4 comments about Children of the Storm: The Autobiography of Natasha Vins.

1. Children of the Storm is a touching story. When you read it, your appreciation for God will grow and the problems you have will seem smaller. We are blessed beyond measure to live in the United States of America.



2. I opened the book for the first time Sunday afternoon in the car, and finished it on Monday night. Natasha tells of her girlhood, and the persecution her family endured for Christ. I really appreciated her telling of how she came to the Lord; until she graduated from high school she was a "Christian" because her parents were, and wondered how important it was. Then she understood the gospel and her parents faith became her own, and she lived for Jesus. She has an engaging manner of writing, perhaps because she writes as one real person would speak to another, not with studied eloquence.
   
   I was encouraged by the testimony of the trials and severe hardships her family went through. It made me reflect on how easy I have it here, and what I am willing to sacrifice for my Lord. I would encourage Christians, young or old, to read "Children of the Storm."



3. This is one of the best-written and most gripping Christian autobiographies I've read in years. I started it in the afternoon, managed to put supper on the table for my family and get the kids in bed, and finished the whole thing. My father is a Baptist pastor and we regularly prayed for our fellow believers in the persecuted church, so it was especially moving for me to get a clear picture of what life was like for the Vins family as they tried to minister in the Soviet Union during the years of Communist oppression. I would recommend this book for junior high students on up. It would be an excellent book for families to read aloud and discuss together, or for Sunday School teachers to share a chapter or so with their classes during a reading time each week (they'd keep coming back for sure). The book really makes you evaluate the depth or your own Christian commitment in the light of what Natasha and her family endured.



4. This is an autobiography of a mid-twentieth century Russian girl, Natasha, and her family from Kiev. It is an adult book that children with 5th grade reading level can also enjoy. Children of the Storm recounts her father's imprisonment, her schooling and questioning of Christianity, and all that happened to them in the years of Soviet crackdown of Biblical Christians. Fast-moving, very interesting, well-written. I highly recommend it.

No comments about Cindy McCain: First Lady of Hope.

5 comments about The Path to Power.

1. Just how did the grocer's daughter end up on No. 10 Downing Street? Grit, conviction, and her famous steel backbone combined with an razor sharp wit to boot. Lady Thatcher rivals Sir Winston Churchill as being one of the greatest international leaders of the 20th century. This is her own account of the path she took to topple decades of Labour Party Socialism that crippled Britain. But what do you expect from someone who would let nothing stop her? At 17 the young Margaret Roberts was refused recommendation by her headmistress to receive a scholarship to Oxford University. The reason was that she did not complete three years of Latin. Margaret went directly to the Admissions office and challenged the entrance exam. She crammed three years of Latin into three months and sat as an independent. Margaret aced the test and studied chemistry at Oxford before becoming a tax lawyer and politician. Thatcher stood up to the coal miners, stood up to the unions, and stood up for Britain. She earned the title Iron Lady by taking a stand and never bending in the name of popularity. Her wrath was to the debilitating social welfare state what Churchill's "Bulldog defiance" was to the Axis powers during WW2.



2. A Decent Memoir, June 28, 2004
   
   This was a decent read, though I think that Lady Thatcher hastily wrote it as a prequel to the more celebrated "Downing Street Years." That being said, it was interesting to read about her rise from backbencher to Conservative Party leader. In grabbing the reigns of Tory leadership, she toppled a mindset that accepted Britain's economic decline as being part of "the natural order of things." She also offers insights on the European and international scenes during the middle to late 1970s. On this, she criticized the idea of detente as being a recipe for disaster. The memoir ends with Britain's so-called Winter of Discontent, which propelled her into Downing Street.



3. How did a young woman from nowhere (Thatcher describes her childhood background in the kindest way possible but it was the last place you'd expect to find greatness) rise to become a politician and then Prime Minister of Great Britain? Baroness Thatcher tells the story of her life with humor and restraint. She never uses being a woman as a crutch or excuse and although she obviously loved her husband and children the main focus of the book is what was going on in her head. Tough, stubborn and bold she slowly pushes forward through school, through a legal career, through the back benches and finally when the chance for the highest office in the land comes her way she pounces on it.

   Path to Power is excellent reading for those who find Parliment to be incomprehensible, for those who wonder if an American woman can ever be another Thatcher and for those who simply like a Horatio Alger story. Now, is it a bit dry? Yep, it certainly is but you didn't really expect gooey girl talk from Margaret Thatcher, did you?




4. In this book, the prequel to her more successful (and essentially more interesting) volume entitled 'The Downing Street Years', Margaret Thatcher gives us a glimpse into her life, and the events and people who shaped her, basically, who made her who she is.

   You'll learn about her time at university, her early days in politics from a personal standpoint (for instance, she used to do her own ironing to press dresses immediately before going out, as she couldn't afford to have them pressed, and other small details like this abound), early days in the government and then leading up to the time in opposition prior to the elections of 1979.

   Thatcher also adds a postscript to this book, completed after the account of her time as Prime Minister, in which she gives her prescriptions for a better Britain and Europe (in some ways, she might agree that her stance on the Eurocurrency is a la Nancy Reagan, i.e., 'Just say No!'). She has a few swipes at John Major, the man she helped into power, perhaps hoping to be able to be an active and effective agent from behind the scenes. Major retaliates a bit in his own autobiography.

   In all, unless you're REALLY into British politics or Thatcher personally, this book could be easily missed. Read 'The Downing Street Years', and, as I've seen you can often pick this book up for some bargain-bin price, buy it so as to have the set. And you might peruse a chapter here and there.

   It does have a good style of writing, but goes on quite a bit. Historians will appreciate it, but I often wonder if politicians think that most will actually read through all this material, considering they are invariably written when the author is off the centre stage?




5. Sure, I have a personally inscribed copy, and consider this book one of the greatest treasures of my library, held along with the cherished memory of meeting Lady Thatcher. But, as you know by now, I can remain completely objective. This is a wonderful book.

   If you are at all interested in Torys, conservatives, or strong female leadership, this is a must read. I found the discussion fascinating, although, yes, as an attention span challenged American, a tad tedious in spots. However, it's well worth the effort.

   Also look for "Downing Street Years", for additional writings by Lady Thatcher.

5 comments about My Parents Went Through the Holocaust and All I Got Was This Lousy Tshirt.

1. Hanala Stadner writes an amazing narative of her life, beginning with a childhood of loneliness and need. Her parents, survivors of the Holocaust, do not seem to be able to understand her travails which include normal childhood growing pains. She bitterly leaves home and is able to work as a semi-employed actor. Her pain follows her as she stumbles into drug and alcohol abuse. Just when the reader is totally disgusted with her, she begins a long road to recovery and self discovery. This well written book will make you laugh and make you cry. I would heartily recommend it.



2. Stadner's book is well written and fun. She tells her stories in writing even better than she delivers them in person, and this book is loaded with all kinds of memories, each one tugging at a different heart string. She hits home over and over, and that familiarity makes it even more entertaining. At times, I found myself agreeing with her out loud, or calling my sister to remind her of something I hadn't thought of in years. I laughed, I cried, I enjoyed every minute of it.



3. I just finished your book I loved it so much that I just didn't want it to end.
   I related to just about everything you went through. My parents also went through the war as Partisans in the woods of Poland and White Russia and then came to Montreal.
   Thank you so much for writing this book. I must confess that
   I laughed and cried but the last 100 pages of your book brought back so many memories for example singing to my father on his death bed \"OYFIN PRIPITCHEK BRENT A FAYERL, UN IN SHTUB IS HEYS. UN DER REBELY LERNT KLEYNE KINDERLEKH DEM ALDF-BEZ.\"
   I saw you at Lynn University when you were in Boca Raton and had the
   pleasure of meeting you and Fabrizio,gee I hope I remembered his name, but you know who I mean the cute Italian. You signed my book and I will cherish it forever.
   Again, thank you so very much this book really made a difference to me.
   Lots of Luck, from one survivor to another Sarah Johnson.



4. Great book! The stories you related, made me laugh and cry with you.It was truly a walk down memory lane. You have successfully memorialized Cote St Luc, forever.Sheila



5. The title grabs you - humor? Holocaust? Then, you begin reading and Hanala grabs you- envelops you, fastens your seat belt for you and takes you on the ride that is her life. And what a ride.
   
   For the general public, it is a story, written with wit, humor, turns of phrase, expressions which you know you have heard before and are comfortable with but which are neither trite nor cliche, in a style that holds your attention. It is the history of a little girl clamoring for something which is impossible to receive due to no fault of her own, a "normal" childhood, filled with love, affection, nurturing, complements, structure, safety, sibling support, reliable friends, - just like in the 50s and 60s TV families into which she delves for comfort; who, not surprisingly grows into a young adult with physical addictions and emotional insecurities - making bad choices, entering into troubled relationships and behaving in a self-destructive manner bringing her near death; and finally, just as you have almost had it with her and want to read her the riot act, but knowing that nothing you say could bring her out of her messed-up life, she surprises you and takes a small step which becomes a deep reach into herself and pulls herself out of the spiral - building inner strength and finally maturing into the positive, healthy person you would be thrilled to have in your life. Hanala lays open her soul to the core, describes behaviors and experiences that most would be embarrassed and ashamed to admit, and demonstrates that we have the ability to heal ourselves, with the help of others, if we only give ourselves the chance. You laugh, you laugh a lot, and you cry, you find yourself repeating statements out loud that you have just read which may well hit deep in your own soul. Frankly, you don't want the book to end and when it does, you are OK, because you know that Hanala's story is continuing and because it is a real life that you feel connected to.
   
   And, for the readership which is made up of the children of Holocaust survivors/escapees, it is an even more special story. Hanala, through her experiences, and her insights gained through therapy, A.A. and Al-Anon programs, gives us answers as to why her parents, and so many other such parents just could not do a better parenting job - whether due to their guilt for not being able to save family or friends or for the simple fact that they survived, magnified by the relative comfort in which they are living; why they too were and are leading lives that are not filled with what many would consider "normal" actions and reactions - which behaviors many have unintentionally passed on to their children. "It is not because she won't, it is because she just can't." For Holocaust survivor/escapees' children, Hanala provides answers to questions we might not even know how to ask.

5 comments about Anne Frank's Tales from the Secret Annex.

1. This wonderful little book is a collection of Anne Frank's lesser known writings , found in a seperate volume.
   It shows what a phenomenal young writer she was , and hints what a great author she may have been had she been allowed to live.
   
   The book consists of fables and short stories as well as personal reminiscenses and essays.
   
   They range from 'Kitty' - Anne's reflections on the blonde little girl next door , to beautiful fairy tales (which remind me a bit of Oscar Wilde's fairy tales) like 'The Wise Old Dwarf' and 'The Fairy'-all have a wonderful lesson enclosed within.
   
   'Paula's Plane Trip' and 'Cady's Life' focus on the adventures of young girls during wartime , the latter touching on the holocaust which later swallowed up Anne's young life.
   
   A constant theme in the book is Anne's conviction that relaxing and connecting with nature , can ease one's mind from any difficulties.
   
   In 'Personal Remininscinces and Essays' Anne Frank lets us know a little bit more about life in the little house where she and other Jews hid for some years from Nazi terror.
   In a particularly poignant passage , she remarks that after the war , she would get together photos of the people in the house, which is why she spent so little time on physical description of the house's inhabitants. Anne was confident she would survive the war , and recontinue her life.
   
   A remarkable testament to the wonderful life of a child whose life was cut so short.



2. I truly enjoyed Anne Frank's Diary, now I have had the privilege to read her tales. A talent in it's purest form. I believe it was Anne Frank who said she wanted to be famous and/or to live on after her death, and of course she has in so many ways. Her diary has sold millions upon millions of copies around the world, her story told in a broadway play, countless films and documentary's.To me it looks like Anne has gotten her wish, she has lived on, more than she'll ever know. I like so many other's have wondered what kind of person Anne Frank would have been if she had survived, of course we will never know, but her diary and her story's were left behind to be discovered and to be told to everyone around the world, what a good person we could have a had on this planet, a great and talented young girl who was taken away but not forgotten.



3. Ok, so Anne's diary will almost always out shadow other stories shes written, and with good reason, but the stories here are rather well written. The 1st half of the book contains actuall stories she was writting, some short, some long, and part of an unfinished novel. The 2nd half of the story is memories of events that happend to her in her life that she wrote down.
   Anyone who likes her diary should really give her stories a read.



4. In her now famous Diary, Anne Frank said "I want to go on living even after my death". As of 1998, The Diary of Anne Frank had reached sales of 25 million copies and been translated into more than 50 languages. (source: TIME, October 5, 1998). It has been required classroom reading for half a century now! In a way, her wish has come to pass.
   This subsequent publication "Tales From The Secret Annex" combines short stories, reminiscences/vignettes, and even an unfinished novel to show us yet another dimension to this remarkable person. Reading these stories and little essays confirmed my personal opinion that Anne Frank was a childhood genius with unlimited potential to achieve anything she would have set her mind to. It's hard to imagine this thirteen year old girl writing with such depth and perception, while living in seclusion, terror and fear for her life. She was writing from her heart, not with an expectation of being published. And yet these stories shine with a polished brilliance, and a certain unforgettable quality. I read this book for the first time 8 years ago, and have returned to it now, remembering the stories as though I had read them just last week. My favorite is entitled "Kathy". In three short pages, Anne captures every emotion experienced by a kid who is misunderstood by her mother, assaulted by schoolyard bullies who mock and rob her and cause her to lose the gift she was bringing home to her mother.

   Here is how she ends her essay entitled "Give":
   "If only our country and then Europe and finally the whole world would realize that people were really kindly disposed toward one another, that they are all equal and everything else is transitory!
   Open your eyes... give of yourself, give as much as you can! And you can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness! No one has ever become poor from giving! If you do this, then in a few generations no one will need to pity the beggar children anymore, because they will not exist!
   There is plenty of room for everyone in the world, enough money, riches, and beauty for all to share! God has made enough for everyone. Let us all begin by sharing it fairly." (written March 26, 1944).

   Anne was sent to Bergen-Belsen, where some time during March 1945, she, her sister Margot and hundreds of other prisoners were stricken with typhus. Their captors, preoccupied with the advancing Allies, left them to die.
   World... read her book!




5. Also published under the title "Tales from the House Behind," this is a collection of juvenile/young adult stories that Anne Frank worked on during her years in hiding in the annex with her family and fellow fugitives. It proves that this young girl had an incredible gift for writing, and that had she lived she probably would have been received the Noble Prize for Literature. Her stories were often candid indictments of her own family life, such as Kitty, which tells the story of a young girl who day-dreams and a mother who wants her child to listen and obey rather than dream. Anne's essays show an in-depth understanding of human nature, surprising for one so young. This is a poignant book filled with fables, short stories, essays and even part of an unfinished novel. It's worth reading after you have read "The Diary of Anne Frank" simply because the diary will give you more insight to this amazing girl's life. However "Tales from the Secret Annex" stands on its own too, and like the diary should be on every school child's list of books to read.

5 comments about Gripped by Gambling.

1. Gripped by Gambling is a totally upfront, honest, heartbreaking story of one woman's descent into hell. Marilyn Lancelot doesn't spare herself, or the reader, and the payoff is huge. The kind of book that you're thinking about long past the last page.



2. Few of us will live a life that is not in some way impacted by the powerful hold of gambling. Gripped by Gambling is a powerful autobiographical story of a woman whose entire years were filled with addiction and the consequences resulting from it. It's not often that I find myself, on an almost daily basis, sharing stories of my own experience after reading a book. However, Gripped by Gambling, written by the courageous Marilyn Lancelot, was different. This painful literary journey brings many important issues to the forefront and describes experiences that only a courageous individual could overcome.
   
   Lancelot, admits early on to her many addictions. From prescription drug abuse to the embezzellment that landed her into doing hard time in an unwelcome Arizona prison, the disease of addiction impacts almost every possible aspect of her life. And we learn of the struggles she faces with her family, friends, probation officers and potential employers - even long after she has paid her price to society and even years after her recovery process began. Tears ran down my face after learning of her many trials and tribulations an through her losses. She shares her pain as she watches her own child slowly die from drug addiction and incredibly devistated she was when her one true love in life was taken all too soon.
   
   Gripped by Gambling portrays a loving grandmother as she deals with living her senior years honestly and without escaping her pain through the use of substances or gambling. She teaches us that life is not simply about the number of years we have left, rather it is about living life honorably and enjoying every minute we have left. Joy is abundant in her life now, but only after an incredible and truly courageous journey that was filled with the grips of gambling and the consequences of addiction.
   
   It probably sounds silly, however I'd be lying if I didn't share that I hope one day I can meet her and greet her with a warm and compassionate embrace. The book I have will be treasured and a part of my library that will be a suggested read forever. It's a book for almost everyone and a must read for anyone in recovery.
   
   Thanks, Marilyn, for sharing your life experience and your passion for living an honest and grateful life- One Day at a Time!
   
   
   Peter Cannice
   Scottsdale, Arizona
   
   Email: [...]



3. Imagine your grandmother sitting in the back of a patrol car in handcuffs. That's how author Marilyn Lancelot chose to introduce herself in this riveting, heart-wrenching true tale of a gambling past time gone terribly wrong. From the first sentence, she dumps her reader squarely into the most humiliating moment of her life - no explanations, no excuses.
   
   Yeah, I know. Everyone has a sad story, but it's a rare few who are willing to tell it with such uncompromising honesty and ownership that it makes the reader wince and at once wonder how a woman with so much integrity could possibly have sunk so low.
   
   Gripped By Gambling is more than a tale of the specific events leading to the addiction that swallowed Lancelot's life and spit it back out on the side of the road. It's a collection of valuable insights into the mind of compulsivity. This book is a must read for anyone who's ever gambled to excess, anyone who's ever had an addiction, and EVERY person who just doesn't "get" addiction. If you've ever asked the stupid question, "Why don't they just stop?" READ THIS BOOK.
   
   If it's worth the price of the book for its penetration into the heart of addiction, it's worth twice as much for its inspirational message of redemption - not the religious kind, but the teeth-gritting, resourceful, determined kind that makes this book a testament to the human spirit.



4. I have purchased and read many books on compulsive gambling. This is by far one of my favorites. Her intent seemed to be to reach out to others in the depths of despair of gambling addiction. If the reader doesn't know a gambler facing prison, insanity or death, they can see that these outcomes are indeed a reality for many compulsive gamblers. Her work with GA is commendable and impressive. I don't think GA and 12 step programs are for everyone; but anyone can see that Marilyn was saved by utilizing it for her recovery. I liked the straightforward style and honesty and appreciate that Marilyn has shared her journey.



5. This book should be required reading for all professionals and family members who deal with a gambling problem. Why? Because it answers the question "Why can't she just stop!!!!" Following the progression of this bright, lively, mother of five and caretaker of several grandchildren from a middle-class life to an embezzler of hundreds of thousands helps explain the compulsion of gambling to those who haven't experienced it. It is also an inspiring story to those who have, because in this situation Marilyn does what it takes to recover from this baffling and life-threatening problem. Her description of prison life is very compelling, as is the explanation of how family support was critical to her recovery. One of the very few books from the perspective of a woman gambler.

5 comments about Dreaming in Libro: How A Good Dog Tamed A Bad Woman.

1. I'm a sucker for books that recount the stories of lives shared with dogs..like Marley and Me, Red Fern, etc, so I bought this book in high hopes.
   
   The author's self-centeredness made the book sound like it had mostly to do with her, and yeah, there's a dog somewhere in the story, too. It read like Louise was trying too hard to appear intelligent for her reader. I've read a few people's personal encounters with the author that seem to verify how lost in her own little world she is.
   
   Anyways, overall the book read shallow, self-centered, and it was hard to feel connected and immersed in the story. I hope her relationship with Libro wasn't as one-sided as the book was.
   
   As a side note, I was appalled to read that in her previous book she kicked Libro after it chewed up something of hers. If you are a dog lover, you shouldn't support this author by buying her book, which I regret now having unintentionally done.
   
   I recommend instead you read Marley & Me, or Merle's Door, time better spent.



2. After reading "Bark If You Love Me" - I was thrilled to see that Louise had expanded on her experiences with Libro. I myself have a little brown angel- he is my third boxer - and I couldn't wait to "read all about it"! This book - experience, call it what you like, is such a testament to the soul of humans and animals - especially our dogs, regardless of the breed. I love the boxer and Libro delivered all that I would expect from him, after all, he is a boxer! I laughed out loud, read excepts to my brown angel, "Chief", he laughed, (I swear) - I cried, he cocked his head and we both felt moved by this very special love story, because we know how true it is. What a blessing our pets are - look at all the people that came into her life and his, how awesome is that! When I put Chief's blue fleece coat on him and go for a walk, most people smile, laugh, nod, they give me something - always something good - if I see them in a store, they say "aren't you the boxer's mom, the one with the blue coat." I could totally relate to what my own brown angel does for me in my life and for what Libro did for Louise. This is a wonderful book, filled with great moments,if you are in the mood for a love story of any kind, this is a must read! Libro's love touched so many people far and wide and I want to thank Louise for sharing those very special moments with us all!



3. The cover of this book caught my eye as I wandered around my local library. I wanted to read about Libro, and see if he was as noble and nutty as my late boxer, Trevor. This story really warmed my heart, to use a cliche expression. Libro was more noble than nutty, but a boxer all the same, and his journey with the author was great to read. Their experiences made for a lovely book.



4. I think the other reviewer meant droll, not sarcastic. Bernikow is no Bombeck. As a pet lover, I couldn't relate to Ms. Bernikow. Maybe because the author herself said she grew up never thinking about, or missing pets. I found much more of an animal-human bond in the story, Tatti Wattles.



5. I have not read the first book Bernikow wrote about her relationship with Libro and suggest that the reader do that before reading this one, however, the second book can stand alone and is a splendid work by a woman about her dog. Bernikow perfectly captures the essence of Libro's canine personality and what a dog he is! Sadly he did not live long enough; I finished the book wondering if the writer would ever find another partner as well-suited to her as Libro, and I mean partner of any kind, not just the dog kind. I plan to read the first book now to see what I missed about the first year.

5 comments about Monster: My True Story.

1. I APPEAR IN THIS BOOK, BUT WHAT IS STATED ABOUT ME IS NOT TRUE; NOR DID THIS WRITER TRY TO VERIFY ANY TRUTH WITH ME.
   
   AT FIRST BLUSH, IT ALSO APPEARS THIS WRITER SIMPLY COPIED "QUOTES" FROM COURT DOCUMENTS, AND PARROTED "THOSE" AS "AILEEN WUORNOS' WORDS"; AS I SEE STATEMENTS (SUPPOSEDLY OUT OF MS. WURONOS' MOUTH) THAT WERE TAKEN (OUT OF MY MOUTH) FROM MY LEGAL DEPOSITIONS!
   
   TOO BAD THERE IS NO LEGAL RAMIFICATION FOR PLAGERISM FROM DEPOSITIONS, OR THIS WRITER WOULD BE OUT OF A JOB. AND, IN MY OPINION, DESERVINGLY SO, AS THE ONLY TRUTH IN THIS BOOK IS THE SPELLING OF THE AILEEN WUORNOS NAME.
   
   JACKELYN GIROUX



2. I actually met Corky Reid, who thought it strange, that Aileen Wuornos should take the rap for his death, when he was very much alive. Corky turned himself into the police and back to his family, very much alive and NOT THE EIGHTH VICTIM BY WUORNOS!
   How could THIS so called WRITER state he is writing a TRUE STORY, plus from the mouth of Aileen Wuornos (who obviously knew she did not kill Corky Reid!) and have such a BLUNDER as this?! The book should be taken off the shelf, or retitled, in my opinion, as it is not truthful! PLUS, I have read all the BOOKS written about Aileen Wuornos and the only one that makes any REAL STATEMENTS is LETHAL INTENT by Sue Russell, who actually met the people she writes about and QUOTES THEM!



3. i purchased this book written by christopher berry dee,i was very very disappointed as it said on the cover aileen in her own words,there were the odd one or two quotes,as ive read sue russells book lethal intent,i could see alot of similarities in berry dee's book.as for the one of the main topics being corky reid,maybe he should have studied the case more,and not blamed aileen for his disapperance/murder,as he went into hiding to avoid large debts he had incurred.if you want a book given both sides of aileen i would not go for this book,i would purchase sue russells book



4. It seems that the author (and I'm not talking about Aileen here, since she didn't write this book, no matter what Berry-Dee is trying to convince you) has taken lots of newspaper clippings and put this book together in a quick way to make money. Although it's not badly written there is something missing. There is hardly any references to her childhood and very much about her being interviewed. Lots of stuff I believe is taken from Nick Broomfield's Aileen documentaries. It's an ok read and I'm glad I got this one from the library and didn't buy it!



5. I had a great time reading this book. Having seen the movie a few months back I decided to purchase 'Monster' to see what else went on with this story. What a tale! So much more to be known about Wournos and written by a man who has clearly had a lot of experience talking with this woman. Using his extensive interview experience with other serial killers he has created the definitive portrait Aileen Wournos. Those who enjoy reading about this kind of crime should check out 'Talking With Serial Killers' by the same author. Again, using masses of interview material Christopher Berry-Dee has produced an absolutely chilling document. And whats more, this guy can write!

No comments about Women Behind the Camera: Conversations with Camerawomen.

4 comments about Memoir of a Race Traitor.

1. Growing up in the so-called 'post civil' rights era with intergrated schooling, myself and other 'white' liberals do not conciously realize what risks our own involvement with this social change entailed for all demographics.
   
   Sure we muse about how we also would have participated in sit-ins...etc if we had been born generations earlier, but would we have actually followed through on those same pronouncements?
   
   Because her own family was involved in segregation activities, Segrest had an involuntary front-seat to the politics of hatred. This same enviroment unintentionally provided the reinforcement that the white Segrest needed to battle racism begining in the 1960's.
   
   Thus, unlike some people who would write this book today only to appear 'politically correct', Segrest has genuine empowerment intentions: She knows that although it is a part of her family's (and the community's past) racisim was not (and is not) right for anybody. It is also possible to love your own family while strongly opposing their politics---and judgements upon yourself.
   
   Segrest's innate ability to interconnect various social justice struggles with each other is another strength of this work. Racism, sexism, and homophobia are all different facets of the same bigotry. Preventing full community potential from being realized, all forms of discrimination must be abolished without exception. There is no such thing as 'acceptable' bigotry.
   
   Segrest can get too self-righteous at times for some readers(she is hardly the only person in the world who has worked against her own family's politics!), but this book stil expertly explores a VERY personal and political issue not fully addressed in our supposedly more enlightened times.



2. I write this review to praise Mab Segrest's brilliant, beautiful writing: stylistically lovely, deeply insightful, politically powerful. This book is a must read for anyone invested in US cultural politics from the perspective of a passionate activist and incredibly talented writer (and speaker -- I had the privilege of seeing Mab live and she's FABULOUS).



3. This book showcases the filthy ravings of a truly degenerate "human being." Read it for insight into the mind of a truly depraved individual.



4. This diary is fast moving and entertaining, yet it doesn't lose it's impact. Mab Segrest is an activist who has been working against the fascist right for many years. Her focus has been primarily on issues related to race, but she also touches on issues related to being a lesbian. Mab was raised in a family who actively worked to prevent the desegregation of schools, so her diary includes some interesting insights into what it's like to be actively working on political and social fronts that are opposite to those held by your immediate family. She also clearly and completely describes some heartbreaking work she did in the 80s - work that involved investigating the murders of several people, some of which were her friends and mentors. The events and the governmental abuses that led to these deaths are disturbing, yet described without a hint of sensationalism or propaganda - just honesty, and sorrow. The book ends with a 100 page history of the USA in in the past few decades, with an emphasis being placed on race relations and gay and lesbian issues. There's a lot of information in this little biography, and all of it's extremely well written. I highly recommend it.