Customer Reviews
decent read 
2008-07-14
another book that i read a few months ago. some parts were a little too graphic for me, but i got through it. the strength of gal was unbelievable. i enjoyed this book.
Perseverance Pays Off in the Long Run 
2007-06-19
I so enjoyed this book and was rooting all the way through for Ruthie aka Gal. Many things about her reminded me of myself (I AM A SURVIVOR of sexual abuse) and, like Gal, I persevered. However, it was only by my Savior's grace that I was able to do so. It was interesting to read Gal's story in her own dialect (like "The Color Purple"). I could "feel" the beatings. I could "see" the house and garden after her return and renovations. I could "smell" the marijuana she smoked as her way of coping with her circumstances as well as the liquor on Daddy's breath. I couldn't put this book down and read it within a few days. I highly recommend it. A++
Pain and Pride!!! 2007-02-22
This true life story was sooo hard to read!!! But so well written. She takes you along side her in the journey. It hurt me to know a little girl or any child was sooo abused. However, there is a God, and he made this horrific story into a best selling novel. Yeah, I hope for real-time revenge for the heroine...but we know our God never slumbers nor sleeps.
where is the love? 2006-11-10
Gal, was a tear droper, for a grandfather to beat his children and granddaughter like that its a hurting thing.But then to beat his wife to death " WHERE IS THE LOVE? I can believe how a father and grandfather can do these kids like this. Goodreading
Teary Eyed 2005-12-17
I read this book a couple of years ago. I cried and laughed a little. I can't believe she went through all that heart ache and pain. I was really disappointed when her aunts(who she was raised with as sisters) didn't give her at least a third of her grandfathers ( who she called papa) insurance policy. She was the one who was there for him when he was sick. HE DIDN'T EVEN PUT HER NAME IN HIS WILL!!! I was sooo happy when she found happiness. This is a must read.
Painful Memories 2005-12-08
Born in 1961 to a thirteen-year-old mother in South Carolina, Ruthie Bolton endured abandonment, abuse, and loss-and grew into a hardened, troubled young woman. Then she met a man who offered her something she'd never known, something she thought was a dirty word: love. The only challenge left was to accept it.
"A gift to readers...The storyteller's memory, eye for detail, and ear for dialogue are so compelling that in private conversation one would be leaning toward her so as to catch every word." (
Washington Post Book World)
"Vivid...inspiring...impossible to forget." (
Newsweek)
"It's a book about being human, and as enthralling as any ever written." (
Boston Sunday Globe)
"Her language is unadulterated and eloquently simple." (
Christian Science Monitor)
A struggle that was overcome 2005-09-13
This was an excellent book. I love "period" books and this one did live up to its expectations. I have bought 2 copies of this book, loaned them out and never got them back.. haa.. I will be ordering it again shortly.
Great Job.
One of the most interesting books I've ever read. 2005-07-11
Gal is a great book. It makes you reflect back to your own childhood and it makes you appreicate the goodness of being blessed by having loving parents. We can't pick our parents but we should all appreicate the good ones. All children should be required to read this book. Maybe after reading this book, more children will learn to respect and appreicate the love, kindness, and support of a loving family.
Wonderful book. 2004-11-20
I had this book in my closet for about 2 years, now I wonder why it took me so long to finally make up my mind and read it. I was so mad with myself. This book was wonderful, I really enjoyed it. Gal really told the story to the point it make you feel that you were right there when everything was happening to her. I give this book 5 stars. Excellent!
Heartbreaking... 2004-10-09
Ruthie Bolton (which is a psuedonym), or Gal as she is called, and her family experienced things that no one, especially young children, should ever experience in life. She was abandoned early in life by her teenage mother and later grew up being humiliated by others. She also suffers horrendous abuse at the hands of her grandfather, the same man who savagely beat and killed her grandmother. In an attempt to escape the harsh realities of her life, Ruthie develops some very bad habits, and makes several bad choices, one of which includes getting married at a very young age (for the wrong reasons), which ultimately ends in divorce.
Even though her past is horrific, she does not allow the ugliness that was her life determine her future. When she meets the man that will eventually become her second husband, Ruthie's life begins to change for the better. With the love and support of her second husband and his family, Ruthie begins to flourish. She goes on to become a wife, mother and career person, titles she never thought she would hold.
GAL: A TRUE LIFE was an absolutely riveting book. The emotions were so real I could feel them, as if I had actually lived Gal's life. I commend the author for having the fortitude and the desire to share her painful childhood with the world. I do understand the author's desire for anonymity, but I would love to meet and hug the woman behind the psuedonym Ruthie Bolton. She is the epitome of a true survivor.
Reviewed by Renee Williams
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
