Finding My Voice

Rating:
Summary: How Low Can You Go?
Review: "Finding My Voice" is one of those books whose content is intimately intertwined with the author. I cannot review such a book without commenting on the author. Such a book proves that "celebrity" authors, such as Ms. Rehm, make it that much more difficult for those of us struggling for the attention of publishers and "Rick Reynolds, Super Hollywood Power Agents" and trying to put important words on paper.

I am sorry that Ms. Rehm had a terrible childhood and has seen fit to forsake her Lebanese heritage in favor of entertaining Zionists on her radio program as they justify the slaughter of Palestinian men, women and children for the continuation of the Zionist entity and for the dubious and questionable Biblical justifications allowing such slaughter.

A stroke of luck brought Ms. Rehm's now trembly voice to NPR (National Police Radio) and Washington, D.C.'s WAMU. Ms. Rehm, a high school graduate, took the place of a volunteer for an on-air slot leaving listeners to suffer with her apologetic, non-confrontational, Larry King-type program where she, as former station manager Kim Hodgson remarked engages in "positive, unconditional regard" for guests. This means that when she entertains guests such as war criminal Henry Kissinger and former national security advisor Sandy Berger she allows them to lie on the air unchallenged by her, who refuses to do so, or callers, whom she cuts off the air. I have been the victim of such terminations, despite the fact the WAMU, which is subsidized by American University student tuition and the American taxpayer through NPR, a U.S. government controlled entity. Despite this policy, Ms. Rehm attacked a guest, Gore Vidal, for being homosexual, hardly a fitting policy when your a supposed liberal. When Noam Chomsky appeared on AU's campus, Ms. Rehm, who at first refused, then was forced to allow Mr. Chomsky to appear on her program. She was unable to attack him because of his superior intellect and cogent arguments.

I believe that the American reading public should stop subsidizing the lifestyles of the rich and ridiculous by refusing to buy such claptrap as "Finding My Voice." I believe that writing should say something to the reader. it is a literary and social contract whereby the author agrees to provide something new and original that will educate and entertain. "Finding My Voice" is not a retirement program for the already wealthy living in a two story, red brick colonial home in Bethesda, Maryland and counting members of Washington's ruling and media elite as friends. How about Knopf giving real writers a chance for a change?

Rating:
Summary: Compelling, intriguing and Honest
Review: "Finding my Voice" is an honest and an open account of Mrs. Rehm's life and the various experiences and challenges which have made her the person she is today. Having been raised in a similar ethnic background, I found the early chapters to resonate with some of my personal experiences. I simply couldn't put it down. The style of writing and language enable for comfortable reading. Moreove, the chapters which deal with self evaluation, facing personal and family challenges and overcoming vocal restirctions are a testimony of the resilience and strength of the human spirit. My wife has also read the book, and she shares my appreciation of it.

Rating:
Summary: Compelling, intriguing and Honest
Review: "Finding my Voice" is an honest and an open account of Mrs. Rehm's life and the various experiences and challenges which have made her the person she is today. Having been raised in a similar ethnic background, I found the early chapters to resonate with some of my personal experiences. I simply couldn't put it down. The style of writing and language enable for comfortable reading. Moreove, the chapters which deal with self evaluation, facing personal and family challenges and overcoming vocal restirctions are a testimony of the resilience and strength of the human spirit. My wife has also read the book, and she shares my appreciation of it.

Rating:
Summary: You won't forget Diane Rehm.
Review: "Finding My Voice" is as interesting, moving and uplifting as anything you'll read this or any year. Diane Rehm, the noted NPR radio host from Washington, DC, tells of her fascinating and often difficult life with amazing grace and openness. A daughter of Middle Eastern immigrants, Diane Rehm's childhood was marked by loneliness and occasional violence, yet she persevered and eventually raised a family. She unexpectedly en- tered broadcasting in her late thirties and joined

WAMU, Washington's public radio station, to deve- lop one of America's unique and thoughtful talk shows- now syndicated to many NPR stations. Nothing, however, prepared Diane for the ul- timate challenge- a mysterious condition that rendered her voice nearly mute. After years of therapy, she was diagnosed with spasmodic dyspho- nia- a rare neurological disorder affecting vocal cords. Through treatment, therapy and faith, she has returned to the air- and received much support from both prominent Washingtonians and her regular listeners. More than a "disease of the week" story, "Finding My Voice" is a moving and incredibly thoughtful look at a woman you'll be proud to know. You'll walk every step of the way with Diane as she tells her many stories- some painful, some joyous- and shares her many meaningful views on the media, on family, and on life. This is one of the few books that I feel will make a difference in my life. You won't forget Diane Rehm- I know I won't.

Rating:
Summary: Diane's Voice Carries Better Than Her Pen
Review: As a big fan of "The Diane Rehm Show," I guess I'm somewhat biased, but I truly think this is an excellent, honest, heartfelt book. In "Finding My Voice," Diane comes across as the same admirable person we all know from her radio talk show --honest, direct, curious (about ideas and above all about people), down-to-earth, warm, caring, determined (even stubborn) and - despite her lack of a college degree (who cares?!?) - highly intelligent. In my opinion, the really interesting parts of the book deal less with Spasmodic Dysphonia than with: 1) Diane growing up as a girl in a traditional Arab-American family in the 1940s and early 1950s with a depressed, anxious, abusive mother; 2) the obstacles (professional, personal) which Diane -- and many talented young women -- were forced to overcome to achieve something for themselves in the male-dominated society of the 1950s and 1960s; 3) Diane "finding her voice" in a growing radio career, and in a broader sense the overall growth of talk radio - for better ("The Diane Rehm Show" and others where people can have a civilized discussion and actually are encouraged to think for themselves) and for worse (Rush Limbaugh and "Dr. Laura" - blech - where people berate each other, preach to each other, or mindlessly "ditto" the host); and 4) Diane's constant struggles to overcome deepseated feelings of insecurity and of not being worthy, despite (or even fueled by) her growing outward success.

Besides that, there are also some memorable moments with some really bizarre/obnoxious guests - Tony Randall and Tom Clancy stand out in particular - and some really excellent ones - Race Hoss and Jimmy Carter, for instance. And unlike many celebrity autobiographies, in "Finding My Voice" this does not come across -- at least to me -- like mere gratuitous name dropping. Instead, they are an integral part of Diane's story, illustrating some of the best and worst which she has faced in her radio career.

Finally, "Finding my Voice" shows us that -- whatever she may feel about herself (and whether or not she'll ever truly believe it) -- Diane Rehm IS an amazing person who deserves every bit of success and happiness she has achieved in her life. I'm just thankful that Diane finally DID manage to "find her voice," and hope that she doesn't lose it for years and years to come! P.S. Thank goodness for public radio -- and for everyone who supports it!

Rating:
Summary: Thank goodness Diane Rehm "found her voice!"
Review: As a big fan of "The Diane Rehm Show," I guess I'm somewhat biased, but I truly think this is an excellent, honest, heartfelt book. In "Finding My Voice," Diane comes across as the same admirable person we all know from her radio talk show --honest, direct, curious (about ideas and above all about people), down-to-earth, warm, caring, determined (even stubborn) and - despite her lack of a college degree (who cares?!?) - highly intelligent. In my opinion, the really interesting parts of the book deal less with Spasmodic Dysphonia than with: 1) Diane growing up as a girl in a traditional Arab-American family in the 1940s and early 1950s with a depressed, anxious, abusive mother; 2) the obstacles (professional, personal) which Diane -- and many talented young women -- were forced to overcome to achieve something for themselves in the male-dominated society of the 1950s and 1960s; 3) Diane "finding her voice" in a growing radio career, and in a broader sense the overall growth of talk radio - for better ("The Diane Rehm Show" and others where people can have a civilized discussion and actually are encouraged to think for themselves) and for worse (Rush Limbaugh and "Dr. Laura" - blech - where people berate each other, preach to each other, or mindlessly "ditto" the host); and 4) Diane's constant struggles to overcome deepseated feelings of insecurity and of not being worthy, despite (or even fueled by) her growing outward success.

Besides that, there are also some memorable moments with some really bizarre/obnoxious guests - Tony Randall and Tom Clancy stand out in particular - and some really excellent ones - Race Hoss and Jimmy Carter, for instance. And unlike many celebrity autobiographies, in "Finding My Voice" this does not come across -- at least to me -- like mere gratuitous name dropping. Instead, they are an integral part of Diane's story, illustrating some of the best and worst which she has faced in her radio career.

Finally, "Finding my Voice" shows us that -- whatever she may feel about herself (and whether or not she'll ever truly believe it) -- Diane Rehm IS an amazing person who deserves every bit of success and happiness she has achieved in her life. I'm just thankful that Diane finally DID manage to "find her voice," and hope that she doesn't lose it for years and years to come! P.S. Thank goodness for public radio -- and for everyone who supports it!

Rating:
Summary: Diane's Voice Carries Better Than Her Pen
Review: Believe me, I am a devoted fan of Diane Rehm's. She is the most articulate, knowledgable, talented talk show host in the country. Thus I was disappointed by her autobiography. Of course, because her outstanding talent is interviewing, I guess I can't expect her to be a brilliant writer as well.

I thought she harped on her sad childhood too much. Over and over again she blames her mother--and her father less so--for emotionally crippling her entire life. Many of us have had less than happy childhoods, and many of us have suffered some type of abuse, but most of us get over it--or at least don't go around continually blaming our flaws on our parents and/or childhood. I certainly didn't expect Diane Rehm to do so. She seems much too mature and wise for that.

The other disappointment I have is the writing itself, which is not as smooth and polished as it should be. (Where was the editor?) There's also some repetition of passages from one chapter to another, as if the author had forgotten she had said this same thing earlier in the book.

Rating:
Summary: Diane Rehm is an inspiration to anyone facing adversity
Review: Diane Rehm shows that even celebrities can have insecurities and be vulnerable to life's ups and downs. She shows true-grit to not only overcome typical childhood and adult difficulties but also the rare speech disorder known as Spasmodic Dysphonia (SD). As a fellow-SD'er, I also have a need to "find my voice" as I work for a major international corporation. Despite faxes and email, it is necessary to communicate in person. So I fully understand what Diane has been going through.

"Finding my Voice" is an excellent vehicle for people needing some motivation to overcome any adversity, especially those with vocal difficulties. She finally gets to discuss her Spasmodic Dysphonia on page 187 and it continues through to book's end on page 246.

She only briefing touches on the fact that there is an international support group for Spasmodic Dysphonia. NSDA provides education, information, contacts, literature and commaradrie. Those with a computer can reach the National Spasmodic Dysphonia Association (NSDA) at [e-mail]. Their support can be as much or as little as you want.

Diane's book provides a good foundation to get to know her as a person, starting at early childhood and going through to present day. She is truly an inspiration to anyone facing adversity.

Rating:
Summary: great reading!
Review: Diane Rehm takes a bold step in this book. I salute her for being so honest about so many phases of her life. Even for the person who does not listen to "The Diane Rehm Show" on NPR, this book provides a blessing about the value of life and the importance of positive parenting, setting goals, and being oneself.

Rating:
Summary: Finding My Voice - The Whole Story?
Review: Diane Rehm's book, Finding My Voice, has two aspects - finding her voice, her inner self, expressing who she is and literally, not figuratively, finding her voice. The first part, finding herself, and who she is, is a tale of gradual development and slow realization of herself and what her capabilities are. The second aspect, finding her physical or actual voice, is a different story. She indicates in her book that she has had trouble with her voice for a long time.

Finding my Voice by Diane Rehm is a story of a little known voice affliction called Spasmodic Dysphonia (SD). The condition was first described in 1871 by Traube. In over 125 years, the medical profession has had no cures of the condition - whether by psychiatry, surgery, or botulinum toxin (Botox); speech therapy also has had no cures. Ms. Rehm tells of the development of her spasmodic dysphonia. She brings to the public an awareness of this little known condition. Her journey to obtaining a diagnosis of SD had its uplifting aspect - finally she found out what her voice problem was named. Ms. Rehm was relieved to know what her problem was; the problem now was how to deal with it.

She opted for injections of Botox, or botulinum toxin, a deadly poison. Botox was her option after she failed to find help by psychiatry, psychotherapy, drugs, and speech therapy. Dr. Gerald Berke, Chairman of UCLA Head and Neck Division, reports regarding Botox: "...there are some obvious drawbacks. It requires lifelong visits from 4 to 10 times per year for repeat injections. The injections are not inexpensive. The interval between post injection breathiness, good voice, and the return of symptoms may not be very long in some patients. Hypersensitivity and antibody formation have been shown to produce some long term structural changes in muscle cells." This quote was taken from National Spasmodic Dysphonia Association Newsletter (December, 1999, p.7). (Ms. Rehm is an Honorary Board Member of this organization.)

Diane Rehm is an expert interviewer, intellectually stimulating. I was privileged to be on her radio program approximately four years ago, talking about my book Stop Committing Voice Suicide. This book deals with SD and other serious voice problems and explains that such disorders are due to voice misuse and abuse, and different voice disorders, including SD, by a non-medical, non-invasive, non-risk approach called Direct Voice Rehabilitation.

Ms. Rehm was told by me that Direct Voice Rehabilitation (DVR) is not speech therapy - that it is entirely different and has achieved cures of SD, her voice problem. Ms. Rehm's book, Finding My Voice, doesn't address DVR or cures of SD.

I believe Ms. Rehm developed SD by misusing her voice for many, many years. She notes that she had voice problems for almost all of the years she has been in broadcasting. Her view is that Advil began the SD, and that God is sending her a message. My view is that she is not aware of misusing her voice (the pitch and tone focus), and adheres to a voice image that keeps her voice in the lower throat, where all SD patients erroneously focus their voice. She believes SD is a dystonia; I find it a dysphonia. The difference being is that dystonia is neurological (involuntary); a dysphonia is functional misuse and abuse of the voice (voluntary, but unintentional and unknowing).

The concern I have with Diane Rehm's book is that she omits an alternative choice of treatment for those suffering from SD, and other voice problems, for her readers, listeners and viewers.

On my website there are a number of cures reported by patients who once had SD and many other types of voice problems, patients who were diagnosed by leading medical doctors and medical centers. This site also gives information about how DVR works and why it achieves cures.

Morton Cooper, Ph.D., Voice and Speech Pathologist and author of Stop Committing Voice Suicide and Change Your Voice, Change Your Life.