Good Morning America viewers have come to know and love Lucimarian Roberts, the 88-year-old mother of coanchor Robin Roberts. On the day after Hurricane Katrina, they watched Robin, standing amid the remnants of her hometown, recount the desperate search for her mother and her return to safety. Robin was not surprised to learn that even as the winds howled and floodwaters rose, Lucimarian sang hymns.

She credits hymns for helping her, a black woman born in 1924, live faithfully through the turbulent times of the Great Depression, segregation, and racial prejudice even as the wife of a U.S. Air Force officer.

This memoir shares pivotal moments in Lucimarian Roberts' intriguing life, revealing how God has sustained her with strength and hope. Daughter Robin reflects at the close of each chatper on her extraordinary mother's character and influence.

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Customer Reviews for My Story, My Song: Mother-Daughter Refections on Life and Faith

Review 1 for My Story, My Song: Mother-Daughter Refections on Life and Faith

Overall Rating:

5 out of 5

An inspirational read and a tribute to motherhood

Date:May 17, 2012

Millstreetreader

Top 1000 Contributor

Age:55-65

Gender:female

Quality:

5 out of 5

Value:

5 out of 5

Meets Expectations:

5 out of 5

Lucimarian Roberts' name may be recognized as the mother of television personality Robin Roberts, but her own story earns her a place of respect and admiration all her own. Raised in a struggling black family in Akron, Ohio, Lucimarian never saw poverty or her race as agents of certain failure. Instead she placed her faith in God and set about using her unique musical talent to glorify her Lord. In this short, but powerful book, Lucimarian looks back on her life. Each reflection is accompanied by a hymn that had impacted her life and also by a short comment by daughter Robin.

As Lucimarian's alcholic father lost one job after another, her mother turned to domestic jobs to keep the family fed. The young girl never pined for things or goals she could not have, but along the way, others saw her intelligence, drive, and talent. A grade school teacher followed Lucimarian's accomplishments throughout her childhood and was instrumental in the high school helping the young black girl receive a scholarship to Howard University in Washington, D. C. I was very impressed by the structure and opportunity offered at this all black college in the 1940's. One time First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt attended a tea there for young leaders of the school, and Lucimarian spent time chatting with the First Lad whose concern for all people stayed with Lucimarian throughout her life.

The book follows Lucimarian;s life from that troubled childhood to her years of opportunity in Washington, D. C. and throughout her adult life as wife of career Air Force officer Larry Roberts and mother to their four children. Larry was one of the original Tuskegee Air Men, only recently recognized for their WWII courage. Twenty seven different moves marked their military career, most of them before the military was fully integrated. Often the family would not be able to find housing on base, and many times Larry was the only black officer, making Lucimarian the only black wife. But in every community, the family found a place to worship, found a place within the community, and quietly changed perceptions. The strength of the family's faith in God's plan is evident in every move. This is not a book relating how badly minorities were treated (which they were), but a book that recognizes God's hand in changing people's attitudes and His personal hand in caring for this family. Lucimarian explains it this way: I have found the best way to change aperson's prejudice is to model a Christlike life. Only then are we able to rise above bitterness, anger and revenge. After all, God is the Creator of us all, no matter what the color of our skin. Most interesting was her description of how the family made a home when in Turkey, even making friends with Muslim neighbors. Most poignant is the deaith of Larry in 2004, the 2005 hurricane that devastated her home, and Robin's public battle against breast cancer.

Now in her 80's. Lucimarian herself faces health issues and the inability to live alone. Yet daily she goes to her piano bench, which she describes as her refuge, the place she goes to meet with God.

This book would have made a lovely Mother's Day gift as it is an affirmation of the power mothers have in shaping their family's view of life and God. Most older readers will enjoy looking back at Mrs. Roberts' life. At the same time, I think younger people should read titles like this to appreciate those who have chosen modeling Christ rather than embracing the latest blame game.

I found myself thinking of my mother solid influence often as I read the book. I was also busyhighlighting sections to reread. This is a small book with BIG impact!! I give it a five star recommendation. I received a copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

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Review 2 for My Story, My Song: Mother-Daughter Refections on Life and Faith

Overall Rating:

5 out of 5

One of the best books I have read!

Date:April 2, 2012

Irene

Top 10 Contributor

Location:United States

Quality:

5 out of 5

Value:

5 out of 5

Meets Expectations:

5 out of 5

What a lovely book! My Story My Song is Lucimarian Roberts thoughts on her life so far. The book tells of her life growing up and how singing and music played an important role. Her marriage to Lawrence Roberts, a United States Air Force officer and their life together are also highlighted.

Mrs. Roberts is the mother of Robin Roberts, a current coanchor of Good Morning America. Robin Roberts makes a few comments in the book but it is mostly the thoughts of Mrs. Roberts as she reflects on different times in her life. The influence of music played an important role in her life. All kinds of gospel music but mostly hymns have helped her through many lonely and difficult times. Reading her stories of playing the piano and how it encouraged her is a real encouragement to the reader as well.

It was fascinating to read about the times in which she dealt with the issue of segregation. Her perspective was thought provoking and a must read for anyone wanting a first hand view of what those times were like. This book is a very easy to read story. I felt like I was sitting on the couch next to a sweet woman who was telling me her story and offering excellent advice on how to learn on the Lord during hard times.

I enjoyed the book so much I did not put it down until I had finished it! Just reading this book has been an encouragement to me and I hope to someday meet this strong woman and tell her what a positive influence her life has been on all of us!

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based solely on my opinion of what I read.

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