There were some fun and entertaining moments in this book. But then there were chapters that I couldn't wait to get through to see if the next one would be better.

This book is made up of a a variety of essays that are linked together by some random headings. I do admit that there were moments when I chuckled and when I wanted to remember some of the statements to share with others.

As a girl from the South, I could appreciate some of the idiosyncracies that were buried among the pages. The people in the South are different and the viewpoint of family, food, relationships, nature, etc. was something that appealed to me a little more than I think it would people from other areas of the country.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book with its' stories is easy to pick up and put down again to enjoy in small steps. The South and Julia's take on it are chronicled in all manner, it was a lot of fun to finally read them all.

A cute, lighthearted tale ..... nothing that’ll keep you up all night with, but definitely worth the read! Thanks to netgalley for the opportunity.

A semi entertaining and humorous mismatch of essays portraying the many idiosyncracies to be found in the South. The authors love for the home of her birth, the Mississippi Delta does shine through. Essays touching on food, family, school, though her viewpoint is often viewed through her priviledged background. A church where guns are welcome but they are offended if one brings alcohol onto their grounds. Politness hiding much of a person's thoughts, generally thoughts not favorable.

Enjoyed some of these essays thst point out the lowest and highest points of being Southern. Had to laugh when she classified Honey Boo Boo as being one of the lowest. Never watched that show but knew who she was from reading the Enquirer when standing in line at the grocers. Can't understand the appeal, but then again can't understand the fascination many have for anything Kardashian.

So a mixed bag, but a nice diversion, easy to pick out an essay here and there, though this collection seems to lack cohesion. Just my opinion, some I probably just didn't get, not being Southern myself.

(review on Amazon pending)

South Toward Home, is a memoir in the form of a collection of essays, is a somewhat entertaining read for those who enjoy reading about the South. Some stories were more entertaining than others. If you are not familiar with the south and/or are planning a visit there, reading this book may enhance your visit. I liked her writing style and how she talked about many aspects of living in the South. I thought that her love of the South was really shown in her writing this book.

Having read Julia Reed’s magazine pieces for years, I was delighted to see this book. I was not surprised to find it as charming and humorous as her other writing.

I was not familiar with this author, who evidently is a frequent writer for Garden and Gun, but I certainly enjoyed this introduction. It probably helped that I grew up just across the Mississippi River from her home town of Greenville, in the Arkansas delta, so I could relate to a lot of the people, places, and events. She was like the best friend I haven’t met yet. The book, actually a series of essays which were probably originally columns, was full of humor and self-deprecation, familiar to all southerners. It was a great traveling companion in my e-reader, because it was easy to pick up when I had a few minutes to read. Some stories were laugh-out-loud worthy, others just a little smile. I was intrigued to discover that she splits time between New Orleans and Seaside, two of my favorite places as well. I will definitely be looking for her other books.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Being a fifty-something Michigander who moved to central Florida, and then North Georgia nearly 30 years ago, I very much enjoyed reading this book of essays by Julia Reed. I found its humor finely tuned and more high brow than corn pone and I plan to read more by this author. If you subscribe to GARDEN and GUN you may have heard of her. I loved reading her stories about Mississippi and making their own fun, and all the Southern culture, food and the different people. There are even a few recipes included, which reminds me I planned to copy a couple. If you like this type of book, you may want to give this one a look for sure.

There was a neat story about a woman who planned, arranged and even attended her own funeral soiree, before her passing so that she could enjoy it too, that was quite interesting. I’ve heard of that being done before, but never quite so tastefully, I must say. Or probably as enjoyably as this person who planned it. An advance electronic copy was provided by NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my fair review.

St. Martin’s Press
Publication: July 31, 2018

I really liked this book. I am a sucker for all things southern and Julia Reed writes a southern book. The chapters were actually essays and they were quick and delightful. I am going to go back and read other things by this author. What a fun ride!

I was not able to get interested in this book. I guess it's just not my cup 'o tea. I did try several times to continue reading where I left off and even to start over but it just didn't work for me. I hope others who enjoy this genre more than I do enjoyed it and have great ratings!

I've been reading Julia Reed for years in various publications so this compilation of her essays was a treat. She can be a polarizing writer, as she does tend to wander off track- meander-in pretty much every one bit that's part of her charm. Think of this as a book to dip in and out of and don't take it too seriously. Yes, she's privileged and not reflective of the whole South but this is her reality and it is what it is. Enjoy her for that. I liked her writing, I liked the subject matter (she's a fan of food, drink, and animals) and while I might not always agree with her, she's always good for a chuckle. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. If you have not read her before, this is a good place to start.

Living in the south and having read many books about the south I thought this would be right up my alley. Perhaps I just set my hopes up too high. The collection of essays just didn’t appeal to me. I really didn’t find any humorous parts which is what I was hoping for. Don’t let my review dissuade you. Thank you Netgalley for an ARC.

Interesting new book by Southern writer Julia Reed. She writes about her adventures of living in the Siuth from the adelta Hot Tamale Festival to music and food. Very funny and a great read.

Julie know of what she speaks, having been born in Mississippi, writing for Garden and Guns magazine (which I ADORE, for its Southerness!) and living in New Orleans. Each chapter takes a look at different parts of the Southern history- both the good and the bad (which is why it's under History Corner today), and what remains to this day, and more importantly, WHY it does! The chapters can be read alone, but together, they give you an amazing look why Southerns always come home- amid the craziness, is a lot of truth and love, and Julia shows it in every chapter. True Southerners will find themselves in a quite a few chapters, for example, who hasn't done the 'point out the tourists and profile them' game when out in NOLA? It's just TOO easy!

This is the book to take with you on vacation, to remind you why you DO want to come home, to send to those expats who thinking living up North is better, and for those looking to move down here, why they really do want to! You may find this book on your gift giving list for quite awhile! It even makes a nifty graduation gift for those leaving college into the big wide world. It may just be the salve they need!

As someone from Mississippi, I was sure I would enjoy this. I personally had never heard of Julia Reed or Garden and Gun magazine. Seems an odd pairing. But I gave it a shot.

I almost gave up on the forward. Unfortunately this wasn't one of my favorites. There was a lot of jumbled parts and enough of the "I digress".

Netgalley/ St. Martin's Press June 26th

South Toward Home, a memoir in the form of a collection of essays, is a laugh a minute, and for those of us no longer living in the deep south the occasional tear accompanied by a deep sense of loss. I could not pick a favorite story if my life depended on it, but this is a book I will keep handy for time's I need cheering up. This is a book I will treasure, and gift to others also living in exile. The southwestern desert is home but the south holds my heart. And if you are not familiar with the south or plan to visit there, you should read South Toward Home: Adventures and Misadventures in my Native Land, before you head down there. It will add tons of enjoyment to your visit.

Julia Reed is a contributor to the magazine Garden & Gun. You can't get any more southern than that. If you feel an affinity to things southern, or you love NOLA or Mississippi or you can't get enough southern rock music, you are missing out on a good thing if you don't have Julia Reed on your radar.

I received a free electronic copy of this collection of essays from Netgalley, Julia Reed and St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all, for sharing your hard work with me.

Just an average book, nothing I could point to but nothing outstanding that really piqued my interest. Hard to finish because of that.

Being familiar with Julia Reed as a Garden & Gun subscriber, I am fully convinced that she is to us what Erma Bombeck was to our mothers & grandmothers. Fallible & funny, real and relatable, Reed is unerringly truthful about life in the South, such as the hoarding of all things be it email, magazines, old LPs, or what have you-and we love her for it. After all, we see ourselves in her cherished neuroticism. She bares her soul to the reader as easily as a best girlfriend would over a glass of wine admitting her faults, shortcomings, and hijinks. And there are plenty of hijinks with Reed, as she relates every one with characteristic nostalgia and humor.

Reading South Toward Home reminds me once more why I’ve no desire to live anywhere other than the South. Yes, you’ll find some crazy folk down here, but for the traveling I have done in my life, I have never known total strangers to be kinder than those chanced upon below the Mason Dixon. Besides, I much prefer the atmosphere and architecture.

Full disclosure, I received a digital copy of this book as an ARC and I am, as Reed, a born and bred Southerner. So to say I'm a tad biased here would be a little silly. I was thrilled to receive the book and several times laughed out loud at her shenanigans-if only because it sounded like something me and my girlfriends would do. Considering the upcoming summer months, this is a great pick for lazy seaside/lakeside days. Give it a spin! And Julia...hurry up with the next one please, that is, after you clean out all those old magazines laying around the house!!

I discovered Julia Reed several years ago in Fetch, an on-line magazine produced by an upscale shopping site. I chuckled at her wit. As a true Southern belle, she regaled me with her classic style and her penchant for food and drink. When I saw that she had a new book, I was quick to get my hands on a copy.
I enjoyed South Toward Home. I read it as a group of short stories rather than from cover to cover—a few chapters at a time made it a nice little appetizer. She covers all manner of Southern life from critters to humidity, from hunting to debutante balls. Since I share the same regional background, and about the same time frame, many of her recollections were poignant to me. And I loved her Play List! Any Southern songfest without Poke Salad Annie is just not right!
I’d recommend this book for any true Southerner, or someone who wants to be.
I received an advanced readers copy of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to both.

Having spent time in the South and ready many books (fiction and non-fiction) set there, I so wanted to enjoy reading this book. Every region of the U.S. has it quirks and “isms”. It is always fun to learn about them especially when the author pokes fun at him/herself. However, I found that the writing style was a bit sophomoric. If I had to read “I digress” one more time, I would have screamed. Unlike books that have recipes at the end of each chapter, the couple that were incorporated were haphazard and did not add to the book. Maybe they should have been grouped together at the end of the book. I can understand why others enjoyed this book and why I am probably in the minority. That is why there are so many options in the greater reading world. Thank you, NetGalley,