Helpful Score: 4
This memoir covers Ashley's life from childhood to the present. Her growing up years were lonely, abusive, and painful. Basically, she was the leftover child--her sister being the one who has a tumultuous relationship with her mom. Both Ashley's parents made selfish and thoughtless decisions that impacted her life.
The best part of the this book (the most interesting) was Ashley's work with organizations that serve women in developing countries. I found it fascinating and moving.
The parts that bored me to tears? Ashley goes into treatment for depression (in-patient) and deals with her issues. I actually found that interesting. But, after she wrote about treatment, her thought processes and insights descended into psycho-babble. It was a little too much.
I enjoyed the book, since this is not the typical, vapid, celebrity memoir. She has overcome many family problems to get where she is now.
The best part of the this book (the most interesting) was Ashley's work with organizations that serve women in developing countries. I found it fascinating and moving.
The parts that bored me to tears? Ashley goes into treatment for depression (in-patient) and deals with her issues. I actually found that interesting. But, after she wrote about treatment, her thought processes and insights descended into psycho-babble. It was a little too much.
I enjoyed the book, since this is not the typical, vapid, celebrity memoir. She has overcome many family problems to get where she is now.
Helpful Score: 2
I was disappointed in this book, and did not finish it. It gives a sad picture of Ashley's childhood as the non-favorite child of a flighty mother, as her mom and sister pursued their musical careers. The stories about her charity work with abused women and children and refugees were inspiring, but also sad. A rather somber book, not a good read for a rainy day, or a difficult time in your own life. Guess I would have preferred a one-hour documentary on this instead of reading it for hours and hours. Too depressing.
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoyed reading this book. She had a very challenging and troubled childhood and has turned it around to help others. Interesting info regarding her mom and sister.
Helpful Score: 1
This book was so enlightening. Ashley Judd does such amazing work on behalf of women all over the world and it is all compiled here. Her personal family dramas are also included, and it is a very different view from that of her mother and sister in their books. (She also writes very eloquently, as opposed to the other two.) Recommend this book, as it is a good read, and gives insights into some of the atrocities in this world and the work being done to stop them.
