Hattie Kauffman

I was asked to review this in advance of release. Admittedly, not the kind of book I'd normally choose for myself, this is national news anchor Hattie Kaufman's memoir of overcoming.

And by that I mean overcoming a profoundly impoverished upbringing (mostly in Washington State, which is a really bad place to be poor), a minority identification that has rarely gained a national stage (Native American), and a divorce that came as a complete surprise (in her early 50s).

Her way of overcoming would resonate easily with Southern Christians, but very poorly with news anchors on the left coast: She took up Christianity. On the one hand, I found her journey fascinating. On the other, I found it oddly embarrassing.

It is not that I disagree with her journey. It is that the thing I have the most difficulty with in the South is that religious beliefs are expected to be discussed loudly and often, and I was not taught that way.

For that reason, I can say I enjoyed the book, which moved in time between her childhood and her adulthood. She is well-spoken and intelligent and a really good writer. Despite living in Seattle, where she got her start, I don't recall her from the news there. I wish I did.… (mer)

A remarkable story of strength, hardship and courage. Hattie grew up in childhood that could only be described as heartbreaking. I found myself in tears for her and her siblings at such neglect, and hunger. Despite this she fought to make a success of her life and to bring herself up from poverty, to make a success of her life. She went after what she wanted and did what she needed to, to achieve that success.

After a second failed marriage, she felt something missing from within. She began searching for answers, feeling something was missing from her life. All the while something was pulling her to churches, first one then another. She finally found what she had been missing and what she found surprised her. As a child she never believed in God, and brought that mindset int adulthood with her. Suddenly she found herself hungry, not for food, but for the word of God.

Hattie has shared with us a powerful and inspiring window into her life! What a remarkable novel that will touch anyone who reads it.… (mer)