US Hairways: Snippets from a Hairdresser's Journey

by Tonya Reid

Overview

"This is not the book I thought I was going to write."

~Tonya Reid

Life is like that sometimes, isn't it? We head down one path only to find ourselves in a completely different direction. If you can relate to this, and enjoy laughing until you cry or crying until you laugh, then you'll enjoy Tonya Reid's debut book, US Hairways. A collection of essays on legacy, lunacy, a daughter finding her way, and a father who would have made a much better older brother, US Hairways offers readers a good time the only way Tonya knows how to share it: full of Southern hospitality and irreverence smothered in butter.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781960892089
Publisher:	Synergy Publishing Group
Publication date:	10/23/2023
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	122
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Tonya Reid is a hairdresser by trade who has always had a knack for entertaining and storytelling. When people meet her, they feel like they've known her forever. She is the embodiment of Southern Hospitality. She says out loud what others only dare to think. She's the one that will tell you about the broccoli in your teeth or hand you a tissue for the bat hanging in your cave. You'll never have to wonder if she's in the room because you'll hear her laughing long before you see her. She has an unparalleled affection for wiener dogs, being irreverent, looking like she got dressed in the dark, getting to the heart of the matter, dropping "F" bombs, and eating anything with butter. Tonya and her husband, Billy Reid, live in Charlotte, NC where they raised four amazing sons. Being off-the-charts extroverted and passionate about supporting others' dreams, she is a powerful writer, speaker, and consultant. Connect with Tonya on Instagram @thetonyareid

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION: WHICH WAY DO I GO?

Bookends .............................................................................3

Neon Signs ..........................................................................7

Coming Full Circle ..........................................................13

PART I: AWAY WE GO

Everyday Iʼm Hustlin, Hustlin.....................................19

Beauty School Dropout,

Go Back to High School ............................................ 25

Perspective .........................................................................31

Can You Believe She Calls It That? .............................37

PART II: I GOTTA GO

The Catʼs Meow ...............................................................43

The Second Coming ....................................................... 47

Daddio Day Care .............................................................51

Lie at 11:00 ........................................................................ 59

Has Anyone Seen a Three-Legged

Dog Around Here? .....................................................63

Itʼs Fun ʼTil Itʼs Not ......................................................... 67

PART III: WHEREʼD HE GO?

Pout Much? ...................................................................... 73

This Isnʼt Going to End Well, Is It? .............................77

Dog & Pony Show ............................................................81

His Way ............................................................................ 85

Only Your Hairdresser Knows for Sure ....................89

Green Isnʼt Very Becoming On You ............................ 97

Life Is Magical, Mystical,

and Stevie Wonderful ...............................................101

Epilogue .......................................................................... 107

Acknowledgments ........................................................109

About the Author ..........................................................112

Editorial Reviews

"While reading this book, I laughed out loud more than once, but more importantly, I felt this book.

That is a rarity, to actually feel a book. I've loved reading all my life and there have been many books that I've enjoyed that evoked the emotion, but only a few that I actually felt the entire time I was reading.

US Hairways is a book you most definitely owe yourself. The characters are real, funny, and so unpretentious, yet quirky. Do yourself a favor and read this book."

"Just finished US Hairways, your new laugh-out-loud hairdresser's journey. And I did laugh out loud quite a number of times!! Made history come to life. Love the Woodstock story and the bodily discovery at the bank, not to mention the Only Your Hairdresser Knows epiphanies!! Congratulations!! Looking forward to the sequel!!"

"Tonya's unique voice shines in her debut solo book! The perfect blend of harsh truth meets laugh till you snort meets tearful reflections, US Hairways is your perfect "friend" to throw in your bag and dive in as needed."

"This little book made me laugh, cry and laugh til I cried. Such a fun read in today's chaotic world. Treat yourself - read it!"

"Amazing! Grab this book for your girlfriends, sisters, mom or really just anyone that needs those not to serious moments of life to be front and center. It's a must!"

From the Publisher

2024-04-18
A North Carolina hairdresser reflects on life, relationships, and lessons learned in this debut essay collection.

“Eyeballs deep in a quarter-life crisis” without a college degree, Reid says she knew that she would either “become a hairdresser or a bartender, based solely on my interest in people and my uncanny memory for details.” Since alcohol gave her a headache and her personality was “off-the-charts extroverted,” she opted to become a hairstylist and spent decades perfecting her craft. Drawn to the art of conversation and storytelling, she amassed many anecdotes from her time behind the chair, which she shares here in hilarious, irreverent detail. Things learned range from new terminology for female anatomy to more meaningful lessons on communication and listening. (“It’s amazing how loudly body language can scream if you’re paying attention,” she notes.) Reid also shares stories from her own life, including her cheapskate tooth fairy growing up, the tragic death of her father (affectionately referred to as “Daddio” throughout), and her own personal quirks, like calling her husband by his full name (“Billy Reid”) and descriptions of her favorite gag gifts. A Charlotte-based author, Reid infuses her stories with Southern charm, trips to Waffle House, and feisty phrases (“Sweet Baby Jesus,” she declares upon realizing her father had “never gotten around” to signing his will before his death). Written during the Covid-19 lockdowns when the author needed an outlet to tell her stories since she missed “shooting the breeze with clients,” the book’s title came at the suggestion of humorist David Sedaris, whom she met at a book signing. Adorned with cute, fun drawings, the book’s eclectic assortment of essays and writing style effectively mimic the intimate, cheeky banter one would expect to hear at a Southern neighborhood salon. At just over 100 pages, this is an easy-to-read collection full of gossip, sass, and occasional poignancy that’ll make readers laugh so hard they’ll spit out their sweet tea.

A fun, energetic glimpse into the life of a hairdresser.

Kirkus Reviews