Whiskey in A Teacup

By: Jill Scherr

Reese Witherspoon is many things: A-list actress, Oscar winner, fashion designer, mother and activist…But what you might not know is that she runs a very successful book club that rivals Oprah’s and has recently released her very own book called “Whiskey in A Teacup.” This book primarily pertains to all things “Southern,” but also has something for everyone on a variety of topics. So, whether you are a Southern girl yourself, a fan of Reese or are just looking for a fun relaxing read than look no further than this book.

“Whiskey in A Teacup” will make the perfect holiday gift or is a great book to curl up with yourself as the days start getting shorter and temperatures become colder. It is also a lovely tribute to Reese’s grandmother Dorothea Draper (who inspired the book and is the namesake behind her Draper James clothing line) and to strong Southern women as well as women all around the world who are “southern at heart” – whatever their background may be.

The book is divided into sections including:

1. Magic of Sweet Tea – Basically, this is the foundation of the book and not only introduces us to her grandmother as well as her background, but also the kind of person Reese is and for what she stands.
2. Home Decorating – Reese loves home decorating, but in a way that is both comfy and approachable. This section breaks down how she creates her “home” as well as gives tips on how you can create your own cozy space. As Reese says, “A home has to feel welcoming for it to really become a home. It is so much more than beautiful decorations, but the personal touches that make a house a home.”
3. Beauty/Fashion – This section full of amazing tips/tricks to achieve Reese’s signature style.
4. Entertaining – Here you’ll find a fun look at how Reese celebrates special occasions year-round in her family and how you can create your own memories and traditions. Reese says a great tip to good entertaining is to invite people of different ages and backgrounds as it keeps the conversation interesting.
5. Family – The heart of who Reese is as a person and who keeps her inspired and motivated everyday this chapter gives a little insight into her own family: husband Jim [Toth], daughter Ava and sons Deacon and Tennessee. Her son Tennessee, who just turned six years old, reminds her to appreciate the little things in life. Her daughter Ava likes giving advice and is very fashionable just like her mom. However, while they do share a love of fashion, they each have their own individual styles.
6. Travel – Reese is a woman of the world as she travels for many films and other different events around the globe. This chapter shares some of her experiences and gives some of her best travel tips for stress free travel.
7. Books Clubs – Reese is a huge book fan, a fact that she makes well known. She also runs her own very successful book club and this chapter is dedicated to how to start your own.
8. Friendships – Reese is all about girl power and this chapter focuses on how to cultivate strong female friendships and women supporting women.
9. Giving Back – This is another wonderful chapter on the importance of getting involved and giving back. Reese is involved in a number of important charities and organizations and this chapter focuses on that.
10. Etiquette – This is a fun chapter on some Southern etiquette and manners. Additionally, it includes some of the fun phrases and slang every Southern girl should know.

In addition to all of the above, the book features beautiful color photographs, funny anecdotes and even Reese’s love of country singer Dolly Parton. My personal favorite chapter was the Beauty/Fashion section as I have always loved Reese’s amazing style and stunning looks. She is known for her classy style with her signature Southern charm and this section will reveal all her different tips and tricks that she uses to achieve that, including the perfect lip as well as the proper way to set your hair in hot rollers.

The thing that surprised me most was just how candid Witherspoon was and how she shows us readers that even though she lives this fabulous amazing life she is no different than us in her values and hopes for the world and for her family. She has shown strength and vulnerability in how she grew as an actress to facing off against powerful men in the industry in her fight for women’s equality.

This book would be ideal for many age groups and it would make a lovely gift to be passed down from generation to generation. The book retails from Simon & Schuster for $35.00, but prices may vary by retailer as it is also available in a variety of other formats including: hardcover, special signed hardcover, eBook, audio download, and compact disk.

Also, if you’re interested a special Walmart Edition is available which features a bonus chapter on tailgating. It is a New York Times Bestseller and is 304 pages long. Be sure to pick up a copy today! You won’t regret it.