The GRITS (Girls Raised in the South) Guide to Life [Hardcover]

Deborah Ford (Author), Edie Hand (Author), Fannie Flagg (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 14, 2003

They're called Sweet Potato Queens, Steel Magnolias, Ya-Ya Sisters, and Southern Belles, but at heart they're just plain Grits-Girls Raised In The South! Now, the woman who turned this clever acronym into a symbol of Southern pride reveals the code behind the distinctive-and irresistible-style of the Southern woman. Equal parts sweet sincerity and sharp, sly humor, The Grits Guide to Life is chock-full of Southern charm: advice, true-life stories from honest-to-god "Grits," recipes, humor, quotable wisdom, and more. Readers will learn vital lessons, including: how to eat watermelon in a sundress; how to drink like a Southern lady (sip . . . a lot); and the real meaning of PMS (Precious Moody Southerner).

From the co-author's true story of inheriting Elvis's grandmother's pearls, to tips on tending your magnolia tree, this charming book is destined to become a bible for the Southern girl-whether born and bred, expatriated, or adoptive-and her many admirers.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

GRITS (Girls Raised In The South) authors Ford and Hand maintain their down-home primer reveals "everything you need to be the beautiful belle you've always wanted to be." No matter where you're from, becoming a Grits girl requires daily practice, as well as an understanding of the basic ingredients of Grits life: style, grace, poise, manners and kindness. To this end, the authors offer "practical" instructions on setting the perfect table, recycling bridesmaid's dresses into tree skirts, sending thank-you notes and speaking like a Southerner (add syllables whenever possible). Quotes, trivia, recipes (including Dolly Parton's Favorite Meatloaf and Sun Tea, "The House Wine of the South") and knee-slapping Grits Pearls of Wisdom such as, "If you can be ready to go in less than thirty minutes, you probably shouldn't be leaving the house at all!" round out each chapter, making this handbook a welcome-and entertaining-addition to anyone aspiring to capture the unique essence of Southern women.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Deborah Ford is a lifelong Southerner and the founder of Grits(r) Inc., a multimillion-dollar merchandising company specializing in women's apparel. Her self-published book of Grits® sayings sold over 42,000 copies.

Edie Hand is a radio and television personality who served for twenty years on the national board of American Women in Radio & Television and is the author of five books.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Dutton Adult; Edition Unstated edition (April 14, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0525947264
• ISBN-13: 978-0525947264
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,039,178 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

129 of 144 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars horsefeathers!, September 22, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The GRITS (Girls Raised in the South) Guide to Life (Hardcover)

If I didn't know better, I'd suspect the authors of being Yankee carpetbaggers bent on exploiting the goodwill enjoyed by southern girls and southern culture, because I'm not convinced these ladies get it.

As a daughter of the deep, deep south, I hope I can set a few things straight.

1) "Y'all" is always plural. "Y'all" used in reference to one person is the mark of a bad screenwriter and a bad mimic, neither of whom has ever ventured below the Mason-Dixon line. Sometimes you may hear someone say to another, "I hope y'all can make it to the party," or "How are y'all enjoying the new lake house?" in which case it means "you and yours (not present)." If a lone Southern neighbor drops by for a visit on a Sunday afternoon, don't say, "Y'all come on in" unless you want your neighbor to suspect you're already in your cups and seeing double.

2) The expression is "A whistling woman and a crowing hen never come to a good end." This book records it as "A whistling woman and a crowing him...." As if that means anything at all.

3) "it's" = "it + is" while "its" = "that which belongs to it"
If these "GRITS" don't know the difference or can't find an editor who does, they should get in touch with me. I know several, in Alabama, no less. The authors aren't perpetuating the myth of southern charm; they're perpetuating the myth of southern ignorance.

Truly, if you want the mysteries of southern charm revealed, stick to King's Southern Ladies and Gentlemen or Rich's What Southern Women Know.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Grits (Girls Raised in The South) Guide to Life, June 28, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The GRITS (Girls Raised in the South) Guide to Life (Hardcover)

I was raised in the South in the fifties and I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this book nor have I laughed so much in a long time. My daughter gave it to me and I told her she should read it so she could understand her Southern bred Mother better. A truly wonderful read for any woman, anywhere.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GRITS (Girls Raised in the South) is a book for everyone, May 7, 2003

By 

Terrence A. Lynch "DrPhotinus" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The GRITS (Girls Raised in the South) Guide to Life (Hardcover)

I read The GRITS (Girls Raised in the South) Guide to Life and can certainly recommend this book. I really enjoyed it! There is some good advice for everyone in this gem of the hills book on how to be a Southern belle.
The book is very well designed, illustrated and well organized. There are section on: The Basic Ingredients, Southern Style, Southern Hospitality, Strick'ly Southern and Southern Family. You'll get tips on everything from how to mix a Mint Julep to how to flirt Southern style. Plus Deborah has some good tips on how to succeed in life and reach your dreams.
I liked GRITS as it made the perfect Mother's Day present! Also it gave me some insight into the feminine mystique of what it means to be a Southern belle. That's good to know if you live in the South and wonder what makes these charming, well cultured pearls, these women born, bred and reared in the South, tick!
Deborah's book is a joyful, often humorous read. It will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired! I hope everyone enjoys The GRITS Guide to Life as much as I did! It is a pure delight!