Book excerpt: Why are some people able to survive unpropitious beginnings, thrive and even excel, while others in equivalent circumstances cannot? The four women whose memoirs make up this volume met several years ago in an autobiography workshop. Despite early years that included physical, emotional and sexual abuse, deaths and abandonments, and the terror of living in a country at war, they remained sufficiently self-possessed and determined to go on to live productive lives, often giving back more than they had received. How did they manage to do it? Was Thedas loving family her protective shield? Was Honeys willingness to accept help and learn from others her salvation? Did Peggys brightness, charm and independence give her the confidence to take on the world? Was Janices determination to matter her incentive? This book offers no answers, but there are enough clues in each of the four stories on which to base reasonable conjectures.