; in Hollywood, beauty is apparently only for the slim. Burke points out that a double standard exists in the entertainment industry: "I went from being Barbie on a pedestal to a sexless, unattractive nonentity... Whereas my husband [actor Gerald McRaney], who is balding, who is getting a little bit of a potbelly, and who is now fifty, nonetheless is expected to romance twenty-year-olds in his onscreen roles." Now, after years of struggling to maintain a size that pleased TV executives and cameras, Burke has come to terms with her weight. She offers solid advice for maximizing one's appearance and developing the confidence to live up to one's own image, not someone else's. She also includes resources for products and clothing created for the "real-size" woman. Burke's fans and anyone who has struggled with weight and attendant self-esteem issues will likely welcome the story of a once slender, still beautiful woman who, rather than conform to an impossible (and possibly unhealthy) standard of body size, has chosen to celebrate what she is rather than to lament what she is not. 48 pages of color photos. First serial to People; author tour.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

YA-One of the unforgivable sins of the teenage years is to exist outside approved group standards, to look or act in ways that set you apart from your peers. Burke was not born to blend in, even before her weight became an issue of national interest during her seasons playing the role of Suzanne Sugarbaker on the television comedy, Designing Women. From the time she was very young, Burke loved the look of tiaras, and thus gathered several of them winning beauty pageants. She was admired first as a beauty queen and then as a successful "real size" actress. Full of hope and sound advice, her story reflects her winning personality. She mixes lots of reminiscences and photos with her personal philosophy of style. She includes many useful tips to enhance the beauty of large women of any age and to help them feel good about themselves. Her central message is that a large person has as much unique beauty as a small person, despite society's current norms. She reminds readers that while looking good is important, the key to happiness is to focus on feeling good from within. Readers blessed with generous curves will learn some beauty secrets and gain increased self-esteem after delving into this useful and entertaining book. Even thin girls will find it fun to browse through the many personal photos.
Catherine Charvat, King's Park Library, Burke, VA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press (December 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312198558
• ISBN-13: 978-0312198558
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,549,661 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you Delta!, May 1, 2000

By 

Natalie Souheaver (Auburn Hills, Michigan, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Delta Style: Eve Wasn't a Size 6 and Neither Am I (Hardcover)

I am 19 years old and I appreciate this book as much as anyone could. This candid book can inspire anyone from a real size woman on down. The information i found in this book was something that is hard to find anywhere, truth and hope from a genuine human being in Delta Burke. I found her real life story hit close to home and I can relate to the information revealed to us about Ms. Burke's insecurities and struggle with self confidence. This book gives the real size women the proof that it is ok to be who you are, not who societies stereotypes say you should be. It isn't possible to put into words how greatful I am for Delta writing this book, she gives makeup, hair, and fashion tips, all while building the confidence of the REAL woman everywhere while reading this REAL woman's book. Thank you Delta! :-)

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A book as great as the lady!, June 29, 2001

By 

Theresa Mcdonald "Terri McDonald" (new orleans) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Delta Style: Eve Wasn't a Size 6 and Neither Am I (Hardcover)

Ever since the 80s when Designing Women hit its peek I have adored Delta Burke. I have even had the pleasure of meeting her a time or two. Why it took me so long to get around to reading this book, I do not know. Even as an admirer of Ms. Burke I was pleasantly surprised with this book. I reads more like she's sitting in your living room telling her stories than stiff pages of an autobiography. Her personal style and sweetness come shining through in the pages. I could have lived without the beauty tips & dressing tips in lieu of more personal stories, but her shopping guide was a nice touch. There are lots of great pictures spanning her entire life. She is a true southern lady and a steel magnolia to boot.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Warm, witty and original., August 27, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Delta Style: Eve Wasn't a Size 6 and Neither Am I (Hardcover)

I picked this book up on a lark at the library, and put it down only twice after I began reading. Why...? Because I felt like I was having an old-fashioned sit-down chat with one of the girls. It's very conversationally written, which expresses the personality and warmth of its author. I don't consider myself a big fan of Delta "the celebrity", but over the years, I have admired her honesty, and the drive and determination that makes her a winner... over and over again.

While turning the pages... I chuckled many times throughout, and especially when she refers to herself as "a goddess." (We're all goddesses, girls... some of us just have the confidence to say it!) And I said, more than once, "I know what you mean, girl", when Delta spoke of periods of low self-esteem. The fashion advice...? Some is great, some just doesn't seem my style, but then again, why not try something new. (I will say that her Designs are classy, feminine and cut well.) And the make-up and skincare advice has some redeeming value, too.

Sit down, put on your comfy clothes, and enjoy your "chat" with Delta about growing up, confidence and self-esteem issues, the importance of family and friends, life and career goals, and more.