Customer Reviews

Fierce: A Memoir

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

*****
This book is the memoir sequel to "Change Me Into Zeus' Daughter". Although it could easily be read alone, I found it was an incredible experience to read it after reading the earlier memoir. Knowing the background of the author's childhood from the first book adds richness to the already rich second memoir "Fierce".

Although both books describe very difficult life experiences, they are far from depressing; they are about the triumph of love and the human spirit. I cannot imagine anyone having had a more troubled or abusive childhood than did the author, but the central theme of family love is what ,most affects the family members and holds them together above all.

I read this book as slowly as I could to make it last. It was just so good. I can't imagine anyone buying it and thinking they didn't get more than their money's worth, as it delivers on all levels---style of writing, suspense and plot, authenticity and transparency, the ability to draw you into the author's world.

"Fierce" takes place mostly after the author is an adult and leaves home although there are many flashbacks to childhood. "Change Me Into Zeus' Daughter" is about the author's childhood. I would buy both books together in hardback and save them forever to be read again and again.

*****

When I first read "Change Me Into Zeus's Daughter," I immediately wanted more from memoirist Barbara Robinette Moss. In her follow-up "Fierce," she does not disappoint.

"Fierce" is Barbara's story of leaving all she knew behind to pursue her dream of becoming an artist. Every step of the way, childhood demons haunt her: her charismatic and alcoholic father, staggering poverty and abuse, broken dreams and rural indigence. Men with whom she has close relationships fight demons of their own, Patrick with schizophrenia and brother Stewart with alcoholism. Her childhood memories wake her at night, but Barbara never loses focus of what is most important - her only son Jason and a better life for both of them.

As with "Zeus's Daughter," the author successfully sets the psychology of time and place. We can see the pony tangled in barbwire and the father's shot at close range. We are there when Stewart wrestles with an angel, and we rejoice when Barbara, like Einstein the cat, defies the pull of gravity.

"Fierce" - simply put - is unforgettable. Barbara's story not only inspires, it is a life-affirming testament to the human spirit.

The details in Barbara Moss's books may be particularly hers, but the story she tells really belongs to all of us: For none of us escapes suffering and, with remarkable skill, Moss's writing gives eloquent voice to our suffering as well as hers, and then (this is the real accomplishment!) shows us what it means to persist, prevail, and finally transcend it.

This is a book I could not put down, except to sleep!
As a former counselor who dealt with families of
alcoholics, I cannot emphasize enough how powerfully
truthful this book is.

As someone who has survived the death of a family member
by suicide, I found it to be extremely accurate, deeply
moving, and ultimately hopeful. Barbara Moss is a gifted,
luminous writer. Her wisdom and clarity are profoundly
affecting.

The book was more than a reading experience for me:
it was an affirmation of the ultimate power of love and
a reminder that it is never too late to turn one's life
around.

I'm glad I bought hardcover instead of waiting for the
paperback.

I will definitely give this book as a gift.

This is a truly amazing story from a woman I feel honored to have met in person. A woman, mother, artist, author full of pride and perseverance; with such charm and delight, one would never know the scars of her past. There is a part of her story for each of you: from heartache to addiction, despair to survival. In this latest memoir of hers, Ms. Moss will make you cry . . . and laugh to the point where you want to stand up and cheer for her triumphs. With the deepest gratitude and utmost respect, Michelle Johnson
Minneapolis, MN

"fierce" is the second memoir of Barbara Robinette Moss. It picks up where "Change Me Into Zeus' Daughter" leaves off. It had been awhile since I had read her first book so I was relieved that there is enough background information in "fierce" that it can stand on it's own. I loved it and found it hard to put down. The author's unflinching honesty draws the reader into the pain filled drama of her life. The clarity with which the story is written helps make understandable the numbing effect abuse has on the reciever. It sounds like "fierce" is a depressing read, but it's not. The miracle of Barbara's taking her power back is a wonder to behold. It left me feeling that I could do anything.

I read Zeus's Daughter in one day. Read "Fierce" in 2 evenings. Fierce is so wonderfully written --- you feel like you are listening to someone talking. It is so inspiring to read about an individual overcoming their background and pre-dispositions to triumph. I, too, was in an extremely co-dependent situation with my husband. Our relationship was killing both of us, but I could not let go. I felt such a kinship with Barbara and I salute her on behalf the thousands of women out there who have been in similar circumstances.
Can't wait for the next book!

I read this book in three days awhile back, and still remember most of it, especially the night I bolted up in bed and turned the light on after dozing and thinking about the rattle snake and said to the air, "There has to be magic." I went back to sleep with that thought.
I'll never forget the garbage can, which I think is the story of all of us at one time or another. The contemplation of this book followed me around for several weeks, weaving in and out of other books read after it.
Thanks.

Wow! I've been eagerly waiting for "the rest of the story" after reading Moss's first memoir "Change Me Into Zeus's Daughter". This is every bit as powerful and moving and was well worth the wait. The stories are so well-written and moving and anyone can find inspiration to overcome their own life's problems by reading them. Thanks Barbara for another excellent volume!

The author's writing seems slightly disconnected at times, but the story is phenomenal and a definite page-turner. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a touching and moving read.