READ THIS: NOT AFRAID OF LIFE My Journey So Far By Bristol Palin

We read both of Sarah Palin's books when they came out so it was a natural that we take a look at this one, and we think you all should read it because Bristol Palin is a girl worth listening too!  You may have had a chance to see her kill it on Dancing with the Stars; we believe she came in 3rd overall if we remember correctly, and for a girl that never danced before that is more used to basketball, football and arctic pursuits, we think that is pretty fabulous.  

Parts of Not Afraid of Life are a lesson in what not to do, rather than what to do, however, Bristol's personal strength and eloquence throughout tell a tale that many young girls can learn from.  And doesn't everyone love the underdog?  Normally the "good-girl straight-A student", Bristol as a person and Bristol's perceived life since her mother became a national political figure has been publicly discussed at length and it is great to hear her version, and it's the version we're going to believe.

As the book progresses, you will appreciate the personal growth Bristol experiences and the newfound maturity that she acquires with it.

We can't wait to see what she does next.

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Growing up in Wasilla, Alaska, the daughter of a local politician and hockey mom and an Iron Dog champion and fisherman, Bristol Palin never could have predicted that her life would soon be propelled directly into the national spotlight. Her early days consisted of school, friends, faith, family and fishing. But then she became pregnant, and shortly thereafter her mother, Sarah Palin, Alaska’s governor, was chosen as John McCain’s Vice Presidential running mate.

Suddenly, Bristol’s private family matter became the subject of an unprecedented international media circus. She was forced to reckon with her teen pregnancy and struggling relationship in the public eye.  Just seventeen with a baby on the way, Bristol suffered both vitriolic attacks and experienced an outpouring of love and support. During these times, especially, Bristol’s unwavering work ethic proved invaluable as she focused her attention away from the media speculation and onto graduating high school, securing a job and creating a life for her and her son, Tripp.

 In her new memoir NOT AFRAID OF LIFE: My Journey So Far (William Morrow; On-Sale 6/24/11; Hardcover, $25.99), Bristol Palin goes beyond the headlines, for the first time ever, offering readers an extensive, up-close and personal inside look at her life, her world, and the things that matter most, as she witnessed history in the making. She candidly discusses the truth behind the rumors, including her tumultuous relationship with her former fiancée, her unexpected pregnancy, the drama inside the McCain-Palin presidential campaign, the joys (and difficulties) of motherhood, and how, guided by faith and family, she ultimately found her way back to herself.

In NOT AFRAID OF LIFE Bristol also talks about the highs and lows of her appearance on ABC-TV’s Dancing with the Stars, including the aching hours of practice, the biting criticisms, and the thrill of getting to the show’s finals. She speaks freely of her aspirations for the future and the deep religious faith that gives her strength and inspiration. Plainspoken and disarmingly down to earth, Bristol offers new insight and understanding of who she is and what she values most.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bristol Palin appeared on ABC-TV’s Dancing with the Stars, where she reached the finals and ultimately placed third. She frequently speaks in front of large groups across the country where she focuses on topics of inspiration.

NOT AFRAID OF LIFE; My Journey So Far

By Bristol Palin and Nancy French

Hardcover, $25.99; ISBN: 9780062089373

E-Book, $20.99; ISBN: 9780062089403

On Sale: 6/24/2011

William Morrow, an Imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers

www.harpercollins.com