5 comments about Dreamgirl & Supreme Faith, Updated Edition: My Life as a Supreme.

1. This was OK, but it was in desperate need of an editor! The stories change so rapidly from paragraph to paragraph with no transitions or sequitors that I thought text was missing. One minute the Supremes are nothing, the next they are touring the world, which may have been somewhat true, but the transition from "nobodies" to "world stars" could have been described and documented. The affairs and Mary's children come out of nowhere, merely "listed", and not really described. A sense of progression of time is missing, though it's roughly chronological, but not smoothly so. The endless Diana-bashing (or should I say, Diane-bashing) is seemingly on EVERY page, without much detail into the nuance of their relationship, nor much description of the positive aspects of the friendship that was so long, but ended so awfully. While somewhat interesting, revelations that Mary didn't even sing on some later Supremes hits might indicate her ultimate limited usefulness, and underscores the sense that Diana Ross WAS indeed the real star of the Supremes, despite her bitchy ambition and sleeping-with-the-boss conniving ways. The treatment of Florence Ballard's departure is brief and somewhat undetailed, begging for a book of its own. DREAMGIRLS the musical does a better job of describing Supremes dynamics, and that's fiction (well, sort of). Reading DREAMGIRL makes you realize even more that despite the politically-correct and Ross-lawsuit-fearing demures by the creators to the contrary, DREAMGIRLS IS indeed about the Supremes. I guess I did enjoy the book, but it could have been so much better. Mary needs to just re-write the whole thing in light of DREAMGIRLS and issue an expanded and updated (and this time, PROFESSIONALLY EDITED) and cohesive version.



2. This is really two separate books in one. I enjoyed the first one "Dreamgirl My Life as a Supreme". Mary Wilson wrote what I believe is a very objective chronicle of the rise of the Supremes. Some reviewers regard her book as just an attack on Diana Ross. However, she said many good and positive things about Diana. I certainly believe she told the truth and I certainly see The Supremes in a completely different light. I always enjoyed their songs and I can now appreciate their hard work ethic and talent even more. From this account, I believe that basically Diana Ross sold her soul for fame and fortune. The way she treated Florence Ballard and Mary Wilson was inexcusable and just downright mean. This book is probably a good read just for Supremes fans. The second book "Supreme Faith" was not quite as much a page turner. I really glanced at alot of the content. There was some repetition from the first book, but not alot. It would be interesting to know what Cindy Birdsong is doing now and how the Supremes affected her life.



3. This book did an excellent job of explaining those times back in the 60's and how the great group the Supreme's came into being. After watching the movie "Dream Girls" I wanted to know who the real life characters were. Beyonce' played Diana Ross/Deena, Jamie Fox palyed Berry Gordy, Jennifer Hudson played Effie/Florence Ballard, and Anika played Mary Wilson. The movie did not do justice for what really happened as far as the relationships that interwined the times. Mary Wilson did an excellent job describing each person without bias and judgement which shows great charater on her part. Diana Ross slept her way to the top, and treated the people who made her what she is today like crap. It is awful how Motown exploited its artists and their talents...but it is something that Berry and Diana will have to live with and ultimately die with. Overall, this was an excellent read.



4. Combining both of these powerful books was the best idea ever! I was truly educated and inspired by Mary Wilson's portrayal of the rise and fall of a dream. I especially enjoyed the appendix that updates the reader of the new directions of her life (her daughter's marriage, the tragic death of her youngest son, etc.). I don't detect bitterness in her at all, but I do appreciate her telling the hard truth of what can happen when you only focus on one aspect of the music industry (singing) while leaving the business aspects of your career in a vulnerable position.
   
   Wilson shows her growth and maturity from starstruck teen to seasoned veteran performer; from trusting child to a woman who woke up to her realities. She is truly a survivor and living legend; she will always be Supremely Beautiful!



5. These two books are hot, hot, hot!
   
   They just STEAM their way open.
   
   Stand back and use some pot holder on this bad boy.

5 comments about Secrets of the Flesh: A Life of Colette (Ballantine Reader's Circle).

1. I bought Thurman's bio of Isak Dinesen/Karen Blixen in Danish after seeing "Out of Africa" in 1986 in Copenhagen, where I'm from. I never finished it, and sold it eventually. Then, two years ago I came across it in a used book store here in CA (the English edition), read it and adored it. It is one of the few books which I have read more than once. Sometimes we come back to a work of art and wonder how we could be so blind/deaf the first time around. I may feel the same way about Thurman's bio of Colette down the road, but as of today I must admit I had a tough time getting through it.

   The fairly small print didn't help. Keeping track of the enormous gallery of people in her life took away a great deal of the reading pleasure, and Thurman's sentences are very long and not always "clear headed". Yes, Colette had quite a life, but somehow her life comes across as more interesting than her persona.

   My favorite parts are those that tell of her complicated relationships with her parents. I learn more about myself from reading such analysis than I would from three years of therapy!

   An A+: When Thurman writes about the "fin de siecle" in France she in fact shows herself to be a far better historian than biographer. (In the Dinesen bio she was both) And France around 1900 is remarkably like our world of today, which makes it very topical.

   I don't know how much of the Colette bio is Thurman and how much is other biographers and that too is a big minus. Colette has been covered extensively by many writers, and I wish that Thurman had spent 1990-1998 reading, researching and writing about someone who has not been "bio'd" so often or, even better, not at all. There were a few bios on Dinesen before Thurman's, but she was almost "virgin snow" compared to Colette.

   The fact that Colette was a very flawed human being doesn't mean someone should not write about her; in fact, flawed people often make the best subjects for a bio. Unfortunately, Thurman sounds at times star-struck, other times she sounds like a puritan, shocked, sometimes even somewhat envious, which of course are precisely some of the feelings and reactions that people had and still have about/to Colette. Dinesen is a much more likable person, much easier to relate to, and the movie "Out of Africa" made her the sort of romantic heroine that Colette probably never could be or would have wanted to be. Two very different women, two very different biographies. If a movie is ever made about Colette, one would hope they focus on a specific period and only a few people in her life as was done in "Out of Africa" in order to avoid the kind of horrible bio picture that Richard Attenborough's film about Chaplin was, where they rush through his entire (long) life in three hours with a "revolving door" of characters coming and going, leaving you dizzy and frustrated.

   I do recommend listening to the interview archived on the Diane Rhemes (spelled correctly?) show website: (type in Thurman's name on Yahoo and it will come on the long list of Thurman webpages) She interviewed Thurman when the book came out in 1999. You can "hear" Thurman blushing at times when speaking of Colette's wild times, and perhaps that is ultimately the problem with the Colette bio: Someone uncomfortable writing about sex, lesbians, bondage, nude dancing, etc. will come across as a prude. Colette, I imagine, would have been proud to have that effect on people in the year 2002, OR maybe she'd be sad that we really have not progressed as far as we'd like.

   Thanks for all the reviews - it's very interesting to read what other readers think - A virtual book club. I hope Thurman reads the reviews by the way. Writers can learn far more from "regular folks" than from critics who are feel obligated to either gush over a book or thrash it vicously, depending on who the critic is.




2. The farther into this book I got, the more I got the very strong feeling that at some point in her research and writing, the author came to intensely dislike Colette, particularly in her roles as daughter, wife, and mother. And after reading the book I came to dislike her too, which is a shame. I also didn't appreciate what I think was almost condemnation on Thurman's part--almost as though she thought Colette didn't deserve the respect and accolades she received throughout her life and after her death, because she was a neglectful daughter, an unfaithful wife, and a truly awful mother. Maybe, maybe not.

   Colette was a favorite author of mine, 25 years ago or so while I was in high school and college. I knew many of the details of her personal life from what little biographical information I could find at that time, but not this much. Perhaps ignorance is bliss! C'est la vie.




3. I say "wonderful," though I don't mean in the chaste, good person sort of way, but in a fiery, accomplished one. This biography, amazingly in depth (though at times almost too chronological, and not enough insight into Colette's persona) reveals all that Colette did and was, the good, the bad and the ugly, though despite her flaws she contributed an oceanful of herself--her books, her plays, her child, her love, and her histrionic talents to the world. She lived without being afraid to be herself in a time, as Thurman truthfully puts it, when contempt for both women and homosexuals (of which she was both) ran rampant.

   Thurman has definitely done her research, and switches back and forth between a sort of fictitious, dreamy scape and a very forward, matter of fact report, which can get a little austere. I went back and forth to being completely absorbed to just reading it to get past this or that part, but thankfully, there was much more to praise than to criticize. I found Willy's "character" particularly amusing. The pictures are a nice gesture, my favorites being the one where Colette is holding a cigarette, dressed in drag, and the one where she's in a dance costume, kneeling and watching Willy. They both sum up that Moulin Rouge, anything goes, youthful era, which Colette basically incarnates. I hope we can all be sort of like her, in one way or another.

   On the whole, this is one piece of nonfiction I indefinitely enjoyed, and Thurman, though not perfect, is a dedicated and effective author. Recommended highly.




4. Colette is one of those authors whose life is as fascinating as her writing, and this book ably describes the former, also containing many wonderful photos. Colette's uniquely sensitive yet unsentimental way of experiencing life has been a source of inspiration to me since I first discovered her as a preteen. One moment she can be devastated by the suffering of an animal, or write with exquisite insightfulness about the insecurities of her unconventional friends; the next she can swear off a failed marriage or friendship without a hint of pity (or self-pity). This book was very satisfying from the standpoint of her personal and family history, and contained extensive information about her long-standing affair with her teenaged stepson, which, while perhaps her most problematic moral transgression, certainly made for interesting reading. While the book was far less occupied with conveying the brilliance of Colette's writing, for that one need only go to the source. There is so much to learn from Colette's life; despite facing considerable hardships, she managed to thrive and celebrate all that she found beautiful and fascinating in nature, the theater, humanity -- really any topic to which she turned her magnificent vision. Betrayal was a major theme in her relationships, and the way that she survived and even exploited repeated psychic wounds, ultimately finding peace with a kind and compatible partner, is instructive and inspiring. She will always have a very special place in my heart, and I thank Ms. Thurman for making her more accessible.



5. Judith Thurman is an intelligent, thoughtful biographer with a superb prose style to boot. It's an extremely satisfactory biographical experience to experience Colette through Thurman's filter.

5 comments about Jen-X: Jenny McCarthy's Open Book.

1. I think the book was one of the greatest books i have ever read. i could realate so much to her. she is my like idol and i was so happy when i found out she had a book coming out. i bought it the very first day i saw it at the mall. one day i hope i can meet her but i know that will never happen but all in all the book was really good~! i think everyone needs to buy this book and see just how much she is like anyone of us!!! well if your out there jenny mccarthy i just wanna say hi and maybe i will be lucky enough to see you one day! i love you! you are so cool! well people i have said enough, now you need to go get the book that i am raving about!please buy it! it will make me happy! well cya people! hope you read this jenny!!!! from: Your biggest fan in the world!!!!jenny h



2. When my boyfriend gave me this book as a joke for my birthday, I didn't find it very amusing! You see, up to this point, I was one of the hopefully few "Jenny-haters" out there. But I decided to give the book the benefit of the doubt and give it a whirl, and I have to say that I was more than just pleasently surprised! Jenny McCarthy is not only very down-to-earth, but she's witty, hilarious, and quite frankly...normal! It was so refreshing to read that she isn't perfect after all - that she had acne, and stretch marks, and bad hair days, and bozo boyfriends. This book flys by, and I really didn't want to put it down. I am so glad I decided to read this book, not only because it was 100% entertainment, but because it gave me a chance to meet the "real" Jenny McCarthy. I loved it!



3. The title should tell it all: Jen X. It should read Jen O because she is a negative interger. Take away those breasts, and she is just another annoying self serving celebrity with little talent. This book is a must read for airheads, retards, mutants and crackheads. Enjoy!



4. I found the book to be a great information resource into her life and career start. The only thing I didn't like about the book was the out of order details, found to much jumping forward then back, or back then forward, but other than that, I thought is was a great book and I still love jenny in a big way, she is the greatest.



5. It tells us secrets about Jenny never evealed before.It's a little costly but well worth it.

5 comments about Babe: The Life and Legend of Babe Didrikson Zaharias (Sport and Society).

1. Cayleff has thoroughly researched and documented Babe's life and times. She conducted extensive interviews with surviving members of Babe's family, friends, and partner (Betty Dodd). Cayleff also incorporated massive amounts of journalistic accounts--sports writers, magazines accounts, etc. This is not a fluff biography--the book will teach you about what it meant to be a woman in Babe's time, what it meant to be a female athlete, and how Babe managed--and manipulated--these things. Babe fans will learn more about her, and scholars will be able to follow up on Cayleff's work through her extensive endnotes. This is the first book to tell of Babe's relationship with Betty Dodd, but Cayleff does not label it "lesbian." That is because Babe herself never did. Remember that this was the 1950s. They were life partners, spouses. The loved each other. Cayleff's book is important for bringing this relationship to light, as well as many other hidden realities of Didrikson's life--her heroism as an "out" cancer patient (when it was taboo to talk about it), as well as how Babe manipulated the press. As dozens of published book review has stated (see quotes above at this cite), this is absolutely THE most extensive research ever done on Babe. I've seen rave reviews of the book in SOJOURNER, WEST COAST WOMAN, WOMEN'S REVIEW OF BOOKS, and SPORTS HISTORY REVIEW, among many others.



2. As a former student of Dr. Susan Cayleff, I found the book to be a wonderful and informative read. Knowing Dr. Cayleff and her constant search for truth and knowledge of women and their accomplishments, this book is one more testament to her thoroughness, her brilliance as an academic, and the passions that she imbues in her students - - the fire of wanting to know more about women,who and what they are, who and what they have been, and who and what they can become. Anything that Dr. Cayleff writes stands as witness to her intellect, her love of the written word, and her desire to spread the joyous news of women's feats and accomplishments. Is it any wonder that this book was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize? Keep them coming Susan. The next one will be terrific too, after all, I had the opportunity to be one of your research assistants for the next book. Thank you for all of it, the books, the awareness that you instilled and inspired in so many of your students and readers, for your caring about humanity in general, and women in particular.



3. Since I am from Beaumont, Texas (South Park) and a fan of the BABE, I found the book a very interesting read. I was unaware of the Babe's relationship with Betty Dodd; however, I feel that an individual's sexual life is their own business. I can't help but wonder how the author could have been sure of their special relationship without ever being in the same bedroom with them??? Changing her colostomy bag is hardly a sexual act, but the type of action from a nurse, close relative or friend.



4. Amazing champion this lady was. Her accomplishments in a short life are dazzling. Like many others naturally gifted with athleticism and a burning desire to compete and win, Babe did just that.

   This is well written, but suffers from my own perspective with an underlying desire to document how cruel and unmodern Babe's cultural times were to not allow lesbian relationships to be openly exposed and women to be subjected to conformity.

   We live in just the reversal, where abnormality shines brightly as acceptable or even desirable, and where has this sexual revolution gotten our society?

   Babe loved the game of golf, and my interest was primarily in this achievement area of her career. She should deserve more recognition as one of the game's truly greats!




5. THis is one of the best sports biographies I have read.Its very well written, very unbiased,sensitive and portrays an accurate picture of this amazing human being. Its also a fun read and reveals a side of the Babe,her pranks,egocentric often annoying style, that few knew.In my mind she surely was the greatest woman,s athlete and this book truly does her justice.You won,t be disappointed

5 comments about Finding Amelia: The True Story of the Earhart Disappearance.

1. By limiting himself to what is truly known, the author builds an excellent case for how he thinks Amelia died. The book is thoroughly researched and written like a detective story. Several involved parties come off poorly, most of all Amelia, whom the author reveals as a poor pilot and a publicity seeker. Also coming off poorly is the United States Navy, though not for want of trying. Radio communications in those days was simply awful, and the use of Morse code necessitated brevity. However, as Einstein said, things should be as simple as possible but not simpler, and the Navy made its communications simpler than they should've been. As a result, not everyone was singing from the same hymnal and confusion reigned. I won't go so far as to say this is the "definitive" work on the subject, but it comes mighty close.



2. The subject of Amelia's last flight is smothered in rumor and theory. The great thing about this book is that the author presents the facts in detail. Lots of footnotes and a comprehensive collection of all the known tidbits. You can draw your own conclusions on the basis of those facts you happen to believe. An honest presentation of facts about the missing pilot and navigator, what an idea!



3. I first became interested in the Earhart mystery after seeing a National Geographic special on the subject. Wanting to learn more I decided to purchase this book.
   
   The main premise of the book is that Earhart crash landed her plane on Gardner Island (south of Howland Island) and for a time survived. This book is fascinating reading because the author spends the majority of the book taking the reader through the exhaustive search conducted after Earhart failed to arrive at Howland Island and presents evidence that radio siganls likely from Earhart, converged on a spot near Gardner Island. A CD with supportive evidence is included with the book
   
   I find the theory presented by Mr. Gillespie as a very plausible explanation of Earhart's disappearance. The only other alternative being that Earhart ran out of fuel and ditched at sea.
   
   As one reads this book, the depth of the tragedy becomes apparent because if the radio transmissions were from Earhart, then there existed a window of opportunity to rescue her.
   
   Overall, Fascinating reading and well presented.



4. This book covers Amelia Earhart's final flight in far greater detail than any other book. The author has obviously done his research. I would recommend also buying Amelia Earhart's shoes to read after you are done with this one. It starts where this book leaves off, detailing research as to where exactly she landed. The authors of that book and the author of this one belong to the same organization (TIGHAR) which has research the Amelia Earhart disappearance for years.



5. Ric Gillespie has clearly presented the never-before accumulation and coordination of the many aspects of AE's last flight. The radio messages especially, received after her disappearance, when compiled as Gillespie has done, point to a quite different conclusion than the US Navy/Coast Guard one of 1937. Any student of AE's disappearance needs to study this book.

2 comments about It's My Turn (Billy Graham Library Special Edition).

1. "It's My Turn", shares the battles, joys, questions, disappointments and hope of a woman in the limelight. The struggles of raising children....part time alone. I read it on the phone to my elderly mother at night.....but read so long, it only lasted 2 nights ! Hilda of South Carolina



2. Each page gives rare and frank insights from the wife of Billy Graham about being mother and wife in the home of the world's most famous evangelist.

   It is one of my favorite books! The pages are tattered from use. She applies her faith in real life situations. She is funny, "real" and transparent.

   Each chapter is a short story with a truth she has learned and now shares. It is a quick read or a daily devotional.Almost every mother and wife will be able to identify with her wonderful anecdotes.

5 comments about How She Does It: How Women Entrepreneurs Are Changing the Rules of Business Success.

1. Ah, the ups and downs of the entrepreneurial life...for a woman. Finally, we get companions, colleagues, a community and a coach. Clearly, the author has been there and done that and has lived to tell not only her own lessons but the lessons of some other fine women who she clearly has wisely selected.
   
   Not only does Margaret weave in her own deep wisdom and experience but she incorporates her very own fine art of storytelling to deliver not only the messages but the deeper meaning behind those messages of the women she writes about. Her choices of stories cover a wide spectrum and I cannot imagine a women entrepreneur not identifying with more than one of them.
   
   This book is bound to touch and teach any reader in the midst of their entrepreneurial career, at a crossroads in that career or just beginning to think about the possibility.
   
   As a thirty-plus entrepreneur myself, the book provided immediate support, encouragement, as well as head nods and smiles. Margaret is a straight talker. She describes the uniqueness of our contributions to the leadership of our companies and shows us where we still need to do some growing. Her last chapter is inspirational and a strong charge to leaders of all organizations to consider the contribution that women already make and can continue to make to the changing landscape of organizational life.
   
   Be aware that this is absolutely not only a book about women. Any male entrepreneur or business leader can lean a great deal form this perspective and straightforward advice and ideas.



2. I applaud Margaret Heffernan for writing this book. Having worked 17 years for a global, multi-billion dollar corporation, I can totally relate to her findings. I do believe that empathy plays such a strong role and is missing in our MBA-run companies. Our 6th sense does matter. And, there is such a thing as the glass ceiling in traditional businesses. Congratulations, Ms. Heffernan. I loved the book and have recommended it to all my women friends.



3. 
   This book is about the current growth and success of women-owned businesses. It is more an inspirational book FOR WOMEN who want to start a business than an instructional book on how women actually start them. And since the title refers to the latter rather than the former, it is hard to rate this book particularly high. After reading the book I think the title should have been: "Women Can do It, and Why They Do It."
   
   I plucked this book from a shelf in the business section of Barnes & Noble last weekend when I noticed it had a 2007 copyright date. I thought the book would be something I could recommend to my SCORE clients, many of whom are women. But I don't make it a practice to recommend inspirational fluff. And that is the way I view this book.
   
   The book is divided into three parts as follows:
   
   I. Fire in the Belly, Skin in the Game (Chapters 1-3)
   II. It Ain't What We Do, It's the Way that We Do It (Chapters 4-11)
   III. The Only Failure is Not to Try (Chapters 12-14)
   
   From reading the titles to the three parts can you see how this book is about "how she does it?" And to make matters worse, look at the headings for the 14 chapters listed below. Do they look like chapters that help to explain "how she does it?" I think not.
   
   1. The Need to Achieve
   2. Zeitgeist
   3. Niche is Nice (and Margins are Marvelous)
   4. The Value of Values
   5. The Power of People
   6. Leadership as Orchestration
   7. Customer Love
   8. Improvisation
   9. Help!
   10. Staying Power
   11. Money Isn't Everything
   12. M&A: Marriage and Acclimatization
   13. Birth of a Saleswoman
   14. The New Norm
   
   Society has been changing dramatically during my lifetime. I was born in 1962. Many of my female classmates from elementary school went on to college. Half my classmates at law school were women. And it seems that most of the women going to college (and law school) are going to work and making careers for themselves in the business world. I'm told that this has not always been the case. Women used to simply become homemakers.
   
   But anybody who works for a W-2 today knows that it is hard to get ahead financially working for someone else. And if you are a woman working for a W-2, then it is even harder to get ahead financially because many of the powers-to-be in the business world still think of women as homemakers or wanta-be homemakers. So what are women doing about it? The answer is simple: starting their own shops.
   
   This book was one of stories. I didn't particularly like it. But it was OK. 3 stars!



4. The takeaway from How She Does It is less about diversity than it is about alchemy. The CEOs profiled in the book have built profitable, high growth businesses without venture capital -- quite a feat in itself. Heffernan profiles dozens of companies who have created something out of virtually nothing, and that alone makes this book recommended reading for all entrepreneurs. It's a pity that most of these companies are private, because they would all be attractive investments.



5. If you're expecting a feminist manifesto here, you won't find it. Margaret Heffernan, CEO of five companies, lets stories do the talking as she shows how women manage their businesses and break new ground. In fact, whether you're male or female, your business can benefit from the principles of these entrepreneurs. Anyone with an open mind can adopt the book's key points, attitudes and cultural guidelines, as reflected in an array of educational and often humorous stories. getAbstract thinks Heffernan's cast of female business leaders points entrepreneurs in the right direction and offers plenty of ideas to consider while on the road to success.

5 comments about Slow Motion: A True Story (Harvest Book).

1. An interesting thing happens when people write memoirs of terrible things that happened to them: readers are afraid to say anything bad about the books themselves, because it looks like they're being unsympathetic towards the tragedies described. I felt for Dani Shapiro when her father died, but without that incident, this reads like the work of a self-obsessed rich b*tch who epitomizes solopsism: nothing in the world matters to her but her own experience and what people think of her. It is very important, by the way, that you think she is beautiful, as she reminds you constantly throughout the book. That, to me, is the quality of someone who hasn't quite worked out her own problems--someone who is sadly aware of how she acts and says and what you think of her as a result--and someone who is probably not completely honest with you, dear reader, because the ugly parts of her--the ones for which you won't feel sorry for her--are most likely omitted.



2. A disclaimer at the outset: I skipped over virtually ever scene involving Lenny as he seemed so creepy from the get-go.
   So, who's to like here? Maybe the father, but he's largely a flashback character. The mother? She had potential early on as being frustrated in the Orthodox life she came to regret; by the end she's rich, bitter and well ... not much else. The older sister? Close, but she expresses enough bitterness herself to be out of the running. The rest were not really significant enough to have mattered much to me - and, yes, I did get confused between "Shirl" and "Shirley Sugarman". To keep the alliteration, the author should've gone for Sandy or Sadie for one of those two women.
   The dust jacket makes mention of Hillside as an "Anti-Semitic" suburb. I kept waiting for examples; mention of vandalism is covered in one sentence near the end. That's pretty much it.
   I gave it a second star because the author is actually a talented writer (except as noted above). Too bad she wasted it on the story of a shallow, self-centered, self-pitying, materialistic brat.



3. Family History, by the same author, was one of the best fiction I've read lately. So I decided to go for the autobiographical one Slow Motion, trying to grasp some information on how the author got her act together to be such a good writer. Fact is, no answer was found in this book. First, the real life character is shallow and so much less interesting than her fictional characters. Second, the book doesn't even touch the issue of fiction writing. You just get the facts: the author went to school, dropped out, went back and then went to graduate school. Lucky of her, at graduation she had a book soon to be published.
   
   For me particularly, the question remains: what happened after graduation that made her so good to write Family History? Where are the insights, what are the relevant people that get her fiction going? Does she seat on a cafe and think about her writing before doing it? Does she get inspiration from her current husband? From having a child? These issues were utterly untouched, and made me research further, so I went to her personal homepage, where there is so much more information about her family and three marriages (one that occurred before she wrote the book and seems to have ended before she started going out with her married boyfriend - I thought it was astonishing that this marriage was not even mentioned in the book). Still, I could find no answers.
   
   
   
   "Operating Instructions: A Journal of My Son's First Year" and "Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life", both autobiographical books by the writer Anne Lamott, are much better at explaining how to get everything together and writing it down.



4. Dani Shapiro takes the reader on a roller coaster ride in her memoir of post-college years. After her parents are in a terrible car accident, Shapiro reflects on her life and what she has become. A privileged, beautiful 20-something, the reader wants to scream at her "Why are you doing this to yourself?" Her affair with a wealthy, powerful, well-known attorney is sexy, tumultuous, dirty and lucrative leaving the reader disgusted and infatuated at once. The book forces you to wonder if you'd have the will to walk away. You do not pity Shapiro but you want to save her all the same. Fantastic read.



5. I enjoyed this book, but was troubled by apparent errors regarding orthodox Judaism. Perhaps the author just forgot, but it troubled me. Did anyone else find this?

4 comments about Etty: The Letters and Diaries of Etty Hillesum 1941-1943.

1. Etty began life with the same silly angst and shallow aspirations that we endure each day. Then came the war and her experience as a Jew in Holland. The transformation of this young intellectual to a woman of great depth takes the reader on a soul journey of such transcendence that one's paradigms are forever changed.

   Add to the story a great and musical quality of writing and a brilliant mind . You have Etty, my heroine, my mentor.




2. A young woman who is running out of time writes about her experiences as a prisoner of the Nazis in a concentration camp in World War II in 1940s Europe. She responds to the demands of society and of life as she finds it in both its pedestrian and hopeful forms, while also musing about what a distracted God might be doing up in heaven as so many innocent people perish at the hands of so many cowardly and sadistic oppressors. Ultimately she converts to Catholism and she dies in a concentration camp at the age of 29. Even with the crushing and depressing burden of a predatory society of captors constantly hovering over her, captors to whom she would soon sucuumb by her physical death, she wrote about life, social roles, her relationships with others and God prodigiously before her life was stolen from her in a dark place and a dark time by the human forces of evil. The strength she must have called upon to do this work while living in day to day oppresssion and unrelenting misery is stunning to imagine.



3. I read this book over twenty years ago and it remains one of the most inspirational books I've ever read. I leant it to a client who lost it so I must buy another. Thankfully it's still available.



4. This book is one of the most touching and inspiring books I ever read. This book will touch the heart of anyone - whether Jew, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, etc. and even an atheist!
   
   The battle of a soul in those dark days (the German Occupation in the Second War World) trying to keep sane, asking herself how not to loose hope and remain human, avoiding hate, in spite of all what is going around her. This is a journey of a Soul from focusing in herself changing to focus in the world around her.
   
   I bought the book also for 3 friends of mine as a New Year present!
   
   P.S.: Since my English is NOT my mother tong (I'm an Israeli), I'm apologizing in advance for spelling (and other mistakes). Thank you for understanding.

1 comments about Recovering: A Journal.

1. Reading Sarton is like taking in fresh air! "Recovering" is no exception. Sarton is always an easy read, but you have to be prepared to "FEEL" - she is so open with her emotions and experiences. Sarton cuts right to the core of human experience and emotion in a simple, straight forward way. Although she expresses her grief and losses in a poignent and potent manner, she is not sentimental and "Recovering", like her other works, leaves one with a certian calmness even amid all of the emotional turbulance.
   
   "Recovering" also is typically "Sartonian" in that her eye for the beautiful simplicity in nature and the in small details is ever present in this journal.