Lynn's book wasn't all that great. The plot was fine, as well as the theme, but it was poorly written and I have reread it several times, and it is still the same. It reflects a great image (that women can do anything), but the image is tarnished by poor writing techniques. Geraldine, the woman in the book, was my grandmother. I am sure Lynn is obviously a great and successful masonary, but writing is not an area of expertise for her. Just the first page alone made it hard to go through a chapter, nevertheless the whole book.

I actually saw Lynn speak at a local Student Council conference, and might I say, her story touched me. I live near New Bedford, and I know how powerless and worthless people living there can feel, but her seemingly endless motivation and drive allowed her to reach her goals, double them, and still move up. I bought her book today; I hope it will be as good as seeing her speak about the very successful life she has made for herself.

What you get from Lynn's book depends I suppose on what you're looking for. The heart truly is a lonely hunter and in her memoir Lynn poignantly details the lives of many unique and wonderful characters, including herself who struggle with various demons on the road to peace. Guardian angels in unlikely form help her along the way, like George Madeiros, local 39's business representative who simply does his job extremely well and in so doing, never wavers from his course of sound advice and encouragement. Like Addie the secretary at the union who supported Lynn with kindness and a warm greeting on her numerous visits to the union's headquarters, and like Whisky Pete - a loyal friend and unlikely spiritual guide in the form of a hard drinking master bricklayer. These are people the reader cares about instantly and who subtly but permanently make their way into your heart.

Brick by Brick is a book, which champions the spirit of the rebel in all of us who break with tradition (not necessarily meaning to), and pay the price but in the end emerge victorious, like Rocky Balboa. It is a book which speaks to the disenfranchised, the downtrodden and all manner of lost souls, taking them by the hand to a better place, to the belief in the healing power of hard work, hope and surprisingly to forgiveness. It teaches you to dream even if you dream small but to take it step by step and how when good things happen - no matter how small - to dare and dream a little bigger next time. It teaches you how the goal you think you want to achieve, while it may seem like everything to you, is subordinated to the plans God has for us all and the lessons we learn along the way are in fact the worthiest goal. It teaches you the true meaning of success and the road to happiness.

Lynn is an inspiration to all but also makes the reader fully aware of the heroic feats of those around her, like her mother and her best friend Pam, and Geraldine to whom the book is dedicated. These 'everyday people' quietly and bravely manage to keep their spirits in tact in the face of huge challenges, never becoming the victim while taking care of their families and friends as well. Brick by Brick pays homage to lots of everyday heroes and in so doing gives us all hope and the spirit to never give up.