Find Me

"Find Me" is the rocky journey of movie star, talk show host, comedienne, mother, activist and my personal shero; Rosie O'Donnell. This is not the typical celebrity autobiography. Because, I'm sure by now you've figured out that Rosie isn't the typical celebrity. Instead, "Find Me" is a poignant tale of self-acceptance and is a story of both tragedy and triumph. Rosie discusses intimately how she felt after her mother's devastating death. And how this effected her entire life. After she hit it big you would think that everything ended up happily ever after? Not so. In Rosie's world all that glitters isn't gold. Even after she becomes a big star she still has her crosses to carry. Along the way, Rosie adopts her first child; a son. She also meets a very troubled woman that parallels Rosie's own life. Rosie ponders why she turned out rich and famous while her friend is battling a serious mental disorder. "Find Me" like its author is truthful, unconventional, compassionate and incredibly riveting. Rosie is able to bring the reader in to her world, if only for a few moments because she is so fascinating and descriptive in her writings. I was surprised that this book did not discuss Rosie's sexuality. (There was some vague hints but that was about it.) Because, I remember when the book was released Rosie also "came out" at the same time to her fans and TV audience. But I learned that "Find Me" is not about whom she goes to bed with or chooses to love. Instead, it is a triumphant story that describes how and why she became the sheroic woman of today. "Find Me" taught me a lot more, too. It taught me the importance of love and acceptance of others. And, it also taught me the importance of being and having a good parent because Rosie's childhood was ripped apart with the loss of her mother. I am ashamed to admit, I used to despise Rosie O'Donnell. I listened to all the garbage cable news programs that were only too eager to drag her name through the mud for their own gain. But after I read Rosie's book and started hearing what she had to say (on her blog and when she was on The View) I learned that the real Ro, as she likes to be called, has zero resemblance to the nut the media tries to portray as her. I can't wait for Ro's next book, Celebrity Detox: (the fame game). It comes out next month! Even though I never met Rosie I now have such a familiar fondness and affinity to this warm individual that somehow manages to draw people to her, from all circles and all walks of life. She once was lost, but now she's found.

I liked Rosie before she was ROSIE.In a way she seemed childlike and full of wonder but with a touch of sadness. Now I have a better understanding of that sadness.She has a lot of talent and writing honestly is certainly one of them. Her book just flows. She warns you when it may get too weird but I bet everyone will just carry on with it.Her story of Stacey and her mother Barb IS strange but the way Rosie relates it, it is riveting.And when Stacey's secret comes out, Rosie's reaction is very telling and shows the type of person she really is.I admire her and wish her all the best. She's just beginning to struggle with her past but really trying. She seems to have her priorities in order and that plus her joy in life should see her through. I look forward to another book.

At first, I wasn't sure how to rate this book. To be honest, it isn't like anything I have read (and I have read a lot as an English major in college and grad school). I bought this book thinking it would be a sensational summer read by a famous pop culture icon. Could I have been more wrong. Sure, I had heard the media's early synopsis of this book, basically hyping 30 or so words in the printed edition. Instead, what I found was a modern day Ecclesiastes-a real person's search for "me"aning in the world. I felt guilty reading this book, feeling as if I had obtained Rosie's personal journal. How one woman could be so courageous to share such truthfulness, I will never understand. If you are looking for juicy details of her past, you won't really find that here. What she reveals are the juicy details we all battle with in our own lives - our pains, sorrows, joys, battles, struggles, weaknesses, strengthens, habits, lusts, desires, and most of all, the concequences of our choices. This book is a must for anyone searching for meaning in the world today. Personally, I am not a victim of the type of abuse mentioned in this book, but I am a victim of the same world she lives in.I just wish I could talk to Rosie and discuss the meaning I found in this book! Rosie, if you read this, thank you!

I read this book in 3 and a half hours. I was not able to put it down. I am a big Rosie fan and had no clue what this book was to be about. Just that it was written by her and the proceeds would go to charity. This book touches every emotional sense when reading it. It makes you think about all the times you have reached out to help, wanting to make a difference, only to be disappointed at times and elated and euphoric at others. I would recommend this book to everyone. Don't just read it because Rosie wrote it. Read it because it is a good book worthy to be enjoyed by all.

As a fan of Rosie O'Donnell I ordered this book as soon as it was announced as a pre-purchase, completely unaware of what it would contain. I received it yesterday and finished reading it this morning. This book reads very quickly. I was completely caught up in this incredible story and unable to put it down. The book was a complete surprise, the story was touching, powerful and not at all what I expected. The most pleasant surprise of this book was Rosie's writing style. I found her words to be honest, direct, raw and engrossingly warm to read. This book broke my heart but then left me with an enriched understanding of the human spirit and humanity. As a fan of Ms. O'Donnell, I now completely understand why she is leaving her show. I will miss her, but I only hope that this book is the beginning of more books to come from a naturally gifted, touching author. I will recommend this book to everyone I know, it will be my favorite gift to give this year.