I’ll admit that the main reason I listened to this book (yes, listened to it) was because it was three hours long and I was making a last ditch-effort to catch up with my 2023 Goodreads reading challenge (which I have now completed!). What began as a means-to-an-end resulted in the discovery of a hilarious little piece of home that made me chuckle, tear up a bit*, and feel immense pride in where I’m from.
*Disclaimer: I blame the “tearing up” bit on being ever so slightly homesick due to the festive season and doubt this will be an emotion experienced by many.
Phillips, a Midwestern native, provides a cheat-sheet for the states comprising “the Midwest”, including guides to social niceties and conventions as well as fact sheets for each state. Overall, I thought it was hilarious and self-deprecating in a way that truly embodies the Midwest spirit. My one critique, and take this as you will, is that the concept of gift giving and hostess gifts was very heavy-handed throughout the book. Now, I have given a hostess gift before so who am I to judge, but I don’t feel that aspect of the “Midwestern culture” is as prevalent as Phillips makes out. If you feel strongly otherwise, I’m all ears.
This book is presented as a guide for people unfamiliar with the Midwest as a way for them to understand the wonderful Ranch-loving land in the middle of the US, but as a Midwesterner, I found a lot to love in the book as well. I found myself laughing out loud and welling with pride at this in-depth look at the culture I’m from.
Long story short, maybe cramming in small books to meet a ridiculous reading challenge isn’t so bad when it gives you little gems such as this.
2% Rating: 7.5/10
Recommend? Yes, to Midwesterners and outsiders alike
Re-Read? Maybe!
Time: 1:30
Bonus content: The part that made me tear up was at the end of the acknowledgments when Phillips concludes by saying, “Kansas City, I made this for you. Thanks for making me.”
*cue tears*