The Fifth Goddess

I usually don't read stories written after 1930. I find the writing dull and the story line predictable. But a mutual friend introduced me, via email, to Staci Bacauskas. He thought that the voices in my head would find Staci to be a kindred soul. And he was right!Eventually I found myself asking to read her writing and then her book. THE FIFTH GODDESS arrived by mail a few days before my vacation. I flung it into my overnight bag and promised myself I would find time to read it. We arrived at the beach on Thursday. On Friday morning I pulled the book out of my bag and began to read. My husband and the kids went to the beach for a morning walk, I read. They went out to lunch, I read. Then dinner came and went and I was still engrossed in this book. Finally my husband pulled the book from my hands and forced me join the rest of the family for a late night walk on the beach.I was angry at him for this intrusion. I found myself drawn into Staci writings. THE FIFTH GODDESS it is a book about the evolution of self-discovery, but it is not a preachy. In fact it is very much the opposite ...it is easy to read.. to enjoy. Ms. Backauskas tells a story about the fictions character Rena Radcliff, yet you feel like she is talking about some one you know. It makes you feel like you're voyeur in a friend's life. I personally found myself wanting to yell at Rena, tell her to stop compromising... I found myself shaking my head in agreement.. or laughing at shared secrets... When the book was done I wanted more. I liked this character, but I liked how the book made me think and feel afterwards..."beauty and comfort within one's own skin does not come from a gym, a perfect hair day or mimicking models from fashion magazines..." It comes from inside and it is a constantly changing vision.And isn't that what your mom has said right along. That's my review.oceania

Engaging and well-paced, Staci BackauskasÕs The Fifth Goddess details a womanÕs journey toward self-acceptance, examining what happens when we refuse to confront the pain in our lives. With an authentic voice, BackauskasÕs protagonist demonstrates that only by listening closely to her inner voices can she begin to find herself, and so, unconditional acceptance and love. And give it in return.Rena Sutcliffe lives in the big city at a frenetic pace. Claiming the cityÕs hustle and vibrancy energize her, she goes through the motions, all the while exhausted from outrunning her pain. She longs for love, but she must first learn to love herself. Disconnected from herself and from others, she watches, as with her face against a window, outside. Her interactions with others are superficial, and disguise her solitude even from herself. The city noise drowns out her inner voices.RenaÕs inner voices are four goddesses from countervailing cultures, each jockeying for control of RenaÕs life. It is an unholy alliance, with the goddesses bickering and backbiting. Each takes a turn directing RenaÕs responses and actions based on her underlying philosophy. ItÕs a novel device, and Backauskas skillfully interweaves the story action with scenes of the four advocating RenaÕs next steps. Designed to challenge the reader,The Fifth Goddess raises as many questions as it answers--as it should. RenaÕs search for her answers, directed by her goddesses, inspire the readerÕs personal questions and responses on the readerÕs own path.

Sometimes balance is found through pulling between extremes; from the first page of "The Fifth Goddess", it's clear this is not a story that only skims the surface. This is the story of Rena, a woman with issues and passions, and we get to know her as she struggles withher search for self-actualization. This is an exciting story of transformation through extremes - how, by accepting the darker aspects of the self, one can come into balance. How can you see light without shadow? The different sides of Rena's personality are voices that come in loud and clear, and we listen to her inner dialogue in her search for personal truth and happiness. Compassionately written, with intriguing, intelligent characters. I anxiously look forward to the sequel (... or the movie?)

I recently recieved a copy of the Fifth Goddess as a gift. This book grasp my attention from the beginning and was a very entertaining and a fast read. I would compare this book to She's Come Undone; I also made comparisons to the orginal Valley of the Dolls book.This book is a delightful read and a must for every woman who has ever been dissapointed in herself and in others. The aspect of the four goddesses who control the main character's actions was very inspiring and enlightening!