I put myself on the waiting list at my library for this book because I enjoy Reese Witherspoon. I like that she is pushing for more female led productions and she is charming in interviews. I didn’t really know anything about the book but figured it would be a memoir of sorts (maybe not told chronologically similar to Amy Poehler’s book that I just read). While the book does have memories and stories it is more of a love letter and glimpse into the life of a middle/upper middle class southern white woman. This is not a bad thing. I find it enjoyable to learn about culture different than my own because even though I am a middle class Midwestern white woman there are differences between the two. (I should add my work is involved in using the Intercultural Development Inventory which has had me thinking about all the subtleties between different cultures that on the surface seem similar).
The book includes a number of recipes (most from friends and family), playlists, and other media recommendations. It also includes a number of lovely pictures of Reese as well as friends, family, and examples of southern life. There are lots of anecdotes and memories, especially about her grandmother who obviously played a key role in shaping Reese’s opinion of a southern woman. If you are looking for tales of other Hollywood stars though this is not the book for you, a few names are dropped but not many.
If you want a light breezy book this will satisfy that need. After a long day of work I could quickly breeze through a few chapters and relax. If you are familiar with Witherspoon you can also definitely hear her voice as you read, complete with a few y’alls. If you are a good cook and want the recipes the book would be a good buy, I do not have the tools or patience for many of the recipes listed. If you are not a chef however, I would recommend borrowing the book like I did.
I am super intrigued by the Intercultural Development Inventory !
It is something some of the schools in the district I teach in are doing. You start with a survey that places you on a continuum and your goal is to move up the continuum. I think it is a good idea but most of what we do is in a very large group setting which is not really beneficial. Also the person who has led some trainings is not in education so doesn’t understand the teenage mind. It has been used in the corporate world more often and I would love to hear about how it works there.
https://idiinventory.com/publications/the-intercultural-development-continuum-idc/ This is a link to the continuum.