God Save the Sweet Potato Queens

Sweet Potato Queens #2

by Jill Conner Browne

Hallelujah! The Sweet Potato Queens are back!

In 1999, Jill Conner Browne, royal boss of Jackson, Mississippi's own glorious Sweet Potato Queens, introduced them to the world in the hilarious bestseller The Sweet Potato Queen's Book of Love (which contained everything you ever need to know about Love, Life, Men, Marriage, and the importance of Being Prepared). But, fortunately for us, that was not the final chapter in the Queens' splendid saga. The Sweet Potato Queens still have plenty of stuff to say and valuable wisdom to impart about how they went from being Cute Girls to Fabulous Women,

• Dating for the Advanced, or Advancing
• The Joys of Marriage—if you must
• More Delicious, Death-Defying Recipes
• The Promise for Men—six little words that will make any woman swoon
• Lolling About—the official activity of the Sweet Potato Queens
• The All-True Story of the Two Most Wonderful Men in the World
• Reader Mail—honoring the adventures of brand-new Wannabes and Honorary Queens from around the world

If you haven't met the Sweet Potato Queens yet, this is the introduction you've been waiting for. If you already know the joys of Queendom, this is your official welcome-back party.

Genres: Humor, Nonfiction, Chick Lit, Southern, Memoir, Comedy, Biography

261 pages, Paperback

First published January 9, 2001

About the author

Jill Conner Browne is the multiple #1 New York Times bestselling author of nine Sweet Potato Queens® books and has created a global phenomenon--6,200 chapter groups in 37 countries--based upon her philosophy and world-view as recounted through these rollicking, raucous and riotously funny essays. Women and smart men understand that the bawdy, sassy, down-to-earth humor is simply the vehicle by which the greater message is conveyed--that is, one of self-reliance and empowerment, inspiring all to do what makes their hearts sing.

Reviews

[Barbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think Jill could write a bad book, even if she wrote it with her eyes closed, using a crayon in her left hand. She's down to earth hilarious. Give this book to your friends that think they are too good for anyone else, she'll put them in their place. The last chapter was so sad, beautiful and touching, you end up with a box full of wet tissues by the time your done reading it. Love you Jill Conner Browne. Now to get another one and start on it.

[Holli · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this on tape and laughed out loud. She is so irreverent and funny. I guess it's a southern thang.--hr

From Publishers Weekly
Grab your Fat Mama's Knock You Naked Margarita mix, a bag of Fritos, a pan of Chocolate Stuff and turn off the phone, because Browne is back with a sassy and hilarious sequel to 1999's The Sweet Potato Queen's Book of Love, and you're not going to want any interruptions. Browne and her co-Queens (all named Tammy to protect their privacy) are back with more outrageous tales (including scathingly funny and surprisingly touching letters Browne wrote while pregnant) and artery-clogging/death-defying recipes. (Warning that "delaying gratification has always been tough for me," she begins preparation for Twinkie Pie, "Start with a crate of Twinkies.") Browne is a laugh-out-loud delight. On her perfect fianc : "He loves me beyond reason and lives 200 miles awayDshow me the flaw in this deal." On marriage: "Those dresses are some powerful juju and once you try one on, you're a goner." On buying new clothes after a little weight loss: "If that zipper closes, honeyDit fits! Doesn't matter if the pleats and pockets are all stretched out." Her final chapter (which starts: "I've written this entire book to avoid writing this chapter"), a tribute to two men she lost, is as heartbreaking as the rest of the book is hilarious. Browne succeeds at both extremes, writing a jaundiced but life-affirming book with sweetness and heart. (Jan.)

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the end of the school year and the beginning of summer, I'm braindead. I turn to the Sweet Potato Queens to remind me that there is a life outside of the schoolroom.

Their outrageousness and down-home Southern wisdom leave me giggling. I quote the Sweet Potato Queens to my mother. I revel in being a woman, thanks to the Sweet Potato Queens.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to this book on my commute to and from work. It was read by the Sweet Potato Queen herself and with her Southern accent it gave the humor an added enjoyment. It definitely made morning traffic and evening rush hour easier to tolerate!

[Cristina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as side-splitting as I'd heard. This book didn't hold my attention and I'd find that I could not recall what I'd just read. Did I giggle here and there? Yes. I'm sorry that this is the last book to fulfill my reading goal for 2014. I have two days left, maybe I can read something else more worthwhile.

[Tom N · Rating 4 out of 5]

GOD SAVE THE SWEET POTATO QUEENS, by Jill Connor Browne, is the hilarious sequel to "The Sweet Potato Queens' Book of Love".

In 1999, Jill Conner Browne, the leader of Jackson, Mississippi's own Sweet Potato Queens chapter, introduced the world to the Sweet Potato Queens. In her first book, she discussed everything you ever needed to know about love, life, men, marriage, and the importance of being prepared. However, this would not be the end of the story. The Sweet Potato Queens are back in this sequel, ready to dish the dirt on love and style. The latest installment liberally refers to their favorite escapades from the first book. It also entertains the reader with tales from fans who are starting up their own Sweet Potato families. The Sweet Potato Queens still have plenty of stuff to say and valuable wisdom to impart about how they went from being cute girls to fabulous women. In this sequel, they address such topics as:

-Big Hair;
-Dating for the Advanced, or Advancing;
-The Joys of Marriage;
-More Delicious, Yummy, Death-Defying Recipes;
-The Promise for Men (Six Little Words That Will Make Any Woman Swoon);
-Lolling About (The Official Activity of the Sweet Potato Queens), and;
-The All-True Story of the Two Most Wonderful Men in the World

And then to tie it all together, the Sweet Potato Queens share Reader Mail, honoring the adventures of brand-new Wannabes and Honorary Queens from around the world. If you haven't met the Sweet Potato Queens yet, this is the introduction you've been waiting for. If you already know them, this is your official welcome-back party.

Rich with advice on the seductive value of giant hair bows, prosthetic behinds, and sequins galore, this book includes some touching surprises amongst the laughs, leaving the readers looking for their hankies. We would recommend this entertaining book to fans of southern humor and comedy, as well as self-help books.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was kinda funny just not my type.I believe it's a southern thing.The author even talks about designing women Sauna Sugarbaker. All women are queens nothing like seating on the back seat of a car or truck. She talks about butter and mac and cheese.The big hair and the dressing up. To me they look like drag queens from the 70's. The musical kinda reminds me of hairspray. I did enjoy some parts! This was part of my May/June TBR.

[Joey Brockert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Women's power is propounded and extended. These women are really enjoying themselves. This sequel to the 'Sweet Potato Queens Book of Love' is really just a expansion and clarification of the first. It is just as funny, if not more so. The best part of the book is at the end with the little advice that we all can use.

[Kelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not read the first book and there were several references to it throughout this one, so I would recommend reading it first. Regardless, this book had literal LOL moments. I will be looking up the first book to see what I missed!

[D.M. Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed so hard I couldn't make a sound, gasping for air. Jill tells the best stories and this is by far my favorite of anything she's written. By the way, if you get a chance to hear her speak in person, move mountains to go. She's genuine, inspirational, and incredibly funny.

[Della Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

No need to recommend this one--I read the Sweet Potato Queen books some years back. I don't know how well they hold up with time, but they were very entertaining then, if you're looking for something light and silly.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a woman who lives out loud, or you'd love to be a woman who lives out loud, the Sweet Potato Queens are for you! Some books are like paddling a canoe down a lovely, winding stream. These books are more like shooting the rapids in water wings! NEVER A DULL MOMENT!

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of the same as Sweet Potato Queens Book of Love, with a very poignant closing chapter

[Vicki Valenta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny & Southern. Long live the Sweet Potato Queens.

[Amy the book-bat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really enjoying these books. Does anyone know if the recipes in this book are in the cookbook?

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good, three-and-a-half star book...until the ending. The last chapter really touched me and swayed me to the fourth star.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It takes a true talent to master hyperbole and Ms. Browne deserves a PhD. Just funny anecdotes and essays, but I howled and finished most satisfied.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series will keep you laughing out loud!

[Diane · Rating 2 out of 5]

From description was expecting quirky, fun read. While quirky, just didn't find it interesting enough to finish reading.

[Sydney Anderson]

Another book I could not put down. Laughs from start to finish. I ate the book up!!!

[Edie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny’

[Suzen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another funny peek at the Sweet potato queens and living life large. Fun moments, and kind moments and happy being southern and fun. Ends on a slighly sad nore, but kindness trumps it all.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Always amusing.

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am sure that there are those out there who will appreciate the humor, it just didn't speak to me.

[Margie Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many laugh out loud moments!

[Erin Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hilarious installment! Better than therapy!

[Conni Wayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully heartfelt and sincerely hilarious.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

BOOK AND AUDIO REVIEW:

Grab your Fat Mama's Knock You Naked Margarita mix, a bag of Fritos, a pan of Chocolate Stuff and turn off the phone, because Browne is back with a sassy and hilarious sequel to 1999's The Sweet Potato Queen's Book of Love, and you're not going to want any interruptions. Browne and her co-Queens (all named Tammy to protect their privacy) are back with more outrageous tales (including scathingly funny and surprisingly touching letters Browne wrote while pregnant) and artery-clogging/death-defying recipes. (Warning that "delaying gratification has always been tough for me," she begins preparation for Twinkie Pie, "Start with a crate of Twinkies.")

Browne is a laugh-out-loud delight. On her perfect fianc : "He loves me beyond reason and lives 200 miles awayDshow me the flaw in this deal." On marriage: "Those dresses are some powerful juju and once you try one on, you're a goner." On buying new clothes after a little weight loss: "If that zipper closes, honeyDit fits! Doesn't matter if the pleats and pockets are all stretched out."

Her final chapter (which starts: "I've written this entire book to avoid writing this chapter"), a tribute to two men she lost, is as heartbreaking as the rest of the book is hilarious. Browne succeeds at both extremes, writing a jaundiced but life-affirming book with sweetness and heart.

THE AUDIOBOOK (UNABRIDGED & READ BY THE AUTHOR):

A monumental wrong has been righted as Random House Audio finally brings Browne's deliriously funny and subversively inspiring book to audio.

Browne's comic manifestos have struck a chord with women of a certain age who follow her belief that "while it is demeaning to have our beauty judged by strangers, as Southern women it is our birthright to be the queen of some food group as long as we don't have to walk down a runway in a swimsuit to get the crown."

Browne's honeyed purr fits the snappy double entendres and ribald tales perfectly, and she's a delight to listen to, whether she's discouraging marriage ("if you must marry, buy a duplex"); singing the praises of Fritos ("Is there a more perfect food on the planet?"); listing the advantages of widowhood over divorce; planning what to eat when tragedy strikes or discussing body types ("I have a friend who insists on wearing the very smallest size clothes.... If that zipper closes, honey, it fits!").

Fair warning: have tissues ready for the audio's last section, a moving tribute to late friends Winston Brown and Willie Morris. This is an empowering, uproarious joy from start to finish

[Tabby Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when a group of women all named Tammy get together with their fearless ringleader, Jill, and strut down the road in the middle of Jackson, Mississippi wearing green sequined dresses and pink majorette boots during the annual St. Patrick's Day parade? Oh, I'd say a mild case of hysteria at best....
They're called The Sweet Potato Queens and every one wants to be one. Founder of the Queens and author of this book, Jill Conner Browne has given us much insight into the wacky world of Sweet Potato-ness, all while making the rest of us mortals insanely jealous that we didn't think of it first. Read on as Jill gives us advice on dating, marriage, divorce, children, men and acting like a lady -- Sweet Potato style. While not for the tame at heart, one who enjoys bawdy and rated-R humor will most likely devour this book.

God Save the Potato Queens is an excellent follow-up to the pandemonium that is The Sweet Potato Queen's Book of Love. I recommend that you read them in order since the first book's subjects are referred to in the second book, and Jill is not going to review them for you just to save you 12 bucks! An excellent addition to the libraries of Southern fiction fans as well as readers who agree Fritos and margaritas is the fifth major food group. Eat up