Sunday, April 4, 2010

Book Review: Walk Like You Have Somewhere to Go

Walk Like You Have Somewhere to Go by Lucille O’Neal
With Allison Samuels

She’s Lucille O’Neal. She’s Shaquille O’Neal’s mom. And yet, she’s so much more than that.

The story is not unlike that of women the world over; single mom, military wife, struggling alcoholic, divorcée. In Walk Like You Have Somewhere to Go, O’Neal shares how, with the help of faith, she’s not just survived, but thrived in the face of adversity. Her own complex family situation as a child, teen pregnancy, poverty, and other struggles prepared her for eventual opportunities to give back, not just as one who could, but one who’s been there.

 While O’Neal has been given unique opportunities through the success of her son, many of the memories she shares through her book begin to encourage the reader to never give up on their own dreams. Sadly, I was left with more of an image of a woman afraid to walk without a safety net than I was a woman overcoming adversity. I found myself noting that she completed her degrees when her son financed the venture. Left her marriage when she knew she could be provided for. Her son’s success and financial support gave her opportunities most of us can only dream of.

While I wasn’t inspired by her story, I did find the book an interesting read, and the biblical verses throughout are validating and encouraging to anyone facing life challenges. I simply couldn’t buy into “From Mental Welfare to Mental Health”. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com  book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255  : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”



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