|  |
| Customer Reviews: | | Average Customer Review:
Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers.
Down to earth telling of a highly dramatic story May 27, 2009
As a long time citizen of Corinth Mississippi I was always aware of the Terri O'Connell "story". Mostly told in crass form by people that really had no idea what Terri was going through and what she had to overcome. My mother gave me a copy of the book a few weeks ago and I have to say that I literally could not put it down. As a mental health proffesional it was especially interesting to me and educational. This is a subject that has not been widely covered and rarely told with such honesty and depth of emotion. From the inside look at racing to the laugh out loud descriptions of her journey to complete womanhood, I can't praise the book enough. A must read for anyone interested in mental health, racing, gender issues or just humanity in general.
An incredible story that educates, challenges, and entertains readers. Apr 14, 2009
Reading Terri O'Connell's memoir is like sitting down next to a friend and having her tell you her life story. Her narrative is warm and natural, with a good ol' downhome twang. As for the story itself, it is an incredible roller-coaster ride of emotions, challenges, near-defeats and, ultimately, victory. Terri explores deep South sexual politics, gender roles and how a person's sex influences his or her power (or the lack thereof), along with giving a bang-up account of life in the racing circuit. She would literally have me laughing to the point of tears on one page, only to have me crying out loud on the next. It's her story; told her way, in her voice.
Terri's journey is one that I am happy to know about. As a fellow product of Corinth, Mississippi, I appreciate her oh-so-vivid descriptions of our hometown and love the fact that she preserves that rich, musical Southern accent in her writing style. As an educator, I'm amazed at how she takes a story that could be a one-issue narrative and opens it to explore multiple issues related to gender, power, and family dynamics. Not to mention, she taught me alot about the sport of racing!
Go, Terri! I can't wait to see you on the racing circuit, leaving everyone else behind in a cloud of smoke.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Inspiring and insightful story of the underdog takes the high road Oct 27, 2008
The book is a series of life vignettes that tell the inspiring and sometimes awkward story of an underdog who has managed, against many odds, to remain hopeful despite wild circumstances. It is like reading a personal diary of the authors life, it moves fast and speaks to life's lessons, hardships, lots of awkward circumstances (which I could relate to), and what it takes to stay ahead of the naysayer. The struggles are universal and so are the feelings explored in the book. It is inspiring and well organized and takes lots of unexpected twists. A good read. Robert W.
5 of 5 found the following review helpful:
About the Author Aug 26, 2008
I have known Terri for several years now and have been intrigued by her vast knowledge in virtually all topics of importance. Her decision to be herself despite the struggles that brought is a testimony to her faith in the potential of an enlightened mankind.
Tom Gober
|
| | |
|
|
