How May I Offend You Today?: Rants and Revelations from a Not-So-Proper Southern Lady

by Susannah B. Lewis

USA Today bestselling author Susannah B. Lewis (creator of Whoa! Susannah) is back with another hilarious take on what so many people are thinking but are afraid to say aloud.

Millions of online fans have flocked to Susannah B. Lewis's hysterical, take-no-prisoners rants about her pet peeves in everyday life. Now, in How May I Offend You Today?, Lewis turns her trademark humor to ordinary events that work her nerves--from people who wear t-shirts with indecent images to public displays of affection in the plumbing aisle of Lowe's--while keeping a wry eye on herself and her own temptation to vent grievances "like a teenage girl in overalls and Birkenstocks."

Weaving together anecdotes from her distinctly Southern life with frequent references to the Bible, what she calls "our manual for living," Lewis says what many of us have thought, and in the process encourages us to stand firm in our views. The witty-yet-down-to-earth banter and uplifting, inspirational message of How May I Offend You Today? gives readers everywhere the boost necessary to make it through even their most trying days.

Genres: Nonfiction, Humor, Audiobook, Christian, Book Club, Religion, Biography

Audiobook

About the author

Susannah B. Lewis is an author, humorist, and podcaster. She has written nine books, including Can’t Make This Stuff Up and How May I Offend You Today, both USA Today Bestsellers published by Thomas Nelson. Her work has been featured on Erma Bombeck’s Humor Writers, TODAY, and US Weekly, and her articles have appeared in Parents Magazine, Reader’s Digest, and more. She is the winner of the Southern Writers’ Magazine Short Story Contest and a recipient of the BlogHer Voices of the Year Award. Susannah also hosts the Moral of the Story Podcast, produced by AccessMore.

She lives on 90 beautiful acres in Tennessee with her husband, their three children, and a "whole bunch" of dogs and cats.

Reviews

[Heather Adores Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a hoot! I have lived in the South for 8 years and her comments were spot on. I love the brutal honesty.

[Danielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This must be one of those "had to be there" kind of things. I left Facebook years ago because of content like this and just walked right into it unaware. My mom and best friend probably think this is funny but complaining about someone not doing thank you cards isn't humorous to me. I did them but idgaf if anyone else does. Judgy stuff like this is why people, particularly women, are so insecure. I know it's meant to be funny but it often comes off as mean-spirited and that's coming from another hilarious southern girl(me).

She is stuck in a vicious cycle of being offended by stupid things and being upset that others are offended by stupid things.

10/10 chance she's one of those people who don't turn their bright lights off until you see them, instead of around the corner because they need the credit for it.

In conclusion, one must say.. ok, boomer.

[Cindy aka "The Book Fairy" · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was absolutely "fantabulous"....what an insightful, laughable yet deep and profound book indeed. One of the best. So much was highlighted and pondered over by me as she says it like it is with her spunky gumption, yet she isn't afraid to share her own mistakes and shortcomings either as we all have them!... She has been referred to as one who often says what many others are thinking but afraid to do so, much like myself. Her commentary and reflections are spot on and no nonsense yet kind. This will be a re-reader and keeper ranking up there with ones that I try to read yearly if possible (The Blessings of Generosity by Debbie Macomber....and Making Life Rich Without any Money by Phil Callaway) which are incredible non fiction ones..... Definitely recommendable.

[Jess · Rating 1 out of 5]

*Audiobook review* I had never heard of this woman, so I went into this book with an open mind. Based on the description, I thought it would be full of funny, judgmental rants. I expected some real hot takes! Unfortunately, the whole thing read like a Boomer Facebook page filled with really overdone opinions. Making fun of people wearing pajamas pants at Walmart? Boring. The whole ‘people of Walmart’ thing is so 2009. It’s not remotely funny any more. Another example was how she HaTeS online recipes with a long backstory before the actual recipe. Hilarity.. except adults who have basic understanding of websites and the internet know those “stories” are for SEO and the Google algorithm, providing traffic/ad revenue for the site so the person can keep giving out free recipe content. And lastly, I can’t stand when people are haughty and blame on it being “raised Southern.” Being Southern doesn’t require you to be rude!

[Lenisa Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written pre-covid but still funny. Kind of a breath of fresh air to just laugh over the random things about life and of course she has lots of good Southern references in there too.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a catchy title like this, I thought Susannah would be a woman with a sense of humor and I wasn’t disappointed. With her funny stories and insights she combines wisdom and “love your neighbor as yourself” pieces of advice. I found her book to be light hearted , transparent, encouraging, and convicting. I love that she isn’t afraid to call attention to things in our lives that need correcting, no matter whether that offends us or not.

Susannah finishes each of the chapters of the book with “Things That Work My Nerves”. Just to let you know, Susannah put random numbers on her pet peeves and there are not that many chapters.. :) Here are two of them: #59 “Why do I only notice the green growth on the bread after I’ve eaten half the sandwich?” and #37 Men with “I love my wife” bumper stickers on their vehicles. “This causes arguments between wives and their husbands who don’t have ‘I love my wife bumper stickers.’ “

Thank you for Net Galley for a free copy of the book. I was not required to give a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining and humorous yet also tender and meaningful, the book is very well done. It’s a collection of blog posts, I think, about a mom dealing with life and how her experiences teach her to be a better Christian. It isn’t preachy, and the content is pretty universal. Susannah has some good powers of discernment that led to some crucial insights. Perhaps ironically, I couldn’t find anything here offensive at all.

I received an ARC from NetGalley. Clean content.

[Robyn Pate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this it made me think of my life and how I am living. I think we all can learn from this book.

[Sherry Roberson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny light read

[Laura Robinson (naptimereaders) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! It was everything I needed! The sass, honesty and truth was perfect. I listened to this book & it’s narrated by the author herself. Which made it even better!

I found my self laughing out loud so many times!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I give this book ten stars? Please? Susannah B. Lewis has done it again. In How May I Offend You Today?, she takes a humorous look at how we as a society look for ways to get offended and why judgment isn't always a bad thing. Her stories had me laughing out loud and reading bits to my husband, because it was so funny he just had to hear it. But it's not just humor. It's Scriptural truth. Lewis uses humor to gently make the point that we need to be mindful of how we treat people, even when they're going out of their way to get offended by life, the universe, and everything in it. God uses Lewis' words to speak to me and remind me that I am far from perfect, and He's got a little work to do on me yet.

Reading this book was like sitting on the porch drinking coffee with a friend - the best kind, the one who makes you laugh and who loves you enough to point out those areas where you have room for improvement. I recommend it for anyone who loves Jesus, loves to laugh, and wants to be mindful of how they can share that love and laughter with others.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and the author for an advance reader copy of the book. All opinions here are mine, and I don't say nice things about books I don't actually like.

[Dana McReynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Her hilarious rants are followed by Biblical truth and life lessons. She is honest and transparent. After following her on social media and reading her previous book, I admired her courage to stand up for Truth. Nothing has changed with this book, she is the same Susannah. I can not say the same about other “Christian” bloggers/writers/Internet personalities. And I know that she has sacrificed popularity because of this.

I loved the stories about her mother and I laughed out loud at each and every “Things that work my nerves” entry.

[Christine Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, this author nailed it again, as she does with everything she writes. Her wit and wisdom mark the pages of this book through every story and the powerful message she shares behind it. I never tire of her relentless honesty and unmoving faith- both are an inspiration to me.

For anyone who needs a good dose of humor intertwined with deep Biblical truths that are both relatable and applicable- this book is for YOU. This would also be a perfect gift for a friend. :)

[Diane Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Laugh out hilarious! Warning to all the Christian Ladies out there: she will step in your toes. She says nothing we haven't all thought of a time or two. So relatable and just what I needed. I highly recommend.

[Blessing Bloodworth (naptimereaders) · Rating 5 out of 5]

So well-written, and SO enjoyable as an audio book! Her brazen comedic honesty in the form of opinions, stories, and anecdotes from her own life, perfectly partnered with a true heart of graciousness and mercy toward others - even if they do wear pajama pants in public 😉 and you can’t beat it all being delivered in her smooth southern accent that just adds that little dash of fun to all the stories.

Would be the perfect read on a road trip, or if you ready for a good laugh about all the crazy thing surround culture, Christianity, and parenting.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious and also humbling and convicting. Can those themes go together? Why yes they can (which was surprising!) I really enjoyed this and I recommend it if you’re looking for a pick-me-up or just a good laugh.

I was caught laughing out loud at quite a few things the author said and thinking to myself, “Oh I wish I could send that quote to a friend! Why am I listening to this on audiobook!” Besides being unable to go back a page and underline funny stories that I could later share with a friend, I am really glad I listened to this on audiobook. The author did a wonderful job reading and I felt like I was sitting in at a Christian women’s ministry event while simultaneously in a comedy club. The author is so relatable that I wish she were a friend in real life. Can’t wait to read her other books!

[Victoria Lanigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️How May I Offend You Today?⭐️
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💫 Susannah Lewis💫
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I was so excited to be part of the launch team for this book and let me tell you I loved this book! I laughed out loud, I sent screenshots to my mom friends, I read aloud to my husband and kids and sent so many “You have to read this book!” texts.
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She incorporates her Christian beliefs mixed in with humor to air her every day grievances that annoy her, which so many are so relatable. Susannah Lewis never disappoints and in this world where everyone is walking on eggshells she is not afraid to say what she feels. Agree or disagree I respect anyone’s willingness to fully express their views regardless of what anyone else thinks.
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This was a breeze of a book that I finished in a day and laughed all the way through. Each chapter starts with things that work her nerves. I screenshot a few of my favorites. Swipe to see!
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She covers some topics ranging from difference of opinion to too much electronics in kids hands. Too much technology is causing them to ignore the world around . I used to love just staring out a car window guessing how old a trees was and looking for cows. Technology is great but it has changed childhoods. She talks about how as a mom it’s important to still be able to say no and just not be a friend, while still being close to your friends. She also talks about our obsession to acquire so much gear. You go fishing and need every single fishing item you can find. She used the story that when they were fishing she had this great pole but they were catching fish on the kids Barbie pole. I can tell you from experience that we had many fancy poles at the cottage and Dylan caught 26 fish in one weekend on a Barbie pole 😂😂
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This is a really fun book! A Huge Thank you to #susanahlewis #launchteam and #thomasnelsonpublishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

This books is available TODAY!!!

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[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny and truthful wisdom (& spicy opinions) from a hometown girl!

[Sara Hubbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a quick read and I feel like the author and I should be friends. 10/10 recommend and it’s a quick read

[Cindy Davis- Cindy's Book Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

How May I Offend You Today? by Susannah Lewis caught my attention from the title. I had no idea what the book was about when I decided to read it (I know, not the best way to pick a book), but seeing that is was Christian I knew it would be clean, and I am drawn to sarcasm and dry humor. I had not read anything from this author before and am interested in learning more about her.

This book does not disappoint. The author discusses many topics that are relevant today, saying what most people want to say, but refuse to say. Or, if they do say it, they say it quite rudely, which Lewis does not do. However, she is quick to admit that she is not perfect and shares many stories of when she did not get it right. There is humor, mixed with strong Biblical truths, and many instances of God's grace. The author shows how she has grown from the mistakes she has made, and shares in bits and pieces of how God has changed her since He saved her.

I think the thing I appreciate most about this author is that she unapologetically shares her views, making no excuses. She does not believe in walking on eggshells and the everyone should get a trophy mentality. She also believes that when punishment is deserved it should be implemented. This is something that is seriously lacking in today's culture, so it is refreshing to see an author share so transparently about the struggles in her home. Again, no one is perfect, and she is not trying to say that she is.

This book is an easy read, pretty light-weight book, but it had deep moments too. Times when I felt an "ouch" or tug in my spirit. It really makes you stop and think if you are being Christlike in your interactions with others.

The only downside that I had with the book, is that sometimes I felt that the book fell flat. I think having a bit more dialogue in places would have been beneficial. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves humor, sarcasm and quick wit. Thank you to Thomas Nelson Publishing and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to give a positive review of this book, but am happy to do so. All opinions are entirely my own.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

How May I Offend You Today?
Rants and Revelations from a Not-So-Proper Southern Lady
by Susannah B. Lewis
Nelson Books
Thomas Nelson
Christian | Humor
Pub Date 25 Aug 2020



I am reviewing a copy of How May I Offend You Today through Nelson Books and Netgalley:


Susannah B Lewis has millions of fans who flock to her take no prisoners rants about the pet peeves she had in every day life.



In Everyday Living Susannah B Lewis turns her humor which is one of her trademarks to the everyday events that grate on her nerves from people who wear inappropriate and offensive t shirts to very public displays of affection in Lowe's plumbing aisle. Lowe's--while keeping a wry eye on herself



This book weaves together anecdotes from her distinctly Southern life with frequent references to the Bible. In this book Lewis reminds us too that it is important that we stand firm in our views.


How May I Offend You Today is filled with witty but down to earth banter. This book is uplifting and inspirational and therefore I find that it is worthy of five out of five stars.



Happy Reading!

[hannah ☆ ୨ৎ˚࿔ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll be honest, the main thing that drew me in to this book was the amazing title. 😂 Susannah is hilarious and doesn’t hold anything back as she talks about totally relatable life moments. I love her humorous outlook on life and also how she ties life lessons back to her faith. 👏🏻🤍 This was a fun, quick read (and a fun, quick review apparently! 🤪)

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am new to this author/blogger. Her humor resonates with a lot of women. She writes about situations that we have been in and maybe we wanted to say something and didnt.

If you are not sure you will like her humor I recommend checking out her website before purchasing.

[Nav · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was amused that part of the premise of this book is that we get worked up about unimportant things even as she defends what she gets worked up about. Basically, it’s all “why are people getting all upset about the sharing of opinions” even though the publication of a whole entire book proves the author can be provoked by other people’s opinions. I think she is sincere in saying that her intent was never to hurt (or, even really offend) people, but to call out behaviors that she finds distasteful. However, no matter the intentions, publicly calling out stuff was always going to run the risk of upsetting someone even if she managed to avoid specifically shaming individuals (which I cam not 100% sure she did/has).

Though, honestly, even if you don’t agree with her on any of the points she brings up, I agree that the type of vitriol that can come up over even innocuous subjects is concerning and we could stand to have some chill on that front. Maybe for online stuff we could have a program to ask if we think [insert subject here] is really worth a death threat or to remind us we’ve been arguing about [insert subject here] for over an hour already and we’ve got a limited number of hours in our lives?

I read this without being familiar with the author’s online presence and in some ways this reads as a chance to defend all her past posts/positions. Like, she brings up getting blowback over calling out a fat guy on a plane for invading her personal space or when she made remarks about the types of clothing people will wear to Walmart or an essay she wrote about what wives owe their husbands. I actually found I agreed with her about a number of things that seem fairly middle-ground: It is tacky to wear PJs in public. I wouldn’t want to get smacked in the face by a stranger’s belly either. It is super rude to not send thank you notes. Etc. And, for the more serious stuff I disagree with her on? This book didn’t change my mind on anything and, as she brings up in the book, internet comments (civil or otherwise) aren’t going to change her own. I like that she's unapologetic about saying that she's sure right but she wishes we could disagree with civility.

I think where readers are most likely to find this book moves away from the middle ground is the religion. This is written by a true believer. Though, refreshingly, a believer that seems to have actually read and considered the Bible by herself as she quotes some less mainstream passages. It’s always easier to hear someone out if they seem like they actually know their subject matter and sincerely hold their beliefs which seems to be the case here. It doesn’t necessarily make them more right, but hypocrisy would make this much harder to stomach as she claims to treat the devil as an actual force in the world. I don’t necessarily agree that Lucifer is out there influencing the world as humanity seems to manage some effed up stuff without help, but it is an interesting way to approach life. Like, I won’t spread any gossip because it would hurt X’s feelings and advance the cause of evil in the world!

[Melissa Koser · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got the impression from the back of the book and from the first 2 chapters that this was going to a fellow mom sharing all the crazy, funny things that have happened to her (getting slapped in the face by a *large* man’s belly on an airplane, for instance). It very quickly morphed into life stories, with application to how her walk with God has changed her perspective. Nothing wrong at all with that, but it was a shift onto a different track that was unexpected. Most of what she had to say was stuff I’ve dealt with years ago, so most of the book didn’t resonate too deeply.
However, her chapter titled “Surrender Takes Time” as she discusses the deaths of those close to her really hit home. At the time of reading it, a family member of mine was dealing with a horrible disease that baffled the doctors, and all I could think was “Why, God?”
Susannah Lewis doesn’t try to answer why; she still doesn’t know why she’s had to go through the griefs she’s experienced. But she reminds us, “As believers we know God will grow us in our times of trouble and heartache, but we don’t want to hear that. We know Scripture says He “causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him,” but we still question and doubt…We just want to feel the grief….I’ve learned that’s okay. He can handle it. He can handle our anger. And how we feel doesn’t change who He is. He’ll still be there, unmoved, when we are ready to let go of the rope and fall into His arms. He always holds on to us, even when we’re not holding on to Him.”

[Anastasia Beaverhousin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought 2 copies to begin with. I wanted to read mine and gift the other. The book is hilarious if you have a sense of humor about how this world has become. Susannah takes everyday life and makes us see how completely ridiculous it has become. Everyone is offended by EVERYTHING now days. It is exhausting but she makes it light hearted and helps us see that maybe, just maybe we could ease up a little, cut some folks some slack and actually laugh. I bought a couple more for a few more friends because the book was that enjoyable to me. It’s an easy read, can be read in a couple hours front to back and when you are finished you will have a little better perspective. Let’s not take everything so serious. Susannah is the real deal and that is rare these days. Get ya one, sit down in your favorite chair with your favorite drink and give your mind a break from all that is 2020. You will be glad you did.

[Joleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now being a Tennessee resident I love to read most anything written by a fellow Tennessean or written about state.

This was a fun read, lots of typical Southern advise, transparent self-effacing comedy yet some of the best "preaching" if read in a long time. This woman loves the Lord, loves sharing her faith and loves sharing God's Word.

Mind you, I was taken aback by her language. She went through a rebellious stage with drinking, drugs, smoking and foul language. She is now full bore on-fire for Christ, and has been for a long time, but some of her "wording" is still a bit raw to me. A lot of people in churches today think nothing of this language ("crap", etc.) but I've never found it necessary for Christian's to use it or put it in writing. For this reason I’ve reduced my rating from five stars to four.

Otherwise this was an amazing book and I loved it. And I could see me recommending it to others or rereading it myself.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

How may I offend you today? was a breath of fresh air for me. In this book Susannah says what everyone is thinking. Her pet peeves I found to also be my pet peeves. She is so relatable and real, that I couldn't help but fall in love with her witty banter. I feel like if we knew each other in real life we would be great friends. In case you couldn't already tell, I absolutely adored this book! I listened to the audiobook, which is fantastic and read by the author herself. I laughed out loud so many times. I also found myself visibly nodding my head, agreeing to almost everything she said. I loved how she weaved her sassy southern views/beliefs into real life experiences and truth from the bible.

As soon as I finished the audiobook, I purchased the book so I could have it on my shelf to refer back to. This book would make a perfect gift for any of your southern friends. I will definitely be checking out her other books!

[Becka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading How May I Offend You Today is like sitting on the front porch in the evening drinking sweet tea and listening to your sassy Southern friend recount her day, complete with her feelings about the day's events. There were numerous times I laughed out loud, times I nodded my head in agreement, and times I thought, "Did she really just say that?"

Because the book is published by Thomas Nelson, I expected a Christian perspective, and that perspective was present in the best way. Lewis doesn't stop at just ranting about situations, she connects them to biblical principles and provides important reminders about the need to not take ourselves (and others) so seriously.

Thanks go to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Lori Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so much fun to read and made me laugh out loud at times. Her southern references and sense of humor over little things in life are very relatable. I found her book to be funny, hopeful, and really made me think a few things over. She certainly pinpointed some areas that I need to reevaluate. I love her "Things that work my nerves" at the end of each section. Susannah Lewis is full of wisdom and has a way of writing that is a powerful message full of honesty and faith. This book is full of Biblical truths that apply to our everyday lives. Sometimes we don't always realize the things that we do that work on others nerves or areas we need to change. I love how honest Susannah is about life throughout her book. What a great read!

Thanks NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.