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In this courageous memoir, the author shares a multitude of experiences that have shaped who she is. The book opens with the author's memories of meeting Buzz Aldrin and Bill Clinton at a gala. She describes how her family came to the United States in the 1800s and the traumatic events that eventually shaped her family's future for generations to come. The author's father's story also plays an integral role in the book. Eventually, the author shares her travel experiences. She recounts traveling through Ukraine and Russia, as well as numerous other places, including South Africa. At its core, however, the book is an examination of the numerous devils that have plagued the author's life, including her father's drinking, her battle with breast cancer, and eventually her recent confrontation with bone cancer.
This is an inspiring memoir. The author's honesty is admirable and will surely encourage those working on writing their own memoirs. Despite the numerous traumatic experiences the author shares, her tone remains positive, and her observations remain keen. What makes the book emotionally and psychologically accessible is the author's vulnerability. The book explores multiple aspects of personal development. Travel—both solo and alone—contributes greatly to the author's personal and professional development. The stories the author shares show how experiencing other places and cultures can help one develop confidence and an outlook that can sustain a unique, even positive, perspective when faced with confrontation in one's life. This memoir offers its audience many valuable and unforgettable moments of honesty.