5 comments about Stumbling toward Faith (Emergent YS).

1. This book is not for the faint of heart. It is a real look and raw look at a very painful life story. But, it may touch home with some who have shared experiencing pain in their families or even at the hands of "the Church." And, amazingly, God continues to draw this young woman to Himself and gives her faith and hope. SHe is creful to separate church and religion from faith in Christ. I recommend it for anyone who has experienced deep pain in life, yet still wants to believe. I also recommend it for anyone who desires to be shaken out of their a sterile, stagnant Christian faith.



2. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning about the depths of abuse that some children suffer, and the courage and strength of those who survive.
   
   I intended to read this book slowly, because of the intense material. I kept thinking, "Okay, it's time to stop," and getting pulled in one more page and three more pages. I really like the poetry - it's surprising and concrete and deeply true all at once. I like the lines that stand out in larger type. I like that it starts out with a clear statement of abuse - no veiled hints, no way to pretend it wasn't happening.
   
   I felt very engaged, the whole time I was reading. I didn't really expect that, since I'm not Christian and never have been. I've had that same struggle, though, believing I'm bad and worthless and wondering why "God" didn't save me. I had a solid sense of the narrator in the book, and felt like I was in conversation, and kept wanting to say, "What about...?" and "Here's how I..." and "Yeah! Me too!"



3. Renee Altson's book is marvelous! Pastors, youth workers, lay leaders, and counselors NEED to read this book to understand the trauma of sexual abuse, the pitfalls of fundamentalism, and how God can use all things for His glory. The book has an artistic format, which also features Renee's wonderful poems, as well as glimpses of her life. It is poignant, painful, and well worth your time, thoughts, and contemplation.



4. Renee Alston has poured out her soul to the world in this provocative life story. She takes the reader on a journey through hidden closets and heavy breathing. All the while searching for justice and shalom, she has learned to wrestle with God in the midnight hour. Although the light of day has come, she is left walking with a limp.
   I recommend this book to anyone who dares to read it! I pray it will help to unleash a new sensitivity within the church, and promote honest confessions of doubt and faith.



5. i have avoided writing this review because i would hate to say anything that would keep someone from reading this important book.
   
   the level of abuse and trauma that renee endured at the hands of her father and the church is sickening, and yet she writes with beauty and depth. there are times you wish she'd stop, you can't fathom anyone enduring the horror she did, but you feel a bit braver for having heard her story, shared her journey.
   
   never have i read anyone with the courage and stamina to endure what she has endured. yet her pain is laced with glimpses of hope, beautiful prose and inspiring tender moments of care. it's unlike anything you have ever read.
   
   if you work with children/teens, or in a church or know someone who has been abused this is a MUST READ. never again should this be allowed to happen. renee's abuse had the church's stamp of approval, it must stop, we must hear the child, we must punish the abuser and allow the hurt to grieve at their own pace.
   
   amazingly this is a story of hope, a story of grace and a story of courage. you won't be the same after you read it.

2 comments about Life on Air: Memoirs of a Broadcaster.

1. I love this book. As a kid I used to sit glued to the TV watching Attenborough's programmes, such as the series 'Life on Earth' and countless others, bringing exotic places and the wonders of natural world into our living rooms. This book is an autobiography focused on David Attenborough's long and unparalleled BBC career starting from the birth of the TV medium in the 40's and 50's up untill today. What shines through in this book is vintage Attenborough: A true passion for his vocation, and an indefatigable desire to bring the most fascinating aspects of natural history to our TV screens. In a time when a lot of TV is hopelessly pre-digested and bland, Attenborough stands out more than ever, and so does this book. Read it an enjoy.



2. I have watched David Attenboroughs TV documentaries for years and have consistently found them to be unrivalled in their ability to bring the subject matter to life in a way no other presenter can. This book maintains that tradition. As you read the book you travel with the author and what a trip it is. He is an immensely likable person who has led a fascinating life. The book is also well constructed, highly readable and offers a host of insights into both the author and the natural world. I would strongly recommend it to you.

5 comments about About My Sisters.

1. More than the story of one author and her sisters, this book is a wonderful illustration of how families continue to shape us long after the formative childhood years. Debra's close/distant/close relationships with each of her unique (unmarried)sisters and solitary brother as well as their relationships with each other make this memoir tick. Although her parents are seen through the lens of the author, they, too, are part of the Ginsberg family chemistry. Yet ultimately, it is the girls who glue it all together--their issues around food and men and bodies and babies will capture most readers and keep the pages turning.



2. Through intimate snapshots highlighting her relationships with her three sisters and one brother, Debra Ginsberg illuminates the wonderful ordinariness of being a sibling. Each of the multi-faceted roles she plays within her family reflects with an enduring light that makes one cherish her own sisterly role or wish that it was one she could play. Other than an occasional tangent where Ginsberg got off track, this book was a well-woven tale attesting to the true power of family.



3. "About My Sisters" deserves my highest recommendation. It is well written, funny, insightful and truthful. Mostly, however, it is relatable. Anyone with sisters--make that siblings--will relate to the feelings expressed and the stories told by this gifted author. While her focus is on the relationship(s) between four sisters who have a fifteen-year age spread, it is also about their sole brother, their unique parents and the author's son. It reads a lot like a novel, but I found it so much more enjoyable knowing these are real characters existing in a loving and tight-knit family. I became so interested in them that half way through the book I contacted the author through her website and asked her to identify each character as pictured on book cover of the hardback edition.
   
   The reason I was so interested in them? The author writes with deep respect and a fearless honesty. Every story--even those about arguments--is awash with love. Debra Ginsberg allows the reader into her family and makes it a comfortable place to be. What's truly interesting about that is I don't think I'd be comfortable actually sitting with them during one of their many raucous family gatherings . . . but being the fly on wall was a fun place for me.
   
   I purchased this book because of having similar family dynamics. I, too, am one of four girls in a family with a lone brother--making us five with a ten year spread. Unlike the author, however, I'm not the eldest of the tribe and don't possess her wisdom and knowledge of every phase of the family's changing traits. (I'm number four; however, I'm about the same age as the author AND I have a sister named Debra.) By reading the description of this book I knew immediately it was for me. I wasn't disappointed in the least and read it very quickly. Now I want each of my sisters to read it. (I'd suggest my brother read it too if he enjoyed reading anything other than the sports pages of the daily newspaper). In fact, I can see giving it as a gift to several girlfriends who have sisters.
   
   Bottom line: If you appreciate fine writing and good story telling, you'll love this book. Even if you don't have sisters.
   
   Michele Cozzens, Author of A Line Between Friends and The Things I Wish I'd Said.



4. Debra Ginsberg, author of WAITING and RAISING BLAZE, successfully and marvelously conveys what it means to be a sister in her latest memoir, ABOUT MY SISTERS. The very title was appealing to me, as I am the youngest of five sisters. I thought I could relate. And I did. It caused me to step back and look at the relationship I have with my own sisters, and made me realize the importance of family and spending time with those you love. It is because of this that I couldn't put the book down.

   Tracking the course of a year in the lives of her three sisters, who only live ten minutes apart, Ginsberg eloquently follows their relationships with each other, Ginsberg's son, parents and one brother. Through birthday parties, family gatherings, changes in careers and dilemmas with boyfriends and each other, Ginsberg brilliantly expresses the union they share as sisters and friends.

   Being the oldest sister, Ginsberg begins by telling of her relationship with her younger sister, Maya, moving from country to country and state to state with their nomadic parents. Because of this, a bond was formed between them that is described by Ginsberg so well: "I never even put 'sister' before her name when I talk about her. She is the part of me who is Maya." She then discusses the birth of each sibling after and how the family dynamic adjusted as their birth order was changed. Each sister has a special role in the family and shares a unique bond with one another that is not like any other connection possible --- whether with a parent or friend.

   Immediately pulling readers into the story, Ginsberg's memoir reads more like a novel. Her ability to bring you into her family, as if you are a silent viewer on the sidelines of her life, is exceptional. She shows that sisters can argue, disagree, have different personalities and not tell each other everything, but still have the comfort and assurance that they will always be there to support each other no matter what, because they are sisters.

   As Ginsberg states, "Together we illuminate each other. When we reflect off each other, whatever light we possess individually is made that much brighter ... It is the brilliance and power of sisters."

   --- Reviewed by Karen Campbell




5. I, for one, don't have a sister, but I couldn't stop turning the pages of this gorgeously written, poignant, funny, and thought-provoking book. Debra Ginsberg is a wonderful writer, as anyone who's read her previous books knows, and she's continued to hone her craft. Can't wait for her next book!

3 comments about Fruitcake : Memories of Truman Capote and Sook.

1. Marie Rudisill is absolutely fabulous with this fruitcake book. This is by far the most wonderful cook book i have ever seen in my entire life. I was also able to read other of Rudisills books and she is one of the best writers there is and has ever been. Two thumbs up to Rudisill on the Jay Leno show. She was funny keeping Jay and Mel Gibson in line. I strongly recommend everyone to try this delightful fruitcake book. Check out The Southern Haunting of Truman Capote, it was inspiring learning about his childhood in the south.



2. MARIE RUDISILL HAS OUT DONE HERSELF WITH THIS FANTASTIC BOOK. IT NOT ONLY GIVES WONDERFUL RECEIPS IT ALSO SHARES MEMORIES OF TRUMAN CAPOTE AND SOOK FAULK..THIS IS WITHOUT A DOUBT THIS BEST COOKBOOK I HAVE EVER OWNED. I ALSO HAD THE PLEASURE OF SEEING MS. RUDISILL ON THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO AND MEL GIBSON, THIS WAS THE BEST EPSIODE I EVER SAW..SHE HAD NO TROUBLE KEEPING THESE TWO MEN IN LINE, AND IT SEEMED THEY ENJOYED EVERY BIT OF IT...



3. A wonderful reflection of a generation as much as a collection of effective recipes. It doesn't just seem appropriate that the subject of fruitcake stirs this focused book. The times were tough and the cake ingredients reflected that. Speaking of charmingly tough, Marie Rudisill's moments with Mel Gibson and Jay Leno should make the Late Night hall of fame. As a Capote aunt, you'd almost expect a wry scolding, but with both men up to their wrists in fruitcake batter, the pleadings to be careful with her prized recipe were loving and comfortable. So is this book.

5 comments about Beyond His Control: Memories of a Disobedient Daughter.

1. First of all, this book's sentences are for the most part structured the same way, i.e., "Used to a strong woman, my father looked for a wife who could protect him." That seems incorrect, but I cannot find the rule govering the use of "my father" or "my mother" or "my governess." In the second place, this book is not so much about memories and how those memories relate to making up who Linda Hale Bucklin is, it is more about the facts of this family's life: the mother's death, the other woman, the lawsuits, the paintings. And, in the third place, after having read the book, I felt put off by The Very Reverend Alan Jones' remarks in the Foreward praising the author for having examined her soul. From my own point of view, this has not been done; there is no indication of who Linda Bucklin really is. My impression is that the author is still very testy about the outcome of events in her life. She gave the step-mother from hell a lot of space, and the ending where she realized just how afraid her father had been didn't really have much impact. It would be a lot more interesting if someone took the time to look into exactly what happened to her birth mother.



2. Which is no problem- bring it on, I will read it. But don't make it out to be the story of a journey and at least give us better reasons why we should despise the person (in this case, it was her stepmother Denise Minnelli, who was cold-hearted, but no Dede Traina.)This book started out as if it was going to be very interesting, but it dragged a little. I was left a little unsatisfied. I think I am forever ruined by the delicious "Oh the Glory of it All" by Sean Wilsey, who had a similar situation (San Fran society, ultra rich parents, evil stepmother) and gave us much more of a reason to relish his book and the revenge on those who deserved it.
   This book seemed as if it were put out solely to drag Denise Minnelli's name through the mud (which she probably deserved) but it seemed too obvious. The author was likeable; I felt for her, was proud of her and didn't doubt everyone deserved what they got. It just seemed a little juvenile.



3. I found this item interesting mostly because I learned a great deal about Upper Class society and it's workings in San Fransisco. I do not know if this was excactly the authors intention. It was a good book, mut more social history.



4. This book was well written and I enjoyed it so much that I had a hard time putting it down to get some sleep. It is amazing how a parent can be so wrapped up in themself that they can't see how they are negatively affecting their children but then the narcissistic among us are not capable of a love based on give and take. Kudos to Linda for rising above her upbringing to become the wonderful person that she is. The world is a much better place for it. Thanks to her for writing this book and seeing that there are others that have grownup in similar situations and have not turned into the very creatures that have inflicted so much grief on them as a child.



5. A very level recounting of dysfunction among the rich and social as told by a daughter in the family. The dish, though great reading, is secondary to a young woman getting a grip on a losing situation and finding her strength, and her self.

3 comments about Loving Rachel: A Family's Journey from Grief.

1. Jane Bernstein has done an amazing job describing the heartbreak of the initial diagnosis and the ensuing challenges of raising a child with special needs. Having been in this same position with my own daughter, I felt like Jane was sitting in my kitchen watching the struggles we were having and the ones we faced with each passing day. I have recommended this book to colleagues and other families with similar circumstances.



2. I thought this was a wonderful book. It manages to be not only about what it's like to give birth to a disabled child, but about the particular nuances and responses of a family, about a marriage, an older child's attempts to navigate these waters, the narrator's complex, ambivalent but ultimately loving and couragous response to the child she has borne. Nothing is simple in this book--not Rachels' progress, not her family's response to her, not the medical world that sometimes seems to hurt her as much as it helps her, not the waiting and waiting to see what Rachel will become. Nonetheless, this is a story not only about endurance, but also about the complicated, powerful workings of maternal love.



3. I have a child who also has this disorder. Loving Rachel was important for me to read because there are no other books written which address Optic Nerve Hypoplasia or Septo Optic Dysplasia, but I want everyone to know who considers reading this that Loving Rachel is not a guide for you or your child and that no two people are affected in exactly the same way by this disorder. I could relate with some of the things Ms. Bernstein wrote about but mainly I walked away from this book feeling sad for this family and for Rachel.

1 comments about Divorce L.A.P.D. Style.

1. I could not put this book down.
   
   THANKS GIRL FOR WRITING SUCH A GREAT BOOK!

5 comments about Call Me Crazy: A Memoir.

1. This book was a real page turner for me. To read the openness that Anne Heche used in the telling of this book. She put herself out there to be judged (as you can see by these reviews), but yet she still chose to tell her story. She uses the writing as a way to excorcise her demons and to let people know how she got to where she is. Coming from religious upbringing and abuse is like pulling you in two different directions. I believe she adapted the second personality to deal with the abuse and denial that she was facing at home. It's a well documented fact that people are all the time creating different people in their minds to help them make it out alive. I give her kudos for making it out in one piece. She has had to make peace with her past and I believe this book helped her. I very highly recommend it. It is very insightful into how Christianity can be taken and manipulated to suit the individual whims of many.



2. They say there is a thin line between insanity and genius. That line, I say, is brilliance. The words leap off the page in a dance of brilliance as Heche courageously seeks, finds, and shares the truth of her existence. It's an interesting read, a well written albeit agonizing journey that had me turning the pages fast, to see what happens next, and then slowly, to savor the crafting of each sentence. The book is controversial in that it throws light into the darkest corners of our lives, and our culture. It is painful in that it is so true. It is exhilirating in the way one human being finds her way through the darkness, facing her demons, to conquer any residual shame and humiliation. The shame is not hers. It belongs to people who can hear a child cry in the night, laugh, and look the other way. Heche's mother is concerned with what everybody else thinks, and how she, as a mother, appears in the face of Anne's herstory. It's no wonder Anne has had to work so hard to take care of herself.



3. Strangely unsatisfying tell-all. I distinctly felt that the book was more the writer's attempt to heal than a piece of literary work.
   
   Heche shares much of her oddball therapy work, self-spun theories of her case, and dredged-up memories of abuse in her utterly messed-up childhood, but strangely enough reveals little of her SELF. I felt I was pushed into the psychiatrist's own chair, not allowed to be merely a reader or (in the best case of autobiography) a kind of temporary confidante and friend.
   
   I gotta hand it to her, it took some guts to own up to some of this (psychotic episode under influence of Ecstasy, for one), and I am sorry for her suffering as a child. But perhaps SHE should have paid ME to read her unsavory chunk of insanity.



4. An in-depth look into Ms. Heche's life. I've been begging for this book for years. Ask my mum. Anne's honesty is refreshing and her choices are brave and simulataneously courageous. I hope that everyone who has spoken to God like Anne and I have, gets a chance to read this book before Ms. Heche's star dims in Hollywood. Not likely! Thank you Anne for not being afraid to be courageous and simultaneously brave. Not all of us have that talent, but you didn't let that stop you, did you?



5. If you're looking for well formed writing, no this book is not for you. If you're looking for Anne Heche to present herself as some amazing woman without problems, then stay away BUT if you want a very entertaining read about one of Hollywood's least celebrated, interesting people then BUY it!
   
   I absolutely adore this book. Some say it is far fetched and couldn't be true but I love that Anne Heche really opened herself up to this project of writing a memoir. There is nothing worse than reading a "guarded" autobiography and this is as far from that as you can get.
   
   From incest, to LSD therapy to being one of the first openly gay ladies of Hollywood...and then changing her mind this book never has a dull moment.

1 comments about Alligators, Old Mink & New Money: One Woman's Adventures in Vintage Clothing.

1. A completely captivating and charming book! Ms. Houtte's writing style is as refined as her vintage style!
   
   As a dabbler in the fabric arts, a student of clothing construction, and someone born with the "thrifting gene," I found her story so engaging I devoured the book in a weekend. Her total lack of snobbery and self-importance was appealing. Here's someone who made their avocation their vocation and still gets excited about working every day. I absolutely loved the stories about her modeling life, how she got into the vintage clothing and accessories business, and most of all her accounts of the people she's met and experiences she's had.
   
   It's not a how-to book (thank goodness!), but the reader can see Ms. Houtte's confidence grow in proportion to her success as a model and later as a business owner. She relates stories of her failures - both personal and professional - with as much élan as she does the stories of her successes. An interesting and refreshing book about things that in and of themselves aren't of any importance, but taken together really add up to a life well-lived.

5 comments about Terry Funk: More Than Just Hardcore.

1. I grew up a fan of Terry, Dory Jr and Dory Sr. I was familiar with all the wrestlers he profiled in his book - but I felt as though the book was written very quickly and almost stream of conscious. He would start telling one story and then rush off to the next. I wanted more details, I suppose. He certainly comes off as likeable and funny. The book was fun, but I wanted a whole lot more from my childhood hero.



2. I have always loved Terry Funk.I first seen him in ECW and he was byond a doubt my favorite.Little did I know then in years I would discover that not only did I realize why he was so popular and beloved,but why he is bar none THEE Best Wrestler of all time.His career spanded 40 years and through it he trailblazed a legacy of greatness with originality,charisma and gold around his waist.He set his sites to Japan and became a deity to the Japanese.He also fought in the bloodiest brutal of all matches consisting of glass,barbed wire,nails,thumbtacks,electricity and explosives.Terry would fight all over the world and for a 3 year run as NWA World Heavyweight Champion.Becoming an Actor and starring in blockbuster movies with Sylvester Stallone.HELL he's still is wrestling well in his 70's-crazy yo.But awesome as it gets.I don't want to spoil anything else,but these are facts I'm sure you know as I do.
   
   This book is by far my most treasured piece of liturature.If you love Terry Funk like I do you'll be drooling as you absorb every detail in fresh perspective of his acounts of his life.Many out there consider Flair or Hogan the best there is,but I promise you when you read this book you'll realize that only Terry Funk can deservingly claim that distinction.And don't get me wrong I respect and admire both Flair and Hogan,but after I read this book you'll know for sure that Funk is not only the best,he is Wrestling.
   
   I cannot stress enongh how wonderful this book is and that if you consider yourself a true Wrestling Fan then it's a requirement to read this book.Whiether it be ECW,NWA,WCW,WWE that you want to read about his experiences in you'll be so enlightened about him and the Wrestling Industry that it will always be with you.And especially about other Wrestlers he mentions in this book is just as entertaining and enlightening and Terry himself.
   
   So,I highly,highly-HIGHLY recommend this book to true Wrestling Fans.You'll be amazed like I was about this great man and Professional Wresler.WOW!I just can't praising this ultiate legend enough and when you're finished with this book you'll realize that as well.
   
   Long live the Funkner baby!



3. Great book by one the all-time best.A must read for any true oldschool fan.



4. Terry is pretty much uncensored and tells all about his life - this is a very good book. I never knew Terry thought Goldust was one of the best gimmicks WWF ever did - I must say I agree with him!



5. I picked up this book because of how Mick Foley has talked up Terry Funk in his previous two books (Have A Nice Day & Foley Is Good). I've become somewhat of a late Terry Funk fan thanks to Mick Foley. I've missed out on some of Terry's best days and best matches (notice to WWE - get moving on a Terry Funk dvd!) so I must admit to being weary heading into reading this book.
   
   I was very pleasantly surprised. I was informed and more importantly, entertained by Terry Funk. He's a lot smarter than his wrestling personality leads you to believe. Also, like his protege Mick Foley, his morals show through in an industry known for a lack of morals at best. In one of the earlier chapters I was waiting in a car while shopping was being done and decided to read more of the book to pass the time. There was a funny part of the book that literally made me laugh out loud! Funk is funny as hell when he wants to be and there is a good amount of humor in this book.
   
   I must admit there were things in the book that either went over my head or was about people/things I did not know about. For the most part, Terry did well to explain things a person like me (someone who didn't follow his career before recent years) could understand. Also, we got to hear his side of the friendship between him and Foley. I'd almost be willing to say this book should be recommended even if you aren't a wrestling fan. Like Foley's book it goes beyond the wrestler and brings you insight into the MAN himself. I am completely glad I bought this book. It took me away from the real world and my real life problems. I was absorbed by a man who loves wrestling, but loves his family even more. High praise to Terry Funk & co-writer Scott Williams!
   
   P.S. - Special thanks to Mick Foley for talking so nicely about Funk in his books that he made me interested in Funk to buy this book and start following Terry's wrestling career.