The Pulpwood Queen's Tiara-Wearing, Book-Sharing Guide to Life

by Kathy L. Patrick

When licensed cosmetologist turned publisher's rep Kathy Patrick lost her job due to industry cutbacks, she wasn't deterred. One year later, she opened Beauty and the Book, the world's only combination beauty salon/bookstore. Soon after, she founded The Pulpwood Queens of East Texas -- a reading group that dared to ask the question, "Does a book club have to be snobby to be serious?" The idea spread like wildfire. Now there are about 70 chapters nationwide. The overriding rule -- aside from wearing the club's official tiara, hot pink, and leopard print outfits -- is that the groups must have fun. The club's To get America reading.

THE PULPWOOD QUEENS' TIARA-WEARING, BOOK-
SHARING GUIDE TO LIFE celebrates female friendship, sisterhood, and the transformative power of reading. It includes life principles and motivational anecdotes, hilarious and heart-warming stories of friendships among the Queens, and stories from Kathy about the books that have inspired her throughout her life, complete with personalized suggested book lists.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Book Club, Humor

334 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Carolyn]

There is so so much I'd like to say about this book but my time is limited. But what I can say is that I adore Kathy's storytelling, humble servanthood spirit. She is so full of vibrance, love for others(which I adore) LIFE and style...Leopard Print/Diamond Tiara Style! I love that. I loved how she shared her life through unique chapter titles and the books she shares in each one...not to mention the quotes. I was shaking my head in agreement and could relate to her and felt like I was listening to a kindred spirit. She shares her journey of finding her Purpose in Life and the Girlfriends whom share it with her. She shares her Passion and Purpose and Strength and I am yet INSPIRED once again.
I would like to also add that too much in todays world we are taught that we should stand on our own strength...that's not what you'll get from this book.(at least I didn't) Although Kathy is an empowering woman and full of strength she acknowledges where it comes from. God.
Thank you Kathy for your words and I will be anxiously awaiting your next book.

[Carla Stewart]

When I first started reading this book, I was nearly certain that Kathy Patrick lead a parallel life to mine growing up. Her stories of family and school and becoming a lover of books kept me sailing through the book. By the end I'd laughed and cried until I was - as we say in the South - plumb wore out. Mostly I'm amazed at the heart of this woman who wants to bring joy and meaning to others by introducing them to books and making them feel beautiful inside and out. Remarkable lady. Terrific book.

[Susan]

Great book! Lots of recommendations left me w/a million more books to add to my "to-read" list. The author of this book is an over-the-top die-hard reader and tireless advocate for reading and literacy programs as well as a whacky chick in the way only Southern woman can be. Great recipes, quotes, booklists and outlook on life. I cant wait to dig in to the MANY books w/an especially Southern twist that Kathy reccomends. And the great quote on literacy-"The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read.”
― Mark Twain

[Kristen Amen]

Three words: charming, delightful, & inspiring.

[Kimberly]

This book is reads like you we're having a relaxed, laugh-out-loud, and heartfelt conversation with the author. The author writes from the heart; she makes no attempt to hide her quirks and foibles. Instead, she rejoices in them as we'll as thoroughly enjoying life. If you want to have a nice, casual read by an avid book-lover with recommendations of great books, this is the book for you.

I was very fortunate to drive to the author's shop in Jefferson, TX, and meet her and have a great haircut and color. She is a delight!

[Karin Gillespie]

This book is such a delight. Kathy has such a compelling and inspiring story. Particularly resonated with me because I grew up in the Midwest in the 60s too and I am such a fan of tiaras. This book is like a long, entertaining conversation about books. I love Kathy's voice and her message. She's done so much to spread the word about new authors and books. There's no one like her.

[Sue]

I would love to meet the author Kathy L. Patrick and be a part of her book club. In the tradition of Texas, she is larger than life and blessed with a Texas-sized sense of humor. Sorry I didn't read her book in 2008 when it came out because many of her titles are now dated, but a Southern writer is timeless. Pat Conroy, her all-time favorite author, is one of mine, too. The quotes add more depth to her life experiences. I'm looking forward to reading some of the many titles she recommended.

[Natali Madrigal]

Southern Girl right here (raising my hand). So I totally get where Kathy was coming from when she explained home life and people we surround ourself with. Kathy seems like the kind of friend who makes life fun and interesting. I appreciated each chapter ending with book suggestions, I’ve highlighted all the ones I’m adding to my future to read list. I can even appreciate the recipes at the end of the book, Perfect for potlucks.

[Angela]

An enjoyable read about the start and continuation of a book club. I marked a few of the pages, so I can add some of the books suggested to my own TBR. It is very Southern, and focuses on Southern writing (hey, you like what you like), but still has some suggestions outside of that specific genre. Fun.

[Mary Sheriff]

As a card carrying member of the Pulpwood Queens, I can say this book captures the book club and its founder beautifully. The story of a woman (Kathy L. Murphy now) who dedicates her life to promoting books is an inspiring tale. I adore that she included a tbr list and recipes. The book drips with Southern charm and fills me with hope that I too can do great things.

[Julie S.]

I truly enjoyed reading this book! Kathy Patrick is so personable with her writing style that I felt like we were visiting together as I read the book. I love that she includes reading suggestions after each chapter. Since reading this book, I've developed an interest in tiaras....

[Paula]

A fun read and good ideas of books to read.

[Kristin]

Okay book about a lady’s look over her life. No main point in the story.

[Tabby Kat]

One part memoir, one part inspirational how-to-be-happy-and-do-unto-others-as..., I flew through this book in a few short sittings and enjoyed every minute of it. She may be a small-town girl but Kathy Patrick clearly comes with a great big ol' heart. Whether she is describing the antics of the tiara-wearing Pulpwood Queens as they grew from six to the whole, big, nationwide phenomenon they've become, remembering her childhood and her relationship with her parents with stark truth measured by humor, or - the most moving chapter for me - detailing the day she fixed the hair of her dear friend Joyce in preparation for Joyce's own funeral, Kathy's humanity and compassion shines through. And to top it all off: great quotes on friendship, literature and life; wonderful reading lists; and recipes

[Lisa]

A suprisingly delightful book! Autobiography of Kathy Patrick, who started the first beauty salon/bookstore in the country (maybe the world!). The book is full of great stories of her book club "The Pulpwood Queens of East Texas" who come to meetings in hot-pink shirts trimmed with leopard print and sporting tiaras, because as Kathy says, "We're all Queens!" A tireless advocate for literacy, Kathy is the kind of person you would love to sit down with one afternoon and talk books until the morning. Full of fun quotes, tender insights, and countless book recommendations, this is a great book for any reader, writer, or book-lover in general. :)

[Patty]

I took my time with this book because I wanted to make it last. It is a book about loving books and reading, but it is so much more than that. It is a journey into the authors life, from her childhood right into her adulthood. For me this book is also a self help book and I think that is amuzing because I feel that almost all books in their own way are self help books, especially fiction which sometimes helps us to look into our own lives in a new or different way and discover something that is wonderful or something that we need to change in our lives. In this book is also a wonderful list of other book suggestions that I will be sure to use in my search for new authors and novels.

[Tameka]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I liked the idea of it being a part memoir and "how-to" book on establishing a book club. It also renewed my faith in my life long dream of owning my own bookstore. As well as the ability to just follow my dreams, whatever they may be.
Tons of good book information too. I'm not much for writing or highlighting in my books, but I definitely put some marks & dogears within this one!! Just so many interesting books to check out. Hopefully I'll have room on my nightstand for them all!!

[Barb Lawrence]

What a fun book! In fact, I just inquired about becoming a Pulpwood Queen, meaning I want to join (or start) a local chapter of the book club. I thought the book could have been organized a bit better (hence the one star deduction), but really a must-read for people who love to read, and want to live life to the fullest. I hope someday to visit Kathy Patrick's Beauty and the Book--a combination beauty shop and book store. And I am sooooo ready to wear pink, leopard print, and a tiara!

[Barbara]

After meeting this crazy lady in Jefferson this past summer I could hardly wait to read her book. She came to Corsicana and did a review of the book and told her remarkable story. She turned a small town beauty shop into a one-of-a-kind retreat that gained national attention. When you read her book and see her suggestions you will want to read every one of them. Her web site tells her story. Check it out. http://www.beautyandthebook.com/index...

[Deborah]

I thought it was more of a guide to books and reading and promoting reading than a guide to life. There are stories about her life, but each chapter ends with recommended reading on a theme selected to complement the chapter in some way. I liked the chapter about Katrina. There is a list of recipes and suggestions on starting a book club and even book club questions for this book included at the end of the book.

[Annette]

This is a book worth reading. Written in a down home Texas style, author, Kathy Patrick reveals her life with humor and catchy anecdotes. Having worked as a go-between between authors and bookstores, Patrick lists her favorite reads at the end of each chapter. She also tells of opening her own salon, Beauty and the Book, which lent itself to the beginning of nationwide book clubs, hence The Pulpwood Queens.
Feisty and fabulous !

[Marshakinney]

Maybe you saw her on Good Morning America. She is a book loving fun loving Texas woman who opened a combo book store and beauty parlor "Beauty and the Book". It was the first step toward her creation of the world's largest book club. Inspiring story and lots of book suggestions to go with each life lesson. Even some recipes to take to the book club. www.beautyandthebook.com to learn more about the Pulpwood Queens.

[Jo]

This was my Book Club's pick. I got half way through and could not bring myself to finish. I love books. I love reading. I enjoy book clubs. The idea of a bookstore/beauty salon is intriguing. But this book is just too laborious to read. The writing is all over the place, repetitive and exhausting. Sprinkled through the chapters are pithy saying the author seems to think are relevant. Each chapter ends with a review on 5-10 books she has read. Exhausting. Did not like.

[Jennifer Wyld]

This book was pretty inspiring. Kathy is definitely on a mission and maybe my friends and I will finally start a book group. I especially appreciated the books she listed at the end of each chapter, to inspire more book groups. I don't think I will be in leopard print, but I do want to get a hair cut from her next time I am in east Texas!

[Stacy]

Started out okay - I always appreciate someone who loves books as much as me...but i found the author's writing to be repetitive and after the first half, a bit boring. But I do love the idea of having a beauty salon/bookshop!

[Lauren]

This book was just fun to read. It is a memoir of a lady who owns a beauty salon/ book store and contains great recipes, anecdotes, and many book lists and reviews. This book shows creativity and exuberance and is feminine in the best sense of the word. I loved it.

[Kris]

I really liked this. The idea that you could get your hair cut while looking for a book and talking about books! A perfect world. Plus, I enjoyed her reading lists - heavy on the Southern lit which I love.

[Leslie Jem]

I would love to go to the author's salon/bookstore and have her cut my hair while we talk about books. It's always a pleasure to see someone else's reading lists and learn another reader's thoughts on reading

[Lorraine]

Easy read and very enjoyable about Kathy Patrick and the beginnning of her Pulpwood Queen book group. I orignally read ths book, since we are going to the convention and getting to meet Kathy. Totally enjoyable reading!

[Lizzy]

A great book by a fellow Texan. In this book, she tells about life experiences and shares some of her favorite books (mostly by southern authors) with a little synopsis of each. Some of the recommendations I love, some I don't care for.