About Nerves of Steele, A Memoir
About Nerves of Steele, A Memoir
Book review of Nerves of Steele, A Memoir by Linda Steele
Published by Hasmark Publishing International, Copyright 2023
I was eager to read Nerves of Steele because the author not only helps my daughter with physical fitness, she is also the personal trainer for my husband’s company here in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. Linda Steele has helped my husband and dozens of his co-workers learn proper fitness techniques, stay motivated and get into shape. I watched progress unfold and decided to follow Linda’s Instagram page. A woman in her early fifties who looks much younger and is in incredible shape, Linda has created a brand that has taken her around the country and world where she does photo shoots, appearances and has guest spots on shows and podcasts. Her no nonsense advice, sense of humor and humility combines to exude an unpretentious confidence that you can just tell comes from an authentic spirit but also from going through some experiences in life.
I finally got the opportunity to meet Linda around Christmas time last year, and we instantly hugged and fell into girl chatter. We had heard a lot about each other since she was working with my husband and daughter, and I simply loved her essence. (It’s like meeting the badass rock star after the concert and being surprised at how normal and cool they are.) She told me about her upcoming book whose tagline is, “Converting negative energy into fuel for positive change,” and I couldn’t wait to read it. Here is my review.
What the Book is Not
This book is not a how-to guide on physical fitness, nutrition or cooking. It’s not an advertisement for Linda’s businesses. It’s not a quick-fix handbook.
What the Book IS
This book is a memoir, a vulnerable expose of life experiences, celebrations, traumas, written by the author herself. This book reads like both a life journal and life reflection, offering glimpses into the mindset that can keep a person going even when they feel the weight of the world on their shoulders or when they are being mistreated, even abused. This is a trigger warning that the book does contain elements of pain and abuse.
The Early Years
Linda Steele tells her childhood story growing up with divorced parents. Spending her time between two homes with stepparents and stepsiblings presented challenges throughout her young life, particularly when it came to profound forms of abuse she endured. Seemingly lethargic, exposing pain and suffering placed onto a person as a child is necessary for healing and hopefully for obtaining a sense of justice. The family dynamics and abuse both shaped and fueled the life outlook Linda carried into her teen years and young adult life.
Adulthood
Marriage and children were an early part of Linda’s adult life, serving as both an escape and a reset to her mired past. This was not without its own set of challenges; Linda takes us through relationship turmoil and obstacles. Each speed bump seemed to fuel the demands on herself to set lofty personal goals and to persevere, a common thread throughout her life journey. As she takes us through the ups, the downs and the ups again—we begin to see her resolve take shape as we get a glimpse of the experiences that fueled the disciplined person she is today.
Overall
I found myself wanting to turn the page to see where the matters would go next and how they would be overcome. I left with a sense of pride as a woman—seeing an example of one who followed a sixth sense on a road to success, not allowing others to define her. This book will make you smile as well as make you cringe. I recommend this book to anyone who has experienced trauma in their childhood as well as those who value authenticity and vulnerability. Nerves of Steele has a provoking sense of charm that will leave you questioning your own sense of courage and decision-making. It will leave you wondering how often you find yourself judging a book by its cover.
Nerves of Steele can be found on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/Nerves-Steele-Memoir-Linda/dp/1774821249
About the Author
About the Author: I'm a Writer, Speaker and Muslim Activist. I'm a former Board Member of the #MyJihad Public Education Campaign.
Follow my blog at yasminareality.com or follow me on Twitter: @yasmina_reality. I'm also now on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YasminaReality
Peace! More from this author.
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