Delta Style: Eve Wasn't a Size 6 and Neither Am I

by Delta Burke, Alexis Lipsitz

A popular actress offers a warm-hearted and refreshingly honest account of her struggle with weight, her problems with self-esteem, and her journey toward accepting herself for what and who she is, an achievement aided by support from her fans. Reprint. 35,000 first printing.

Genres: Memoir, Biography, Nonfiction, Biography Memoir, Chick Lit, Feminism

224 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1998

About the author

Delta Ramona Leah Burke is an American television and film actress. She is probably best known for her role as Suzanne Sugarbaker in the CBS sitcom Designing Women.

Reviews

[Lisa Burris · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was spurred to read this book by a recent Designing Women binge watch. Suzanne Sugarbaker was always my favorite character on the show, and Burke played her beautifully.

Although Delta Style was engaging enough to make me read to the end, I wish that there was more here about Burke herself. Much of the biographical material, though interesting, is curt. For example, Burke talks about her struggles to maintain a size 5 figure and, after trying a variety of diets, she "found crystal meth." There is one more sentence after that about how she quickly stopped the drug, and then no more elaboration.

It's the biographical parts that are the best in this book. Over half of the book is, in fact, a style guide for "real-size" women, with advice on hairstyling, make up, and how to dress. Although this information may be helpful to some readers, it is tedious to read through and, situated as it is in the middle of the book, it's jarring to the overall reading experience. It would have been far better for Burke to have written an autobiography and then a second book about her personal style or, better yet, pair chapters with similar themes, as, for example, Reese Witherspoon's Whiskey in a Teacup did so well. That being said, Delta Style is now over 20 years old. I think it's time for an updated autobiography. Her fans would certainly be interested.

[Jeremy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book, again, I love autobiographies, so it suited. Delta had some crap to get over, and I like being reminded that these people, though they have cooler jobs than many of us, still have day to day stuff to sort out, and human pressures. I'm glad she found a nook for herself, though I did kind of just start flipping pages when she went on and on about fashion and designing.

And then I start my own blog about that very thing. Hypocrite, thy name is Jeremy.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed learning more about Delta's life and career. I absolutely adore Suzanne on Designing Women. I skimmed some of the parts about plus size clothing simply because they did not apply to me. I think it's a very positive and uplifting book.

[Jami]

terrific pictures. bad style tips from delta's fans. thanks for taking this from the bar, lindsay. and delta burke, i feel you, washin' down that xanax with diet dr pepper.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Delta Burke! She's probably the closest thing to a role model I have. That is, her character as Suzanne Sugarbaker 😉 I have perfected the "'Scuze me!!! 'Scuze me!!!" Just ask anybody I was with Thursday night! And I'm notorious for telling the truth, feelings be damned. Delta is evidently not that way. She's grace and charm. Suzanne....well....
How very kind of her to share her tips and secrets and, most of all, her favorite shops! I love that she feels at home in New Orleans. I wonder if she still lives there.
I enjoyed seeing the wealth of pictures she included in this book. Delta is truly stunning. It's obvious she loves her momma and Nana and especially her husband. There was only one mention of his daughters, so that makes me wonder about their relationship.
Three stars because it was repetitive. I wasn't expecting a tell-all of Hollywood slander but I think I was anticipating more of an in-depth look into her life PAST her battle with weight. She elaborated that there were several years in her life she would pass out because she was starving herself to maintain single digits. She says that she even tried crystal meth! Holy moly!! But that's all she says and I guess I can't blame her. The book is pretty choppy, I think it would have been better divided into sections: biography, pictures, fashion tips. Plus, reading it now, twenty years later, it's kinda dated. A quick Google shows a Delta who has gone against her own advice and straightened and chopped off all her hair. She almost looks Oriental. No makeup...it's like she doesn't care to maintain anymore. And I guess that's ok, too, but...that's part of her brand, looking your best.
Oh well. Still worth a flip through, even if you just check out her pictures.

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This started off strong. Her description of why she loves tiaras and what it was like to be in pageants was enjoyable. I agree with other reviews I’ve read: I would have preferred more memoir and less fashion advice. I would love to have read more about her acting training in London (and even what it was like as she changed her personal style to lots of black and hats and capes). She mentions being on crystal meth for a while, but nothing else about that. I’d like to hear more about the other actors on Designing Women and what her grandmother was like.

[Margaret Mitchell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book needs two ratings. The first part which is her life story is great, 5 stars. The second part which is self-help filler, 1 star. I did love all the pictures.

[Bonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the little stories Delta shared about her life, but three quarters of the book was how to dress, makeup, skin care, etc.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars only because I wish the entire book was like the first half-her stories and memories. That section was great!

[Kate Spears · Rating 3 out of 5]

i've always had such a soft spot for delta burke...a southern girl after my own heart. she is funny and honest, talking candidly about her experiences in the entertainment industry while struggling with her weight. my only complaint is that this book now 15+ years old and i'd love to read an updated version to see what she's up to now. her fashion tips include wearing lots of leggings with boots, so (depending on your personal preference) that could be quite timely!

[Lisa Kleinert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed the autobiographical bits as well as how generous Delta was in sharing photographs, however I glazed over the style tips as they were generic and though from 1998 encouraged shoulder pads.

[Ashley Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delta taught me my body is beautiful.

[Connie]

Interesting, I've always enjoyed Delta's candor, this book was a good, short, read.

[Laura Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Everyone should read this book!

[Linda Klager · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. I admire Delta Burke so much.