Finding My Voice

As a big fan of "The Diane Rehm Show," I guess I'm somewhat biased, but I truly think this is an excellent, honest, heartfelt book. In "Finding My Voice," Diane comes across as the same admirable person we all know from her radio talk show --honest, direct, curious (about ideas and above all about people), down-to-earth, warm, caring, determined (even stubborn) and - despite her lack of a college degree (who cares?!?) - highly intelligent. In my opinion, the really interesting parts of the book deal less with Spasmodic Dysphonia than with: 1) Diane growing up as a girl in a traditional Arab-American family in the 1940s and early 1950s with a depressed, anxious, abusive mother; 2) the obstacles (professional, personal) which Diane -- and many talented young women -- were forced to overcome to achieve something for themselves in the male-dominated society of the 1950s and 1960s; 3) Diane "finding her voice" in a growing radio career, and in a broader sense the overall growth of talk radio - for better ("The Diane Rehm Show" and others where people can have a civilized discussion and actually are encouraged to think for themselves) and for worse (Rush Limbaugh and "Dr. Laura" - blech - where people berate each other, preach to each other, or mindlessly "ditto" the host); and 4) Diane's constant struggles to overcome deepseated feelings of insecurity and of not being worthy, despite (or even fueled by) her growing outward success. Besides that, there are also some memorable moments with some really bizarre/obnoxious guests - Tony Randall and Tom Clancy stand out in particular - and some really excellent ones - Race Hoss and Jimmy Carter, for instance. And unlike many celebrity autobiographies, in "Finding My Voice" this does not come across -- at least to me -- like mere gratuitous name dropping. Instead, they are an integral part of Diane's story, illustrating some of the best and worst which she has faced in her radio career.Finally, "Finding my Voice" shows us that -- whatever she may feel about herself (and whether or not she'll ever truly believe it) -- Diane Rehm IS an amazing person who deserves every bit of success and happiness she has achieved in her life. I'm just thankful that Diane finally DID manage to "find her voice," and hope that she doesn't lose it for years and years to come! P.S. Thank goodness for public radio -- and for everyone who supports it!

"Finding my Voice" is an honest and an open account of Mrs. Rehm's life and the various experiences and challenges which have made her the person she is today. Having been raised in a similar ethnic background, I found the early chapters to resonate with some of my personal experiences. I simply couldn't put it down. The style of writing and language enable for comfortable reading. Moreove, the chapters which deal with self evaluation, facing personal and family challenges and overcoming vocal restirctions are a testimony of the resilience and strength of the human spirit. My wife has also read the book, and she shares my appreciation of it.

Diane Rehm shows that even celebrities can have insecurities and be vulnerable to life's ups and downs. She shows true-grit to not only overcome typical childhood and adult difficulties but also the rare speech disorder known as Spasmodic Dysphonia (SD). As a fellow-SD'er, I also have a need to "find my voice" as I work for a major international corporation. Despite faxes and email, it is necessary to communicate in person. So I fully understand what Diane has been going through."Finding my Voice" is an excellent vehicle for people needing some motivation to overcome any adversity, especially those with vocal difficulties. She finally gets to discuss her Spasmodic Dysphonia on page 187 and it continues through to book's end on page 246. She only briefing touches on the fact that there is an international support group for Spasmodic Dysphonia. NSDA provides education, information, contacts, literature and commaradrie. Those with a computer can reach the National Spasmodic Dysphonia Association (NSDA) at [email protected]. Their support can be as much or as little as you want.Diane's book provides a good foundation to get to know her as a person, starting at early childhood and going through to present day. She is truly an inspiration to anyone facing adversity.

I read this book in about two or three days, and had a hard time putting it down. Diane's writing takes on the familiar warm and friendly tone of voice her listeners have grown to love. In this book she writes openly of her very personal struggle of coping with the stresses of her life. I was very moved at times, sometimes laughing and cheering out loud, my jaw dropped in awe and surprise at others, and my heart sank at some of the crushing blows she's been dealt, both from within and without. A highly recommended book for both fans of the Diane Rehm Show and/or anyone interested in a fascinating human story.

"Finding My Voice" is as interesting, moving and uplifting as anything you'll read this or any year. Diane Rehm, the noted NPR radio host from Washington, DC, tells of her fascinating and often difficult life with amazing grace and openness. A daughter of Middle Eastern immigrants, Diane Rehm's childhood was marked by loneliness and occasional violence, yet she persevered and eventually raised a family. She unexpectedly en- tered broadcasting in her late thirties and joinedWAMU, Washington's public radio station, to deve- lop one of America's unique and thoughtful talk shows- now syndicated to many NPR stations. Nothing, however, prepared Diane for the ul- timate challenge- a mysterious condition that rendered her voice nearly mute. After years of therapy, she was diagnosed with spasmodic dyspho- nia- a rare neurological disorder affecting vocal cords. Through treatment, therapy and faith, she has returned to the air- and received much support from both prominent Washingtonians and her regular listeners. More than a "disease of the week" story, "Finding My Voice" is a moving and incredibly thoughtful look at a woman you'll be proud to know. You'll walk every step of the way with Diane as she tells her many stories- some painful, some joyous- and shares her many meaningful views on the media, on family, and on life. This is one of the few books that I feel will make a difference in my life. You won't forget Diane Rehm- I know I won't.