Review of Paths I Have Walked
Posted: 23 Nov 2023, 01:33
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Paths I Have Walked" by Jo Ann Fuson Staples.]
Paths I Have Walked by Jo Ann Fuson Staples is one of the most intriguing memoirs I've ever read. As Jo Ann frequently mentions in the book, she led a high-risk, high-reward lifestyle, and I agree. She went from dating a man who was rumored to be the skyjacker D.B. Cooper to being the wife of a diplomat stationed in several nations, mostly in Africa. Readers will be astounded by everything Jo Ann has been through as she opens up about all of her experiences in this book. Her mother was killed by her stepfather in a domestic violence incident. She also talks about her friendships, her experiences traveling to several African nations and the world generally while her husband was stationed there, becoming a mother to a baby girl named Catherine, and a host of other fascinating anecdotes.
The fact that Jo Ann provided in-depth accounts of her experiences is one feature of this memoir that I found appealing. She always made it a point to learn about the customs and way of life of the locals wherever they went and write about them. She also discussed important historical issues that raise awareness, such as the Rwanda Genocide. She describes the devastation brought about by the ethnic conflicts and the terrible losses Rwanda endured, as well as the effects on the people. I could tell she cared deeply about these communities and would assist in any way she could. Another important lesson I learned from the author was how she treated her employees with kindness and respect. She provided a conducive working environment and facilitated their return trips to their home areas and back, just so her employees could see their families. On another occasion, one of her employees lost her husband and was left stranded financially. Jo Ann intervened and provided the housekeeper with all the assistance she needed to ensure her husband's burial. There were also charitable acts directed toward children and women. Whatever country they were in, Jo Ann made it a point to do whatever she could to improve the lives of others.
There was nothing I disliked about the book. However, I noticed a paragraph that was repeated twice in Chapter 122. I give the book five out of five stars. The book is well-edited, with only one grammatical error. I also enjoyed the colorful photos Jo Ann included in her memoir to depict the various people and places she had encountered. I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys memoirs. You won't be disappointed with this one because Jo Ann's life events seem like they would make a good movie.
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Paths I Have Walked
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Paths I Have Walked by Jo Ann Fuson Staples is one of the most intriguing memoirs I've ever read. As Jo Ann frequently mentions in the book, she led a high-risk, high-reward lifestyle, and I agree. She went from dating a man who was rumored to be the skyjacker D.B. Cooper to being the wife of a diplomat stationed in several nations, mostly in Africa. Readers will be astounded by everything Jo Ann has been through as she opens up about all of her experiences in this book. Her mother was killed by her stepfather in a domestic violence incident. She also talks about her friendships, her experiences traveling to several African nations and the world generally while her husband was stationed there, becoming a mother to a baby girl named Catherine, and a host of other fascinating anecdotes.
The fact that Jo Ann provided in-depth accounts of her experiences is one feature of this memoir that I found appealing. She always made it a point to learn about the customs and way of life of the locals wherever they went and write about them. She also discussed important historical issues that raise awareness, such as the Rwanda Genocide. She describes the devastation brought about by the ethnic conflicts and the terrible losses Rwanda endured, as well as the effects on the people. I could tell she cared deeply about these communities and would assist in any way she could. Another important lesson I learned from the author was how she treated her employees with kindness and respect. She provided a conducive working environment and facilitated their return trips to their home areas and back, just so her employees could see their families. On another occasion, one of her employees lost her husband and was left stranded financially. Jo Ann intervened and provided the housekeeper with all the assistance she needed to ensure her husband's burial. There were also charitable acts directed toward children and women. Whatever country they were in, Jo Ann made it a point to do whatever she could to improve the lives of others.
There was nothing I disliked about the book. However, I noticed a paragraph that was repeated twice in Chapter 122. I give the book five out of five stars. The book is well-edited, with only one grammatical error. I also enjoyed the colorful photos Jo Ann included in her memoir to depict the various people and places she had encountered. I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys memoirs. You won't be disappointed with this one because Jo Ann's life events seem like they would make a good movie.
******
Paths I Have Walked
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon