This is my favorite book read for 2013 (SO FAR). If you like romance, read it. If you like history, read it. If you like non-fiction, read it. If you want to read about a “real” Texas woman in every sense of the word, read it. If you want to hear about an “alleged” ugly dyslectic duckling turned swan, someone who learned how to turn parties into a purpose, coincidence into opportunity, work across party lines but realized a “truth” in her day to reach a goal and above all how she built her “toolbox” which was used in her crusade of one against communism, this is the book for you.
She made many decisions tied to her Southern roots and without compromising her virtue or integrity:
Marriage # 1 but this was not her first choice. The parents of the one she originally cared about did not approve of her so marriage was out of the question. However, the father became a friend and supporter of her efforts LATER IN HER LIFE. However, she does not regret her first marriage which produced two sons she adored who became her champions. Her son Robin was the cameraman in her Afghan “experience” that turned into the book/movie “Charlie Wilson’s War” about the fight against communism and what had to be done to get the attention and money needed to help those being killed, maimed, etc.
Marriage # 2 was the love of her life. Joanne did not need a matchmaker here and it really is a love story. She decided to remarry (typical Southern style for her day in time) for the financing of the future of her sons (initially). There is no doubt in mind that they truly loved each other. “He” even loaned money to her ex-husband Bob King in an effort to save Bob’s business. It was repaid in full. Her husband repaid Joanne’s $1mil loan that was offered unsecured @ zero interest while she a single, unemployed, mother of two young sons. (relationships, trust and communication tools mattered then and still do) It was in this marraige that she received and used her "working diamond" of 20 carats. (In this case, size matters.) Before his death, she met and befriended those who would be instrumental in her fight against communism. She danced with royalty, was courted by the rich and famous, and it was these same friends who provided a diversion to deal with the loss of her beloved husband. It was during this time that she met “the” Charlie Wilson, a playboy and politician who loved her, proposed to her but they parted ways as friends after their mission was accomplished, so to speak. In the process, she became an “honorary man” while working in in the Middle East.
Marriage # 3 started out with love but the darker side of the husband was not learned until well into the marriage which ended in her second divorce. She did invest 20 years into the marriage but enough is enough. In the letter she received from him years later he admitted that the best years of his life were spent with her. However, it was through this experience that she really learned that she had strength to be independent, use skills to become a “paid” consultant, and stand on her own as a single woman.
I learned a great dealt about the people within Afghanistan who have historically supported the USA with money and time. I was touched by the sincerity of the people in this behind the scenes look at those who were doing and giving their all to fight communism. I learned why this particular geographic region could (may) be pivotal in the control of what happens here and abroad.
This woman definitely has the “it” factor and continues in her efforts to make a difference through the non-profit agency that she began from her love of the Afghan people. A comment under a photo of her in fabulous evening wear where she is looking back at the camera describes her well in that she may be looking over her shoulder but she never looked back.
