Surviving Myself

by Jennifer O'Neill

Jennifer O'Neill knows all there is to know about life in the fast lane. Even before she skyrocketed to movie stardom at age twenty-two, she had already experienced more than most women twice her age: international modeling at fifteen, marriage at seventeen, and motherhood at nineteen. Then came Summer of '42.If her career was already a dream come true, however, her private nightmare had just begun. The dark years that followed saw scandal and sorrow offset by beauty and style: eight marriages, nine miscarriages, a near-fatal gunshot wound, and three other near-death experiences. Even motherhood proved a painful trial when one of her husbands fell into the abyss of sexual abuse, with Aimee, the eldest of her three children, as his victim.

But Jennifer O'Neill is a survivor -- by the grace of God. Now, with her faith intact, she looks back on the roller coaster of her past with an unsparing honesty tempered with compassion, humor, and a new understanding of herself. Her story is an unforgettable drama of a beautiful, intelligent, talented, whimsical, yet deeply troubled woman redeemed in the end by the gift of her spiritual awakening.

Genres: Autobiography

256 pages, Hardcover

First published March 3, 1999

Reviews

[Alana (AlanaLoves2Read)]

Jennifer O'Neill pens a beautiful personal testimony of the transformational power of Jesus in her life. I was amazed at her transparency in this book – she gives the unvarnished truth and holds nothing back. She shares her life story as a famous actress and model - including personal trauma and tragedies along the way. Her story is one of redemption and grace as only our Savior can give. Her testimony because of what Jesus Christ has done in her life includes her own healing, acceptance - and the truth that it is never too late to turn to Him - He has a plan, a future and a hope for each of us.

I found her deep dive into her decades long career very interesting - especially that her love for horses was her initial main motivation for embarking on her incredible career, so she could afford to buy one! I also enjoyed hearing about her first movie filmed with John Wayne.

And now, so many years after beginning her career, she now heads up a life changing project at her horse ranch in Tennessee called 'Hope & Healing at Hillenglade Equine-Assisted Programs' - serving veterans, first responders and their families. What an amazing person she is. She gives all glory to God! Amen!

[Sonia Reppe]

I really liked this when she talked about her life-long love of animals, but then her personal life got crazy. I couldn't even keep track of her marriages. This memoir was really similar to Georgia Durante's. They were both models who married young and immediately had a daughter; later they both became estranged to their daughters and both daughters were molested by their step-dad.

[Valerie Pallotta]

My new friend, Jen, you are amazing! This is a must read! What this Angel has endured throughout her life, her strength to get through it all, her resilience, her love and all she has done and continues to do for others, and her incredible faith in God, is powerful. She is SUCH an inspiration. I can't wait to visit HHH someday as we continue to honor and help our Warriors heal, together. God bless you.