very inspirational woman , definitely recommend.

I couldn't stop reading/ listening to the book.It goes to prove whatever may be happening in your life, never give up.

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A Disappointing Read

This book uses a very pro America writing style, which borders on propaganda in my opinion. This is a problem as it makes it hard to trust the authors integrity and accuracy.

For example he writes that the entire population of the Philippines accepted and more importantly loved the white, male American 'ruler' 'governer'? and that the whole country viewed him as a father figure. I mean really? I find that very hard to believe. Particularly when a few paragraphs later the same guy is described as veiwing japanese soldiers as lesser than or not as good as American ones. There is no acknowledgement of the racism in this. And are we honestly meant believe that he was only racist against japanese people? While it is possible, I find it unlikely. And again the fact that this is mentioned almost in passing is concerning. Again it gets me questioning how accurate the account is. That being said I believe the main historical information to be accurate. It is the more nuanced information I am concerned with.

I feel it is important to note that a lot of time -certainly in the earlier chapters- is spent in building up/discussing how great American is. While I get that its important to set the scene particularly for a historical record. This spreads into the world of propaganda for me. And doesn't feel accurate. Again the racism of the time appears to be acknowledged once with the sentence, the japanese couldn't make good toys how could they make good planes. They must be German. (This is powerphased not a direct quote). But again the rasism behind that thought process and how problematical it is, is glossed over or ignored. And let's not forget that the lady who is the focus of this account will have experienced racism at the hands of soldiers and probably sexism as well. Who knows maybe this is acknowledged later in the book.

Also we've just been told how the Americans spent ages building their defense, drawing up plans and running drills. But were then surprised by the japanese attack? While with knowledge of racism and how it works this does make sense. Without this being explained or acknowledged it would seem extremely confusing.

So like I've said its a great shame as it leaves you questioning how reliable the information is. To be clear I didn't finish the book, so who knows maybe it does redeem itself. But I personally found the start to off-putting.

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