Sharon Stone (3) (1958–)

audiobook nonfiction/memoir (narrated by author) - growing up in poor Irish-American family with abusive grandfather, success in Hollywood, raising money for humanitarian causes, being an adoptive mother of 3, recovery from major stroke in her 40s.

Other reviews point to Stone's imperfect narration as a reminder of her recovery from her brain injury, but overall she presents her story brilliantly, with genuine emotion and only a rare unintentional pause. This is a story of incredible strength if ever I've heard one.… (more)

Stone was the victim of sexual abuse by her maternal grandfather as was her mother and sister. As with many victims of abuse, it took her a long time to recognize it, talk about it and heal herself. The book is also about her rise to stardom in Hollywood and she writes about some of the films she made, the directors who guided her during those productions but also about the men in the industry who sought sexual favours from her.

The latter portion of the book is about her many charitable efforts and the organizations she helped create to help the poor and helpless in the USA and overseas. Fund raising to find a cure for HIV/AIDS is a special interest of hers because she lost a number of friends to the disease.

Very readable.… (more)