Böcker av Patti Davis

As a frequent guest columnist for The New York Times, Patti Davis has distinguished herself as a contemporary storyteller. Far from being the enfant terrible she was once portrayed to be, Davis here turns an honest yet empathetic eye toward her parents, Ronald and Nancy Reagan, combining bittersweet recollections-of her father, the eternal lifeguard, who saved 77 people from drowning yet failed to create a coherent AIDS policy, and of her mother, who never escaped the torture chamber of her own youth-with comedic scenes as if plucked from a sitcom as she describes marrying her yoga instructor at the Hotel Bel-Air, hiding her marijuana stash from the FBI and constantly evading the Secret Service. An inherently wise work about a family finally reunited through Ronald Reagan's Alzheimer's diagnosis, Dear Mom and Dad will be readily appreciated by any adult grappling with the legacy of a troubled childhood.

We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. (2 Corinthians 4:7-9) If you ever question God's ability to redeem whatever He chooses, regardless of how horrific it is, Patti Davis wants to lay your doubt to rest. As a child, Patti has a rage-aholic mother, struggles in school, and suffers both physical and sexual abuse. But when a neighbor invites her to participate in a children's program at their church, something changes. This local church, filled with complete strangers, soon becomes a sanctuary from her chaotic and unpredictable home life. It is a place where, for a few hours a week, she feels safe. In spite of being under God's protection, Patti's adult life is a series of struggles. Her marriage to her high school sweetheart leads to heartache. She receives a devastating health diagnosis, followed by a life-changing car accident. But even through health, relationship, and financial hardship, God remains faithful in her life. For anyone who wonders what purpose God has for their troubles, this gripping testimony of a woman who has received comfort in the midst of wounding, and a new outlook during severe trials, will forever change their perspective on adversity.