Women Books

I felt so much better about my state of being single, 32 and facing my future on my own after reading this book. It is an easy and enjoyable read that will make you smile. I've recommended it to all of my girlfriends and they are enjoying it as much as I did!

I loved The Other Side of Thirty (TOSOT), its the kind of book that makes its readers reflect on the choices we make in life while simultaneously entertaining us. TOSOT uses a lighthearted, conversational approach making it a fun page-turner (i read it in a day). I just hit the big 4-0, but I was just like Ani: focused and determined to succeed for me, to never be dependent. I know exactly how Ani feels, "where are all the good guys" "why do I attract all the jerks" "all I really need is me". I never thought I'd get married, but I did. I met my husband at my high school reunion, the last place I expected to meet someone (that old story). He isn't as ambitious as I am (or Ani). Maybe that's why he didn't make me give up my dreams or take away my independence, he is my biggest supporter. Believe me he has a good lifestyle because of it and he thanks the feminist movement for it!! I agree with Ani, hapiness has to come from inside oneself, always, but the head can't always rule the heart. Risk is necessary for reward to exist. I hope Ms Thakor is working on the next book on Ani, I can't wait to see where life's journey takes her next! Put me on the waiting list!!

I found this book a month before I turned was turning 30.... I was looking for something as sort of a guide to help me into the next decade of my life. This book is a must read! I think it would be appreciate by all single woman. It has some thought provoking moments that allow you to reflect on how you truely think about issues: marriage, dating, children, self confidence, body image and career. I'd highly recomend!

Ms. Thakor just wowed me. I bought the book after a mutual colleague told me about it. Actually I bought several copies actually, thinking it would be a good gift for my growing list of "singelton" friends. I was expecting a Bridget Jones-like approach with a few clever adaptations, I was delighted to be wrong! I loved the more modern medium of email instead of a diary to impart the interesting factoids and painful truths of being a single woman at this time in history. I take public transportation to my job in Chicago and many times while reading this book I laughed out loud or had other audible responses to what I was reading. As further endorsement, my brother-in-law picked up the book at my house the other day and was immediately engrossed in one of the discussions about relationships. He actually asked to borrow it, and he's not a really big book reader! Way to go Minisha! Write another book...soon!

It's been said that a book that has to be self-published shouldn't be published at all. Real publishers obviously knew this when they read the manuscript for The Other Side of Thirty. The author is as stubborn as she is opinionated and got this one to market on her own. Maybe that's admirable, but there's a lot to be said for realizing when you don't have anything original to say.

The Other Side of Thirty is one 30-something's opinions on body image, career, hobbies, finances, etc. In other words, her shopping list of the controllable items in one's life, except of course, finding a man. She laments wanting to feel wanted in a post-feminist world. Ani asks, is a woman a true feminist if she needs a man to make her feel complete? She answers that and a hundred other questions, all unilaterally in "the world as i see it" journal-style format. There's not a real story here to distract the reader, no characters with challenging viewpoints, no situations to toss her much-cherished opinions into the crucible of real life. There's only one email boyfriend whose messages we read, and of course, he doesn't challenge her or say anything the least bit unsupportive. He is the model boyfriend, asking all the right questions and having all the right responses.

Education, career, relationships with friends, hobbies, etc. can be controlled to some extent in our lives. But when it comes to that most intimate and revealing of relationships, a love bond with the opposite sex, there are many factors we can't control. That's what bothers Ani, but I don't think she realizes it. She's done everything else right (hasn't she?) and yet at 30+, she still doesn't have a man.

Most women will agree with a lot of Ani's remarks and observations. I found many things I agreed with and have been through, too, but so what? Sometimes we need to approach old problems with new attitudes to find solutions. This book offers no new perspective on things. For the still-single-after-30-woman, there is a phase of reflection most women go through. Maybe she'll get over it when she hits 40. Thank God I did.

I read this book over the holidays and found it riveting, realistic and powerful. They say non-fiction includes facts, fiction includes truth. By giving readers Ellie and Rachel, real portraits of unwitting vicitms of the system, the author gives her readers a real sense of how awful the family courts really are. Similarly, by giving us McGillian she does more to explain judicial arrogance, and manifestations of complete discrection (and the dangerous effects of politics and political pressure on the judicial system), than any academic explanation could.

I too am spellbound by Puppet Child. I kid you not -- this book should be must reading for every person (including the judges in our courts) who demand to look behind the closed doors of a justice system -- where the "blind" option indeed disfigures so many lives. And the victims -- so much needless anger, despair and pain. What a pity. Puppet Child's suspenseful storyline flows so easily -- I was into this book immediately. Carner really did her homework. When's the movie?

Rachel Belmore thought she had the perfect life. She was married to the very handsome and charismatic surgeon, Wes Belmore, and was living in the lap of luxury on New York City's Fifth Avenue. She loved her high powered job with a world famous fashion magazine, and as if that were not enough, all her dreams had come true with the birth of their beautiful baby daughter, Ellie. But that perfect world exploded and crumbled in just seconds, the night she discovered her husband molesting Ellie in her crib. For three years, now, Rachel's been fighting a protracted legal battle in a system that almost always seems stacked against her, bent on protecting and restoring the reputation of Wes, not saving her young daughter's life..... From the harrowing prologue to the final climactic chapter, Talia Carner's stunning and well researched, debut novel tells a tense and powerful story in excrutiating and vivid detail. Her intricate plot is eloquently written, filled with well developed, true to life, intriguing characters, and touching, often painful, riveting scenes. Ms Carner indepth knowledge and expertise in child abuse and the flawed, family court legal system adds real credibility to her story and makes this novel stand out. Puppet Child examines the uncomfortable truths about child custody and our ability, within the law, to protect children from further abuse. This is a marvelous and compelling debut that shouldn't be missed. Kudos to Ms Carner!

Talia Carner in Puppet Child has given us an exceptionally realistic insight, albeit not a very pretty one of a mother's journey into hell. We are caught up in the trials and tribulations she faces as she attempts to protect her daughter from her husband and the childs father who is a sadistic pedophile. We as witnesses to these events which are unfolding before our eyes are powerless to intervene. We find ourselves unable to comprehend the unfairness of it all. Yet, this scenario is replayed each and every day . Just spend a day in the corridors and court rooms of our family courts and view first hand these horrors.
Read Puppet Child. Mrs. Carner 's writing is graphic and yet poetic in its content and extremely insightful. Her verbal pallette is wonderful. She brings out to us in detail the childs great fear of her father and the very real reasons for this fear and how it impacts on this poor childs very being.
I will look forward to her next novel.

This novel makes you want to keep reading to find out what happens next. It is well-written, action-packed and full of suspense. The characters are brought to life in such a way that you feel like you know them. It is like a good movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

I would recommend this to anyone looking for a book to get immersed in. It will definitely engage you and get you to think about what could (and sometimes does) happen in our court system.

El libro todavia lo estoy leyendo me parece buenisimo, el padre Alberto tiene una manera muy real pero al mismo tiempo sencilla y clara de hacer llegar lo que el quiere transmitir. Me parece un libro increible para enamorados, para chicos solteros todavia y mas no solamente para parejas. Se lo recomendaria a todo el mundo para q lo lea y tengan una idea mas amplia de ciertos aspectos muy importantes en una relacion y como estos nos afectan de una u otra manera si no sabemos manejarlos.

Este es un super libro , yo admiro mucho al Padre Alberto , me encantan sus programas y los consejos que èl nos brinda son muy sabios. Les recomiendo este libro para poder forjar una buena relaciòn sentimental y este libro es una magnifica herramienta para lograrlo. Dios les bendiga !

This book is one of the best I've read and is very useful for marriages.

Excellent book. So sorry the publisher chose Amazon. com to market it. They are thieves. I ordered 5 books. One came and four never arrived. They won't even credit my account for the missing books because they were being shipped from Orchard Books. I don't have any way of contacting Orchard Books and it isn't my responsibility to do so. Amazon took the money. They should return it if they can't supply the books. A case for the FCC.
Margaret Yerman

Para todos aquellos que estan un poco perdidos en el mundo de hoy en día, este libro puede ser una guia muy útil.
Ideal para parejas que traten de encontrarse y de buscar sentido a sus vidas.
Creo que con ingenio, alegría y sinceridad el Padre Alberto resume los problemas que nos acechan y da soluciones lógicas para mejorar nuestra calidad de vida y ser mejores personas.
Se lo recomiendo!

It worth taking the time for reading it! You won't regret.

Thanks.

If you have ever struggled with your roles in life, then you will definitely identify with Grace Naybor. Grace is a young single woman with a successful writing career. However, her success runs short when it comes to her relationships with men, her mother, her best friend, and God.

This book contains so many lessons on so many levels without a preachy tone. The main characters are in different stages of their spiritual journey. We see Grace trying to fix her problems without God, which leads to disappointment and self-destruction. Trina, Grace's drama-filled best friend, accepts Christ in the beginning of the story. Mike, a charming and successful businessman, is committed to his relationship with God. He desires to win Grace to Christ and make her the woman in his life.

This book will inspire, encourage, and empower all readers. I enjoyed it so much that I purchased several copies to give to relatives. Ryan Phillips, who was only 22 years old when she wrote Saving Grace, has such an incredible writing style. It is hard to believe that this is her first novel. She made me fall in love with the characters from the first chapter. They are real and fallible--the saved and unsaved.

I was glad to know that the story of Grace, Trina, and Mike does not end with this novel. After reading Saving Grace, readers can follow these remarkable characters in Fall From Grace, which was published last year.


Tameka Delaney Edwards, Books Editor
WOW! (Women of the Word) Magazine - Inspire, Encourage, Empower
www.wowmagazine.org

I read this book about 2 years ago and was really impressed with it. So, when I found out that she had a follow-up to the book I quickly purchased it again to familiarize myself with the characters. It's a real tear-jerker. Ryan Phillips does a great job of capturing the the inner emotional conflict of Grace and the story is very relatable. I was surprised that Ms. Phillips was so young because she writes like a seasoned veteran. It was a really great read and I eagerly anticipated finishing the follow-up Fall from Grace.

I couldn't put this book down. A great read if you are looking for an exciting wonderful love story without all the sleeziness. I really enjoyed the characters. I am waiting for this author to write something else.

I thought I was alone, but it seems that everyone that read this book had the same admiration! This is definately a "can't put it down" book.
I would start reading at 10p only to look up see that midnight has come
and gone. Great Job! I am off to get the sequel as soon as I'm done with this one!

I was in Walmart looking for a new book to read. I pick up Ryan Phillips book and could not but it down. For this to be her 1st book she did an excellent job. I look forward to reading more of your books. My little sister finish the book in 1 day. I told a couple of my girlfriends about this book also. "MY HATS OFF TO YOU"

Wow! And wow again! As far as I am aware, this is a break out novel for Sharon Carter Rogers, and she just made it to the top of my authors-to-watch list.

Sinner is a story that, while somewhat predictable in outcome, is a compelling journey. Rogers weaves a tale of past and present to a surprise living-connection between two engaging characters.

CK Ivors is a name without a face to most of the world. But to her charming entourage she is boss, author, and Superman collector extraordinaire. The Sinner is mystery man, vigilante and urban-legend all rolled into one. He's been quiet for years but he's on the move again - wearing a cool grey coat. CK Ivors is desperate for the subject of her next book and finds it in The Sinner. CK and her team are some of the most engaging characters - and I do mean "characters" - I have met in my reading of late. Rogers does a fabulous job of making the reader fond of this unlikely collection of talent that hunts down the famous Sinner legend, and eager to read more of their collaborations.

The conclusion of the story finds CK confronting the past and The Sinner confronting forgiveness. It's a soft approach to the message that is accessible and uncomplicated. Sinners in both camps - forgiven and otherwise - will find this a poignant and fitting end.

I'm amazed at how adept Rogers is at pacing and transition, as well as the already mentioned character development. She weaves a tale of ins and outs that could leave you needing a score card, but does it without so much as a moment of confusion or anxiety. What should happen at just the right time - does, leaving the reader wholly gratified and not the least bit disappointed. Don't know where she came from, but this is one author I won't miss next time!

The short and sweet of it is that Sharon Carter Rogers has written an amazing piece of work. Sinner was captivating from the start. Her story telling technique drew me in and held me throughout. She masterfully employed a layering technique in both plot and character development wherein details and structure were withheld from the reader until it became almost crucially necessary.

The story itself is a brilliant concept. The world which Sharon created and the mythology of the titular character were so very well thought out and developed. Nothing felt rushed, stretched or required jumping to conclusions in order to get where she wanted you to go. In fact, I found that when I did jump to conclusions, I was more often than not wrong. And not because of the employment of some deus ex machina or literary slight of hand. Her storyline and subplots followed a logical, progressive order that kept every aspect of the story neatly wrapped up with no loose ends or unanswered questions at the end of the book.

As for the characters themselves, each was well developed, well executed and believable, from main character CK Ivers down to supporting roles and "extras." The dialogue and back stories made each of the characters interesting and each played their parts well with none seeming as though they weren't crucial to the story. And, I might add, Sharon showed us just enough of these characters to make me want more of them. I can only hope we will one day.

I have, over the past 4 months made a concerted effort to reach out and discover authors which I had not yet heard of or read. Sharon Carter Rogers is, without a doubt one one of the top three authors I have discovered and her name will be placed firmly on my "watch list" of other authors to always read whatever they have available.

I whole heartedly recommend Sinner. It is a gripping, captivating read. You will not be sorry you read it.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Sinner. Not only is it well-written, intriguing, and suprising, it's also a fun read. It's obvious Sharon Carter Rogers has a sense of humor to go along with her vivid imagination.

Addtionally, it's great to read a Christian novel that speaks the truth of Christ, without forcing it down the readers throat. The author does a superb job of examining the issue of sin, forgiveness, and redemption through normal conversation and everyday experiences(as normal as can be expected in a supernatural novel). A book I highly recommend.

I just finished reading SINNER and I have mixed feelings about it. First I'd like to mention that the opening scene is one of the best I've read in recent times. Awesome! And while I found the plotline and mystery at the core of the book to be very enthralling, I also experienced a strange detachment throughout the ride.

I'm used to reading multi-viewpoint novels, but this one I found a bit jarring. It quickly skips from one view to another, and I knew while reading that all these threads would eventually tie together--so it didn't bother me, but with most of the POV characters having strange names and very little physical description given, it is difficult to remember who's who. I had to keep flipping back, which is very annoying. If you set the book down, forget it. You have to remember who's who, who's where and what predicament they're in. Regarding the strange names, Lincoln, CK, Junebug, Keena, Cyril, Maria Eliza Garces, Rebel, Chance or maybe it's Chase--who knows without the book in front of me, Galway, James Dandy are just some of them, it seems as though the author thought using her list of favorite baby names in her novel would be cool, along with her favorite letters: k, j, c, l, r and S, which causes a lot of confusion. I cringed every time a new character came on the scene with their clunky, funky name. Strange names aren't necessarily bad, like with the Matrix, but the names there were distinct enough. The overuse of last names also, seems like a tiny detail, a preference thing really, but it ushers formality throughout the book. CK Ivors, CK Ivors, CK Ivors. I couldn't stand that. And with so many POV's, the protagonist in the story, CK I'm guessing, is not showcased enough. I don't feel like I know her well.

The author did a FABULOUS job at revealing little idiosyncrasies of the main characters, which were cute and fascinating, but there wasn't much beyond that. The dialogue, which could have been used to reveal more character depth was pretty blah and generic, with the exception of a few key scenes. I hoped to feel CK's passions, hurt, anger, frustration or something somewhere along the line, and I never got that satisfaction. I don't mean the author's characters weren't interesting or that they came across flat. It's just that I didn't experience the book, feel like I lived in that world, which I expect to happen when I read a book. While the intriguing story-question in this novel kept me riveted, there was so much about it that held me at arms-length and jerked me out of the story. By the end, I felt I knew very little about most of the characters, save The Sinner. Maybe that's the author's point. If so, then she was successful.

Also, I'm not one who needs a lot of character description to enjoy a story, but the author withholds facts about certain characters until the end. Totally unfair to the reader. Galway, for instance, is said to be old. So I adopted a certain mental image of him, thinking that's where the description ends. But no. Three-quarters of the way through readers learn he's a chubby, Irish-looking guy with reddish wisps of hair around his balding head. And the MC's description isn't given until almost the very end. Most characters I didn't picture. They were just shadows because I wasn't given much to composite a mental image. Also, journal entries from a Beverly Scott Thomas, who I assumed was a woman, nope, wrong again, were indeed written by a guy. Beverly? Really? Another weird name! Maybe it's a nineteenth century thing.

While the story served to answer the questions, mostly, SINNER didn't really have a converging climax like you'd expect from a book in the thriller genre. All the forces didn't come together, although the threads did, it just kind of ended after a violent episode, a story and a nap.

The story of SINNER is good, in spite of my negative comments. I enjoyed how the mystery unfolded. The piecemeal effect would have been more enjoyable for me with a wilder ending, more identifiable and pronounced characters--minus some of the crazy names. This book differs a great deal from most Christian fiction, which usually highlights at least one strong Christian main character. SINNER simply carries the message of God's grace, which I believe speaks louder than a sermonized chapter would. I do give the author applause for that, as it gives the book a broad-spectrum appeal in both secular and Christian markets. I'm just a reader who values character development and story pull as much as plot.

I do anticipate spectacular works from Rogers in the future. She has an entertaining narrative voice, a creative mind and a heart for God.

SINNER has all the markings of a really terrific thriller - a kind of grown up Nancy Drew mystery whose chief character is a writer CK Ivors who has a penchant for mystery and group coordinated investigation. As Sharon Carter Rogers begins to spin her tale the book has all the tension and feeling of a 'can't put it down' epic: there is a murder of a priest with a past history of unpriestly behaviors, a 'supernatural' hunky guy who traipses around in a bullet proof coat righting wrongs for people by killing the bad guys, a fascinating little group of thinkers and smart kids, police and wealthy men along with gangs, maids of glory etc.

The problem, for this reader, is in the telling. Rogers splices bits and pieces of incidents that are not always linked chronologically (not a bad thing at all) but fragment the story with a plethora of funky names that make the reader keep back-pedaling to stay on track. There is also the addition of a diary in a different font and graphic setting set throughout the book that has a payoff in the end but again blurs the progress of the novel in the meantime. Rogers has some absolutely terrific ideas ('Sinner' as a character is a fine concoction that pleads for cinematic realization) and her use of CK Ivors is very sound. The subtle introduction of spiritual values is well done. But for a novel that is supposed to be a spellbinder there is just too much clutter in getting there. It feels like the next outing will be a solid one, with the help of a more forceful editor. Rogers is a fine writer! Grady Harp, March 07

This book shows how we can all grow and "become" as long as we live. It is delightfully written, characters are real and can be related to!!

This is a must read for the over 40 crowd. A GREAT read for teens on up.

I have enjoyed this series of books. They are an easy read and you can't help but laugh out loud sometimes. I enjoy the words of wisdom that you receive from the book. It is easy to think of the book as a sort of devotional. I have shared the books with my friends. I have just purchased the last two in the series and can't wait to read them. I have the hardback devotional book that goes along with the Sisterchick books and it is very good also.

This was the first book I read and I am now forever hooked!

"Sisterchicks on the Loose" is a fun and hilarious read! Women of all ages can relate to these two crazy sisterchicks, lost in drama and searching for God in the midst of their adventures. You'll both tear up and giggle while reading this fantastic story! =)

A great Christian fiction book. It is so much fun to live through this pair of sisterchicks! It is about two best friends going on an adventure and then, learning more and more about themselves. No one goes home the same! It is fun but also thought provoking!

Very realistic book! Not only did Story of a Girl explore the troubled lives of teenagers, it showed the impact the importance of the support of family and friends. When I first ordered this, I thought it would be just another melodramatic book jam-packed with teen angst, but the plot delved much deeper than I expected.

I'd definitely recommend that you read this book.

This book weaves the tale of a girl who cannot shake a bad reputation. However, though the premise may seem simple, the characters, actions, and motivations behind their actions are not. The style of writing and topic make it a quality story about forgiveness and growing up.

In high school, perhaps more than anywhere else, a bad reputation can stick with you forever. This tender, touching and very realistic novel about teen sex and its aftermath will -- like it's main character's bad reputation -- stick for you for a long time after you read it!

Parents are always handing their kids books they think would be good for them. Here's one that the kids ought to hand their parents. It looks like it's about sex, but it's really about forgiveness. As Deanna says, "we all have stuff we wish we could change." This is a very different kind of family story. Here, very real people deal with the very real consequences of their actions. The voice of Deanna Lambert is so clear and true you can't help but love her. You want to scream "No Deanna! Don't!" when she seems headed toward yet another Big Mistake. You feel her drowning. You struggle for air as she fights her way to the surface. You take a huge breath in relief as she kicks herself free of the whirlpool and heads out toward the rest of her life with stronger surer strokes. Read it!
Janet Gingold
author of Finch Goes Wild

Here's a book perfect for anyone who's done something they regret (and this is everyone).

A little question before I get started: What image of Deanna did you draw when you first read the book description? I pictured her as a gentle girl, mousy even, struggling to keep her act together. I mean, being with Tommy all those years ago was a humbling mistake, right?

No, not really. It was a hardening mistake. Deanna's degree of isolation, her confusion, the envy she feels for other people who don't have to deal with the past she's got--it all adds up to the rock-hard cold front she puts up. It's the only way she has of surviving the alienation and ostracism she still faces, three years after the fact. But no one is to be fooled--she's got a heartbreaking inside.

When the book opens, it's the summer before junior year and Deanna's looking for a job. She drops off applications at a few locations before coming to the conclusion that her chances of being hired at any of those places is near zero, on account of her reputation. So, she takes a rather undesirable job at a dingy pizza joint. This becomes monumental to the story because not only does the owner become one of the few people who accepts Deanna, but also because Tommy also works there. It's hell for Deanna at first--how could it not be?--but she bravely powers through it. The summer becomes one of change, where Deanna finally faces and tests everything in her life: her friendships, her relationship with her father, and her entire predicament. She learns valuable lessons, the most important of which is that she cannot let people keep defining her by one mistake.

This book is beautiful, with strong characters, tight writing, fast pacing, and a nice message. I'd recommend it to anyone--it's about time people saw the other side, the inside, of someone tormented by one-sided rumors. Dazzling debut. I'll be sure to read Sweethearts by Sara Zarr as well.

Grade: 8/10

After reading all the positive reviews on this book I was looking forward to getting it, but didn't care for the style, the characters, or the go-nowhere plot and abandoned it about halfway through.

I love this book!
I first read it when I was about 12 years of age. Now I have a daughter that age & was so delighted to find this book online!Hopefully she'll enjoy it a much as I did.

This book is amazing. I first read it several years ago when I was thirteen. I honestly cannot tell you how many times I have reread it since then. I loved the characters, knew the characters, and loved the story. I cried - and still cry - every single time I read it. Oh, Martitia! I shall never forget you!

They Loved to Laugh is my favorite book! I think the title is one of the best things about it. It really got me excited. Why do they love to laugh? Who loves to laugh? It aroused my curiosity and made me want to read it. I began it and couldn't put it down. I finished it that very day.
Martitia is an orphan girl who is taken to live with a Quaker family when her parents die of typhoid fever. She plans to go live with her aunt and uncle in the city, but her heart is drawn to this Quaker family with their six children and their unique family bond. Throughout the story she learns to laugh and also learns a lesson of love.

Like so many others who've commented, this book was one of my all-time favorite books when I was a teenager in the 60's. The other was another book by Worth, "Sea Change." It was an entirely different setting, but equally charming and moving. The gentle, inspiring depth of both books helped shape my life. I am thrilled that "They Loved to Laugh" has been reprinted and I hope "Sea Change" will be also. (I'd love to know more about the author and whether or not writing these books changed her life as they changed so many of ours.)

The Breast Reconstruction Guidebook is simply the best guide available covering the entire process of Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction.
Well done Kathy Steligo.

This book was incredibly helpful to me. At a time when I was extremely anxious and being bombarded with lots of complicated information, this book provided me with exactly what I needed in an easy to understand way. The author has firsthand knowledge of the topic, which I think makes a real difference. The book has lots of photos, diagrams and information on resources. If you're in the unfortunate situation of needing to consider breast reconstruction, this book tells you everything you need to know.

This is the definitive guide for breast reconstruction. It covers every type of reconstruction, is fair and balanced and VERY readable. It takes a complex subject and really makes it easy to understand. When you are facing such an emotional decision and hard surgery - it helps tremendously to have information to help guide your decision making. This book is it. Highly recommended before you consult with your first surgeon.

I bought The Breast Reconstruction Guidebook several weeks ago and it has been an incredible resource! Due to a genetic mutation (BRCA2), I'm preparing for bilateral prophylactic mastectomies. The Breast Reconstruction Guidebook clearly explains mastectomy and reconstruction procedures, questions to ask my potential surgeons, how to prepare for surgery, and what to expect during my recovery. Kathy Steligo's book has helped me sort out my options at a very scary time, and for that I am truly grateful!!

This book became my bible during my recent surgeries. So much so, that I broke the binding reading and re-reading it. It offers something for anyone remotely affected by decisions surrounding breast reconstruction. In a world where we can sometimes find too much disjointed information on the internet, this book nicely summizes the facts with an appropriate level of detail. Thankfully, this book was available when I needed it!!

Remarkably unflinching - Kimberly Dozier's narrative voice in "Breathing the Fire" describes her road to recovery after being seriously injured on Memorial Day 2006 by a horrific car bombing in Iraq which killed four others, including the CBS cameraman and soundman she worked alongside. In meticulous detail, Dozier dissects the details of the bombing and day-to-day decisions around her medical care and rehabilitation, and punctuates them with her observations and feelings, allowing a rare peek into the mind of someone who has survived an extremely traumatic experience. Even after she learns how to walk again and returns to the newsroom - the author learns that there is no textbook for adjusting to a "new normal" and how to respond to people as they react to seeing a walking miracle. The book sheds light on the experiences of many struggling to recover from the wounds of war. You also learn what drew her to journalism and led her to be a foreign correspondent in a war zone. Readers are introduced to a wealth of supportive people who played pivotal roles in her recovery - from Iowa National Guardsman Staff Sgt. Jeremy Coke who tied the tourniquet on her leg after the bombing that saved her life, to her friends at CBS, innumberable medical and rehab personnel, her parents, and her boyfriend, Pete. Destined to become one of the critical memoirs chronicling the Iraq War.

I started reading this book and could not put it down. It is an inspiring work. Ms. Dozier has given the reader an honest appraisal of her experience to heal herself and heal the many others broken by the ravages of this war. Her story is told in a bipartisan manner, not at all political and should be read by all soldiers and all who care about our soldiers.

We all know war is not pretty and people get injured and killed. This book really brings home the reality of how those catastrophic injuries affect the lives of the injured. It also shows the incredible courage of Kimberly and her family as she recovers from her injuries and made me think we are not doing enough for our injured vets.

I would not have read this book had my husband not seen an interview on TV and bought it for me. What a loss that would have been. Kimberly puts you in Iraq, in the hospitals and therapy plus shares exactly what it was like for her both mentally and emotionally. I am definitely passing this book along to friends.

I read this book thinking, "I am not sure if I can relate to this". War stories are not my reading genre of choice. But, I had met Kim over the phone one day and so received an e-mail from her letting me and all her address book addressees that her book had been published. So, I ordered one from Amazon not quite knowing what to expect. This book is so NOT a war story. It is the courageous story of a woman with a goal who achieved that goal, a goal which led her into combat where a life-changing event changed her life forever, as well as so many other lives. I was drawn in the moment I started reading. Kim's writing is clear, concise, factual, with just the right amount of emotion and personality. She lets people in to her very personal yet very public experience without a hint of self pity or any reference to a "poor me" attitude. The book is an inspiring one about a woman of intelligence, bravery, dedication, and love who dared to follow her dream, went through a nightmare, and is today a source of strength to people chasing a dream or living with their own struggle.