A Woman of Independent Means

Rating:
Summary: Entertaining and Irritating
Review: I read this book, thanks to one of the site's top reviewers, NancyK, who suggested it in another review of the Diary type style. Thanks, Nancy. I loved the story but would have hated the letter writer if she had been my Mom. She controlled everybody in her world and I am surprized her daughter ever spoke to her again after one incident. I liked the pictures of our History, she even wrote Jackie Kennedy on the tragic Dallas Day. She even wrote her own obituary some years before her death which is unusual, isn't it??? OH, well, she was rich and the Rich are different, aren't they???

Rating:
Summary: Entertaining and Irritating
Review: I read this book, thanks to one of the site's top reviewers, NancyK, who suggested it in another review of the Diary type style. Thanks, Nancy. I loved the story but would have hated the letter writer if she had been my Mom. She controlled everybody in her world and I am surprized her daughter ever spoke to her again after one incident. I liked the pictures of our History, she even wrote Jackie Kennedy on the tragic Dallas Day. She even wrote her own obituary some years before her death which is unusual, isn't it??? OH, well, she was rich and the Rich are different, aren't they???

Rating:
Summary: What a powerful story
Review: I was prompted to read this book after seeing the TV movie starring Sally Field (which is good too, by the way). When I received the book, I was surprised to see that it was just a collection of letters. I thought it would be hard to read and follow along with, but I was wrong. This book was absolutely wonderful. It flows so well and the letters written by Bess are powerful and eloquent. I could hardly put it down. This one is going on my summer reading list right next to "Gone With the Wind".

Rating:
Summary: What a powerful story
Review: I was prompted to read this book after seeing the TV movie starring Sally Field (which is good too, by the way). When I received the book, I was surprised to see that it was just a collection of letters. I thought it would be hard to read and follow along with, but I was wrong. This book was absolutely wonderful. It flows so well and the letters written by Bess are powerful and eloquent. I could hardly put it down. This one is going on my summer reading list right next to "Gone With the Wind".

Rating:
Summary: A must-read for every woman...it's someone you know!
Review: If I were to pick my favorite books, this would have to be included. It's one I will read over and over, and have recommended it to my friends. This woman is manipulative, controlling, and absolutely clueless...I love her! What mom wouldn't? It's a fitting answer to those "let them live their own lives" experts. I laughed all the way through, and had to read some of the letters out-loud to my husband or kids, always starting with, "Oh, my gosh, listen to what she's said now!" To be able to know this woman and her life story just by reading her letters is an amazing accomplishment by Ms. Hailey.

Rating:
Summary: One of my all time favorite books!
Review: My husband and I read this book to each other while traveling. We couldn't wait to get on the road again! A story completely told through correspondence! It was incredible!

Rating:
Summary: Truly enjoyable and inspiring
Review: My mentor gave this book to me one day, and I quickly became immersed in the world that Hailey created. Hailey paints Bess as a strong, intelligent woman, and yet Bess keeps her femininity, showing that no woman needs to feel that she must sacrifice her true self in order to be accepted. Wonderful! I've bought a copy for my grandmother, who very much embodies the spirit that Bess shows in the book. I highly recommend this book for independent women everywhere -- daughters and grandmothers alike.

Rating:
Summary: Truly enjoyable and inspiring
Review: My mentor gave this book to me one day, and I quickly became immersed in the world that Hailey created. Hailey paints Bess as a strong, intelligent woman, and yet Bess keeps her femininity, showing that no woman needs to feel that she must sacrifice her true self in order to be accepted. Wonderful! I've bought a copy for my grandmother, who very much embodies the spirit that Bess shows in the book. I highly recommend this book for independent women everywhere -- daughters and grandmothers alike.

Rating:
Summary: Independent by all means
Review: This book was originally a gift from one of my oldest and dearest friends. She choose it by name alone to describe me. The only thing nice my mother was ever able to say about the book, was at least I'm not manipulating as Bess is. She is strength, grace and oh the furniture! I could never be so brave, forceful and full of courage. She is a strong woman, who should be shown to all young women. I have passes this book on to many friends and last christmas it was returned to me. I have just re-read it while on vacation. It has been ten years since I first met Bess, and boy have we both grown! Please pass this one on to all of your friends.

Rating:
Summary: A read and reread
Review: This is by far one of my favorite books. Having read this years ago, and rereading it again last year. The book is written by personal letters which give it a feel of personal history. I have often thought that the auther must have had a wonderful old aunt or other relative that gave such insight into a very private part of someones life.