Customer Reviews

Stories of Strength

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STORIES OF STRENGTH was published in response to an overwhelming desire to do something in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Editor Jenna Glatzer of AboutWrite.com suggested the idea, and writers from all over the world responded. Maybe each of the 100+ writers in this amazing anthology have never experienced a hurricane, but many have survived hardships and heartaches that changed their lives. Now, they've donated their compelling and often emotional essays, poems, and stories to help others in need. Check out www.storiesofstrength.com to see how much has been raised so far through sales of this book. Not only does it serve an important purpose, it inspires as it celebrates the human spirit. You'll never forget some of the stories you read here.

Each story touches your heart and each author a hero for contributing. My only complaint is that I didn't want the book to end. What a wonderful uplifting volume of essays, sure beats the hect out of those chicken soup series in my opinion.

Inspiring. Uplifting. Writers from all over the world, including internationally known writers Orson Scott Card, Robin Lee Hatcher, John Vanek and actor Wil Wheaton (Star Trek and Stand By Me). Makes a great gift for others or yourself. Buy it!

In all likelihood, you have only heard of a few of the authors whose work is gathered in this book. Even if you aren't a fan of theirs, you know who Orson Scott Card, Whill Wheaton, and a few others are. However, you do know the people of whom they write. In fictional and true stories, they tell of children facing pain, people learning about one another, learning to love again after a heartbreak, cancer patients, marathon runners, grandparents, and many others. A common thread runs through each story. Each of them portrays a variety of strength that won't make front page news or be depicted in a comic book. More than one will make you cheer the spirit that impelled the hero or heroine to face the challenge. Several will make you cry as well. If you buy this book, you will also become a hero in a small way, if there is such a thing as a small hero. Proceeds from this volume will help those who are strong, but need some assistance.

Amanda Killgore

Time goes by quickly and though it is well past headline time for New Orleans and Katrina, revisiting stories that can only come from disaster is always heartwarming and inspirational. The ones in "Stories of Strength" are especially so because it is full of stories (and poems) that could stand on their own in the best of literary journals -- many by authors I know, many by authors I know of.

Editor Jenna Glatzer is a favorite of mine. I feel obligated to reveal that so this review will not appear to be what it isn't. I have enjoyed her children's stories and her how-to books for writers (do search her name on Amazon and review her veritable catalog of books!). So it is not surprising--knowing what I do about her--that she would tackle an anthology like this.

Still, I was constantly reminded of her skills and the craft of those authors she selected for this book.

I loved that the mini-bios of the writers came directly after their stories or poems. That is a convenience for the curious reader.

I loved that she mixed the talents of emerging writers like Cynthianna Appel with those of seasoned ones like Orson Scott Card (a writer from my home state of Utah).

I was thrilled that she didn't neglect poetry in favor of stories.

I liked that she didn't skimp on the size of the book (for that tends to be a trend in these hurried days).

And mostly, I found it amazing that she found so much quality so quickly after a disaster.

By all means, it is not too late to read this one and all proceeds benefit disaster relief charities.

Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Award-winning author of everything from a chapbook of poetry to a book of creative nonfiction to a literary novel

Reader beware. If you read Stories of Strength, make sure you have some Kleenex by your side. The stunningly poignant and gutsy entries in this anthology are a gift of hope and a testimony to the human spirit. When the going gets tough, the tough get going.



The book is organized into various sections which cover the spirit, faith, community and more. Its structure makes it easy to flip open any page to find a dose of inspiration. You will take away lessons learned and a profound appreciation of the good things in life.



Each story has universal appeal, each character relatable. Most are non-fictional personal accounts with a smattering of fictional stories at the end. Whether fact or fiction, however, these stories will touch your heart and speak to your soul. Stories of Strength makes a wonderful gift any time of year. The best part is all the proceeds go to those affected by Hurricane Katrina. Yet another reason to pick up your copy, and a box of tissues, today.

~Christine Louise Hohlbaum, American author of Diary of a Mother and SAHM I Am: Tales of a Stay-at-Home Mom in Europe, lives near Munich, Germany, with her husband and two children. (...)