Phyllis Hoffman (2)

This isn't something I would ordinarily pick up, but I agreed to read it for a blog tour thinking it would be a fun summery read. Hoffman links each major experience of her life to a particular pair of shoes and uses shoes as a metaphor for women's lives. It's a decent concept, but I didn't care for her narrow, 1950s throwback definitions of womanhood and femininity and the assumptions underlying much of her writing.

She's clearly doing something right. I mean, she's a media mogul and all, but a book by a traditional Southern lady that's all about shoes just isn't really my cup of tea.… (mehr)

Admittedly, I am not a shoe collector but that did not stop me from enjoying Honey, It’s All In The Shoes by Southern publication powerhouse, Phyllis Norton Hoffman. In this slim book, Ms. Hoffman drew parallels from her history of shoe loving to major life lessons. Her love of footwear escorted her through many of life’s trials and tribulations – from being on bed rest with her twins (white slippers) to playing the organ during a wedding disaster (classic black pumps). Her anecdotes resulted in smart, humorous and poignant lessons that every woman can learn from, including my favorites:

1) Life is a journey of baby steps.
2) Remember no matter your path, people are there to help you.
3) Always tell people you love them.
4) Don’t get too comfortable.
5) It’s not the victory but the game.
6) Take care of yourself.

In addition to Ms. Hoffman’s memoirs, she ended each chapter with a historical look at shoes. I learned about Queen Elizabeth’s slippers and the first pair of high heels, worn by Catherine de Medici. Being a history buff, I especially loved these “shoeful” vignettes.

If you need a little inspiration, I would highly recommend Honey, It’s All In The Shoes to you. Hey, if it’s good enough for Paula Deen, then it’s good enough for me!… (mehr)