5 comments about The Glass Castle: A Memoir.

1. One Day She'll Darken: The Mysterious Beginnings of Fauna Hodel
   
   Yesterday a friend was telling me that I had to read this book......a powerful memoir...he said..it reminds me of One Day She'll Darken...



2. I agree with others - it is a page turner. I couldn't put it down
   
   It was very well written. Funny at times. Expresses a sad and heartfelt story is a clever way. It was brave of Jeanette to share her life's story.
   Loved it!



3. I agree with many, a memory going back to three years old is almost absurd. Also, has anyone bothered to verify her story? People have spent many hours on A Million Little Pieces and found many facts in his story false, but what about hers? Has anyone checked hospital records, birth records and asking questions? I think too many people focused on Frey's book and not hers, which maybe worth verifying before taken as true.



4. While I would not call "The Glass Castle" high art, I did find it inspirational and, as others have said, courageously written.
   
   I also recently read "The Road," by Cormac McCarthy. Although I realize that was a novel, it seemed to me that the feelings it wanted to evoke, the human connections it was trying to make--but failed miserably, in my opinion--were fully realized in "The Glass Castle."
   
   If you are looking for a book that will move you and demonstrate just how much a child can love her parents, choose "The Glass Castle." It will stay with you for a long, long time after you turn the final page.



5. Wonderful book! I got this book to read as it was on the freshman reading list at a college - for kids to get in touch with their own lives and understanding them - and perhaps how to let it go and get on with it - which seems to be a problem these days! I found that it parralled with my own life - and helped me see through the hard times i experienced!
   Very thoughtful and insightful - well written.

5 comments about Infidel.

1. I'm a muslim women when I read this book I was not only touched but very upset how in other countries this religion is being abused...my heart goes out to Ali and other woman and children..this is a must read as well as Slave my true story..Ali you are a brave,smart, and courgious woman...I not only admire you..but you are brave!!!!! you represent WOMAN!!!



2. I, as a Muslim, got this book in the hope of understanding why this women left the teachings of Islam behind her. Well, I'm fortunate that I could not relate to her expeince yet felt so sad that there are actual people who suffer this due to the ignorant, uneducated, and extremist society they live in. It definitely brought to my attention how third world countries misinterpret the teachings of Islam and treat women in such inferior ways. I'd say this book is a must read but however readers should not take it as principle to how Muslim women are living their lives. In fact I do recommend that readers research how Muslim women are treated in more developed countries like the Arabian Gulf and particularly Qatar to get what this women really had to suffer and understand my compassion to her.



3. My curiosity has been fed about Ayaan Hirsi Ali. When I browsed the bookstore looking for another captivating book to read, I came across her book cover, which did interest me, but it was her story that intrigued me. Who is this woman? Who is this Infidel?
   
   Through her words and imagery, I traveled throughout the vast lands of Africa from Somalia to Kenya and all the way to Europe. Her story is a journey not just physical but also a spiritual and intellectual journey. This novel explored her upbringing in Africa as a child of the Muslim faith. As in any faith, we are naïve to what is beyond the teachings that are passed down to us through interpreters. Children are dared not to question the prevalent contradictions that exist within organized religions and they are definitely not allowed to question the purpose of certain customs and rituals that as in some cultures are connected to the core of one's faith. Ayaan's soul began to question her surroundings as her eyes began to open to the ugly truth of her faith however her questions were not tolerated as a Muslim (or as in any other religious system the only difference is that you can suffer by death for your inquiries). It is generally believed that if you are questioning the precepts of one's faith then you are allowing satanic influences to steer you from the "Straight Path" which is an abomination to you and to the honor of your family--your dedication to your faith should be unequivocal and be a complete submission to Allah.
   
   Ayaan could have shunned her growing feelings of doubt about her faith but she chose not to for her own self-betterment and in the name of truth. Her quest to discovering the truths of being a Muslim and its doctrines wasn't an easy path because Ayaan truly loved her faith, her family and her culture. As she progressed from childhood to adulthood with these burning questions, she longed for her freedom from the constraints of this paternalistic, clan-segregated society. She wanted more and sought her freedom in Europe. She courageously established her new beginning in Holland and soon obtained her Dutch citizenship. She lived the immigrants' dream to become a productive member of a new society. She became educated and was a hard worker--staying connected to immigrants from Somalia she served as a translator. However she began to see the same violence exhibited back home from where she ran away from at the doorsteps of Holland--her new home. The violence that she saw were Muslim girls and women repeatedly being abused, and even killed by their families and husbands in the name of Allah. Women were not only physically abused but deprived of independent thought, choice of freedom and equality. The Dutch government was unaware of this problem soon to become an ever-growing trend of violence that would forever change the religious, political and economic landscape of their society.
   
   She couldn't stand for this! Ayaan pledged to bring awareness to the Dutch about this but before she could go on her crusade for justice she had to arm herself with the social and political history of Holland and the world. She later entered the political arena and was a new voice with vigor. She captivated society's attention--good and bad. When she became a member of parliament (historic!), she reveled this opportunity to influence change and introduce new legislation bringing to light the realities of the abuse crisis and the violence overtures of the Muslim teachings. However, her term in parliament was marred by death threats and murder of a confidant leaving Ayaan feeling like a prisoner in her own skin as she was constantly being relocated.
   
   Her story doesn't end on the very last page--it simply begins a new chapter as she continues her journey to the United States to engage in intellectual discourse on the Muslim truth.



4. Sensational book, should be read by everyone. She articulates
   the divide between Islam and the West better than anyone
   else writing on the subject, because she has lived it.



5. A very timely release considering the bald-faced lies from the Muslim heads. This book reveals that Islam is anything but a religion of peace, as told by a woman that personally lived all the hate, discrimination, chaos and violence of the Muslim world. A must read for all in the West, especially women.

5 comments about I Hope They Serve Beer In Hell.

1. I laughed so hard, I cried while reading this book.
   
   if you like the tv show 'it is always sunny in Philadelphia, you will love this book.



2. This book is filled with laughs and reads like a night hanging out with the guys. Totally screwed up stories about drinking and sex fill this book and I found myself laughing out loud till it hurt. Great fun- if you like twisted stories of sex and booze.



3. When you were young you used to get red bed time stories. If you have a teenage son . Read this book to him at night . This book was excellent and extremely funny . It could have been the funniest book I have ever red. I would fear having a daughter, but other than that it was hilarious and very educational . I could not stop laughing . The author actually received a blumpkin!!! Would you believe that , A real Blumpkin!!! not many people have done that. Other people claim that if the author slept with their girlfriend that they would actually love them more. This book was a man's holly grail . AWESOME!!!!



4. Along with God Is a Woman: Dating Disasters this the funniest book I've ever read.



5. I got alcohol poisoning and 3 STD's just from reading this book.
   
   And I mean that as a compliment.

5 comments about Same Kind of Different As Me: A Modern-Day Slave, an International Art Dealer, and the Unlikely Woman Who Bound Them Together.

1. Wow! And I say it again, Wow! I don't think I have ever read a story quite like this one, and I've read some incredible stories. This is probably the most amazing true-life tale I have ever heard of. It is so amazing it's almost hard to believe it really happened. But you know without a shadow of a doubt that it did. People don't make up things like this. The fact that God could bring together a wealthy art dealer and an angry homeless man and use them to further His glory proves that he can truly do ANYTHING. This book will challenge the way you view everything, including yourself. It offers insight into worlds most people know nothing about; the world of the homeless, the world of cancer and most importantly, the spiritual world. Everyone on planet Earth should read this book and learn from it. To its authors: thank you for sharing this story and your faith. I know God is using it in wonderful ways.



2. A really inspiring look at my generation, the generation of the Great Depression. It shows you what one determined and truly caring individual can do in a world seemingly without hope.
   
   Highly recommended. It has the power to convert the most determined sceptic among us.



3. I started this book while eatting lunch on a Thursday. I picked it back up on Sat. and did not put it down until I finished it. Being from Ft Worth TX myself, I could really connect with the 1st part of the book. I did not know much about the book (picked it up for book club), so I was not prepared for the 2nd half of the book. It really touched me. Warning: Have tissues ready!!! Being a Christian, it made me reflect on how God's plan for us may not be exactly what we had in mind, but we just have to trust HIM that "Father knows best." Christian or Not - Texan or Not, I think everyone can enjoy this book. There are so many subjects cleaverly intertwined into this book, that it is thought provoking - - - Racism, Prejudice, Poor, Rich, Infedelity, Grief, Self-Doubt, etc. That's what I thought of the book, now for a brief synopsis of the book itself...
   
   You have Denver, who worked most of his life virtually as a slave in a cotton field, until he escaped only to find himself homeless and a slave within his own self doubt. He isolates everyone around him and set a boundry of fear around him as a survival technique. Then there's Ron who is very successful and enjoys being so. He travels with the "right" kind of people; enjoys fancy cars and doesn't have much use for those below him. Ron is married to Deborah-a loving Christian woman, who really does not care for the rich fancy lifestyle. She wants to be a good mother, wife, person and serve God. Ron has an affair. Deborah forgives him and their marriage becomes stronger, however to try to appease his wife, Ron reluctantly follows her to work in a homeless shelter. Through Deborah's persistence, Ron learns to let go of his prejudice and Denver learns how to escape from his self prison and they both learn to trust people again. But nothing comes without a price and Ron & Denver learn to work together and with the love of God to overcome a great tragedy. As a result they become best friends and even closer to God.



4. Second only to the Bible, Same Kind of Different As Me is the most outstanding book I have ever read. Thanks to Ron Hall and Denver Moore for sharing their beautiful story about the activity of God in all of our lives. Gentlemen, you are to be commended for putting on the printed page the mighty works of the great I AM. Proverbs 2:1-5 speaks to our search for understanding and that when we search for it as for treasure, we find it. You, gentlemen, have found it! Your book testifies to that fact. May God richly bless you and your families as you continue to follow Him.



5. I read this book in just a few days. It was unpredictable, inspiring an a great read.

5 comments about Such a Pretty Fat: One Narcissist's Quest To Discover if Her Life Makes Her Ass LookBig, Or Why Pie is Not The Answer.

1. I've read Jen Lanchaster's other books and was excited to see this one come out since I've struggled to lose 30 pounds myself in the past year--but done it. I was SO sick of these emotional roller coaster tales of women's journeys with weight. Jen is far from that and absolutely hysterical! Buy this book now for a good, quick read. Plus, try to see her on her book tour. I did. She was wicked funny, sweet, and actually sweated wine!



2. I howled with laughter and nodded knowingly throughout this book. Jen, please, please tell me you will write about house shopping next?



3. Jennifer Lancaster, once again, brings the type of humor to her work that most all of us wish we had the nerve to say in conversation. She's a great author and I found the book inspiring. Focusing on "strongs" versus every single morsel of evil food I put in my mouth is the exact type of message that needs to be sent. Being a size zero is still no fun if you can't walk up two flights of stairs without getting winded (Yes, I know people like that).



4. I laughed the entire time I was reading the book. Actually, I laughed reading all 3 books. Jen has a talent for telling a story and I can't wait for the next book. In the meantime, I'll keep re-reading the 3 I have.



5. For those of us of a certain age and of a certain, well, "body shape", this book is a hilariously relatable account of that weight loss journey we've been on so many times. Jen Lancaster proves to everyone that even as the governor of Jennsylvania, she is "gasp" not perfect and to her credit steps up to do what needed to be done, making me laugh all of the way down to my elliptical machine to get in a cardio session.
   My only complaint is that the book was so good I finished it in one day and now have to wait patiently (ha) until her next adventure is published.

5 comments about Losing It: And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time.

1. I was a Van Halen and One Day at a Time fan back in the day. I always wondered why this 20 year marriage broke up. The reasons are hardly shocking, but the author presents them in an interesting and straightforward fashion. She assigns blame equally, which was refreshing. Her life story was fascinating, about how a regular girl becomes a star without losing her way. Apparently the answer is decent parenting. Hmm, who knew?
   
   As for the diet stuff. Well, the story of her yo-yo weight was interesting, but when she started getting into the Jenny Craig stuff, she lost me. Jenny Craig put her on 1200 calories per day? Well, duh. Who wouldn't lose weight that way? Luckily, she does keep the shilling to a minimum.
   
   She did keep talking about how basically her son's fingers were grafted to the videogames, and the photos reveal he could use some 1200 calorie diets himself. But she didn't mention it, even when the photos made it glaringly obvious that she isn't the only one in the house with weight issues. Of course, she's a parent, loves him no matter what, blah, blah. And of course she does. But it was a huge elephant in the room that wasn't addressed and I just thought it was odd. And flame away, but the truth is the truth.
   
   All in all, a really good book. It kept me interested throughout.



2. I love Valerie Bertinelli and enjoyed reading her book. It is a very personable story and interesting to see that everyone has battles to deal with and how they do deal with them. Valerie truly inspires me.



3. This was a wonderful insight and written with quite a bit of humor. Very nice read. I read it in one day!



4. This is a great read, especially if you were a fan of Valerie from One Day at a Time.
   
   The book seems to fixate on Eddie Van Halen alot, which can be good or bad, depending if you're a fan or not.
   
   A good read.



5. This book touches many people in different ways, whether struggling with weight issues to just accepting changes in one's life. This book is great for anyone trying to deal with a change i their life. It is a quick read and it can inspire you to take your life back one pound at a time!

5 comments about Madness: A Bipolar Life.

1. I was 23, the same age as Marya Hornbacher, when her first book, the eating disorder memoir WASTED, was published. I devoured the book, simultaneously struck by envy (how could someone my age write with such authority and emotional authenticity?) and admiration at her courage to write so openly about such a deeply personal and painful topic as her own decade-long battle with anorexia and bulimia. WASTED has stayed with me since its publication, and I have often found myself wondering whatever happened to that promising young author, who, with the exception of a 2005 novel, has been silent for the past decade.
   
   Now I know.
   
   In MADNESS: A Bipolar Life, Hornbacher candidly and often brutally describes her life before and after the publication of her first book. At that time, she, her friends, family and therapists all believed that, with the conquering of her eating disorder, she would finally also have control over her chaotic and at times out-of-control life. Little did they know, however, that Hornbacher was in the grip of a much larger mental illness, one that had been overlooked since her childhood.
   
   Even as a preschooler, Hornbacher rarely slept, waking her parents at all hours of the night demanding to play. Her ambition and seemingly inexhaustible energy actually served her well during her school years, enabling the high-achieving young author to accomplish far more than anyone could have thought possible. But almost no one knew that Hornbacher was already using alcohol and drugs to manage her manic episodes, engaging in sex in exchange for drugs, and trying desperately to exert power over her out-of-control body by cutting herself and developing a soon-to-be life-threatening eating disorder.
   
   Only after one of those cutting episodes resulted in a near-fatal loss of blood, only after the publication of WASTED, only after she had already alienated many of her friends, acquaintances and colleagues did Hornbacher finally receive the diagnosis that would redefine her life. Hornbacher was diagnosed with bipolar disorder (formerly known as manic-depressive disease).
   
   Giving a name to her condition was only the first step in a long and painful process, however. Hornbacher's alcoholism sabotaged her doctors' attempts to control her bipolar disorder; therapists brought in to control her resurgent anorexia misdiagnosed her and prescribed harmful anti-depressants; her own high-achieving personality constantly undermined her will to manage her disease. Soon her bipolar disorder threatens not only her one mature romantic relationship but even her own life. In the end, though, a compassionate husband, supportive friends and, most importantly, a personal, conscious decision to re-imagine her own life allow Hornbacher to strike a cautiously hopeful tone at the end of the book.
   
   MADNESS is, at times, a nearly exhausting memoir to read. Written in Hornbacher's breathless, rapid-fire style, the prose occasionally seems to echo her manic episodes, as ideas and details come flying off the page a mile a minute. In addition, it can be emotionally draining to spend so much space locked in another person's troubled head --- but, as in this case, it can also be fascinating to read an intelligent, compelling exploration of a life defined by forces largely outside one's control. What's most remarkable, especially in light of my own musings about "what happened" to this eminently talented young author, is that she was able to accomplish so much even when wracked by such a debilitating disease, including writing much of this memoir in between a series of hospitalizations over the past several years. In that light, MADNESS is not only a much-needed exploration of an often-overlooked disease; it is, for this particular writer, a triumph.
   
   --- Reviewed by Norah Piehl



2. MADNESS: A Bipolar Life by Marya Hornbacher
   May 15, 2008
   
   Amazon Rating 4/5 stars
   
   I normally don't read non-fiction, except I am fascinated by psychologically minded books such as this one. MADNESS is a memoir by a woman who suffers from bipolar disorder (what at one time had been known as manic depression) but was not diagnosed until much later in life. Because of this belated diagnosis, Marya obviously was not treated for a disorder that could have been kept under control if caught in time. Instead, Marya was diagnosed with something totally different, and because of that she had been given medications that actually harmed her.
   
   Her symptoms throughout the years came and went, but as she describes what she has gone through, she gives a good example of what a person afflicted with Bipolar I disorder goes through, and what their loved ones and friends deal with day to day. Marya had the severe form of Bipolar disorder, and because it was left untreated for so long, her life was one horrific hell on earth. With manic highs and lows, she went from one relationship to another, bingeing on food and money, and began to resort to acts such as cutting, one of the few ways she felt in control of her crazy life.
   
   I found MADNESS a fascinating and insightful look into the life of a person with bipolar disorder, and having friends and family members of friends afflicted with it, I found this book very helpful in allowing me to understood a lot more of what having bipolar disorder is all about. Marya brings the reader into her madness, and shows us the pain she has gone through and her journey to the road of recovery.
   
   Marya Hornbacher, despite the hellish life she has led, is a gifted writer and it shows what any one can do, no matter what their state of mine is in. This is not her first book, and I hope it is not her last.



3. Having been diagnosed with bipolar disorder myself, I thought that reading another person's account would help to deepen my understanding of my own situation. That being said, I am glad this book wasn't around for me to read a year ago when I first found out. I would have been scared to death. If you have never encountered a bipolar person (there are many degrees of bipolar, some more serious than others) this is NOT the book for you. It may give you the wrong impression of the disorder.
   Her chapters read like manic episodes, jumping from thought to thought which I found discomforting, despite my complete understanding of what that feels like(and didn't she mention throughout that she was working on this book while experiencing episodes?). Her multiple hospitalizations, wild road trips, and even more than one marriage can make one think that bipolar is too much to handle and is something to be scared of.
   However, there were moments in there that floored me - that had me saying "Oh s**t. That is exactly how I felt before I was treating my disorder." She also details the inevitable process of denial that occurs when one is diagnosed with something as stigmatized as bipolar disorder. The continual self-abuse that makes treatment that much harder.
   If you have already learned about bipolar and can handle a horrendous story of one woman's personal experience, then go ahead. There are many resources listed in the back which can be helpful if you havn't already found them on the web. However, I do not plan to re-read this book and plan to sell my copy.



4. I have some addiction issues with Klonopin and I started reading this book when I was going through some serious Klonopin withdrawal. I am not bipolar but I found this book helpful and comforting while going through my own personal madness.
   
   Like she says in the book, I honestly don't know how she made it through all this without killing someone (by mistake of course) or herself, accidental or intentional. It is a miracle and she is blessed to come through this. Her writing is so convincing. I really felt like I was in her head and this is how it feels to be bipolar.
   
   I don't know how she drank as much as she did!! I kept thinking, Wow, considering her situation she was able to travel for her book tour and become an accomplished woman.
   
   I hope she stays on the straight and narrow and am glad that she told her story. I feel like anyone who reads this will finally understand what it is to have mental illness. Because so many people don't understand and I know I have a very hard time explaining how I feel sometimes.



5. I cried reading this book. While I have been diagnosed with Bipolar II, where the mania is not so severe, but the depression is, I got to see myself from the outside. Marya's pictures in to the life and mind is extrodinary.
   
   My husband is reading this after hearing an interview with her on the Dianne Rhem show on NPR. He said he finally knows me better than he ever has. The book is frightening, but at the same time hopeful.
   A must-read for anyone who wants to see mental illness from the inside

5 comments about The Six Wives of Henry VIII.

1. I recieved this book in perfect condition and it came a day before the estimated time of arrival. Thank you.



2. The book is great so far. I ordered it because its my ex girlfriends favorite book and i trust her taste in books.



3. What I liked most about this book is also what since distresses me most about films circulating on this topic. Weir so thoroughly researches the profusion of biographic material available (besides Britain, courts throughout Europe had documention on the wives of Henry and him) that it is clear there is no need to fictionalise this fascinating story (you wouldn't even try to imagine it). And although it lends itself so well to a series (or a film) once you have read this book the inaccuracies in (Gregory's, for example) fictionalisions on the screen tend to get annoying. Wonderful book -the story is historic and timeless at the same time. (If you can recommend a good, unembellished biographic DVD, please do.)



4. The Six Wives of Henry VIII
   Wonderful book. Very well written. It has increased my desire to know more about Henry the VIII and his times.



5. Very informative book! Weir manages to give us a detailed description of the personalities of each of these six queens. What makes this book such a success is that its very easy to read making it impossible to get bored!

5 comments about An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness.

1. As newly diagnosed with bipolar disorder, I was initially drawn to the title of the book, because "An Unquiet Mind" was what I felt I had. I am not a stupid person, by any means, but I did not feel like the author spoke to me personally about bipolar disorder or her experiences with it. The author uses clinical language and words most people would have to look up in Webster's Dictionary to understand. I feel as though the author's intended audience are her colleagues in academia. I was insulted by the author's use of the term "madness" in describing bipolar disorder, as I do not feel that I am mad, or ever have been. I do not think I have suffered from the illness to the degree that the author has, but she did not make herself or her experience with the disorder seem human like or real to me at all. In some ways, the author almost seems to have a romantic type fascination with bipolar disorder, and I see nothing even remotely romantic about having this disorder. A truly good author has the ability to be on the same level as her reader, and bring them into the story being told. I did not feel that way while reading this book, and I wasn't able to connect on a level with the author in which she made herself seem vulnerable or to which I felt some sort of empathy for her or her illness; and since I too have bipolar disorder, I find that to be one of the most important reasons why I cannot recommend this book. Come down to Earth, Ms. Jamison; that's where you will find the rest of us.



2. This is the most "on key" book I have read about an unquiet mind. Jamison's depiction of the disease is easy to read and to the point. If you want an informative read, don't let this one slip away. It is a must have.



3. I bought this book because I was listening to an Abnormal Psych podcast, and three of the episodes dealt with the book. I haven't listened to those yet, but I did just finish the book.
   I found it to be well written, easy to read (despite the occasional need for a dictionary), and most of all : it explains how the disease works and what it feels like without being too scientific about it, and with giving insight into what it feels like to be manic/depressive.
   It's got a lot of (her) personality poured onto the pages.
   I know no one with manic-depressive illness, I've never really read anything about it, but I feel as if I have a good bit of understanding now.
   I found it very interesting to read that the Lithium side effects are very similar to what someone with cfids goes through (obviously minus the manic/depressive episodes and mood swings).
   The "severe and prolonged depression" part got really emphasized in the book which after the 10th time had me sigh a "yeah, I got it the 5th time", but maybe that was because she wanted to make it really clear that this was not the usual kind of low-serotonin depression.



4. I bought this book like most people, because I was told it was great. Nothing could be more remote from the reality of the book. Let's see why.
   
   For one, Kay is an over-achiever. Despite the fact that some people could classify me as one, I know it's not the reality of most people with bipolar, although she keeps on repeating it over and over.
   
   For two, the poor woman lives in a world that doesn't exist: perfect childhood, perfect lovers, perfect friends. Of course there is something that she either doctored up or didn't have the courage to admit.
   
   For three, the scene of her in lingerie in her bathroom cutting her veins after sex - I'm sorry - it's ludicrous. During most of her "psychotic episodes" she is much more together than I am in a bad day LOL
   
   But the thing that really yucked me out is how she said that love is what saved her and - especially - how she rationalized the fact that her husband didn't want children from a mentally ill wife.
   
   The only point I could relate to was her missing her productive, happy highs which - again - aren't what most bipolars experience.
   
   In short, her book could be written by Danielle Steel if it wasn't that Danielle Steel did write a book on her late son who did have bipolar, and did a spectacular job. Read that one instead!



5. Redfield Jamison gifted the world with her memoir about bipolar which targets the disorder from two angles: the professional and the personal. Story is always profound and powerful, and I greatly appreciated her commitment to honesty of what it means to live with bipolar. She truly combined the best of two worlds - the world of truth and the facts about bipolar, juxtaposed against her own story.
   
   Possibly the most eye-opening part of the book is her struggle with lithium, and she covers the pros and cons, and wonderfully illustrates the lifesaving effects of the drug. Although she explains the many side effects and the disadvantages of the drug, she also reveals how many times it has saved her life...for better or worse.

5 comments about Standing Tall: A Memoir of Tragedy and Triumph.

1. This woman is completely amazing!! Being from Iowa, I fondly remember the Vivian Stringer era. I was part of the 22,000+ that atttended the game against Ohio State, setting the attendance record at the time as part of C. Vivian Stringer's vision. I am in awe of her and hearing her own story in her own words has had a profound impact on me. She mentions in the book her decision to fight for her spot on the cheerleading squad at her high school not only to cheer the team on, but to pave the way for future generations She talks about how later on, she realized that those "future generations" were her own neices.
   
   In thinking about that story and others in the book, I realized the impact that Vivian Stringer has had on my own daughter - a basketball and volleyball player, both directly and indirectly through other generations of Stringer girls with Stringer values.
   
   Amazing story!! Amazing Woman!!



2. Nothing gives inspiration better than a life-lived story. Vivian Stringer and Lauren Tucker presented a view of the life of a woman who knows how to to get above flooding waters of trouble and tragedy in life. I can not tell you how many times in reading the chapters, I was brought to tears. So many things that she has gone through in life just hits home where your heart is. Things that many of us bury in minds just to move on are stirred and brought to the surface when Vivian tells her story. You can understand the hurt and bewilderment that she feels. She makes it plain. You can remember going through racial inequality in life and learning how to cope, but the feelings of the pain momentarily come back when this story is told. Best of all you remember how you got over it. Best of all to you Viv and love to your family.



3. Great book! Great to inspire young adults. Service was speedy and the book arrived on time.



4. I am a big college basketball fan,I never really liked Vivian Stringer until I read this book. She is a proud and strong women who has been through many tragedies and victories. This book explains the women behind the women. I thought it was excellent. A must read.



5. An absolutely outstanding book about a remarkable woman. A must read for anyone who follows Rutgers' womens basketball and/or coaches ANY sport!