A Red State of Mind: How a Catfish Queen Reject Became a Liberty Belle

Nancy French is downright funny. She has such a quirky way of viewing everyday events. I don't always agree with her politics, but I can understand her desire not to be seen as a stereotype. We are all more complex individuals than our labels suggest. Nancy's book can help you recognize the need to get to know people who think differently, and you're laughing so hard you don't realize you're learning. A great read.

Nancy French is like Erma Bombeck on steroids. She is dangerous. " A Red State of Mind" will take you places where only a brave conservative dare tread. French not only survived some of the great bastions of liberal ideology, she used humor to protect herself against the culture of piranha politics. If you enjoy a love story, the beauty of the human condition, family, faith, political bantering and laughing so hard that your navel becomes an iny (or an outy), read this book!

I loved this book. I'm a lifelong Blue-stater who has been turning off the news for the past six years because I just can't bear to watch. But this book reminded me of my dream of hosting fabulous dinner parties where people talk about what really matters. In this book, Nancy shares what really matters to her, and whether you agree or disagree with her choices isn't the point, because (huge sigh of relief here) she isn't trying to convince us. She tries to make us laugh, and succeeds. Because of this, I'm giving her the ultimate non-fiction compliment: she reminds me of a right-wing Anne Lammott :)

Nancy French's account of, well, her life will absolutely enthrall you on every page. She grew up in Paris, Tennessee, moved to NYC, back to Kentucky, to Philly, and back to Tennessee. She talks about marriage, motherhood, politics, fire, rock stars, the Constitution, and more, all while making you laugh and, at points, making you cry. If you've ever been displaced, have a read through this book. If you're a conservative living in liberal territory (or vice-versa), this book will be better than a year of therapy. This book was a bit like making a new friend--one who really, truly understands. Her frank discussion of being a stranger in a strange land usually makes you laugh and always gives you insight, and perhaps some brevity, into your own struggles. You won't be sorry you bought this book--you'll just be sorry that the sequel isn't out yet!

If you like to laugh, you will enjoy this book--it doesn't matter if you are red, yellow, black, white or blue--Ms. French's commentary on diversity in America will have you rolling on the floor.