Nothing to Fall Back On : The Life and Times of a Perpetual Optimist

Rating:
Summary: Want to know the rest of the story
Review: I enjoyed Carter's tale but it appeared to have ended ten years ago or so. I would've liked to have seen what she did after "New York Woman" (besides writing this book). According to the book jacket, she worked for a similarly titled magazine called "New Woman" and also founded the "My Generation" magazine. I would've liked to have learned more about those experiences. How long did it take her to get a job after "New York Woman" folded?

I also think she should've spent more time writing about her actual work at "New York Woman." Besides the female bonding, what else was going on?

In any case, Carter gave this reader a peek into the New York magazine world. It was certainly an environment that I had aspired to when I was younger but after reading this, it's less fascinating to me. Carter actually appeared a lot more interesting when she was on her way up, writing for the air & water newsletter and for the Washington bank than when she was editor in chief of her own magazine. Hopefully Betsy will write another book.

Rating:
Summary: If You Want To Be Inspired, Read This Book!
Review: Reading Betsy Carter's book was quite an experience. I kept thinking that even if one of the things she'd lived through had happened to me, there's no way I could have ever kept a sense of humor or a positive attitude about my life as Carter has been able to do. She was undaunted! I find it compelling that this author was able to spill the beans about her life without making me feel that she was bitter or complaining. It was just the opposite. I thought that throughout her trevails, she continued to be an optimist. I loved her writing. I felt as if she were my friend and that she was speaking to me on the telephone. There were also times when I was laughing out loud. I found this book inspiring, funny, very poignant and victorious. Betsy Carter beat the odds -- in all ways. I've just purchased copies for three of my friends.

Rating:
Summary: And She Lived To Tell the Tale
Review: Whew. I just finished this saga and come away with very mixed emotions. Betsy Carter takes you up, down and around in circles. She's at once fascinating, annoying, funny and perplexing. This is a life that is indeed worth writing and reading about. She is truly a unique.

The subtitle, "The Life and times of a Perpetual Optimist" is very appropriate. It's almost hard to believe the stories she tells about a bad car accident, her divorce and the discovery of a lump in her breast are treated as "lightly" as they are. I feel she just scratches the surface of the true emotion brewing within. Betsy, if you're looking for something to do in another workaholic phase, you have about four good novels in the meat of this book. "Nothing To Fall Back On" is an absolute misnomer.

You are an amazing woman. Thank you for your honesty and for sharing your life.

Rating:
Summary: Happy martyr
Review: While her resume sparkles, Betsy Carter does not live up to the promise of her editorial credits. The facts of her story are certainly interesting, but Carter's observations of her own fate are removed and somewhat clinical, rather than compelling and empathetic. Her story weaves back and forth between her childhood, young adulthood and careerhood in a poorly structured manner that is confusing to the reader and does the story no favors. My hopes were so high for this book and I was sorely disappointed. Readers are tired of the "woman overcoming adversity story." This one could have stood out with more emotion and less antisepticism.