THE FIFTH GODDESS is a book about the evolution of self-discovery

 

The Fifth Goddess
by Staci Backauskas
review by oceania

rating ****

I usually don't read stories written after 1930. I find the writing dull and the story line predictable. But a mutual friend introduced me, via email, to Staci Bacauskas. He thought that the voices in my head would find Staci to be a kindred soul. And he was right!

Eventually I found myself asking to read her writing and then her book. THE FIFTH GODDESS arrived by mail a few days before my vacation. I flung it into my overnight bag and promised myself I would find time to read it. We arrived at the beach on Thursday. On Friday morning I pulled the book out of my bag and began to read. My husband and the kids went to the beach for a morning walk, I read. They went out to lunch, I read. Then dinner came and went and I was still engrossed in this book. Finally my husband pulled the book from my hands and forced me join the rest of the family for a late night walk on the beach.

I was angry at him for this intrusion. I found myself drawn into Staci's writings.

THE FIFTH GODDESS is a book about the evolution of self-discovery, but it is not a preachy. In fact it is very much the opposite ...it is easy to read.. to enjoy.

Ms. Backauskas tells a story about the fictional character Rena Radcliff, yet you feel like she is talking about some one you know. It makes you feel like you're voyeur in a friend's life.

I personally found myself wanting to yell at Rena, tell her to stop compromising... I found myself shaking my head in agreement.. or laughing at shared secrets...

When the book was done I wanted more. I liked this character, but I liked how the book made me think and feel afterwards...

"beauty and comfort within one's own skin does not come from a gym, a perfect hair day or mimicking models from fashion magazines..." It comes from inside and it is a constantly changing vision.

And isn't that what your mom has said right along.

That's my review. oceania