Mary-Louise Parker Books

I had the honor of taking a leadership class with Sarah Weddington where this book was used as a main text. The story of this accomplished woman bears testament to the changes fought for and won by women in the second wave of feminsim, both in the state of Texas and in the Nation.

Prior to reading this book, I knew that Roe vs. Wade originated in Texas, but I never actually understood how much things changed for women of my generation. Both women and men alike will marvel at the antiquated norms Weddington faced as a young woman and how she ultimately overcame them. For all of the frustrations I presently voice about the status of women in the world, I am not at all certain I would have her personal courage when faced with such overwhelming sexism.

As a Texas state legislator, she was responsible for an equal credit act, a rape reform bill (co-sponsored with another new female representative named Kathryn Bailey) and the state's Equal Rights Amendment. To realize that one woman had accomplished all of this is simply amazing and inspiring.

Although there is not as much White House era musings as I would have prefered, the fact that she got in when few presidents of either party appointed large numbers of women is really signifigant. Not satified with her own personal triumph, she then worked to ensure that future generations would not have the same hardship. Working alongside Midge Constanoza, Weddington used her position to encourage more women to get involved in policymaking.

Also heartening is Weddington's inclusion of steps to protect reproductive choice at the book's end.Unlike some other books on reproductive rights, the message comes in loud and clear: Defend choice every day and without compromise. The battles may be long and weary, but the nation cannot afford to abandon the 30 year old (at least in spirit) promise of women's bodily autonomy.

Even though the original version of the book was released during the 1992 elections, it is a message that bears repeating in every presidential campaign. Vote pro-choice and vote often to protect women's right to life.

This outstanding book offers an excellent perspective into the life of one of America's most important female attorneys. Regardless of one's political views on abortion, "pro-life" and "pro-choice" advocates alike can agree that Sara Weddington's critical role in this monumental turning point in U.S. abortion rights history serves as an important lesson on the development and evolution of leadership roles for, and the civil rights of, women. This book is for men just as much as it is for women. Men will gain an invaluable insight into their counterparts by adding significantly to their understanding of women. This book is a "must read" for any person of any political persuasion who wishes to add to their comprehension of the question of abortion, the rights of women, and the evolution of the leadership roles assumed by women.

Weddington's piece is not just about the culmination of Roe vs. Wade and beyond, but a heartfelt autobiography that helps readers understand and appreciate the challenges of women in the that time period. Readers can gain leadership secrets from the experiences of Weddington from Roe to her work in the White House.

As a young woman, it helped me understand how far women have come in the past century and be more thankful of women leaders, like Sarah Weddington.

Like some others that reviewed the book, I hastily ordered it and failed to realize that the collection was simply edited and introduced by Mr. Sedaris, not written by him. But I decided to read the book despite my mistake, and I was rewarded instantly. From the first story by Richard Yates to the last by Tobias Wolff, I was entranced; I had to limit myself to a story or two a day so that I could savor the collection longer. Of all the books I have ordered on Amazon, this is the first I have felt compelled to review.

She reads Sedaris a lot and this one was chewed down in a little over a week.

I am a big fan of David Sedaris. Unfortunately this book, despite having his name on it, was not written by him. It is an anthology of works by other writers. If you are looking for a book by David Sedaris do NOT buy this book. I think Amazon could have done a much better job of making it clear that he did not write this book. I am very disappointed.

When I buy a new cookbook, if I find three or four killer recipes, I count my purchase a success. The same might be said for short story compilations. I thank Mr. Sedaris for introducing me to Richard Yates, Charles Baxter and Jhumpa Lahiri. Mr. Yates' story is one of the finest works of short fiction I have ever read, up there with Delmore Schwartz's "In Dreams Begin Responsibilities." The final lines of Jean Thompson's story are absolutely beautiful -- I can't get them out of my head.

....For people with a bit of an off-the-wall sense of looking at the world. If you're looking for a Norman Rockwell-ish collection of Americana, you won't find it here. If, however, you are more into the offbeat, it's a great late-night read. In other words, great collection.

"The Lost Angel" by Mary Higgins Clark is a very good book for a younger reader. It is suspense anda happy ending all in the same book. This would be a great book for a pre-teen or a teen to curl up on the couch with, and spend an hour and a half reading and have finished a book.