Susan Reinhardt

Reinhardt has been called a “Southern Erma Bombeck.” I certainly see that comparison. This collection of essays touches on all areas of the life of the modern Southern woman – wife, mother, working woman.

I was particularly entertained by the stories about her mother – especially the chapter that dealt with her mother’s obsession with planning her own funeral (down to laying out her funeral outfit on the pool table before embarking on a plane trip, complete with a professional show more studio head shot photo sticking out the neck of her blouse). I could also empathize with the challenges of living with “Tidy Stu” – a husband who is a clean freak who abhors clutter his wife’s collectibles. I was less enthusiastic about the chapters that focused on the author’s “mature breasts” after two children and the resultant decision to have plastic surgery.

Like most such collections they are probably best enjoyed read one or two at a time and spaced over several weeks or even months. Reading them as a book, I grew bored. show less

You can always count on Reinhardt for a biting wit and marvelous social observation. She's the alter ego of everyone on earth that lives life with politesse all the while harboring bucketfuls of resentments. Count on her to say all the things you think but dare not utter.

For me the best comedic essay is the Christmas letter. If you've ever wanted to throw rotten tomatoes at braggy xeroxed family fiction that comes in the mail during the holidays, she'll be your voice of reason. And revenge! show more But all the essays are funny. To read Susan Reinhardt is to indulge in the tastiest of guilty pleasures. show less

"A woman is an indomitably unbreakable creature who can endure mountains of burdens until losing her balance at the top."
Eighty-four seconds can change your life. Or destroy it. Josie Nickels is an Emmy-winning news anchor, poised to rise through the ranks of television journalism. But on a bitter March evening on live TV, the pressures and secrets burbling behind closed doors of her ridiculous Victorian mansion explode. And the overwhelmed journalist spills family secrets like a Baptist at show more altar call. The aftermath costs her much more than a career. It robs her of a beloved son-a preppy, educated millennial trapped in a deadly world of addiction. Desperate for a new start and a way to save her son, Josie packs up her pride, her young daughter, and accepts a new job slinging cosmetics at a department store make-up counter with other disgraced celebs. In the gorgeous mountains of Asheville N.C., known for hippies, healings, and Subarus, Josie is faced with a choice: Take a chance of bold, out-of-the-ordinary treatment plan for her son. Or lose him forever.
Josie is starting over in a new town with a job she is overqualified for after having a breakdown on air and a stint in rehab for her alcohol addiction. Josie's sole focus seems to be on helping her son to get clean. Josie is estranged from her son and ex-husband who have both blocked her, but reach out to her when they want money. She is working a job she hates, with a woman who makes her life miserable, while raising her 3 year old daughter. Her sole goal throughout the book is to try and convince her son to get treatment while fighting with her ex and working on herself.
Josie has some character development throughout the book, she realizes she has to be a better mother for both her children, and works on fixing herself. I think Josie's self growth and her love for her children was a marvelous story line. I wasn't really a fan of the romance or the secondary stories with her mother and her coworker Pauline. The book has a sort of dark sense of humor at times and it addresses some heavy topics. I liked that the book provides a hopeful message for those who love someone struggling with addiction.
I struggled to connect with Josie and some of the other characters and was put off by some of the plot points, which it felt like changed the tone of the story. Also, it was more about Josie accepting herself and the reality that she couldn't save her son if he didn't want help, than it was about him getting treatment. Overall, it was a heartfelt book that provides a hopeful view of addiction. With moments of humor scattered throughout to keep the book from becoming too intense. show less

To say that Susan Reinhardt makes me laugh out loud while reading her is an understatement. I'd recommend any of her other books...but this is different...her venture into fiction.
Around page 45 ish is a scene that will have tears coming to your eyes from laughing. I'll only say it has to do with a monkey being, well...a monkey.
I put this book ahead of some others, because I'd had a rough week. This book not only brought the usual laughs, but says a lot about choices we make, how we can show more remake our lives, age gracefully and with life...and have fun doing it.
It's hilarious, but touching, and it's well worth every penny.
That is causes me to bring out my Southern accent while reading is simply a plus! show less