Bless Your Heart - by Landon Bryant (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Viral sensation Landon Bryant discusses Southern traditions, superstitions, history, fashion, food, faux pas, the beauty shop, and more in this charming debut book spotlighting and celebrating all things from the South"--

Book Synopsis

Hey, y'all. Welcome to the South! Viral sensation and TikToker Landon Bryant (@LandonTalks) presents his tongue-in-cheek "anthropological dive" into the food, fashion, linguistics, culture, holidays, and traditions of the American South, complete with commentary from famous Southerners, humorous charts, and charming illustrations.

"Let's discuss . . ." These two words began the viral sensation that is @LandonTalks led by the sharp-witted, down-home, Mississippi-born Landon Bryant. If there's one thing Landon knows, it's the South. His anthropological dissections of customs and traditions celebrating all things Southern are a mix of humor, history, and head nodding.

In his debut book, Landon discusses everything you've ever wanted to know about the South, including why they say the things they say, why they eat the things they eat, and what it really means when someone says, "Bless your heart." Every step of the way, Landon infuses his faux field guide with warmth, whimsy, nostalgia, and his trademark down-to-earth personality with equal measure humor and practical information. If you've ever wondered why Southerners are always clutchin' their pearls or what their affinity is for pecan pie or peanuts and Coke, then this field guide is for you.

Learn all about Southern superstitions (think haint blue porches to bottle trees), critter guides (how to spot 'em and how to avoid 'em), to common Southern sayings ("might could" translates to a polite Southern "no"). Chapter by chapter, Landon uses his signature style to study the common Southerner through a voice-driven, heartwarming lens, all the while sending the same message of unity and come-as-you-are hospitality that has made him the indisputable Southern sweetheart of social media.

Review Quotes

"Through punch lines and porch wisdom, he's documenting a fading culture and language one 'cattywampus' and 'fixin' to' at a time. But the new book is more than a collection of sayings. It's a love letter to the people who raised him and the culture that shaped him."--Garden & Gun

"...Bless Your Heart did not disappoint. It is consistently funny and appears aimed at Southern readers who may have drifted from their linguistic roots as much as Yankees."--Tuscaloosa News

"[Landon's] great-grandmother was a major influence on him, but it was his wife, Kate, who encouraged him to start sharing his opinions about Southern identity on Instagram. Now, he's come out with a new book, Bless Your Heart, that distills his unique perspective into a clever, smart, and deeply entertaining guide to the culture."--Southern Living

"If you've come across the account Landon Talks on Instagram or TikTok, it's likely that his reels resonated with you on some level. Landon Bryant's calm, Southern drawl will pull you in, but it's his take on Southern culture and our vernacular that will have you giving him a follow."--Delta Magazine

"Landon Bryant is a top-notch educator. Whether it is in an art classroom or on Instagram discussing one of the South's little idiosyncrasies, he has an ability to explain things in a hilarious way." --Mississippi Today

"Landon Bryant talks about grits, prayer lists and humidity, addressing a diverse audience bound by its fascination with a colorful, complicated place."--The New York Times

"Social media star Landon Bryant is an unlikely representative of the South, and that makes him perfect."--Mud & Magnolias

"Whether settling the great pecan pronunciation debate, schooling non-southerners on funeral procession etiquette or bravely moderating the age-old cornbread-and-sugar controversy, Landon has a way of making you laugh, think, and maybe even learn a thing or two."--Postcards Magazine

About the Author

Landon Bryant is a dynamic force in the world of social media, rapidly gaining fame as an influential Southern storyteller. You likely know Landon from his often hilarious, sometimes controversial (when it comes to sugar or salt on grits), and always insightful "let's discuss..." monologues on Southern culture. His journey, however, roots back to his days as an acclaimed art teacher whose passion for education continues but now with a much wider audience. Known for his captivating speaking engagements and Southern flair, Landon leaves audiences deeply satisfied with his influential and authentic voice from the South.

Adam Trest is an artist with a passion for all things Southern. His work evokes the heart of Southern folklore and traditions. A New York Times bestselling illustrator, Trest's work can be found in the illustrations of children's books, hanging in the homes of his collectors worldwide, and in multiple home decor lines available nationwide. Regardless of the application, Trest's work focuses on telling the story of life in the South.