Let Me Stand Alone: The Journals of Rachel Corrie

"Writing is brave. It is maybe the only brave thing about me." While the second part of that statement could not have been true, Rachel Corrie's writing--at times perceptive, passionate, or whimsically funny--certainly was brave. This collection, spanning from strikingly mature childhood musings and poetry to the stirring e-mails she sent home from Gaza, reveal a young woman who was not afraid to speak her truth. Although Rachel became an international figure after her 2003 death in Gaza --to many, a symbol to be venerated or vilified--her versatile writings show who she was as a human being. Her spirited humanity and unique view of the world continue to resonate six years after her death.

Rachel Corrie's narratives are written as though she would look back at the transcript in later years to remind herself of who she had been and exactly what she had thought and done. Tragically, she cannot look back since she is dead, victim of the struggle she chronicles with such passion. I do not get an impression of Rachel as anti-semitic or anti-Jewish, or even anti-Israel. She has aligned herself with the Palestinians in Gaza who are being forcibly removed from their homes, which are being bulldozed. That same Israeli government has forcibly removed Jews from their unauthorized settlements. This was about standing up to an inhumane process. What a very high cost she paid for that opposition.

Maya Angelou said, "One isn't necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can't be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest." Very touching journal by a very courageous young girl The negative reactions to the book, I'm afraid, prove importance of the issue Rachel gave her life for. Many Americans remained "passively" approving of the occupation despite not just its blatant imperialist aggressiveness but its sheer irrationality and absurdity. The best way to see an issue objectively, with the efforts of finding a solution, is to put yourself in the position of both sides. This book will definitely help you see the Palestinian issue the way it is, and not the way the media wants you to see it. No individuals, no interest groups, no lobbies have influenced the writing of this book. A pure message straight from the heart of a first line observer. A MUST READ!

We have all read the final emails of Rachel Corrie, and mourned the death of one of the most compassionate and courageous young women ever to walk the face of this earth. We know about her concern for the oppressed peoples of this world, and her desire to stamp out hunger from the speech she made at the tender age of ten. However, this new book, 'Let Me Stand Alone', shows us the other side of Rachel - fun loving, vivacious, and a brilliant young writer and drawer. Her writing on her boyfriend's 'addiction to bee keeping' is remarkable, and the description of her big sister is very touching. Her love for her parents is beautifully expressed and her compassion for the less fortunate in the world is marvelous. She has more understanding about homelessness and our attitude to it than many adults in their 40s or 50s. It is astonishing that she wrote the piece about the homeless (page 15) at the tender age of 11. Rachel's attitude towards the mentally ill is equally admirable. So often the treatment of the mentally ill is condescending and extremely arrogant. Clearly, they are inferior beings. Rachel's humility and caring towards her clients when she worked for the local mental health services is one in a million. Her essays in creative writing are unique. Whoever else has ever thought of evoking childhood memories through the Tooth Fairy? The subjects on which Rachel writes seem to be limitless, and many are extremely witty: entertaining articles about mowing the lawn, where buses go at night, how to deal with teenagers, and 'conservation' work in national parks. Rachel's warmth and sensitivity shine out from every page, but above all, her irrepressible sense of humor. Rachel's family has been extremely generous to share the writings of their daughter with the general public, especially since so much of it includes personal details. Take hold of this book, and treasure it, as the opportunity to read such a book only comes once in a lifetime.

Rachel Corrie represents the best of America. As a young woman, her understanding and writing on issues of injustice and oppression were prescient. If only most Americans could understand the oppression of the Palestinian people as Rachel did, perhaps the American funded illegal Israeli military occupation of Palestine would end. Many internationals working for peace have been murdered in occupied Palestine -- Rachel was the first American. Because of her compassion and wonderful writing, Rachel will be remembered forever as a peacemaker. "My Name is Rachel Corrie," the reading of her writings, has seen sold out performances in London and is now playing in venues in the United States. It will soon be performed in Israel. Bravo, Rachel!!!