You Have to Stand for Something, or You'll Fall for Anything

I read this book before Star was popular I don't recall The View even being on the air or at least I wasn't watching it. But as an aspiring attorney I was compelled to read this book. I enjoyed it greatly; I understand why she was such a successful lawyer. In a day and age where "anything goes." The title of this book is excellent. It's a good read and gives you great insight into her life, before the glitz and glam. Great read and inspiration to someone that wants to "be somebody."

Star Jones is an inspiration. Her bravery and courage, I'll call it "bravage," is the standard to which every American should hold themselves (and possibly some Canadians). In this book she chronicles her struggles with IBS, HPV, lycanthropy, fear of elves, crossing guard's elbow and having been born without humility. For the first time really, we see that Star's not just fabulous in fur, she's fabulous in print. If I could get my arms around her, I'd hug her. Star's spirit cannot be held down by her lack of any discernable talent! Bravo!

Star Jones is a confident, optimistic, strong woman who knows what she wants and how to get it. She made a decision to be all she could be. Her strength comes from her mother and the values she learned as a child. I found it sad that her father could not have been more influential in her life. She was fortunate however, to be surrounded by loving family members who stood by her when times got rough. Her views of men are mixed and come from her own experiences with her father and other men who had disappointed her in the past. Her mother, "Shirley," is definitely her hero. I think her mother explains it beautifully: "You may have been born in the ghetto, but the ghetto's not born in you. " Star definitely has reached for the best in life and will not let anyone tell her she can not get whatever her heart desires. This book is truly "the dictionary that defines" Star Jones. By the time you have finished this book you will know what she stands for and what she allows to slide. On the other hand, there are some issues where she presents both sides and leaves you to decide. She has definitely overcome obstacles, for which we must applaud her. As she says: "The key is to learn from your mistakes and work to never repeat them." She has plan A as her ideal, but plan B will have to do if she cannot have the fairy tale version. This seems to be how she balances her intellectual and romantic sides. There are places where I laughed out loud, especially the part where she described some of the cooks at their church socials. Something I had not thought of was an issue she discussed about television programming and especially an issue on "Friends." She does not shy away from her religious beliefs and openly states: "I have a relationship with God, but I'm not just a Christian." She doesn't see the single most important aspect of her life as off-limits and knows that we each find God in our own way. She also explains how she knows God exists and gives him thanks for her position in life. There are statements of truth (which I have taken the liberty of highlighting) within the stories about her life as a lawyer, her medical emergency, her deep friendships and her life on "The View." We soon learn that her family has had a great impact on her life and that friends and family are what her life is about. She is a friend first, a lawyer and a television personality second. She also loves Paris (a trait I admire as I too love Paris and Provence). It is humorous to see her take the networks and talking heads to task. I think she is voicing what many people are intimidated to say. The people of America are tired of being told what to believe. "Just give me the facts and let me decide." I don't know if she supports any causes because she doesn't discuss them. I am sure she probably does and doesn't want to use undue influence. She definitely does like to shop, which some of us can app

I enjoyed this book so much. Star Jones is definitely a role model for the young and old alike. She is sassy, educated, and a true DIVA! Her level of self-esteem is amazing and empowering. Her upbringing and closeness of her family members, reminds me much of my own relationships. I must say I can relate with so much of what she wrote. This is a "must read".

"You Have to Stand for Something or You'll Fall for Anything" By Star Jones is the most inspiring book I have read in a long time. Star speaks as hard and meaningful as she does everyday on the hit show "The View". Every chapter has a message behind it that will make you think about your life in a way you did not before. The book ranges from many different topics that deal with our society on a day to day bases. It is one of those books that you start and you just can not put it down.