Living in the Heartland: Three Extraordinary Women's Stories [Paperback]

Pamela Ferris-Olson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 11, 2010

These are real American stories. Nancy had the strength and vision to join the Navy and leave behind the troubles that haunted others on the reservation. A Native American imbued with prided in her heritage, Nancy refused to limit her horizons. Self-esteem issues, however, left her vulnerable to victimization by men. The boys knew not to mess with the Muslim girl shrouded in her flowing garments, only her eyes and broad nose visible above her veil. Ife, an African-American raised by a devout mother, was unprepared for the consequences of her teenage indiscretions. The consequences have resonated throughout her life. Ellyn's future was in doubt when she was born in Korea with a cleft palette. Although she has thrived living with her adoptive family there were times as a little girl when she cried. Ellyn yearned to meet her biological family. These three contemporary, minority women live in the heartland. Their search for identity, self-worth, and happiness make inspirational reading.

Product Details

• Paperback: 322 pages
• Publisher: Out of the Box Publishing Company, LLC (January 11, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0615340660
• ISBN-13: 978-0615340661
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,172,600 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Book that will Speak to the Heart of Every Woman, March 10, 2010

By 

Faith A. Draper (Michgan, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Living in the Heartland: Three Extraordinary Women's Stories (Paperback)

Living in the Heartland: Three Extraordinary Women's Stories by Pamela Ferris-Olson gives a unique look into the lives and history of three minority women. These women have endured hardships similar to many women in America. However, they have done so, while at the same time struggling with the problems that come with being part of a minority group.

The author has written the book in a way that leaves the reader feeling like they have met the three 'extraordinary women' in person. Rather than a straight biography form of writing, Ferris-Olson has written Living in the Heartland: Three Extraordinary Women's Stories to include interviews, thoughts and letters from the women themselves, as well as input from friends, family, and counter-parts.

The three women in the book are not Nobel Peace Prize winners; notable movie stars, or married to a famous politician. Once reading the book and these women's stories though, you will walk away with a feeling each one deserves a special award. You might not expect to find three remarkable heroines in the Heartland of America, but in sharing the ladies struggles, determination, and successes you will no doubt look differently at minority groups.

As Pamela Ferris-Olson states: "Ife, Nancy, Ellyn, and the other women openly and earnestly shared their stories with me. They believed in this project. I owe it to them to see their stories are told so others might benefit."

First, you will meet Nancy. A Native American who is proud of her heritage but at the same time struggled with the confines of the reservation and the limits of a future imposed there. Nancy joined the United States Navy but struggled with issues of self-esteem, abusive relationships, and isolation. None of it stopped her from pursuing a better life. You also meet Nancy's daughter who contributes to the book by way of blog entries.

Next we meet Ife an African American Muslim woman. Ife was raised in the Muslim tradition with the long garments and a veil covering most of her face. The sheltered life Ife led as a child did not prepare her for
teenage life in the world. This remarkable woman struggled with poverty, discrimination issues and raising two sons. In Ife's story Olson includes input from other Muslim.

Last, but certainly not least, is Ellyn's story. Born in Korea, Ellyn faced major problems from the very beginning. Born with a cleft palete to parents, who could not afford the medical bills, she was given up for adoption. Her American parents provided for her needs but she grew up struggling with a desire to meet her biological family in Korea. Much of Ellyn's story is told through letters in a journal her adoptive mother Mary shares.

Pamela Ferris-Olson chose these three minority women in hopes the book will help break down barriers between people and illustrate how remarkable women are in the way we cope with challenges, even large ones like the women in her book have overcome.

Added Note: I highly recommend this book, the three ladies are an inspiration to all women facing trials and tribulations of today's world and after finishing ."Living in the Heartland: Three Extraordinary Women's Stories" by Pamela Ferris-Olson I felt as if I knew the three women and the author in person.

Faith Draper - Reviewer for Bookpleasures

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Real people can make a difference, February 12, 2010

By 

Robert Spokane - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Living in the Heartland: Three Extraordinary Women's Stories (Paperback)

"Living..." is a series of imtimate stories about three women, facing real challeges that can easily become overwhelming. These women "stay with the program" and and are making a difference in the world. Ms Ferris-Olson writes an excellent story that can inspire others ot lead a life of purpose.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing and highly worthwhile reading, April 12, 2010

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Living in the Heartland: Three Extraordinary Women's Stories (Paperback)

One makes their way through life by meeting challenges head on. "Living in the Heartland: Three Extraordinary Women's Stories" is a collection of memoirs recorded by Pamela Ferris-Olson as she seeks to tell the life stories of three particular women who rose up and faced the challenges of their life and what made them above others with their attitudes that stood against the grain. For those seeking stories of inspirational women, "Living in the Heartland" is intriguing and highly worthwhile reading.