Matt McAvoy Book Review

I have to be honest and admit that I find it something of a challenge reviewing faith books like this one, for the simple reason that I’m an atheist, and Peggy’s motivational memoir is for its largest part sermonizing the scriptures and the benefits of dedicating one’s life to God – she is in fact an ordained minister.  Of course I utterly respect her as an author, a person and a believer, though all I can do is present my review of the book objectively as a creative written composition, if not its narrative.

Peggy had a spirit-crushing childhood, and it was enormously emotive to read her reliving her family’s hardships, discrimination and tragedies, but perhaps more so witnessing the heartbreaking erosion of a child’s confidence and self-esteem.  To see her then go on to build back her confidence, her sheer determination to change and her resolve to compel herself onward and upward, into situations way beyond her comfort zone (beyond most people’s comfort zone, in truth) is a revelation.  She is a tremendous inspiration to anybody – both those with faith and those without.  What she has achieved in her later life is quite remarkable, and she should be (and I’m sure she is) very proud.  This is where the book really stands out for me, and has a universal appeal: an inspiration to those who know despair – though I would reiterate now that its rhetoric will only be of real interest to those of faith.  Not to say that it has no benefits to atheists like myself – on the contrary, I found Peggy inspiring and her struggle out of her emotional prison to be absolutely uplifting.  But, while I have no wish to offend nor get drawn into any religious discoursing, it did feel to me like Peggy does not afford herself the praise she deserves for her determination – all of this she reserves for God.  It just strikes me as a little hard on herself to suggest that she must take responsibility for the bad in her life, which can never be the work of God, but no credit at all for anything good, which is always His doing.  From my humble point of view, she is a successful woman who has worked on herself tirelessly, as well a good heart, a grafter and a motivator. 

She can also write tremendously well, and has crafted a short, engrossing and articulate memoir.  Her book was a pleasant experience, and I recommend it unhesitantly to the faithful for inspiration.