Living in the Heartland: Three Extraordinary Women's Stories - Book Review

Living in the Heartland: Three Extraordinary Women's Stories by Pamela Ferris-Olson gives a unique look into the lives and history of three minority women. These women have endured hardships similar to many women in America. However, they have done so, while at the same time struggling with the problems that come with being part of a minority group.

The author has written the book in a way that leaves the reader feeling like they have met the three 'extraordinary women' in person. Rather than a straight biography form of writing, Ferris-Olson has written Living in the Heartland: Three Extraordinary Women's Stories to include interviews, thoughts and letters from the women themselves, as well as input from friends, family, and counter-parts.

The three women in the book are not Nobel Peace Prize winners; notable movie stars, or married to a famous politician. Once reading the book and these women's stories though, you will walk away with a feeling each one deserves a special award. You might not expect to find three remarkable heroines in the Heartland of America, but in sharing the ladies struggles, determination, and successes you will no doubt look differently at minority groups.

As Pamela Ferris-Olson states: "Ife, Nancy, Ellyn, and the other women openly and earnestly shared their stories with me. They believed in this project. I owe it to them to see their stories are told so others might benefit."

First, you will meet Nancy. A Native American who is proud of her heritage but at the same time struggled with the confines of the reservation and the limits of a future imposed there. Nancy joined the United States Navy but struggled with issues of self-esteem, abusive relationships, and isolation. None of it stopped her from pursuing a better life. You also meet Nancy's daughter who contributes to the book by way of blog entries.

Next we meet Ife an African American Muslim woman. Ife was raised in the Muslim tradition with the long garments and a veil covering most of her face. The sheltered life Ife led as a child did not prepare her for teenage life in the world. This remarkable woman struggled with poverty, discrimination issues and raising two sons. In Ife's story Olson includes input from other Muslim.

Last, but certainly not least, is Ellyn's story. Born in Korea, Ellyn faced major problems from the very beginning. Born with a cleft palete to parents, who could not afford the medical bills, she was given up for adoption. Her American parents provided for her needs but she grew up struggling with a desire to meet her biological family in Korea. Much of Ellyn's story is told through letters in a journal her adoptive mother Mary shares.

Pamela Ferris-Olson covered the issues of these three minority groups very well in hopes the book will help to break down barriers between different groups and to illustrate how remarkable are these individuals.

Added Note: I highly recommend this book, the three ladies are an inspiration to all women facing trials and tribulations of today's world.

Originally written as a reviewer for Bookpleasures.com