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.

I read this book in about two or three days, and had a hard time putting it down. Diane's writing takes on the familiar warm and friendly tone of voice her listeners have grown to love. In this book she writes openly of her very personal struggle of coping with the stresses of her life. I was very moved at times, sometimes laughing and cheering out loud, my jaw dropped in awe and surprise at others, and my heart sank at some of the crushing blows she's been dealt, both from within and without. A highly recommended book for both fans of the Diane Rehm Show and/or anyone interested in a fascinating human story.

"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.

I am incensed that Rehm and her husband were conveniently given time on taxpayer NPR to discuss their book during a purported "book review." What a joke. Taxpayer funded commercials to peddle their so-called book. Typical liberals I suppose.

Methinks the previous 'reviewer' doth protest too much - his/her cynicism is not only sad, it's ignorant. The Rehms make no bones that their relationship was hard work, that any relationship worth its salt does not come easy all the time. I appreciate learning some communication tips from a couple who's weathered the many ups and downs of 42 years of an overall happy, satisfying marriage. Recommended reading.

As a young woman (23) trying to find resources to understand what it takes to develop, keep and maintain a committed relationship the Rehm's anecdotal book was enlightening in an easy to read format. I am a believer in the idea that each relationship is a country unto itself but there are certain themes, struggles, etc., that tend to be common among all relationships which comes through clearly in the dialogue throughout this book. Regardless of any degree of fame Diane has gained over the years through her radio career and publication of her book "Finding My Voice", the Rehms are real people, with a real relationship that has weathered MANY ups and downs. (The fact that their relationship has endured to see 42 years seems like a miracle after reading this book!)
If you are interested in reading lay people's account of enduring and maintaining a committed relationship please give this book a try. The set up of the book (each chapter focuses on a different theme) allows the reader to pick and choose the concepts of interest to them. Both writing styles are clear and fluid making this book one that can be picked up and put down as time allows.
PLEASE ignore the reviews from disgruntled individuals who gave this book a low rating based on their opinions of Diane Rehm the radio personality and NPR. Those views in no way relate to the insight that can be gained from this book.