Thursday, April 8, 2010

Walk Like You Have Somewhere to Go" Review

The next book I reviewed for Thomas Nelson’s blog group, Book Sneeze, was “Walk Like You Have Somewhere to Go” by Lucille O’Neal. This is the biography/autobiography of Ms. O’Neal, who is Shaquille O’Neal’s Mom. She begins her story recalling her childhood, and the struggles she dealt with. She describes her family, and how the different members influenced and affected her life. With pictures throughout the book, this story seems like a very personal look into Ms. O’Neal’s life. The story continues throughout her journey of becoming a teen mom, and then later marrying and having her other three children. Weaknesses and mistakes are shared as openly as strengths and victories. The reader feels like they are truly getting to know Ms. O’Neal, because she is very open about her life experiences. The overall story gives the reader a sense of new beginnings, and starting life over at whatever point is necessary. The author does a good job of sharing her story, and not her son’s. The book is about her life, and although that does include information about Shaquille and his career in basketball, that is not the main focus of the book. This is a well-rounded biography that I would recommend.