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We Will Survive: True Stories of Encouragement, Inspiration, and the Power of Song
2015 Grammy nominee for Best Spoken-Word Album (in audio formats)
Gloria Gaynor’s #1 hit single “I Will Survive” debuted in 1978 to overwhelming success. Shortly thereafter, the single went double platinum and over three decades later still strikes a chord among men and women everywhere.
Over the years, the disco legend has received thousands of personal messages from adoring fans whose lives have been transformed by this timeless song. Their remarkable stories reveal that ”I Will Survive” has reached people from all walks of life and touched their lives in thousands of unique ways. From individuals triumphing over illness to those suffering from the painful loss of a loved one to others piecing their lives together after bearing witness to national tragedy, “I Will Survive” has become an emotional anthem for them and for millions of Gaynor’s adoring fans around the world.
In We Will Survive, Gloria shares forty of these inspirational, true stories about survivors of all kinds—individuals who have found comfort, hope, and courage through the power of this one song.
Gloria Gaynor’s #1 hit single “I Will Survive” debuted in 1978 to overwhelming success. Shortly thereafter, the single went double platinum and over three decades later still strikes a chord among men and women everywhere.
Over the years, the disco legend has received thousands of personal messages from adoring fans whose lives have been transformed by this timeless song. Their remarkable stories reveal that ”I Will Survive” has reached people from all walks of life and touched their lives in thousands of unique ways. From individuals triumphing over illness to those suffering from the painful loss of a loved one to others piecing their lives together after bearing witness to national tragedy, “I Will Survive” has become an emotional anthem for them and for millions of Gaynor’s adoring fans around the world.
In We Will Survive, Gloria shares forty of these inspirational, true stories about survivors of all kinds—individuals who have found comfort, hope, and courage through the power of this one song.
197 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 26, 2013
106 people are currently reading
493 people want to read
About the author
Gloria Gaynor
19 books9 followersGloria Gaynor is an American singer, best known for the disco era hits "I Will Survive" (Hot 100 number 1, 1979), "Never Can Say Goodbye" (Hot 100 number 9, 1974), "Let Me Know (I Have a Right)" (Hot 100 number 42, 1980) and "I Am What I Am" (R&B number 82, 1983).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
abandoned
January 21, 2014This seemed like the most interesting of the titles available the first time I looked into the Kindle First program. I usually love true life stories--I'll sometimes read just those parts of magazine articles and skip the rest of the text--but this book and I just didn't click. I wasn't encouraged or inspired and the tie ins with the song felt forced a lot of the time. It's been sitting on my Kindle not quite half read for weeks now, and I have no desire to finish, so I'm giving up on it.
May 4, 2019
Good for the most part but too much detail in the story of the little boy being molested.
February 10, 2016
This is a collection of survivor's stories read by Gloria Gaynor (and includes her own triumphs over the shiz storm we call life and the audio has her music too... which just sounded creepy because I listen to my audiobooks at 2x speed. ;) )
Some of the stories were touching, and some had me tearing up. But... they were very uneven because not everyone's story was well written. As they all linked to Gloria Gaynor's song, some of the author's went a bit overboard trying to work in the lyrics (like the woman who's son tricked her into signing over her house to him and then KICKING her out and selling the house, but she just moves on after reciting song lyrics to him... um, no, sweetheart, you tear rip him a new one and hire a lawyer because you have rights and your child is evil incarnate).
In the beginning I thought this was going to be more of a three star- I like stories of people overcoming life because it gives me hope. I know lots of very strong people, friends who have had to deal with some epic shiz, and are still standing. I know people who are in pain, physical and emotional, every damn day of their lives, who can still smile and ask how I'm doing (and actually mean it). Although I don't read a lot of Christian books, I don't avoid them either- I'm a Christian and I like that Gaynor got through some really tough times through her faith. In past years she has changed up some of her lyrics to "I Will Survive" to reflect her faith, and I think that's lovely.
But... it began to feel like a lot of the stories were written by people promoting themselves. A lot were told by writers, who make sure to mention that they wrote a book or articles. Often times though, they were just too abrupt. Like, this horrible thing happened in my life, but I went to Walmart and sang some Gloria Gaynor so I'm all good now.
That, by the way, actually happens to one of the women who submitted her story. Her son is convicted on child molestation charges and sentenced to 30 years, which she thinks is too severe, but then she goes to Walmart at 4am to shop and discovers that she'll survive. Out of all the stories, she's the only character I didn't feel that much sympathy for. She's awfully defensive about his culpability (yes, he did it, but it's not really his fault because he's childlike himself). So, while I sypathize with her- she's his mother no matter what, I just find the whole idea that she's so upset over how long his sentence is that she goes into this super deep, dark depression, prays about it, sings some Gloria Gaynor and finds peace while shopping at Walmart at 4am to be a bunch of bullshiz.
Some of the stories were truly inspirational- the women who found strength to leave abusive relationships- the woman who suffered physical abuse in childhood only to create a wonderful family that is torn apart when her bright teenage son is killed but finds peace in adoption, to the woman who's beloved son is killed by friend playing with a gun only to lose her father a week later in a bizarre accident- all these people are not only surviving, but many are thriving. Many are helping others, and these stories may well help others. There were also several stories involving 9/11, the Boston Marathon bombing and Hurricane Katrina.
I picked this book up during an Audible sale, and it was worth my time to listen. I just wish some of the stories had been edited better.
Gloria Gaynor narrates and she does a lovely job reading all the stories- although I can't help thinking that they might have been more powerful read by each of the survivors.
Some of the stories were touching, and some had me tearing up. But... they were very uneven because not everyone's story was well written. As they all linked to Gloria Gaynor's song, some of the author's went a bit overboard trying to work in the lyrics (like the woman who's son tricked her into signing over her house to him and then KICKING her out and selling the house, but she just moves on after reciting song lyrics to him... um, no, sweetheart, you tear rip him a new one and hire a lawyer because you have rights and your child is evil incarnate).
In the beginning I thought this was going to be more of a three star- I like stories of people overcoming life because it gives me hope. I know lots of very strong people, friends who have had to deal with some epic shiz, and are still standing. I know people who are in pain, physical and emotional, every damn day of their lives, who can still smile and ask how I'm doing (and actually mean it). Although I don't read a lot of Christian books, I don't avoid them either- I'm a Christian and I like that Gaynor got through some really tough times through her faith. In past years she has changed up some of her lyrics to "I Will Survive" to reflect her faith, and I think that's lovely.
But... it began to feel like a lot of the stories were written by people promoting themselves. A lot were told by writers, who make sure to mention that they wrote a book or articles. Often times though, they were just too abrupt. Like, this horrible thing happened in my life, but I went to Walmart and sang some Gloria Gaynor so I'm all good now.
That, by the way, actually happens to one of the women who submitted her story. Her son is convicted on child molestation charges and sentenced to 30 years, which she thinks is too severe, but then she goes to Walmart at 4am to shop and discovers that she'll survive. Out of all the stories, she's the only character I didn't feel that much sympathy for. She's awfully defensive about his culpability (yes, he did it, but it's not really his fault because he's childlike himself). So, while I sypathize with her- she's his mother no matter what, I just find the whole idea that she's so upset over how long his sentence is that she goes into this super deep, dark depression, prays about it, sings some Gloria Gaynor and finds peace while shopping at Walmart at 4am to be a bunch of bullshiz.
Some of the stories were truly inspirational- the women who found strength to leave abusive relationships- the woman who suffered physical abuse in childhood only to create a wonderful family that is torn apart when her bright teenage son is killed but finds peace in adoption, to the woman who's beloved son is killed by friend playing with a gun only to lose her father a week later in a bizarre accident- all these people are not only surviving, but many are thriving. Many are helping others, and these stories may well help others. There were also several stories involving 9/11, the Boston Marathon bombing and Hurricane Katrina.
I picked this book up during an Audible sale, and it was worth my time to listen. I just wish some of the stories had been edited better.
Gloria Gaynor narrates and she does a lovely job reading all the stories- although I can't help thinking that they might have been more powerful read by each of the survivors.
December 21, 2013
I was pleased to read this book through the Kindle First program, and when I read the advanced reviews, I thought this would be a great read. As a compilation of stories, the writing styles vary as each writer told their story of survival. Some of the stories, like "Evelyn on Top," "Annie Twice Chosen," and "A Car Ride to Heaven" were amazing, inspirational takes of overcoming amazing adversity. Others, like "Mother Cub Instinct," illustrate smaller, everyday mountains climbed by women who found significant strength. Most of these stories are in the beginning of the book. As I progressed onward, I found that roughly 60-70% of these stories fell a little flat. Some were written weakly, others were over-written, where the author appeared to try too hard to make a great tale. I liked the premise and know this would be great for those really struggling, if you're not in such a place in life, this makes for an alright read.
November 16, 2013
This is such an inspiring, heartwarming book!! It's somewhat along the lines of the 'Chicken Soup for the Soul' books, with around 40 inspiring stories of survival, all tied together by the song 'I Will Survive'. Although this collection of short stories is perfect for a coffee table book that you can pick up and read when you don't have a lot of time but need something uplifting, I devoured it in one setting!! I'll definitely be buying a paperback of this to keep around the house, oh, and an extra large box of Kleenex!!
March 8, 2019
Honestly, I thought this book was a memoir by Gloria Gaynor when I bought this book. My fault for not looking closer. What it is is a book more along the lines of the "Chicken Soup" series of books, with "I Will Survive" as the lynch pin that holds it together. Reading the stories back to back though, the repetition of various lines of the song started to become trite. While I believe in the power of music, this just felt forced to me.
September 1, 2016
I anticipated this book being very uplifting and inspiring. It was not, for me. Although I realize the details of people's tragedies were important for the stories, I felt they overwhelmed the "survival" aspects of the stories. I would have liked the connection with the song to be more overtly stated. Also, the writing was often confusing.
January 16, 2014
Good
it was enjoyable to read. makes u realize how PRECIOUS family and friends can be. also to enjoy everyday of your life
it was enjoyable to read. makes u realize how PRECIOUS family and friends can be. also to enjoy everyday of your life
June 14, 2020
Good book
It was nice reading about everyone and their survival stories. It will give you a good perspective on your own life when you’re wallowing in self-pity for probably no reason. In other words, stop feeling sorry for yourself and do something about it because other people go through horrible things and survive. It is a choice of how you want to react to situations and how you want to live your life.
It was nice reading about everyone and their survival stories. It will give you a good perspective on your own life when you’re wallowing in self-pity for probably no reason. In other words, stop feeling sorry for yourself and do something about it because other people go through horrible things and survive. It is a choice of how you want to react to situations and how you want to live your life.
February 23, 2021
So relatable by so many stories of others, "We will Survive!"
I know and believe how these words have saved so many lives. Am so touched by all of these stories of those who were saved by your song, Gloria Gaynor!
I know and believe how these words have saved so many lives. Am so touched by all of these stories of those who were saved by your song, Gloria Gaynor!
December 25, 2022
It took me a lot longer to post that I have finished this book that he didn’t actually read it I read it in one week and two weeks ago and thoroughly enjoyed it it was a uplifting book of stories of survival, perseverance and faith.
March 24, 2019
Some of the stories were fabulous and some were not so fabulous. It was just ok and would not recommend it to anyone.
October 6, 2019
This was a good book Some of the stories were sad but they were all good. It kinda had a chicken soup for the soul feel to it :)
August 5, 2020
Great short stories
This was a quick read. Kept me on the edge of seat. I also felt strength in each and every story
This was a quick read. Kept me on the edge of seat. I also felt strength in each and every story
February 21, 2015
I thought this was an interesting concept, people's stories of how I Will Survive inspired and changed their lives.
I am not sure how to explain it, but maybe the stories were too short. They were ultra positive, which isn't a problem. Positivity is good.
But the stories were too short on substance and just focused on the ends of the journey. Most stories gave a page or 2 of background then just went right into gushing love of the song and how it carried them. But nothing inbetween. I wanted more of the substance. Give me more of the pain and the journey of how he songs message picked you up every single day.
I think maybe Gloria Gaynor shouldn't of written it, maybe she went a little too narcissist on it and wanted all the feel good praise of her song. Which is fine, the song obviously inspired people but give the depth of the story not just the fluffy happily ever after no more pain ever.
I am not sure how to explain it, but maybe the stories were too short. They were ultra positive, which isn't a problem. Positivity is good.
But the stories were too short on substance and just focused on the ends of the journey. Most stories gave a page or 2 of background then just went right into gushing love of the song and how it carried them. But nothing inbetween. I wanted more of the substance. Give me more of the pain and the journey of how he songs message picked you up every single day.
I think maybe Gloria Gaynor shouldn't of written it, maybe she went a little too narcissist on it and wanted all the feel good praise of her song. Which is fine, the song obviously inspired people but give the depth of the story not just the fluffy happily ever after no more pain ever.
October 17, 2014
It wasn't what I expected. I thought maybe it would be her memoir but it was more. The only reason I gave it three stars is because I thought the stories were about falling down then getting up again, yet I felt not every story belong in the book. Some seem unfinished I keep rewinding the recording because I thought I'd missed it, but it simply wasn't there. There were some stories that were heart wrenching and I had to dry my tears while I was driving because it was hindering my sight. Another thing that bothered me random bits of song concluded with some of the stories. I just wanted the next story to began already.
April 24, 2023
Dino Fekaris and Frederick J. Perren...
wrote this amazing song, brilliantly sung by Gloria Gaynor, which has become an anthem, a mantra, for people from all walks of life. I was in high school in 1978 when the song was first released and remember well when it became a huge No. 1 hit. This book is a collection of essays on how the song impacted people going through difficult, traumatic, and even horrifying experiences in their lives at various times since the song's release. The stories are inspirational and quite compelling to read and listen to (Gloria Gaynor herself narrates the audiobook version and does a fabulous job). Recommended.
wrote this amazing song, brilliantly sung by Gloria Gaynor, which has become an anthem, a mantra, for people from all walks of life. I was in high school in 1978 when the song was first released and remember well when it became a huge No. 1 hit. This book is a collection of essays on how the song impacted people going through difficult, traumatic, and even horrifying experiences in their lives at various times since the song's release. The stories are inspirational and quite compelling to read and listen to (Gloria Gaynor herself narrates the audiobook version and does a fabulous job). Recommended.
December 11, 2014
As with any collection of stories from different authors, the writing quality varies, but it is apparent most are not professionals. Some of the stories seem a little trite and unimportant when placed up against writers who survived the Holocaust or genocide in Africa, but then, I imagine most of our troubles seem insignificant when compared to that.
"I will survive" is a phrase that can't help but make you feel a little more powerful, a little more in control of your life. It's no surprise the famous disco song has resonated with so many different people.
"I will survive" is a phrase that can't help but make you feel a little more powerful, a little more in control of your life. It's no surprise the famous disco song has resonated with so many different people.
May 22, 2015
This was the first Kindle First book I received when I started Prime. I was somewhat skeptical of the premise but was hopeful. It ended up being an okay book - interesting stories, some of them very touching, but not much substance. Each time the writer would mention the song, I was no longer as interested. Don't get me wrong, "I Will Survive" is a great song. I simply had a hard time believing that all these writers were REALLY thinking about that particular song at that particular moment in their lives. I guess I'm just a bit jaded.
November 22, 2013
I really enjoyed this collection of survivor stories. This was truly inspirational. At this moment, I have been dealing with some personal drama that has made me give up hope. It was truly a blessing that I found this novel as a Kindle First novel.
This book shows that we can all survive horrid situations. This is a good book if you're wanting an inspirational novel that shows the strength of survivors or horrid situations.
This book shows that we can all survive horrid situations. This is a good book if you're wanting an inspirational novel that shows the strength of survivors or horrid situations.
November 25, 2013
I have always liked the song "I Will Survive", so I was immediately interested in this book when I read the description. We Will Survive contains 40 true stories of people inspired by Gloria Gaynor's song. Heart-wrenching, inspiring and uplifting, it is a wonderful book. So glad I had the opportunity to read it via Kindle First.
December 23, 2013
This was a free book from Amazon Prime. It was a quick read. It's a collection of stories about people who found inspiration from Gloria Gaynor's song "I Will Survive" while going through tough times in their lives. All the stories are short and written by the person themselves. It's an okay read.
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January 8, 2014Not what I expected
the song I will survive is my all time favorite song! I had high hopes for the book but there were only truly a couple of the stories that I felt embodied what book could have been! while all the stories were true survival stories the way the incorporated the song just didn't work for me! good effort.
the song I will survive is my all time favorite song! I had high hopes for the book but there were only truly a couple of the stories that I felt embodied what book could have been! while all the stories were true survival stories the way the incorporated the song just didn't work for me! good effort.
January 31, 2014
As many others .. this book title was the most interesting titles of kindle first read.
I enjoyed it in the beginning but not all the stories are interesting and encouraging to continue. I found that I was forcing myself to continue reading the book but at I point I gave up and skipped. I might go back to find if the rest of the stories worth it.
I enjoyed it in the beginning but not all the stories are interesting and encouraging to continue. I found that I was forcing myself to continue reading the book but at I point I gave up and skipped. I might go back to find if the rest of the stories worth it.
February 16, 2014
I probably would give it a 2.5 if possible. I enjoyed the true stories of people who have survived terrible circumstances. Some of their stories were very well written, and some were not, that is not to take away of the stories themselves, it just made it harder to read. If the song "I will survive" means something personal to you then this book will be a big hit.
Peace
Peace
September 2, 2015
Very empowering book, especially if you are in a bad moment in life and need to get up. I liked most of the stories in the book. A few of them really touched me, others were just interesting and a few of them should not be included in the book (that's why I give 4 stars instead of 5). Very uplifting.
November 2, 2015
40 emotional stories is a daunting list to work through, with the most traumatic and spectacular events placed early on the excitement seems in descending order.
You can usually get a feel for the vibe of a story early on, and it might be better to skip on through some parts. The audiobook includes relevant songs occasionally after a story.
You can usually get a feel for the vibe of a story early on, and it might be better to skip on through some parts. The audiobook includes relevant songs occasionally after a story.
December 6, 2013
Disco music may be dead, but its queen is alive and kicking.with an inspirational anthology that celebrates the tryumph of human resiliency. http://askmissa.com/2013/12/06/will-s...
August 13, 2017
Uplifting stories of surpassing tragedy, fear & all other hardships.
The stories cover every part of the human condition and the ability to survive whatever hardship comes your way . . . Sometimes with the strength of Christ, and sometimes without.
The stories cover every part of the human condition and the ability to survive whatever hardship comes your way . . . Sometimes with the strength of Christ, and sometimes without.
November 26, 2013
Interesting stories of survival.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews