Customer Reviews

Flirting with Danger: Confessions of a Reluctant War Reporter

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
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Darrow's story is not only about the wars she covered, but about self-discovery. With sometimes alarming honesty, she takes us through the trenches of various war zones and the battle zones of her heart. I learned as much about myself as I did about this brave reporter and vulnerable woman as I flipped through the pages, captivated by every word. Darrow draws the reader in from the first paragraph, where she tells the wrenching story of her poverty-striken childhood, then keeps the reader hooked as she takes them through her career at CNN, her many failed relationships, and ultimately to the self-discovery that redeems her in the end. I recommend this book to all professional women.

I thought this book was pretty good. It was really intriguing to hear what a person in those situations really thinks about. She's had a very interesting life. She is a very intellectual writer.

Flirting With Danger takes the reader on a fascinating, behind-the-scenes look at the day-to-day life of a foreign correspondent. Siobhan openly shares her ambivalence at being an eyewitness to many of the pivotal events that shaped the back end of the last century. Her work took her to some of the most dangerous places on earth and even blasted her into outer space. When she asks herself "what am I doing here?" she embarks on the toughest assignment of all - the one taken in pursuit of self-discovery. An honest, courageous and thoroughly enjoyable autobiography.

This is a fast-paced yet revealing memoir of a woman who worked her way up the ladder of television journalism with CNN, from its earliest days. Siobhan Darrow came from a poor and troubled background in New Jersey, the product of a Jewish father and a mother who grew up well-to-do in Northern Ireland. There was constant tension in this union, although the author seemed to have a good relationships with her two sisters and mother. Following her graduation from Duke, where she majored in Russian, she spent several years living in the USSR, where she married a Russian - a union which lasted perhaps longer than it should have. Getting in on the ground floor at CNN in its infancy, she began as a tape logger, then became a producer, writer and on-camera journalist, who covered the collapse of the Soviet Union, the wars in Chechnya, Kosovo, Serbo-Croatia and others, as well as the continuing "troubles" in Northern Ireland. Yet all the time she felt she was short-changing her own personal life by the fast-paced and constant travel, and was unable to form any lasting ties with a man or significant other. It's not until one of the final chapters, "Dunkin' Donuts," that she reveals a youthful experience that had colored all of her relationships with men. Darrow is an excellent writer and she tells her story, both personal and professional, with great skill. A fine read. - Tim Bazzett, author of BOOKLOVER and SOLDIER BOY

I can't remember reading a more self serving narcissistic bio from a journalist. I learned nothing from this book/journal.

I read this book so fast, couldn't put it down... Ms. Darrow is a fascinating writer, taking you on a fast paced adventure through some of the most important events that happened in recent years. The book stays with you long after you finish reading it, highly recommend it!

With all the hoopla about the Ashleigh Banfields of the world running off to Afghanistan, getting a bad dye job, and becoming an instant star, one can't help wondering -- What is it REALLY like reporting from the front lines of a war? Siobhan Darrow, former CNN war reporter, answers that question with intelligence, lots of fascinating detail, and a great sense of humor. Readers will be glad they are in a cozy chair with this book rather than in a bullet-ridden, comfortless war zone. There's lots of good stuff in this book -- from CNN's early days in a shabby basement to all of Darrow's funny boyfriends around the world, to her touching coverage of the death of Princess Di. Truly, this is a book for our times.

Much of Flirting With Danger is true! Siobhan Darrow's step-father does look like Karl Marx and keeps road kill in the freezer; Siobhan did go out with Ted Turner and try to hide the fact; she did organize one of the biggest searches in Moscow history to find her dog. She's the sort of friend who will interrupt a trip to into the midst of a civil war to shop for your wedding present (of course, the present caught fire and almost burned down our house!) This is a great book: funny, frightening and honest. I'm not sure whether I'm glad or mad that she didn't mention my name. But I do know that if you don't read this book, you are missing the story of the year - and that's something that Siobhan never did.

This is one of the best books I've read this year! Darrow is witty, warm, and wise. I found myself comparing my own childhood experiences with hers, and was amazed by how much we have in common. Darrow was honest enough to share the pain and humiliation she suffered growing up without much money, and I could relate.

Siobhan Darrow is a refreshing voice of truth in modern day autobiographies. I recommend this book to everyone! She will transport you all over the world in her global adventures, sharing her unique brand of humor and self-reflection. The book was so exciting, I read it in one evening and the next day began to read it again! As a young woman in the media, I am thankful to have such a great role model.

This is a great story; well written, humorous, and full of fascinating "behind-the-scenes" glimpses of life as a CNN correspondent. In the end, however, the thing that really makes this book worth the read is the author's willingness and ability to share her own personal journey. Her story moved me deeply and made me freshly aware of the joys and challenges of my own life. It also left me wanting to hear more! When is her next book coming out?!