Rating: 
Summary: Acceptance Means Everything!
Review: As a devoted fan of the Ellen show in the past, I loved this book for all of it's depth and meaning. Betty Degeneres tells of how it was first hard for her to accept Ellen as being gay, and then having to find a way to acceptance.Betty DeGeneres tells in the book, about the media's scrutiny of their family life, and other stories which are inspiring, that she's heard on the road as the first nongay spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign. It is also quite a story about their own family life. A very good read for anyone concerned about their child's sexual orientation, the coming out process, and reaching love and accptance.
Rating: 
Summary: A huge mistake would be not to read this!
Review: As a gay teen it's very hard to try and find somone to relate to. This book did just that. Starting with the beginning of Betty's life, right up until very recently, Betty told her story. It was truely an inspiration. It gave me the courage to finally come out to my mother, and more friends. It changed my outlook on certain things, it definantly gave me hope. I feel much more comforatable with myself and the people I'm around now. Although I still have a long way to go, much has changed for the better. It was the best thing I could think of to give my mother. Even though the book is more targteted to parents, not just of gay children, it is still a great thing for teens and young adults to read, not just gay teens and adults. BUY THIS BOOK!
Rating:
Summary: Reassuring, uplifting thoughts from a mother who "knows"
Review: As a recently "out" daughter I bought this book to understand what my family members are going through. Betty Degeneres is an inspiring role model for anyone concerned about tolerance in today's world. She delivers a message that many parents should be relieved to hear. Her love for her daughter is palpable, and expressed in a way that all parents of all children can relate to. A wonderful book for everyone. Bravo, Betty!
Rating:
Summary: Reassuring, uplifting thoughts from a mother who "knows"
Review: As a recently "out" daughter I bought this book to understand what my family members are going through. Betty Degeneres is an inspiring role model for anyone concerned about tolerance in today's world. She delivers a message that many parents should be relieved to hear. Her love for her daughter is palpable, and expressed in a way that all parents of all children can relate to. A wonderful book for everyone. Bravo, Betty!
Rating:
Summary: Uplifting, funny, moving -- with a message about tolerance.
Review: As a straight man who had to come to terms with having a gay family member, I could really relate to DeGeneres' description of going through a process of acceptance that didn't happen overnight. This is a book I will buy for other family members who haven't gotten to that place yet. I also enjoyed reading about the development of Ellen's career from a parent's point of view. The book is hard to put down -- funny, uplifting, moving -- with a message about tolerance I hope to pass on to my young son.
Rating:
Summary: Mom, I'm Gay! A Mother's Process
Review: As I read the book, 'Love, Ellen,' which was written by Ellen Degeneres' mother, Betty, the words stirred memories deep inside of me. I first laughed. I then cried. I was unquestionably moved. Like Betty, my mother was brought up in the same generation and in a family with conservative values. Issue were not addressed. The 'G' and 'L' words were unspoken and closeted. It was the 'don't ask, don't tell policy,' where your secrets and feelings were stored in your inner vault. Throughout 'Love, Ellen,' Betty leads the reader on a journey from a mother's perspective seemingly through the stages of grief, ranging from denial: 'Even as I tried to understand, I was in a state of denial. 'But Ellen, boys have always liked you, and you're so popular. You just need to meet the right one.'' ...to anger: ''..Are you sure?' The question hung in the air. It sounded judgmental. I softened it, saying, 'I mean, couldn't this just be a phase?'' ...to bargaining: 'I understand that my disappointment was not for Ellen. It was for me. I was the one whose marriages hadn't worked out according to expectations. Why on earth should she have to fulfill my dreams? Why not love her and support her as she fulfilled her own?' ...to depression: '...Ellen never had an engagement picture in my hometown paper...I had always fantasized about seeing Ellen's picture there and about her marrying some fine man about myself as being the proud mother of the bride...I felt as if a dream had been shattered.' ...through the acceptance stage: 'Like most parents, I went through a process. It took me time to think about this, to sort out what was important, to get past my terrible ignorance and learn about homosexuality. Though somewhat familiar with the myths and fallacies that are all two common, I need to learn the facts. Two of the most important facts I would learn were, first of all, that as a rule people don't choose to be homosexual; and second, that being gay is normal and healthy. But embracing these truths would take time.' I enjoyed 'Love, Ellen so much that I gave my mother a copy for Mother's Day with the inscription: 'I don't want you to blame yourself for my sexual orientation. It's not your fault. It's not my fault. I want you to accept it because you love me... because I want you to be part of my life and I'm your daughter. And I believe 'One of the nicest things about being mother and daughter is that one day you discover you've turned into friends.'' Julie L. Shaffer was homegrown in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and she has been recently transplanted in Seattle via a John Deere tractor. Apparently, Julie has a collection of wonderful implements. That's farm implements, you know.
Rating: 
Summary: A big disappointment
Review: As much as I applaud Betty DeGeneres for her courage and support of gays, her book was a big let down. It's billed as a mother-daugther journey, but it's really nothing more than an autobiography, and a rather poorly written one at that. Betty's life isn't all that interesting, and it seems like maybe she's riding her famous daughter's coat tails to sell a book. There are a couple of chapters that deal with her relationship and acceptance of Ellen's sexuality, but for 90% of the book I found myself asking, "jeese, who cares! "
Rating:
Summary: love and understanding
Review: Being french, I have followed the coming out of Ellen through newspapers and TV (CNN mostly) and a friend who sent me THE episode. I must say that I admire Ellen Degeneres more than anyone else. I also am always amazed at the look of love that Betty Degeneres shows towards Ellen and Anne and though this love should be the norm, it often is not. I've never talked to my mother the way Ellen did but I love my mother more than anyone in the world. I think she knows but I still don't know how to tell her. I hope that a french translation of this book will exist and I can offer it to her. I think it's the perfect book for non gays and gays, for individuals and familys. If Betty DeGeneres goal was to open eyes, minds and hearts, I can assure you that she has succeeded. I often cried reading the book and I must say that the letter written by Ellen to her mother on page 8 was terrible for me to read. The love between them is so strong that it made me feel strong too...Thank you Betty DeGeneres and thank you Ellen.
Rating:
Summary: Uplifting, and thought provoking.
Review: Betty Degeneres gave us a wonderful glimpse into her world; our world. Her journey is an uplifting one full of wisdom and hard lessons learned. I'm glad for the sharing. A bit self-indulgent at times, however... I'm only too glad to indulge her. Mrs. Degeneres, Thank You!
Rating:
Summary: A mother's love story.
Review: Betty DeGeneres reminds me of my mom. There is so much love that it really shines through out all of the pages-for Ellen ,Anne and Vance. It takes a while after you come out to your mom, but it is worth the wait. Living your truth is extremely important.
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