Customer Reviews

Seduced By Success No Longer Addicted To Pills, Performance And Praise

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

When I first read Ann Kiemel's books I was moved and found myself trying to measure up to her standard of perfection -- baking cookies, singing to people, running marathons, waiting for the perfect man, etc. It's hard enough to live a good life, but impossible to live a perfect one. When I found this book my jaw dropped as I read about her "real" life. Drugs, sex --- I was sure she was going to confess to listening to Pink Floyd. It is a good book to read if you have ever felt less of a person because you were striving for perfection. Ann really opened up and I hope today she is happy. I look forward to the next installment in her life's journies.

And I think I like her even better after this book. I've readall of her other ones and she is an inspiration. She is also verymelodramatic, but she has had a lot to be dramatic about. This bookwas a jaw-dropper. Ann Kiemel a drug addict and leaving her husband? Lordy! What's next Sandi Patty having an affair and Amy Grant getting a divorce? Oh wait, that happened too. In any case, it's a great moral lesson that people are not always what they appear, and who they really are is often even more inspiring than who they wanted you to think they were.

I've carefully read and reread this book several times. Ann's early books gave me direction and encouragement in my Christian walk, and this one, while completely different from the others, does the same. Too many Christians are trying to keep up a cheerul face without dealing honestly with hurts within. Ann's story will bring healing and hope to many. Thank-you, Ann, for peeling away the facade and walking us through your pain and your growth closer to the Lord.

Many years ago my sister gave me "I Gave God Time" before I was married. I always wondered what happened to Anne and Will. This is the story, but it is also a journey into self acceptance. I was moved by her book because she is so open and willing to show her frailties and struggles. Although not all of us are addicted to drugs, it is easy to become addicted to pleasing others and struggle with that. This book is a keeper.

When I met Ann in 1981 what struck me about her most was the love she showed for others. In this book she tells us of her inner demons and how she let them get control of her life because she needed us to love her.

I read this book in one sitting, just soaking up what Ann had been through. She has been through some very tough times and got to points when only God could make things work out. And He did! I appreciated this as I too have been through tough times and encouragement of hers was what I could use.

Ann's life inspired me 19 years ago to accept Christ. I am sorry to have read of all the struggles she endured, but am glad to read that through it all she has still kept the faith. Thanks for revealing your dark secrets in an open, honest, and vulnerable way. Keep the faith and keep growing!

For years I have read and re-read all of Ann's books. I always look forward to her new books, and it has been a long wait! Now, we know why. I thank God for her life and pray that she is able to maintain the victory she found. Thanks for your honesty, Ann. You have been a big influence in my life!

As a college student with a growing eating disorder I was both inspired and intimidated by Ann Kiemel. I too wanted to sing songs to taxi drivers, and was dismayed at my terror to even attempt it. All these years later having dealt with my own demons, I found her story behind the stories of changing her world, far more powerful, and moving than the originals. How refreshing to read of a Christian who chooses to work through her marriage issues instead of getting a divorce. And starts by focusing on her own issues. I just wish she had spent more time sharing about the healing process. With her prose style of writing we get more condensed highlights. And those babysteps to healing that lead to the highlights are important to hear. Very much recommend this book.

I am a huge Ann Kiemel Anderson fan and have waited a long time for her new book. It was worth the wait. It took incredible courage for Ann to write this book, exposing her weaknesses for the world to see. If you like Ann, you have to have this book!