This book will keep you on edge with all of its crises and ups and downs, and how well the heroine's feelings are masterfully communicated! This manuscript of one person's life changes and experiences is very emotionally and psychologically oriented, and there are numerous character studies of family members and friends. Action, change, excitement, and movement dominate the narrative, and the characters are open and easy to relate to for most everyone. This tome reeks of thrilling moments that will keep you turning page after page! This is an autobiographical story of a girl/women who, despite severe obstacles, lives a pleasing life with two marriages and two wonderful children. Growing up in New Mexico, she has a close-knit family and a number of female friends and one special boyfriend, whom she marries. Sadly, she develops a chronic illness, but manages to live a mostly normal life despite being on heavy medication and experiencing many recurrences of her disease. Her first husband is in the Navy, and they move often to keep up with his changing posts. However, he becomes both abusive with her and her kids, and eventually divorces him. What a perfect mess. She has a number of jobs, among them being a stripper and entertainer. She adores her children and becomes very close to them; eventually, as they get older, they help and support her through her bouts with illness, which are described in graphic detail. Finally, in an attempt to prove herself worthy, she becomes the first person in her family to graduate from college, where she studies electrical engineering. She is very bright and proves her abilities in a series of jobs, finds and marries her second husband, and finally finds happiness. A must read!!!