Bless Your Heart: A Field Guide to All Things Southern

by Landon Bryant, Adam Trest (illustrator)

Hey, y’all. Welcome to the South! Viral sensation and TikToker Landon Bryant (@LandonTalks) presents his tongue-in-cheek “anthropological dive” into the food, fashion, linguistics, culture, holidays, and traditions of the American South, complete with commentary from famous Southerners, humorous charts, and charming illustrations.

“Let’s discuss . . .” These two words began the viral sensation that is @LandonTalks led by the sharp-witted, down-home, Mississippi-born Landon Bryant. If there’s one thing Landon knows, it’s the South. His anthropological dissections of customs and traditions celebrating all things Southern are a mix of humor, history, and head nodding. 

In his debut book, Landon discusses everything you've ever wanted to know about the South, including why they say the things they say, why they eat the things they eat, and what it really means when someone says, "Bless your heart." Every step of the way, Landon infuses his faux field guide with warmth, whimsy, nostalgia, and his trademark down-to-earth personality with equal measure humor and practical information. If you’ve ever wondered why Southerners are always clutchin’ their pearls or what their affinity is for pecan pie or peanuts and Coke, then this field guide is for you.

Learn all about Southern superstitions (think haint blue porches to bottle trees), critter guides (how to spot ’em and how to avoid ’em), to common Southern sayings (“might could” translates to a polite Southern “no”). Chapter by chapter, Landon uses his signature style to study the common Southerner through a voice-driven, heartwarming lens, all the while sending the same message of unity and come-as-you-are hospitality that has made him the indisputable Southern sweetheart of social media.

Genres: Nonfiction, Humor, Southern, Audiobook, Language

224 pages, Hardcover

Published April 1, 2025

Reviews

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s discuss, if you follow Landon Talks you need to read this book. I don’t make the rules.

[Laura Burkhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

The absolute most perfect beach read. I read this by the shoreline and then sat back and watched true Southerners in action…and was blown away by the number of spot on true life examples of what I had just read. I laughed out loud at several points…and realized I might could be a bit more southern myself than I previously thought. This book is hilarious and endearing-I have a greater appreciation and understanding of Southern culture now!
The only minor issue I had was I think a lot of this content was pulled from Landon Bryant’s internet content, I watched one video and it was nearly word for word of what I was reading. Which is fine in theory, but sometimes it didn’t translate as well without his inflection and expression, and those times could be a tad confusing.
But that aside, it’s a fabulous field guide, and I recommend it to all y’all.

[Tex · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s a lot of Southern culture that is specific to particular parts of the south. Not all of them al apply to my own growing up (or raisin’), but the ones that do really bring up some great fun memories.

[Jennifer Cash · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Landon Talks on Instagram for a while, and his signature videos discussing Southern culture are now in book form! BLESS YOUR HEART: A FIELD GUIDE TO ALL THINGS SOUTHERN is a fun read exploring Southern sayings, expressions, culture, lifestyle, and food. Now, as a born and bred Southern girl, I didn’t “need” this book. Instead, I found myself nodding and laughing along and feeling so seen in the pages of this book. I love that Landon celebrates all things Southern and is helping educate the rest of the world on our unique lifestyle down South.

This book would be handy for all those people moving to the South. I mean this in the most respectful way, but if someone is moving to the South (which is happening a lot right now), they need to read this book to learn the way of life down here (maybe pop it into a welcome basket when you greet them to the neighborhood). So yes, we tend to talk grammatically incorrect at times (what y’all go n’do ‘bout it?), we love food that will definitely give you high cholesterol, if we can monogram it, we will, and when we say, “bless your heart,” it isn’t because we’re being nice. And yet, we are still the hostesses with the mostest and truly some of the nicest, most hospitable people you’ll ever meet. Living in the South is special, and though I may be biased, I believe it is one of the prettiest parts of the country.

So, settle into a comfy spot on the porch with a glass of sweet tea and check out Bless Your Heart. Oh, and be sure to share a copy with ya mamma n’em.

[Sandra Lazzell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun, light, and short read (listen - for us audiobibliophiles). I'd recommend it to anyone, and I'll likely listen to it a second time. A sure win for anybody that already likes #LandonTalks from his social media, and if you follow his social, you'll find some familiar favorites reproduced here. He does a great job at focusing on what brings us all together vs divides us, and at showing the power in sharing and loving our traditions and quirks while laughing at them.1 star knocked off due to some repeat material in different chapters, it could have been just a little better organized but still very enjoyable.

[Kecia Newton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brought so many memories that made me smile & I even learned a new word or two. I left the south in 1998 for the West Coast. The first time I asked my husband to carry me to the store - he was like no but I’ll drive you 🤣. Then my Frances (mom) was here for a visit & taught him the differences between the Bless Your Heart - I was fit to be tied ☺️. Loved this so much & yes when I go to Ralph’s I get a buggy not a cart like non-normal people & every so often washing powders slips out of my mouth.

[Lori Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was tempted to downgrade a half star for not covering what I think is the most misunderstood southern word: triflin'. But everything else was so well covered, I just couldn't bring myself to do it. So 5 stars it is. Especially when it comes to subtleties of southern culture, such as the hierarchy of cooking skills.

Southern culture is so nuanced and varies depending on the region but this is a fabulous basic primer.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always enjoyed Landon’s videos. Growing up in East Texas and going to college in Mississippi (Hotty Toddy!), all of these Southern-isms resonate with me! I’ll never forget hearing about the first time my Oklahoman husband was served pear salad! You would have thought my Momma served him dirt - he was horrified! 🤣

[bear.hare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audio read by the author. Not sure if a non-southerner would find this funny but as a southerner, it had me laughing out loud in public. It’s the best of his social content and more.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook narrated by the author and I can't imagine reading this in print. To hear the accent and pronunciation of the words and phrases gets it right. While not from the south, I grew up with a Texan grandma and Appalachian grandfather. Everything discussed I grew up with in some way. Although I had never heard the term "buggy" for a shopping cart until I met my first husband from southwest Virginia and continue to use that term today. Landon explains why it is better to use and he expressed it perfectly. This was a lighthearted introduction to Southern culture and I enjoyed it even though there was some redundancy at times. It is a true depiction of an often misunderstood but necessary part of American culture.

[Niki Sealy · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

As a transplant to the south, I found this book absolutely hilarious. I was laughing out loud listening to it. It is written by a southern man, Landon Bryant, and he covers every aspect of living in the south. The chapter on “praying for you,” but “I would never gossip.. she’s just been on my heart” had me in tears.

Very cute and easy. I would highly recommend the audio! The author’s southern drawl really adds to the content.

I took a star off because it got a big redundant at parts. Like maybe they were all written as separate segments and then pieced together.

Overall, so cute, so funny, and so very southern.

[Emilee (emileereadsbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved following @LandonTalks on Instagram for several years now as he digs into the nuances of Southern culture. And this book was a fun compilation of his content into one pretty comprehensive guide into how we in the South approach life a bit differently. I always love hearing about things that I didn't even realize we say so differently in the South than elsewhere. Doing this on audio was excellent hearing Landon's voice and his own personal brand of sass and inflection. I think my experience would have even been better had I paired the physical copy with my audio experience. But the audio alone was delightful.

[Kristen Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Living in Tennessee and having been raised in “the south” my whole life I was laughing out loud about some of the things in this book. I literally stopped and did a double take in the bookstore just from the name of the book and that’s what made me read the back of the book. I say “bless it” and “bless your heart” all the time, and only sometimes am I really blessing them. :) this book is going to have a permanent spot on my bookshelf! I really enjoyed it!!!

[Charlie]

A Bit Draggy

Equal parts amusing and annoying. So much repetition. Seems to me to need a judicious editing. Also, having loved all over the country, I'm often amused by people from one region thinking they have a lock on a particular trait, quirk or custom. I will allow, though, that Southerners do have a lock on "bless your heart." I've also never loved any where else where people feel it's appropriate to ask where you go to church during first introduction.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Clutch my pearls!"

If you're a follower and fan of @Landontalks, then this charmin' field guide will make you chuckle and feel just as comforting as his video reels. Landon Bryant is funny, genuine, witty, & wholesome, and is one of the only social media influencers I would fully support in any of his endeavors. Such a fun lil ol' experience, I might could read it again 🧡

[Dana McReynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Landon’s southern observations are hilarious and oh so true. His delivery is perfection, so audiobook may be best for those not familiar with him. As for me, a long-time follower and fan, I read the whole thing hearing his voice in my head. Full of relatable, heartwarming, and laugh out loud moments, this book is Southern comfort at its best.

[Emily Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

A big thank you to the author's momma 'n them for his home training! This book is interesting, amusing, and melancholy all at the same time. It brings back a lot of good memories as I don't hear many of these expressions any longer.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The audiobook is a must!
Some of my favorites: I’d have to feel better to die, madder than a wet hen, makin groceries, Windex draws out the sting, let me let you go, crankin the car, caddywhompus -your hair is a mess 😂

[Judy Fish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book for the words and the art. It helps that Laurel, MS is my new home and the author and artist are my new neighbors. I have purchased copies as gifts. If you enjoy sweet tea and Duke's mayo, this is the book for you!

[Kathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful!

[Anna Wyss · Rating 4 out of 5]

So cute and fun!

[Gwen Nugent · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a native southerner now living in different part of the country this book will bring back memories…,,

[Sierra Lirette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charming and relatable as a southerner, but also repetitive and somewhat much.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute book on southern culture

[Hannah Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fellow Mississippian, I had so much fun listening to this.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard my mother all the way thru this book. Loved it. Cornbread and buttermilk❤️

[T Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gentle poking at southern traditions & habits. As a Texan-southerner not living in the south, it was a warm & funny trip back to the south!

[Lisa Mooneyham · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. His instagram is my favorite way to follow him and celebrate southern culture.

[Adelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this exploration of all things southern! we are a unique people. landon narrating was the icing on the cake!

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny, and true!