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Not Tonight, Honey: Wait 'Til I'm A Size 6
"Not Tonight, Honey Wait Til I'm a Size 6" is the book people are talking about. Syndicated Gannett News Services columnist Susan Reinhardt takes every topic on men's and women's minds and blows them wide open with a never-before-seen candor. The humor is explosive. Topics range from bodies that have gone to pot, to grandmothers taking up smoking at age 80 and hiding lit cigarettes in bras and aprons. Once, the author had to "marry" her best friend when the minister (also the bride's yard man) blew a gasket in his colostomy bag.
Reinhardt's stories are often compared to that of a female David Sedaris or a married and middle-aged Bridget Jones. She is Erma Bombeck if Erma had Chef Emeril kicking it up a notch! People say they've never read funnier, but the poignant stories she tells pull a few tears.
From the Author
I wrote this book because people need to laugh. If it weren't for the odd things in life, the every day that can turn hilarious if viewed in the right frame of mind, most of us might as well stay in bed with popcorn, Lifetime and QVC.
I needed to bring the humorous to the surface because there are too many Eeyores and sad sacks in this world and I love those who love to laugh. Power is laughter. Humor heals.
I held nothing back. My mother, one of the more eccentric characters in the book, said she wasn't letting her Baptist church friends know about the book. But finally, she's relenting. One Baptist at a time.
I sure hope you enjoy reading these wild but heart-infused stories as much as I enjoyed writing them. It isn't easy being married, nearly middle-aged, and watching my skin sag and teats fall to my knees. But it sure helps to write about it, and laugh so hard the tears salt the face.
Like an edgier, naughtier Erma Bombeck, award-winning columnist Susan Reinhardt has made die-hard fans of fellow writers and newspaper readers across the country with her wickedly skewed reports from the trenches of American family life.
279 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
33 people are currently reading
1745 people want to read
About the author
Susan Reinhardt
9 books185 followersSusan Reinhardt is a best-selling author known for her gift of taking serious topics and infusing them with humor and heart.
Her novels are perfect for book clubs, the beach and vacations, or sitting on the couch with a good read.
She is especially praised for creating casts of unforgettable, quirky characters who stay in readers’ minds long after the final page.
Her debut novel, CHIMES FROM A CRACKED SOUTHERN BELLE, won “Best Regional Fiction” in the Independent Publishers Book Awards international contest, and was a No. 1 Amazon bestseller. The novel was a top summer reading pick and a book-club favorite.
Her second novel, THE BEAUTIFUL MISFITS, was named a Reader Favorite and was awarded an IPPY silver medal.
New York Times bestselling author Breanne Randall said this about THE BEAUTIFUL MISFITS:
"I don't know if I've ever gotten sucked into a book so fast! The writing is BEAUTIFUL, but it's so much more than that- there's an authenticity here that I don't see in a lot of books these days. I'll only expand it to say, you're going to have a lot of feels. You're going to LOVE this book. And it may just end up as one of your top reads this year. And I promise, I don't ever recommend books unless I truly, truly love them. — Breanne Randall, instant New York Times Bestselling author of The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic.
Her latest novel, THE HALF WIFE, a romantic comedy and perfect beach read, is coming soon from Carolina Girl Press.
Reinhardt is a former syndicated columnist and has written for national publications, winning multiple awards.
She lives in the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, N.C., and is on her second and final husband. She has two grown children, three steps, and can ride a unicycle and twirl a baton at the same time. But not very well.
Publishers Weekly reviewed her work, saying it was "Filled with “lyrical prose” that’s “fun and fresh,” and Booklist lauded her work as “ranging from side-splitting to achingly poignant. She's like a modern-day, southern-fried Erma Bombeck or Dave Barry, and her tales of the ordinary will resonate with women everywhere.”
Her novels are perfect for book clubs, the beach and vacations, or sitting on the couch with a good read.
She is especially praised for creating casts of unforgettable, quirky characters who stay in readers’ minds long after the final page.
Her debut novel, CHIMES FROM A CRACKED SOUTHERN BELLE, won “Best Regional Fiction” in the Independent Publishers Book Awards international contest, and was a No. 1 Amazon bestseller. The novel was a top summer reading pick and a book-club favorite.
Her second novel, THE BEAUTIFUL MISFITS, was named a Reader Favorite and was awarded an IPPY silver medal.
New York Times bestselling author Breanne Randall said this about THE BEAUTIFUL MISFITS:
"I don't know if I've ever gotten sucked into a book so fast! The writing is BEAUTIFUL, but it's so much more than that- there's an authenticity here that I don't see in a lot of books these days. I'll only expand it to say, you're going to have a lot of feels. You're going to LOVE this book. And it may just end up as one of your top reads this year. And I promise, I don't ever recommend books unless I truly, truly love them. — Breanne Randall, instant New York Times Bestselling author of The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic.
Her latest novel, THE HALF WIFE, a romantic comedy and perfect beach read, is coming soon from Carolina Girl Press.
Reinhardt is a former syndicated columnist and has written for national publications, winning multiple awards.
She lives in the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, N.C., and is on her second and final husband. She has two grown children, three steps, and can ride a unicycle and twirl a baton at the same time. But not very well.
Publishers Weekly reviewed her work, saying it was "Filled with “lyrical prose” that’s “fun and fresh,” and Booklist lauded her work as “ranging from side-splitting to achingly poignant. She's like a modern-day, southern-fried Erma Bombeck or Dave Barry, and her tales of the ordinary will resonate with women everywhere.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
August 28, 2015
I loved this title, and I couldn’t wait to read a humorous collection of biographical short stories that I thought would be just like something Celia Rivenbark could produce.
I was sorrily disappointed.
Instead of a book filled with witty retellings of humorous experiences from an intelligent and strong female, this is what I got: tons and tons and tons of stories of lactation, Susan’s comments about how dumb her daughter is and how women can’t seem to figure out dishwashers or camping (but men certainly know how to do all that hard thinking!), an awkwardly sad story about her grandmother’s death, and a lot of mean-spiritedness. This book was on the verge of vulgar, but not in a funny way. I don’t want to hear about lactating dogs or the time you flashed your crusty, saggy old boob to a creepy Mexican pervert while on the back of a mule on vacation. I don’t want to hear you talk about your “grumpy vagina”. What made the grossness of this book even worse was the fact Reinhardt was still calling herself a Southern gentlewoman throughout it.
"Bless her heart!" in one sentence and, when describing breastfeeding her daughter (which she did for over two years, seemingly as a justification for getting a boob job, which she also talks about frequently in this book) in another chapter: "I’m in a stinking doodytarium where the odors from rumps like yours are not adding to the ambiance of my daughter’s dining pleasure."
I also felt like her writing was sort of an insult against mothers, too. Her book was almost entirely focused on motherhood and how sucky she is at it. Stories about how giving birth caused her to become stupid, incapable of figuring out a carseat or diaper genie (because it’s the children’s fault that you’ve lost your marbles?). She also shared stories about how she shirked her Boy Scout chaperone duties because little boys are gross and farty and how embarrassing her dirty, ill-mannered children are when she runs into her glamorous old sorority sisters at the grocery store (also not something I think one should blame their children for). The way Susan writes about her children made me feel so incredibly sorry for them, and as this book really was not marketed as a funny book about motherhood, I hate how dominant the theme of motherhood was in the book, as though once you have children you have nothing else of value to add to the world and nothing else worthy of talking about. She isn’t even telling humorously endearing stories about her children; she’s using them to talk about how being a mom sucks in every other chapter.
In addition to the stories where she’s attempting to be funny, Reinhardt also tells us about how she had a miscarriage and lost her grandmother. In fact, when one Amazon reviewer criticized her writing, Reinhardt wrote back: “My feelings are so hurt... Not sure if you read about my grandmother or losing a baby.” Losing people you love is a horrible thing to go through, and losing an unborn child must be absolutely awful. And while I sympathize for the woman, I do not think it’s appropriate to include them in a book intended to make people laugh…. or to use them as a defense when someone says they do not appreciate your book.
I know this post probably came off as super harsh, and other people might not have been as offended by what Reinhardt was saying, but I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone. I felt it was a slap in the face of Southern propriety and a sorry insult to female comedic writers. I would stick with Celia Rivenbark’s books if you’re looking for humor from a Southern lady.
I was sorrily disappointed.
Instead of a book filled with witty retellings of humorous experiences from an intelligent and strong female, this is what I got: tons and tons and tons of stories of lactation, Susan’s comments about how dumb her daughter is and how women can’t seem to figure out dishwashers or camping (but men certainly know how to do all that hard thinking!), an awkwardly sad story about her grandmother’s death, and a lot of mean-spiritedness. This book was on the verge of vulgar, but not in a funny way. I don’t want to hear about lactating dogs or the time you flashed your crusty, saggy old boob to a creepy Mexican pervert while on the back of a mule on vacation. I don’t want to hear you talk about your “grumpy vagina”. What made the grossness of this book even worse was the fact Reinhardt was still calling herself a Southern gentlewoman throughout it.
"Bless her heart!" in one sentence and, when describing breastfeeding her daughter (which she did for over two years, seemingly as a justification for getting a boob job, which she also talks about frequently in this book) in another chapter: "I’m in a stinking doodytarium where the odors from rumps like yours are not adding to the ambiance of my daughter’s dining pleasure."
I also felt like her writing was sort of an insult against mothers, too. Her book was almost entirely focused on motherhood and how sucky she is at it. Stories about how giving birth caused her to become stupid, incapable of figuring out a carseat or diaper genie (because it’s the children’s fault that you’ve lost your marbles?). She also shared stories about how she shirked her Boy Scout chaperone duties because little boys are gross and farty and how embarrassing her dirty, ill-mannered children are when she runs into her glamorous old sorority sisters at the grocery store (also not something I think one should blame their children for). The way Susan writes about her children made me feel so incredibly sorry for them, and as this book really was not marketed as a funny book about motherhood, I hate how dominant the theme of motherhood was in the book, as though once you have children you have nothing else of value to add to the world and nothing else worthy of talking about. She isn’t even telling humorously endearing stories about her children; she’s using them to talk about how being a mom sucks in every other chapter.
In addition to the stories where she’s attempting to be funny, Reinhardt also tells us about how she had a miscarriage and lost her grandmother. In fact, when one Amazon reviewer criticized her writing, Reinhardt wrote back: “My feelings are so hurt... Not sure if you read about my grandmother or losing a baby.” Losing people you love is a horrible thing to go through, and losing an unborn child must be absolutely awful. And while I sympathize for the woman, I do not think it’s appropriate to include them in a book intended to make people laugh…. or to use them as a defense when someone says they do not appreciate your book.
I know this post probably came off as super harsh, and other people might not have been as offended by what Reinhardt was saying, but I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone. I felt it was a slap in the face of Southern propriety and a sorry insult to female comedic writers. I would stick with Celia Rivenbark’s books if you’re looking for humor from a Southern lady.
May 20, 2014
5/20/14 - Yesterday I had a rather hilarious comment on this post by the author herself, telling me to get a sense of humor and calling me an old crone. I was more amused than anything, because up until now, no author has ever commented on my reviews here. I have had an author "favorite" the tweet linking back to my review, and another author simply "like" a review once she joined GoodReads.
Today the comment was deleted, along with the dozen or so other comments she left on the negative reviews of this book. On one post (not my own), she commented that her account was hacked. I don't know how much I believe it, but sure, we'll go with that explanation.
There is a group of authors targeting negative reviewers on this site. I'm a fan of one of the authors who is a big advocate of the group, so I've followed along, and mostly just shaken my head.
I am not an author, though I've long since wanted to be. Putting yourself out there in any medium, be it writing, acting, singing, interpretive dance, opens you up to criticism. And even to trolls.
You are welcome to get butt hurt when someone doesn't like your work. For every criticism, there is praise (usually, unless you truly are dreadful). Don't have a public temper tantrum. Suck it up and move on. Comment on the positive praise, and either learn from the negative or print them out and throw darts at their profile picture. But don't take it upon yourself to be a one person criticism savior.
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I take it very personally when books are horrible. I mean, REALLY personally. I love to read, I love to get enveloped in a book and not come up for air until the last word is read. The idea of someone not wanting to read actually hurts me, because I can't understand it. Reading is wonderful.
When books are bad, I get angry. I get angry with the authors themselves for wasting my time and taking publishing rights and library space away from someone who is truly gifted.
I hate Susan Reinhardt.
This book is HORRENDOUS. Not only is it horrendous, it actually makes me ashamed to be a southern woman, and for someone to do that? The hatred is oozing from every pore in my body.
She's not funny. And what do unfunny people do when they want to make enough money to get breast implants? They overcompensate by being raunchy. I love a good raunchy joke, but goddamit, don't just throw in some shit about your various body parts so that people with a low IQ will find your book amusing.
Humor authors will often use their significant others as fodder for the humor. I do love this. However, they are also very good at walking the line between complaining about their husband and showing all the characteristics that make them enjoy married life.
I hate Susan Reinhardt's husband, "Tidy Stu". According to her definitions, he is completely without merit, and she only stays married to him because he cleans the house.
I think I laughed maybe twice throughout the entire reading. I feel like I just punished my brain by making it read this so close to Mistress of the Game. It's like reading Stephenie's Meyer's tripe and then getting shot in the face.
Today the comment was deleted, along with the dozen or so other comments she left on the negative reviews of this book. On one post (not my own), she commented that her account was hacked. I don't know how much I believe it, but sure, we'll go with that explanation.
There is a group of authors targeting negative reviewers on this site. I'm a fan of one of the authors who is a big advocate of the group, so I've followed along, and mostly just shaken my head.
I am not an author, though I've long since wanted to be. Putting yourself out there in any medium, be it writing, acting, singing, interpretive dance, opens you up to criticism. And even to trolls.
You are welcome to get butt hurt when someone doesn't like your work. For every criticism, there is praise (usually, unless you truly are dreadful). Don't have a public temper tantrum. Suck it up and move on. Comment on the positive praise, and either learn from the negative or print them out and throw darts at their profile picture. But don't take it upon yourself to be a one person criticism savior.
-----------------------
I take it very personally when books are horrible. I mean, REALLY personally. I love to read, I love to get enveloped in a book and not come up for air until the last word is read. The idea of someone not wanting to read actually hurts me, because I can't understand it. Reading is wonderful.
When books are bad, I get angry. I get angry with the authors themselves for wasting my time and taking publishing rights and library space away from someone who is truly gifted.
I hate Susan Reinhardt.
This book is HORRENDOUS. Not only is it horrendous, it actually makes me ashamed to be a southern woman, and for someone to do that? The hatred is oozing from every pore in my body.
She's not funny. And what do unfunny people do when they want to make enough money to get breast implants? They overcompensate by being raunchy. I love a good raunchy joke, but goddamit, don't just throw in some shit about your various body parts so that people with a low IQ will find your book amusing.
Humor authors will often use their significant others as fodder for the humor. I do love this. However, they are also very good at walking the line between complaining about their husband and showing all the characteristics that make them enjoy married life.
I hate Susan Reinhardt's husband, "Tidy Stu". According to her definitions, he is completely without merit, and she only stays married to him because he cleans the house.
I think I laughed maybe twice throughout the entire reading. I feel like I just punished my brain by making it read this so close to Mistress of the Game. It's like reading Stephenie's Meyer's tripe and then getting shot in the face.
Read
July 28, 2008Ok, to anyone who thinks that Asheville is a pretty cool city and wants to know why, DON'T READ THIS BOOK! It's plastic and pathetic and whiny and only minutely amusing in some instances. I was SO looking forward to reading this book - with great comic writers like Celia Rivenbark and Laurie Notaro raving about Reinhardt's talent and even a comparison to DAVID SEDARIS!! But no, my dear friends. This one fell WAY short of the marketing madness that must have been paid for in large sums of cash money to appear on the cover of this book.
The author is so superficial it's almost painful at times (ahhh....after the chapter upon chapter of the debate over whether to get a boob-job with generous helpings of her internet boob-job support chatroom, she reminisces about how many men she could control when her bottom was the size of a teacup as a teenager). Yeah, I wish I was kidding too. And all that talk about being a Southern Baptist? It was too much. She's still trying to convince herself it was ok she got that boob job in addition to her readers, I guess, by proclaiming again and again to her Southern Baptist-ness. Spare me, ok?
You want North Carolina humor? Read David Sedaris. Read Amy Sedaris. Read Celia Rivenbark. Read Laurie Notaro (ok, she's not even close to being from NC, but I love her books so much!). Don't bother to read this one. And please, please, please don't judge the wonderful, fabulous city to which I am moving this week by this Barbie-wannabee lame-o 'comic' writer.
In true Southern fashion (and I wasn't even raised here, but I'm a convert!), I'm giving this book 2 stars instead of 1 bc she IS from NC, and I think I chuckled once.
The author is so superficial it's almost painful at times (ahhh....after the chapter upon chapter of the debate over whether to get a boob-job with generous helpings of her internet boob-job support chatroom, she reminisces about how many men she could control when her bottom was the size of a teacup as a teenager). Yeah, I wish I was kidding too. And all that talk about being a Southern Baptist? It was too much. She's still trying to convince herself it was ok she got that boob job in addition to her readers, I guess, by proclaiming again and again to her Southern Baptist-ness. Spare me, ok?
You want North Carolina humor? Read David Sedaris. Read Amy Sedaris. Read Celia Rivenbark. Read Laurie Notaro (ok, she's not even close to being from NC, but I love her books so much!). Don't bother to read this one. And please, please, please don't judge the wonderful, fabulous city to which I am moving this week by this Barbie-wannabee lame-o 'comic' writer.
In true Southern fashion (and I wasn't even raised here, but I'm a convert!), I'm giving this book 2 stars instead of 1 bc she IS from NC, and I think I chuckled once.
June 12, 2014
I came across this book by accident and found a gem! Susan Reinhardt is sweet, funny and delightful. I like her down to earth style. This book was so good I was sad it had to end.
September 28, 2008
I will admit that this book made me howl out loud with laughter a some points. It is definitely a funny read. However, the cover blurb declared the author to be a female version of David Sedaris. It was a cute read, but Reinhardt is no David Sedaris. This book reminded me strongly of The Sweet Potato Queens Book of Love...coincidentally the author of that book provided the cover blurb for this book. A fun, quick read I would have probably enjoyed more had I not just finished David Sedaris' latest.
September 20, 2010
If you have kids, books like these are amazing at helping a parent not take themselves so seriously. It's great to be able to laugh about all of the things that make you feel crazy and want to pull your hair out on a daily basis. It's the only way to stay sane. Loved this book. I've never laughed so hard!
August 4, 2011
One of the funniest books I've ever read! Can't wait to read everything else this author has ever written!
March 6, 2014
Hilarious! Laugh out loud funny.
July 6, 2011
I laughed outloud during the bachelorette/stripper chapter, & it is rare for me to find something that amusing. There were several chapters that were extremely funny, and several were heartwarming. I think most chapters were very easy for any silly, fun-loving middle-aged woman to find familiar. I am interested in reading another memoir-type book Susan Reinhardt has written entitled Don't Sleep with a Bubba. The only unfavorable reviews that I've read on that title say that the readers expected to find only funny chapters & were disappointed to find chapters that delt with the author's depression & alcoholism. Knowing that in advance, I expect to enjoy & relate :( to her book, Don't Sleep with A Bubba: Unless Your Eggs Are in Wheelchairs.Don't Sleep with A Bubba: Unless Your Eggs Are in Wheelchairs.
June 16, 2011
I didn't even get through the first chapter.
Although the writer has some definite talent, particularly in descriptive style, she is not that funny. I felt like I was watching the beginning of the second Indiana Jones movie: I had an overwhelming urge to bail early, but I kept telling myself it would get better. When they jumped out of the plane, though, it was all over for me.
Similarly, when the writer starts describing an overweight woman there was something about it that just rubbed me the wrong way. There's a way to do that and come off funny, but still be respectful. She fell short. Honestly, I'm tired of every other group being added to the anti-bullying fad going on right now...but yet fat people are still fair game. No.
After a while, I was working too hard to convince myself to continue...so I stopped. Too bad, as I had high hopes for this book.
Although the writer has some definite talent, particularly in descriptive style, she is not that funny. I felt like I was watching the beginning of the second Indiana Jones movie: I had an overwhelming urge to bail early, but I kept telling myself it would get better. When they jumped out of the plane, though, it was all over for me.
Similarly, when the writer starts describing an overweight woman there was something about it that just rubbed me the wrong way. There's a way to do that and come off funny, but still be respectful. She fell short. Honestly, I'm tired of every other group being added to the anti-bullying fad going on right now...but yet fat people are still fair game. No.
After a while, I was working too hard to convince myself to continue...so I stopped. Too bad, as I had high hopes for this book.
July 5, 2008
I enjoyed this book, but not as much as I hoped. I don't think that it lived up to the hype. It was compilation of essays on southern american family life and some of the stories made me laugh out loud and I could really identify with, others were harder to get through and frankly I pushed my self to read them through completely.
Some of the essays that I found very funny were the "Uterine Comptroller" (natural child birth advocates), "Miss Glorious Prisspot" (about seeing that girl from the past on your worst day), and "Good Milk"(breast feeding).
Some of the essays that I found very funny were the "Uterine Comptroller" (natural child birth advocates), "Miss Glorious Prisspot" (about seeing that girl from the past on your worst day), and "Good Milk"(breast feeding).
October 29, 2008
I really enjoyed this book, very funny, the second half especially. Tidy Stu was my favorite. The essays about his obsession with cleanliness were hilarious. Of course, I got a kick out of Mama too. While I don't think I will be referring to my Picachu as a Booger any time soon, I will never forget that reference to female genitalia as my body gradually goes to pot -as Susan Reinhardt puts it- while I age. Anyone who can relate to a white southern American woman who finds humor in aging will surely enjoy this book.
June 16, 2008
I really wanted to like this book. The title cracked me up. I made it to page 43 and decided that I didn't want to continue reading about such low-class stuff... strippers in bars, flashing Mexicans, grumpy vagina's, the list goes on and on and that's only the beginning. I'm not a prude by any stretch of the imagination, it's just that I couldn't find any compelling reason to keep reading. I didn't find it funny or amusing at all.
March 24, 2008
I enjoyed this book. The writer said so much that others think and want to say but just find that they cannot. I believe every woman can see herself in this book. I laughed so hard at some points that I could not read any more because of the tears. I cannot tell you how good it felt to just laugh!!!!
May 11, 2013
I think this is an enjoyable book. The author is very honest in her stories. Susan's stories of her mother were pretty funny.
This is a compilation of stories from the author's life. I liked it. It's a nice book to pick up when you want to take a break between fantasy fiction, or just to read a story chapter during a break.
This is a compilation of stories from the author's life. I liked it. It's a nice book to pick up when you want to take a break between fantasy fiction, or just to read a story chapter during a break.
December 7, 2010
I laughed out loud in many places. I'd recommend it to anyone who likes the southern art of humorous storytelling. Ms. Reinhardt is able to tell a story with both wit and humor- a rare talent for many authors who attempt this kind of book.
August 27, 2008
Very funny, endearing, and full of ta-ta talk. I enjoyed it. The author discusses issues women face with humor and compassion.
December 29, 2008
I laughed so hard I cried while reading this book. It's a little raunchier than Rivenbark but good when you need a laugh.
November 17, 2009
I thought it was hilarious! Laughed out loud several times - I love any southern-humor-type book, but this one was better than most!
April 18, 2019
Fun easy
Fun light hearted easy read. A good laugh at one woman everyday struggles that we can relate to (at least I did).
Fun light hearted easy read. A good laugh at one woman everyday struggles that we can relate to (at least I did).
October 1, 2013
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 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.
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 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.
June 26, 2012
I always feel a little cheated when a book of purportedly humorous essays includes ones that are total downers. Many in this book were laugh-out-loud, but then Reinhardt would throw one in about a friend who died of cancer or how sad sending her children to school was. It was very disconcerting.
I do love self-deprecating humor, and Reinhart is exceptional at it. But she's too heavy-handed with adjectives and sometimes just seems to be trying too hard. And as a childless woman, I had trouble relating to a lot of her essays. And the one about her breast-feeding her child until she was nearly 3 years old made me very uncomfortable, which perhaps was her point.
I just like humor to be a little more broadly targeted. The tagline on the front says something about her being the "southern David Sedaris." Sedaris and I live very different lives, but his humor still appeals to me. I wish Reinhart's had as broad a funny brush, as well.
I do love self-deprecating humor, and Reinhart is exceptional at it. But she's too heavy-handed with adjectives and sometimes just seems to be trying too hard. And as a childless woman, I had trouble relating to a lot of her essays. And the one about her breast-feeding her child until she was nearly 3 years old made me very uncomfortable, which perhaps was her point.
I just like humor to be a little more broadly targeted. The tagline on the front says something about her being the "southern David Sedaris." Sedaris and I live very different lives, but his humor still appeals to me. I wish Reinhart's had as broad a funny brush, as well.
March 12, 2013
I initially picked up this book because it referenced this as 'the Southern Belles answer to David Sedaris'. While it may have some Southern undertones, I don't think it comes close to being David Sedaris. There were stories within the book that I was just like "eh...that was alright" and maybe it's because I'm a 20-something naturally kidless, not married, but dating a man with two kids so I can't identify it as well as others could. There were a few stories that I thought were very amusing and that's why I continued to read it, otherwise I would have abandoned it 3 stories in.
If you like Southern girl mentality and the vanity that seems to go hand in hand with it (not in my part of the South, but depending on who you ask, Virginia may not be the South), you'd probably find a lot of humor in it. But me? I'm gonna stick with David Sedaris and Jen Lancaster.
If you like Southern girl mentality and the vanity that seems to go hand in hand with it (not in my part of the South, but depending on who you ask, Virginia may not be the South), you'd probably find a lot of humor in it. But me? I'm gonna stick with David Sedaris and Jen Lancaster.
May 17, 2015
How can Susan Reinhardt be more comical ?
Susan Reinhardt is the Master of prolific comedy writing. This book literally caught me off guard on where she was headed, which then induced a loud jerking belly laugh I couldn't contain, therefore I would not suggest reading this book in a library or during the Preacher's sermon because you are bored. Susan Reinhardt no doubt has the gift - the gift to draw you inside her life as if you were one of the family members. This book holds nothing back regarding the antics and typical behaviors of a family trying to resemble some form of normalcy. One thing about Susan's writing style ... if you're not hee-hawin', you're at least grinning in amazement.
Susan Reinhardt is the Master of prolific comedy writing. This book literally caught me off guard on where she was headed, which then induced a loud jerking belly laugh I couldn't contain, therefore I would not suggest reading this book in a library or during the Preacher's sermon because you are bored. Susan Reinhardt no doubt has the gift - the gift to draw you inside her life as if you were one of the family members. This book holds nothing back regarding the antics and typical behaviors of a family trying to resemble some form of normalcy. One thing about Susan's writing style ... if you're not hee-hawin', you're at least grinning in amazement.
October 23, 2011
Not Tonight Honey, Wait 'Til I'm a Size Six is another example of a book that I picked up because I liked the title and the description sounded interesting. (The Goodreads description went so far as to say that "The humor is explosive.") I think Susan Reinhardt is a good writer, but I just didn't find her stories all that entertaining or funny. I don't have children, am about 10 years younger than Reinhardt and a "Yankee" who has lived the last 11 years of my live in New York City so maybe I just didn't get it and couldn't appreciate the humor. I think I'll stick with Chelsea Handler the next time I want to read a book that will make me laugh out loud.
March 23, 2008
I am not a huge fan of the short story, at least not a book of them. The only thing this book had going for it is that there was some continuity to the stories. I did not laugh as much as everyone else in book club told me I would. I found the stories amusing but not laugh out loud funny. By the end I was glad it was over and frankly I was a little annoyed with myself for wasting my time in the reading but also with the author for thinking I cared what she thought.
August 20, 2015
I first read Susan's "Don't Sleep With a Bubba" and loved her writing style and sense of humor so I immediately ordered "Not Tonight, Honey". I must say that I enjoyed this book even more than the first one I read. I do wish I would've read "Not Tonight,Honey" first so that the references made in "Don't Sleep With a Bubba" would've made more sense. Anywho, I simply adore Susan Reinhardt's storytelling and find it very hard to put her book down which is rare for me. I highly recommend this book!
September 24, 2007
Great book - I haven't laughed as much since I've read author Jen Lancaster's books. My favorite part fell within the first or second chapter when she described knowing a girl that was going out on a date with a guy and she didn't feel like getting laid, so she took a black sharpie and wrote "SLUT" on her stomach. Because, you know, un-shaved legs just don't do it anymore.
March 8, 2010
Billed as the female David Sedaris, I was looking forward to reading Susan Reinhardt's book. But the stories felt too choppy and didn't flow together like Sedaris' -- it was a let-down from start to finish. Reinhardt needs to learn that writing things just for shock value isn't always the right path to take.
May 19, 2010
Mostly entertaining although she completely lost me on her defence of breast feeding children who are old enough to ask for it. Some truly funny and real moments and some not so entertaining. Not the worst book I ever read. Although some reviewers take offence at the depiction of Asheville, NC I found it pretty accurate.
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