When the Compass of My Life Got Stuck

We all have the potential of making stupid choices in life, but it's how we ultimately deal with the consequences of those choices that make us who we are. In this inspirational and uplifting autobiography of H. Marie Brown, we are given the chance to look inside the life of one woman, her choices and the results of those choices.In WHEN THE COMPASS OF MY LIFE GOT STUCK ON STUPID, Ms. Brown gives a very honest account of her life and how she made it from being one step above homelessness to an honored guest of the President of the United States. Her journey was one of bad choices, lessons learned, healing processes and eventually becoming a champion of women on welfare everywhere. Her struggles with bureaucracy and a desire to make a better life for her family took her through things like emotional and physical abuse aimed at both her and her children and abuse by the very governmental system that was designed to help women in her situation. And yes, there were times when you wanted to stay "stupid, stupid, stupid." After finally coming to terms with the cards she had been dealt, Ms. Brown chose to do something with her life and not give up to become just another poverty statistic. She desired more out of life, especially for her children.This book will have you looking within yourself and questioning where your compass is at this moment. Brown closed the novel with eleven lessons learned called "The Eleven Steps to Achieve Success." These steps could be the blueprint for getting the "compass spinning" again in anyone's life. In this poignant account of Ms. Brown's life, I often pondered how someone could continue to make such bad choices time and again. But at the same time I witnessed the growth that was attained with each lesson she learned from her experiences as she was able to "get her compass spinning again." This is an inspiring must read for all women that should also be shared with their daughters. Reviewed by Brenda M. Lisbon of the RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

When I started reading this book, if Ms. Brown was in my presence, I would have wanted to slap her silly for being stuck on stupid! But as I read on and saw how Ms. Brown was determined to succeed although many obstacles were placed in front of her, I would have hugged her!