Sue Ellen's Girl Ain't Fat, She Just Weighs Heavy: The Belle of All Things Southern Dishes on Men, Money, and Not Losing Your Midlife Mind [Paperback]

Shellie Rushing Tomlinson (Author)

Book Description

Release date: May 3, 2011

The bestselling author of Suck Your Stomach In & Put Some Color On! returns with more helpful how-to's and keen observations from Dixie.

Guided by principles from the ancient Belle Doctrine, the host of radio and television's All Things Southern offers down-home advice on everything from health and fitness-managing thy caloric calculations without going Straight Running Crazy and surviving the Raging Inferno Syndrome (aka hot flashes)-to the Southern art of handling your man (Bubba Whispering). Whether giving business tips or debunking the Big Boned Theory, making political observations or celebrating the inevitable resurgence of big hair, Shellie is an adviser women can relate to and laugh with regardless of their age or which side of the Mason-Dixon they call home.

Editorial Reviews

Review

I'm here to tell you that Shellie Rushing Tomlinson is laugh out loud funny. For anyone who has an ounce of Southern blood flowing through their veins or those that wish they did, this book is going to be a treasure!   --Jeff Foxworthy

About the Author

Shellie Rushing Tomlinson and her husband, Phil, live and farm in the Louisiana Delta. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Berkley Trade (May 3, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425240851
• ISBN-13: 978-0425240854
• Product Dimensions: 0.9 x 5.5 x 8.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #538,253 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

As an infant, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson had one of the earliest cases of appendicitis ever documented. Fifty-four doctors came to Natchez, MS to study her case. In retrospect, Shellie believes it may have been better had they studied her brain for she admits to hearing voices. After briefly considering medication Shellie chose a career in storytelling to give them all a chance to be heard. It's working out pretty well. Today this author, speaker, newspaper/magazine columnist, and Belle of All Things Southern entertains audiences on the radio, TV, and web, in a full out celebration of the South with a heavy emphasis on faith, friends, and family. Shellie's gift is mining the exquisite from the ordinary. A list of the radio affiliates airing Shellie's daily segments can be found at All Things Southern.com along with her weekly video porch chat. Shellie also produces and hosts All Things Southern LIVE each Monday evening from 5:00 to 6:00 P.M. CST on TALK 540 KMLB out of northeast LA. The show streams live and podcasts are archived so everyone can join Shellie's southern celebration. Whether sharing her love of story, interviewing radio guests, or interacting with readers thru Facebook and Twitter, Shellie's passion for life has proven to be highly contagious. Shellie's first Penguin Group USA release, "Suck Your Stomach In and Put Some Color On" was chosen as a SIBA Nonfiction Book of the Year 2009 finalist.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Sue Ellen's Girl - Shelley Tomlinson's Latest Book June 14, 2011

By Cheryl Cunningham

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Shellie Tomlinson writes the best stories. I could hardly wait for "Sue Ellen's Girl...." to come out! Couldn't put it down until I finished it. Startles my hubby when I suddenly laugh out loud when reading

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Whimsical, Southern Charmer; Full of Deep, Down Belly Laughs! June 7, 2011

By Cyn Sadler

Format:Paperback

Hello folks, thanks for drifting back by the porch. It's always good to see y'all. Now, put your feet up and let's chat"
Loving those wonderful words of comfort, written by Shellie Rushing Tomlinson. A spectacular, awe-inspiring spirit, who will touch the very essence of your life. She's the Belle of All Things Southern! Her latest book "Sue Ellen's Girl Ain't Fat, She Just Weighs Heavy" is written with a mischievous, whimsical charm, that will deliver a healthy dose of happy endorphins to the heart, and soul..Guaranteed Laughter! So stop by and chat with her for awhile, or tune in to her very own (ATS Radio Talk Show) Promise you won't be disappointed!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Breathe of Fresh Southern Air! May 31, 2011

By Ppreacherswife

Format:Paperback

Girl Ain't Fat, She Just Weighs Heavy by Sue Ellen Tomlinson , is a total breathe of fresh air to me! It felt like I walked into my own home, and sat down with a glass of iced tea and had a conversation with myself! Believe it or not, that is a compliment. I had never read any of Sue Ellen Tomlinson's books before, but I will be grabbing them up as quickly as possible now.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Laugh out loud funny! May 26, 2011

By T Jones

Format:Paperback

This book is absolutely laugh out loud FUNNY! I was born in the Midwest and lived there 12 years, moved to the South and lived there for 12 years, and moved back to the Midwest 20 years ago, so I consider myself a transplanted southerner. Not only did I live in the South, but my Nanny (maternal Grandma) was born and raised in West Virginia, so my upbringing was heavily influenced by a Southerner. This book brought a smile to my face, laughter to my lips and tears to my eyes in turn, bringing back a flood of memories of living in the South and of my Nanny. Not to mention making the homesickness for the South rear it's ugly head a time or two.

With topics such as: Raging Inferno Syndrome (I can so relate!), Bubba Whispering, SRC (Straight Running Crazy), every Southern Belle or Wannabe Southern Belle can surely relate. If you're not a Belle or Belle Wannabe, Miss Tomlinson, and you just don't understand what in the world she's talking about, the Author provides a very handy "official guide to Speaking All Things Southern" throughout the book. Each "guide" gives you the definitions for such things as bellerina, squat, get-go, worn slap-out, six ways to Sunday, belleisms, and nekkid as a jaybird, to name a few.

And if all the insights and principles dished out in the book (albeit with tongue in cheek) weren't enough, she also provides some pretty delicious sounding recipes, all with a decided Southern flavor. You'll find such great classics as Blackened Cajun Fish, Southern Steak Potpie, Bodacious Black Bean Salad, and several of that Southern staple: Casseroles.

All in all, this book is one that will stay on my shelf for a long time.... Not only was it a fun to read book, full of Southern wit, it does double duty as a go-to Southern Cookbook, full of tried and true recipes.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free through the LitFuse Publicity Group blog tour program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Read more ›

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Funny! May 26, 2011

By Rhiana Jones VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

Shellie Rushing Tomlinson is funny! At first I thought this was going to be a Southern Chick Lit book, well it is sort of, but it's non-fiction. Shellie writes about her family and Southern living in numerous anecdotes and stories that put me into the giggles. I can't wait to read more from Shellie Tomlinson. I especially love the side notes with definitions of important southern terms like Bubba and Swanee.

Shellie has a bunch of other books that I just put on my to-read list. Life's so hard now days. I love reading a book that makes me laugh!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Put some "South" in your life! October 7, 2012

By Pam C

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book contains phrases, words, and sayins (that's southern for 'sayings') every female south of the Mason-Dixon Line should read. It is also a great learning tool for anyone transplanted there. It's funny, sad, and full of true-to-life examples of life in the south and life with southern mothers! Add in the wonderful recipes, and the book is two books in one--southern life and southern dishes.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Funny-Fast Read! May 28, 2011

By D. Klein

Format:Paperback

Once I started reading this book~I couldn't put it down.It was just what I needed with the dreary weather that we have been having.When I was reading~I was laughing so hard as she sure has a way with words. Being a northern girl~it was fun to read how much different the southern girls are then the northern girls~of course we are the same we just have different ways of expressing our concerns. Here are two of my favorites~
"Southern Men Don't Wannna Have To Shake The Sheets To Find Their Women!
"Bo-Dollars~A Expression Southerners use when they're talking about serious money exchanging hands!

And one thing I remember that made me really laugh is~Never send your man to Walmart to get you the "un~unmentionable's" as you never know when something might happen and you will have to go to the hospital. Think of what everyone would say when they saw you laying there in those "Granny Panties" that are not only your style but they are so big they reach up to your bra~doubling as Spandex!!

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Rip roaring belly laughs June 1, 2011

By Baron Book Review

Format:Paperback

When I requested this book, I wasn't expecting a "self help" AND cookbook that was going to be so stinkin' funny!!! Beginning with the first chapter, I was laughing out loud and realizing she was talking about ME! Okay, not me but all women at this mid-life stage living the same "syndromes". I especially loved the Raging Inferno Syndrome....hot flashes....that I experienced while I was reading about it! It's an entertaining book that definitely "helps" the "self" with humor and truthful view of women. This is a great chic-lit book to give as a gift to a girlfriend who could use a rip-roaring belly laugh.

Each chapter ends with some fabulous tips & dee-lish-us recipes. The tips from "Thus Saith the Belle Doctrine....." (rules governing a Southern Belle's life) are hilarious while incorporating each chapter in the tip. Add in the "Guide to Speaking All Things Southern" in each chapter and you get even more chuckles. About halfway through the book, though, I'd kind of had enough but I trudged on to the end. It's one of those books to keep in the car for waiting in a doctor's office, or (& I hate to say it!) in the bathroom to pass the time, or by the chaise lounge while taking a break from everyday.

On the other hand, there are some great looking recipes in the book that I can't wait to try! Jessica Ann's Chicken and Dumplings, Chocolately Chip Pound Cake, and Shellie's Stacked Tortillas to name a few (I'm all about easy cooking!). Quick, simple recipes for the busy woman on the go.

Overall, it's a fun read but more appropriate for short spurts of reading--not a cover to cover, all in one sitting read.