5 comments about Passionate Nomad: The Life of Freya Stark (Modern Library Paperbacks).

1. A well written, well researched book about a fearless and adventurous woman who lived a most interesting life. Especially interesting--though not surprising--were how the insecurities she lived through as a child molded her as an adult. Her near financial poverty as a child in a world where peers and relatives lived sumptuous lives gave her a ravenous appetite for luxury as an adult. Her beautiful, emotionally remote mother and mostly absent father had her looking for love from the unlikeliest of men during most of her adult years. This book shouldn't be missed even if you aren't particularly interested in the part of the world she adored.



2. My Journey to Lhasa: The Classic Story of the Only Western Woman Who Succeeded in Entering the Forbidden CityForbidden Journey (Marlboro Travel)I don't understand why other great women travellers are not mentioned in any of these reviews. If you like this author, don't forget about Alexandra David-Neel who paved the way and Annemarie Schwarzenbach and Ella Maillart who traced their own unique paths. All but Schwarzenbach have been translated into English and are available from amazon.



3. Having just scrolled through the other reviews, I don't have anything to add except the comment that I am another fan of this book. I think the author did a good job of bringing this complex, interesting woman to life.



4. Freya Start was a pioneer in her day -- a remarkable and complex woman whose intellectual curiosity led her to explore a region --the Middle East-- where few Western women felt comfortable to go in company, let alone, as a solo traveler. THis book describes her character as it developed over time, headstrong, determined, and driven to compensate for her plain features and disfigured face with daring adventures. Her advise and counsel to the British foreign office proved to be amazingly prescient, though she was not always heeded. A very good book of historical and human significance.



5. Another amazing book about another amazing British lady of the ealy 1900's. Gertrude Bell (Desert Queen ) and Freya Stark are two incredible women who broke all the barriers of their era. Another must read for those interested in the development of the Middle East in the early 1900's, the cultures of these people and the strength and determination of an incredible woman in a time when only men ruled the world.

5 comments about No Disrespect.

1. I PURCHASED THIS BOOK BECAUSE THIS IS THE 2ND PART OF HER 1ST BOOK THE COLDEST WINTER EVER I LIKED THAT BOOK AND I FEEL THAT SISTA SOULJA LIFE EXPERIENCES ARE OF VALUE FOR BOOK READERS TO READ ....



2. This book was not that bad,There are things that agree with Sister Souljah on and things that I disagree with.But for her to be so intelligent and have alot of book sense...She lacks a great deal of common sense and I honestly think and feel that she has alot of issues within herself to deal with by judging of her actions in this book.



3. This book will hit you smack between the eye sockets as Sister Souljah describes her own upbringing in the projects, in the grips of a welfare system designed to convey feelings of inferiority, an educational system in which black children were given no reason to take pride in their colour, their origins or their past, life in college and as an activist. She discovers a class beneath the underclass where she grew up. Souljah writes of the desperation that gripped not only adults but children and the complete death of love between black folks (235). She calls welfare hotels urban hellholes where "African children were doomed. It was a recipe for extinction of my people. It was genocide." This story brings to mind an activist called Geoffrey Canada who tried to convey the urgency of the problem. Souljah nailed it beautifully. Man/woman relationships play a significant role in this story. Be prepared to be jolted out of your seat.



4. I decided to read this book after I learned that my favorite artist and a person I look up to read it, Tupac. This book was a eye opener. I loved how she went into a lot of the issues we as black people deal with on the daily basis and she didnt sugarcoat anything. She was so raw with everything she said and I loved it. I think every young black male and female should read this book. I agreed, disagreed, laughed, cried, and smiled while i read this book it got so many emotions out of me and a book has never done that before. I definitely recommend this book to anyone.



5. This is a good book, Sister Souljah has been through a lot in her life and this book explain everyone who had an influence on her life. And reading her autobiography has made me understand her books a little bit more, now that I read No Disrespect.

5 comments about The Diary of Anais Nin: Vol. 1 (1931-1934).

1. ...with "Tropic of Cancer." For newbies, read the synopsis of Anais Nin and Henry Miller at "wikipedia." Then start reading Volume 1 of Anais Nin's diaries (1931 - 1934). After a while, maybe 30 - 40 pages you will want to take a break. So, pick up "Tropic of Cancer" and read the first couple of chapters. Anais had Henry read her journals; Anais and Henry helped each other with each others works. The preface to "Tropic of Cancer" was written by Anais Nin (at least it was signed by her; legend has it that Henry actually wrote it). "Tropic of Cancer" was published (and immediately banned in the United States) in 1934. (By the way, off topic, Henry Miller reminds me a lot of Hunter S. Thompson, at least "Tropic of Cancer" and "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.")



2. ANAIS has been someone who has carried me through some tough times in the past...I read her at twenty...and twenty-three and twenty-six. Her troubles were my own and we were kin. She is meant to be read by anyone who loves life...in it's full fleshy sometimes heart rending reality. She writes with the open-heart of a poet, and leaves the reader feeling more than fed. READ ANAIS NIN!



3. I recomend reading Anais Nin's diary. The book is such poetic prose. Some sentences really took my breath away, the way she can captivate something so beautiful and human in simple words. Since it is a diary, its main focus is her life, but its not selfish, infact she mentions herself very little. The main focus is Henry (Miller) and June, his wife. When Ananis Nin falls inlove with someone, so does the reader. Her descriptive skills gave me goosebumps, you really can see it in your minds eye, hear the music or feel the softness of skin. I highly recomend this to anyone thinking about reading this book, you will come away with a slice of life from 1930's France.



4. This is one of the most profound works of literature I have ever read. Nin leads you directly into her life, the nature of the people around her, her feelings and internal conflicts. She writes delicately and powerfully and womanly. Everyone should have a chance to read this.



5. A bit long and occasionally dense, but overall, a worthwhile and insightful glimpse into the life of a remarkable, thoughtful writer in 1930s France.

5 comments about Switching Time: A Doctor's Harrowing Story of Treating a Woman with 17 Personalities.

1. The case study of Karen and her 17 personalities makes for fascinating reading. She certainly would be the case of a lifetime for any psychiatrist, and she sounds like someone who has gone through more than anyone should have to bear, and you feel like she almost was lucky her mind made the personalities for her, or she probably would have been dead or totally dysfunctional. For the most part, the book is well written, and I was eager to read more and find out what happened next.
   
   I did of course have the questions most people would probably have---is all this really true? Did she really have all those people inside her? Did she really suffer the Satanic-like abuse she tells of? I have no reason to doubt her, I guess, but I know memories can be altered in many ways and I do wonder if hers were somehow.
   
   I also had questions about ego. The author certainly thinks well of himself. I guess you have to, as part of this kind of therapy, as so much seems to be about thinking that the client is developing feelings for you, or that a small word from you can really change things a huge amount. I did appreciate the fact he eventually stopped charging Karen.
   
   I also wonder if it's really a usual thing to hear about physical abuse in a marriage and not make sure police are aware of it. I don't know all the laws involved, but that kept popping into my mind!
   
   Overall, if you like reading about interesting psychological cases, this would probably be a book for you.



2. Oh my gosh! This was an awesome book. I couldn't put it down. It was insightful, informative, and well writen. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in psychology of any form. This book is from the doctors side. He kept detailed notes about his session with the subject the book is based upon. I found it fascinating, from the prospect of a person who has long desired to go into this field as a professional. This is one of the best books I have read in the psychology field.



3. This is a fascinating book, one that documents the courage and trust of both the therapist and his client. It speaks, in an amazing way, to the alliance in search of healing that these two configured.
   
   unlike other reviewers, I did not find the description of abuse to be lurid or egregious, but rather, presented in a way that makes the point as to what would cause such an extreme self-protective reaction as to "split". For me, the accounting of abuse was haunting, as some elements of it reflect my own, and as a result, I have read this book slowly, and with some self-care, a course of action I suggest to anyone with a complex childhood who reads this book
   
   My own DID has been less dramatic; unlike Karen, my alters remained coconscious. Nonetheless,I fully understand the self-care and trust needed to integrate is formidable, and I applaud Karen for her courageous journey and - for the willingness to speak her truth in a manner that may help others.
   
   This book does speak to the unspeakable, and I am saddened for those that remain in disbelief about the nature and existance of extreme physical and sexual abuse. It does happen. Fortunately, because of some skilled therapists and some driven/focused clients, one can heal and create an adult life of some richness and personal joy, as the book so ably speaks to. My own healing journey has resulted in a similar merging of personae, with a resultant ease of life on a daily basis.



4. This is the story of a psychiatrist treating a woman with 17 different "personas" inside her. It is very interesting to see the story unfold as some of the different personalities interact with the doctor and he pieces together the story of the woman's past, a past which was filled with such horrific abuse by her parents and relatives that she "switched out" mentally and other personas took over in order to deal with the pain, manage difficult situations, etc.
   
   The therapy goes on over years, as the alters themselves help the psychiatrist to treat Karen, and set up a plan to re-integrate each of them back into Karen's core personality, helping her to be a "complete" person with integrated memories and capabilities. The personalities range from a small child to several adults and teens. One of the personalities is quite artistic and can draw pictures of what each personality looks like, along with depictions of the interior arrangement of Karen's mental "house" where they all live. Several others write letters to the psychiatrist in their own unique handwriting. Many of these are illustrated in the book.
   
   I thought it was interesting that some of the personalities that initially seemed most negative or evil actually turned out to be the ones that were Karen's strongest protectors, they seemed evil because they were the ones that had to "absorb" the experiences of pain and horror that were too much for any of the other personalities. As the psychiatrist learns the function of these personalities and begins to work with their role as protectors, they become more cooperative and less antagonistic in the therapy process.
   
   WARNING: The accounts of the abuse Karen suffered are quite graphic and horrifying, and may be disturbing to some readers.



5. If it were not for a letter from one of Karen's alternate personalities, Dr. Baer would have had no idea how to merge or integrate her 17 personalities. Baer proves that psychiatrists can hypnotize and prescribe medications, but they know nothing about psychotherapy.

3 comments about Mary Martin, Broadway Legend.

1. I was very disappointed in this book. I was hoping for a major biographical treatment of the life of the legendary Mary Martin -- but this doesn't begin to fill the bill.
   
   A first reading indicates lots of errors. To list only a few:
   
   Mary Martin didn't study with Dino Borgioli in New York as the author claims, but in London.
   Cinderella with Julie Andrews was 1957 and not 1958.
   The Song "When You're Far Away From New York Town" was not taken from the character who originally sings it and given to Mary Martin to sing during "Jennie". The singer Jack DeLeon sings it on the OBC recording and sang it in the show.
   The companion show for NBC that preceeded "Music with Mary Martin" was called "Magic with Mary Martin" and not "Three to Make Music" as the author claims.
   One of the most important television shows she did, the "General Foods 25th Anniversary Show -- A Salute to Rodgers and Hammerstein" gets no mention in the list of "major television performances"
   There was no "Jazz Version of 'Tit Willow'" in the tv special with Noel Coward.
   The 1985 "Our Hearts Belong to Mary" special in which Miss Martin made her final New York Broadway stage appearance gets no mention at all. This was a great night of tribute to Mary Martin and there is nothing in the book about it.
   It is Dolores Gray, not Delores Gray.
   
   Additionally, some incidents in Mary Martin's life are told out of the chronological order in which they happened, making them appear to have happened at a different point in time.
   
   With so many errors found in a first casual reading of the book, one has to worry about the accuracy of other information.
   
   The author, Ronald Davis, relied very heavily on his oral interviews with close friends of Mary Martin and with the great star herself. Somehow the focus shifts too often to the interviews with these other individuals. Much of the author's research comes from materials at SMU where he was a professor. This is good material, however there is a wealth of other material out there that wasn't tapped for this book.
   Basically there is still another fascinating story to be told about this great performer.
   
   Better attribution for a lot of the source material would be welcome. There is so much material borrowed from other sources that the lack of footnotes is frustrating. Sources are discussed in the back of the book but it is difficult to cross-reference them, and the source material section is quite hard to follow. This is amazing considering the book was published by a university press.
   
   The accompanying back matter, the list of her Broadway shows is very sketchy and incomplete. Only major performers are listed. There is only an incomplete list of television appearances, and there is no discography.
   
   If you are waiting for a major and in-depth biography of this wonderful performer -- this book isn't it. There are some nice photographs which are rarely seen and they were enjoyable to look at.



2. First of all, let me tell you that I've loved Mary Martin since a child. I've avidly read everything I could get my hands on about her and this book is a gem I shall treasure,
   
   I hope that younger people will read this book - that it will inspire them as I was to dream big, be big and not be afraid of anything and that if you believe this you can do it all.
   
   It's a shame that there are few left on Broadway to inspire us, so I am even more grateful for this marvelous book. Thank you!



3. I enjoyed reading this account of Mary Martin's life and career. I am a big fan of her son, Larry Hagman, and in the process of reading everything I could get my hands on about him, became familiar with much of the written source material used here. I was happy to find that there is much more to this book than a compilation of existing work. Davis' use of his interviews with Martin and many who knew her, including her childhood best friend Bessie Mae Sue Ella Yeager, which were part of his SMU Oral History Project, make this volume valuable. Information from personal letters are also used effectively throughout.
   
   One item in particular intrigued me, that Mary had an older brother who died in childhood. I have never read anything of the sort, but if true it explains why Mary's mother, Juanita, became so attached to Larry Hagman. I had always assumed that her strong desire for a son was simple sexism. I'd love to know more - too bad the boy's name, age and cause of death were not included.
   
   I have a few minor complaints. Larry Hagman was married in 1954, not 1955 as reported in this book. Some of the implied time-lines seemed wrong to me, even though specific dates were not given. For example, Mary and Larry made a record together, not "shortly before Larry went into the service," which was after Larry appeared in South Pacific in London with his mother, but over a year before that, while Mary was still in South Pacific in New York.
   
   Overall, I found "Mary Martin, Broadway Legend" to be a fair and balanced account of Martin's life, well written, informative and entertaining. I recommend it to anyone interested in Mary Martin, her family and colleagues, theater history, or a good biography.

5 comments about Mosaic: Pieces of My Life So Far.

1. I just love to hear Amy talk. She is so real and expressive. She has such a way with words. The sound of her voice just adds so much more to the enjoyment of reading the book. I highly recommend the audio version, by itself, or to read along with the book at the same time. This is truely a priceless treasure for fans of Amy Grant!



2. I'm a fan of Amy Grant's music - Mostly her more pop stuff - and was interested in this book. So I ordered it, not knowing really what to expect. Well, it's a beautiful book written about Amy's life. She included song lyrics (new and old), poems and little stories about her career as well as her family. For those hoping for a tell-all, well, Amy is too classy for that, and instead focuses on the good and bad, and important parts of her life to convey deep and meaningful messages about love, family, children, God and life. Highly recomended!



3. I highly recommend this read. Although I enjoy reading biographies as well as appreciate the broad artistry of Amy Grant--singer, songwriter, actress, television host--this selection is a gem. Unlike the usual format of a bio, this one has much more...flavor. Grant's aptly named work, MOSAIC, intertwines intimate revelations with songs and poems that Grant has written--some previously unpublished. MOSAIC is such an enjoyable and inspiring read that I have read it, reread it, gave it away and had to replace several times already--and it's only been released less than a year!



4. Beautifully written, great stories told. While I can appreciate her need to keep certain things private, I do feel if you are going to write a true autobiography, you need to be willing to lay a little more of the first marriage out on the line. I feel like she skips over all of what she and Gary went through, both good and bad. I am not asking for the gory details of the divorce. I think she should have been able to write about their life together more. He is, after all, the father of 3 of her children. That being said, the book deserves a read.



5. Mosaic: Pieces of My Life So Far
   
   I found this book very touching and moving. I admire Amy Grant. My wife recommend this book to me. I thought this must be a chick book. Vince Gill and all their children are lucky people to have their lives touched by such a thoughtful and wonderful woman. The book was very honest and open. I also purchased her greats hits CD after listening to this audio book. Very Enjoyable.

4 comments about Joker's Wild: Call Me (Joker's Wild).

1. i brought this book base on reviews that i read i was not disappionted i loved it the storyline was so gooood, the sex okay [NOT AS STEAMY AS LORA LEIGH BOOKS]i loved how dylan was crazy about kayla even if she was a little different {smile]



2. I really liked the whole premise of this book and reading it was a pleausure. Additionally, I thought there were great moments of sexual energy and would recommend this is anyone who likes erotica. I also liked and would recommend Erotica - My Dirty Thirties: Male/Female/Male.



3. Dylan and Kayla have been best friends for years. They live in the same apartment complex and share their morning routine. Although they're close, they've never crossed the line into taking their relationship to the next level.
   
   While Dylan goes to the office every day, Kayla stays home and seems to do a few things - work on web sites and also invents "things." One of her inventions is a Walnut Wand - an anal sex toy for men. She wants to try it out on her best friend, but Dylan refuses. How is she ever going to get a test subject for her toy, if her best friend won't even try it?
   
   An opportunity to get Dylan to test the toy presents itself at a poker game. Dylan and Kayla, along with some of their other friends have a monthly poker game (ergo the name of the series). At this month's game, Kayla and Dylan decide to have one poker game with higher stakes than usual - if Kayla wins, Dylan agrees to try out Kayla's invention. If Dylan wins, Kayla will call Dylan and they'll have phone sex, which could change their relationship forever.
   
   What follows is what happens after one of them wins the poker game and how their relationship changes. It's a fun read - I loved Kayla's unconventionality - her clothes don't ever match and she loves to invent "different" things. Dylan is sexy, tending to be dominant, but enjoying every minute with Kayla.
   
   If you like steamy books that have a believable romance and not just sex, you'll love this book. I read this book after reading Joker's Wild - Three Nights and I found this book much better than the second. I loved Kayla who's unconventional but strong and Dylan is hot.



4. things are going to heat up with a card game determining which one will get what they really want.
   
   Kayla Martin has invented a sexual aid which she hopes will take the sex toy industry by storm. It makes perfect sense to share her invention with her best friend and downstairs neighbor Dylan Thompson and request that he help her test the device. Only Dylan isn't as enthusiastic about her newest creation and flat out refuses to test it out.
   
   Dylan is convinced that Kayla has finally lost her mind. There is no way he's going to use her sex toy for men on himself. Even if he was willing to consider trying it, he's seen more than one of her modified creations go haywire and there is no way he's going to risk permanent damage to any part of his anatomy.
   
   It was Dylan and Kayla's late night phone calls that always end up full of sexual connotations that gave Kayla the idea for The Walnut Wand. Dylan loves Kayla's voice and relishes their phone calls, even when she's complaining about her failed dates with yet another loser. After getting off the phone with Dylan, Kayla begins thinking about masturbation which then leads her to doing online research where she learns more about what men enjoy sexually. She really thinks that she has discovered an untapped market and her idea could be the next great thing to hit the sex toy industry. How is she going to get test subjects though if her best friend won't even give it a chance? The next time Dylan sees or talks with Kayla is at their monthly poker game. She uses her breasts to her advantage and ends up winning the game but the high stakes game is just beginning. One hand, winner takes all - if Kayla wins, Dylan has to be her test subject; if Dylan wins, he'll finally get a phone call to end the way he wants - with both of them completely satisfied.
   
   CALL ME is the first book in Lena Matthews JOKERS WILD series and it starts it off with a resounding bang! Kayla is a character whom you just can't help but adore. She's a bit absent-minded, wacky, determined, and completely loveable. Dylan's personality compliments her beautifully. He's level-headed, focused and much to his own surprise, head over heels in love with Kayla. I couldn't help but laugh as I imagined the horror on his face when Kayla casually mentions the nature of her invention and how she wants him to try it out. This story goes far beyond just trying to get him to try out the toy, it really delves into their friendship and the changes that occur between them as they become lovers. Let's face it the sex scenes are just too hot not to pick up a copy and read it for yourself. I could feel my face heating up just reading them.
   
   Chrissy Dionne (courtesy of Romance Junkies)

5 comments about Reason for Hope: A Spiritual Journey.

1. This is a very good book. It is a good description on the life of Jane Goodall. Very easy read.



2. I have read REASON FOR HOPE and find that Jane Goodall did an excellent job in describing her life in a way that gives reason for hope in life, especially in difficult times. I was very touched by her description of her relationship with her second husband, Derek, her life with him, and her feelings after his death. It brought back feelings I had after the death of my wife. Jane Goodall is an excellent humanist. Also, she merits the Nobel Peace Prize.



3. Jane Goodall is just a wise old soul...no matter what
   her age or yours. She brings good wisdom that is
   understandable and applicable for each one of us to
   be better stewards of the earth and ourselves.



4. I loan this book, give copies as gifts, and read it at least once a year. Dr. Jane Goodall's life, from her days as a young British girl with a love of animals and nature to her present incarnation as a world-renowned conservationist, advocate for threatened and endangered animals - particularly primates - and UN Messenger of Peace, is exemplary. In Dr. Goodall's own words, "We have a choice to use the gift of our lives to make the world a better place." Through this book, we may learn how Dr. Goodall has done just that.



5. Jane Goodall's "Reason For Hope" is an engaging, richly detailed life story. Raised in England, a lucky break through a friend takes Goodall to Africa for a job as a secretary. There she meets Louis Leakey, who is very impressed with her and helps to shape her career. Although she completes a PhD and spends time on book tours and teaching gigs, Goodall is most at home living amidst the wildlife. In fact, she makes it clear that she is most comfortable alone, observing chimpanzees. She finds her sprirituality there, drawn on a Christian upbringing in the UK. She also marries twice and has a son, and oversees students who visit her compound.
   
   Although this is a traditional memoir, it is also very much about Goodall's faith. Despite many doubts about man's inhumanity to man, Goodall sees in nature (and in humans) several reasons to believe in a creator and in humankind. (She also has a supernatural encounter with a deceased relative.) Much of her spirituality is rooted in reverance for God's creation. Her life is an extraordinary one, but her faith is a common one.

5 comments about The Autobiography Of Eleanor Roosevelt (Quality Paperbacks Series).

1. I bought this book during a visit to Eleanor Roosevelt's Val-Kill Cottage in Hyde Park. I had read Doris Kearn's "No Ordinary Time" years prior and it had stoked an deep interest in me for more on the Roosevelts of Hyde Park. This book is an interesting look at a woman whose transformation impacted the nation and the world. Surely, she is the most interesting and influential woman of the 20th Century.
   
   The book covers a great many historical events as well as personal incidents in her life. The early years give us a glimpse into the thinking of an awkward and self-conscious girl. She guides us through her growing involvement in New York politics. The presidential years are interesting. But I found that reading a book ABOUT Eleanor in those years as opposed to reading her self deprecating and understated views was mor enlightening. The most captivating portions ofthis book were the post presidential years, particularly her roleas a UN Delegage and as Chairman of the Human Rights Commission. I thought the book was good, although I had to keep reminding myself that an autobiography is one person's personal story of events - not the grand history of events.
   
   I am very glad I read her autobiography and read her own words. She is that much more a compelling woman to me. History buffs should not shy away from this book. Immensely readable, with an occasional slow spot.



2. This book sheds light a long period of American history through the narration of an amazing woman who you will grow to admire as much as I did. Born into an elite aristocratic American family, Eleanor could have remained hemmed in by the insular values with which she was raised. Women were supposed to stay out of politics, Anglo-Saxons were supposed to run the country and only mingle amongst themselves, and the poor deserved their lot.
   
   Eleanor grew up with a lot of the prejudices someone of her class and generation might be expected to have but then she transformed into a woman who fought tirelessly against poverty, racism, sexism, and injustices of all kinds. I think that is her true legacy and what makes her so remarkable. In a society that wanted women to be purely ornamental, Eleanor could have done as so many women of her age and class did, remain prisoners to their narrow views and beliefs.
   
   But Eleanor did more. Because she was not conventionally attractive, she was supposed to hide away from society. Because she was a woman, she wasn't supposed to get involved in political affairs. But she got involved! She told FDR what she thought about everything, urging him to pass anti-lynching legislation, include more women in his cabinet, and earning his profound respect-if not always his complience!
   
   Sometimes she could be a bit naive, (like when, in the fifties, she told a soviet leader how much Americans had done to improve the "life of the negro", but Eleanor's empathy, compassion, humility and personal strength comes through so strongly in these profoundly human writings of hers that I really think anyone would enjoy them. What a wonderful woman!



3. While reading this book you get to share in the many personal experiences of Eleanor Roosevelt. She does not focus much on her relationships, rather she focuses on sharing her experiences. The places she has gone to and the people she has talked to are absolutley amazing. She shares her firsthand experiences of the mine workers and her talks with people in communist Russia. It is amazing that just one woman has seen and heard from so many varying perspectives. She really did try to empathize with the people and situations around her and this really comes out in her book. I think many people can learn from reading this book on how to be a better listener and observer and critical thinker of the life happening around you.



4. If you're looking for a "first" Eleanor biography, don't start with this one. Read it eventually, but not at first.
   
   If you have read her collected writings, "No Ordinary Time" or the biography(ies) by Blanche Wiesen Cook this autobiography is a much needed voice. It may not be as engrossing or tantlizing as the others, but it offers a layered look into her history. I struggled with the Wiesen Cook books but ended up enjoying them very much and I would have to say that with out them, this autobiography would not have had such an impact. What she shares in her autobiography is enlightening at times, but what is more significant is the specifics she leaves out or vaguely refers to in the generalist of terms.
   
   The best way to describe this book is comparing it to a long chat with a woman you've respected for a long time. You knew things about her, you heard the rumors, but now you're sitting with her, listening to her tell you how she really felt things happened.



5. Eleanor Roosevelt's autobiography provides very little information about her life. She vaguely refers to many seemingly important events (such as the death of her father, her husband's presidency) with little emotion and no detail whatsoever. If you know a lot about her and the politics of the time already, it may offer an interesting perspective. If you want to know details of ER's incredibly interesting life, read her biography by Blanch Weisen Cook.

5 comments about Letters from Burma.

1. Aung San Suu Kyi's letters are a window into Burmese culture, politics and problems the people of Burma are facing today. It is an excellent read, well written and very well worded. As you read this book, you begin to form a mental image of her as a person. Her gentle nature and positive, uplifting attitude show through. It is easy to see why the people of Burma risk their own personal freedom and safety to support Aung San Suu Kyi politically and her party.



2. An eloquently written piece that will be finished in a few sittings, Suu Kyi's Letters from Burma is a collection of short essays she submitted to the Japanese newspaper Mainichi Shinbun.
   
   It is likely that because it has been written for a mass audience, you will find 'Letters from Burma' easier to digest than her other books, Freedom from Fear and Voice of Hope.
   
   A remarkable politician, she examines Burma through its common people and the everyday lives that are led. As with all of Suu Kyi's books, she takes care to not forget why her party is fighting for democracy - its people.
   
   She discusses Burmese politics sans the jargon, allowing this book to be appreciated by everyone, even if new to the situation in Burma.
   
   She included in her writings, several wonderful quotes from English, Japanese and Burmese poems, reflecting her regard of the arts. The title 'Letters from Burma' more than merely states the intention of each of the 52 entries in this book. Her entries are personal, light-hearted, frustrated, or balanced. They are addressed to the reader, bringing him/her into the world of Burma, and seeing it as it is for a lay person.
   
   She has managed to make getting aquainted with politics so beautiful and enjoyable, through which i suppose she nurtures the concern and interest in matters of her state, that you are likely to re-read certain entries, if not the whole book again once you're through it.



3. This is not just a book. Along with Aung San Suu Kyi's two other major books ("Freedom from Fear" and "Voice of Hope"), this book is destined to be at the heart of the struggle - and eventually the victory - for democracy in Burma. Among the three, this is the one I found most wonderful. Vivid, direct, it makes the reader feel as if she/he is listening to Suu Kyi, with her wonderful Asian voice and Oxford accent. Suu Kyi talks about Burma, about her people, about herself. She tells of the tragedies of her people, in the most natural and serene way, as if she were telling of everyday life - because indeed, this is the Burmese everyday life. She does not inflate things, she does not push for her views, yet she reaches the reader's heart immediately - at least she did with me ! She simply expresses views and feelings along with plenty of thrilling facts and anecdotes. I can't imagine of any reader who won't love this book and won't feel inspired by this account from Burma's heroine. After reading this and the other books, I felt so close to Burma's struggle that I absoliutely had to go there and meet Suu in person. So I did, I took off for Burma and managed to meet her. I had met many world personalities before, but this was truly a unique event in my life. The pages of the book kept coming back to my mind, as I could finally see the source of all that strength and hope, the incarnation of Burma's struggle. In the end I was deported from Burma for having made contact with her. Now these books are my inspiration to keep fighting on for democracy in Burma in all ways I can.



4. As this book is a compilation of 52 letters written to be published as a weekly installment in a Japanese newspaper (each 2 or 3 pages long), it is an easy book to pick up when you have a few minutes. (In New York, we would call it a great subway read - you can read a letter or two between when you get on the subway and when you have to get off.) The letters combine Aung San Suu Kyi's political beliefs and accounts of the remarkable work of her political party (the National Democratic League) with vivid descriptions of Burmese culture and countryside. There are probably other books that focus solely on either the politics or the culture of Burma that do a more comprehensive job of describing it, but this seems like a great introduction to both.



5. This is a collection of 52 essays that Aung San Suu Kyi had written in the mid 1990's for a Japanese newspaper. She discusses a full range of topics including politics, religion, and the daily life of the Burmese people as seen through the eyes of the country's biggest proponent of democracy.

   Her tales are fascinating and well written. They offer a glimpse into the world of an almost Orwellian regime and can peak the interest of readers unfamiliar with Burma's current state of unrest.

   As a recent traveller to Burma, I was looking for more detail into Burma's history and details surrounding the nullified election in 1990. Though these issues are touched upon, each essay is a mere 2.5 page newspaper article which does not lend itself to such depth. It is however a fascinating read and a great introduction to Burma's struggle for democracy.