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Summary: Did you really read the book????
Review: I find it hard to believe that anyone who has read this book can really believe that Ingrid was kidnapped by the FARC.Did you read the book? The press in Columbia lies. The political elite in Columbia lies. Ingrid made many enemies in her short career. She received numerous death threats and survived at least one bonafide assassination attempt. The rebels were NOT her enemies. It is sooooo obvious that she was murdered by the same corrupt political thugs that she dedicated her life to fighting. As for the book itself, it is NOT a great book, but it is a must-read, simply because it gives you a glimpse of this most remarkably brave and ferocious woman.
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Summary: An Inspiration for All
Review: I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in the current situation in Colombia and in its politics, or in politics in general. Even without an interest in Colombia or in politics, readers of all ages will be inspired by Ingrid Betancourt's story. She shows herself to be a courageous, intelligent, honest, and deeply compassionate woman. Reading about her real-life struggles against the corrupt powers that be in Colombia -- working not for her own gains but for the people of her country -- is more exciting, and chilling, than reading about the similar adventures of any fictional character. If this were fiction, it would be hard to believe. Having been in Colombia and met many of the unempowered people to whom she dedicates her life, I can understand her commitment to them and to her country. Many "ordinary" Colombians share Ingrid's hopes for peace and real democracy, and many of them exhibit the same incredible courage that she shows in her book. We can only pray that Ingrid will be as successful in her bid for the Presidency of Colombia in May 2002 as she was in her bid for Senator! It will be a fierce struggle, but she has already overcome many tremendous and frightening obstacles in her remarkable life.
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Summary: Amazing real life story
Review: I lived in Colombia and worked at the American Embassy from 1988 until 1990, during which time I met - or at least heard of - many of the people mentioned in this book. After leaving Colombia, I lost touch with what was going on. Ingrid Betancourt's amazing book not only brought me back to the horror of the late 80's - Galan's death, the bombins and other atrocities waged by Pablo Escobar, but also brought me up to date on the current political realities in Colombia. Knowing that she has been kidnapped, I read the book to see why. It's obvious that she has managed to seriously irritate every power center in Colombia: the political establishment; the narcos; the guerillas; the paramilitaries. I read this book in one day, but its message will live with me for a long time. Colombia needs politicians like Ingrid Betancourt. As a mother, I also sympathise with her when she had to sacrifice the right to keep her children by her side in exchange for their safety. I can only hope and pray that she is released by her kidnappers, although I don't hold much hope at this point in time (more than 3 months later). Viva Ingrid!
Rating: 
Summary: are we talking about the same book?
Review: I read the book and all reviews... Great example of such divide society, one side in denial, the book, the other just suffering (our real society). The books fails to address the big issues properly. It is overbearing, and arrogant. I wonder if the author has noted the actual meaning of her "reclaiming of Colombia"... Has she ever look at Colombian history from a critical perspective of those that contributed to the actual mess? Oligarchies... Landlords, etc. NO!! Sorry, You cannot claim, you have to give back!!!
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Summary: Ingrid - I'll protect you!
Review: If I were a woman in Columbia, I would rise up and say, "'Ingrid! I'll protect you. I'll walk with you and surround you so that you are safe." And all the good women of Columbia who agree with her principles, would rise up and join Betancourt's stated resolve to free Columbia from the AIDS/SIDA of corruption. Perhaps, they would even join this one woman and surround Betancourt with prayers of protection.
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Summary: An exciting life
Review: Ingrid Betancourt is a rare person -- who puts her courage, brains, and energy to work in an effort to improve her country.
This is not a boring political bio. It's an exciting story of a great person who moves from one adventure to the next, eventually putting her life in great danger.
And it happened. After this book was published, Betancourt ran for president of Colombia. She was kidnapped by gorillas and at this writing, is still being held hostage somewhere in the mountains of her beautiful country.
Here's wishing Betancourt the best. You are an inspiration to me and to all who will read this book. I am eager to read your next book.
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Summary: Corruption is the evil for the Nations
Review: Ingrid is disclosing the facts very neatly about political corruption in Colombia.She also explains her & her family's sufferings due to diffent self-interest group's pressures(media,government,mafia).I believe what she writes is true.People of Colombia must give hand to her to reclaim Colombia from the corrupted politicians and mafia.
People of world who believe human rigths and equality must support her to create a better Colombia.
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Summary: The power of ideals vs the gridlock of reality
Review: Ingrid tiene la certeza que la estructura del poder en Colombia puede ser cambiada desde arriba. Su formación como estudiante de ciencias políticas le lleva a pensar que un líder de alguna manera es solo un canal mediante el cual un sentimiento y forma de ver la realidad que está disperso, atomizado, pero mayoritario entre las personas, encuentra un eco y se manifiesta a la vida política. Ingrid en parte por su formación pero mayoritariamente por lo que le ha tocado sufrir para poderse expresar, considera que las condiciones ya están dadas en Colombia para que se derrote un sistema de hacer política basado en una estructura semimafiosa y en la cual el elegido no posee ningún sentido de responsabilidad ni respeto por sus electores. Este libro describe esa lucha en la que ella se ha embarcado por hacerse oír y para dar a entender que los malos no pueden ni deben ganar siempre. Comparto las ideas expresadas por mi querida amiga con una reserva, y esa es me siento inseguro que la conciencia colectiva de Colombia se encuentre a la altura de sus ideales, y que quienes hoy dicen apoyarla una vez logren aspirar la droga del poder pierdan de vista los pensamientos que una vez los inspiraron. La historia también esta llena de esas anécdotas. Pero para eso es la experiencia y creo que Ingrid esta preparada para tomar ese riesgo. Un abrazo para mi amiga y para todos los que piensan como ella.
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Summary: Great mind, fantastic life
Review: Ingrid was candidate for the presidency of Colombia when she has been kidnapped by the Colombian guerilla in February 2002. Since she is still detained and her family received one tape from her in July 2002. Everywhere in the world people start to mobilize for her liberation. She wrote this book just before her kidnapping, when she was a Colombian senator. During all her politic life she has been fighting corruption and drug traffic. She is a model of integrity for us. She believes in Colombia and shows us the good face of this country.
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Summary: Juana De Arco
Review: Ms. Betancourt is the modern Juana de Arco, fighting gainst the AIDS of Colombia, corruption. I have read many books descriving a politician's struggle with his govenment, but this has been one of the best. She is very noble and aware of her limitations in her struggle agains the government and the cartels. But even when her life has been endangered she does not give up on us, the Colombian people. Her style of writting makes it easy for an educated person like her, or even a normal Joe to understand her strong feelings for her country and her desire to help her people.
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