.
"Christine's story is a beautiful blend of esoteric background and universal experiences and discoveries. She is unapologetic about her history, not does she seem to be looking for absolution from her readers. Rather, she courageously takes ownership of her past and shares with us the lessons life has taught her. Lessons which most of us can identify.
Her humor and intelligence carry the narrative, even in stories that might otherwise be difficult to read, and she ably demonstrates to her readers that there are a lot of paths that lead to the same good place. I recommend her writing to anyone who may be feeling marginalized by circumstance; there is almost certainly a place in Christine's story and in her heart for you"
Her humor and intelligence carry the narrative, even in stories that might otherwise be difficult to read, and she ably demonstrates to her readers that there are a lot of paths that lead to the same good place. I recommend her writing to anyone who may be feeling marginalized by circumstance; there is almost certainly a place in Christine's story and in her heart for you"
- D. P. Handy - Writer, Essayist, Award Winning Blogger
"Christine Macdonald's story, "Sunset Strip" in the anthology THE MOMENT: Wild, Poignant, Life-Changing Stories from 125 Writers and Artists Famous & Obscure
is everything a personal essay wants to be and rarely is: at once raw
and refined and uniquely singular in its subject matter and yet
powerfully universal in its examination of the choices we all have to
make in life. Christine's writing gets inside your soul and sticks
closely to your bones."
Larry Smith, founder, SMITH Magazine (smithmag.net), editor of The Moment
Linda Ternoir - Fine Artist
"Christine tells her fascinating, powerful story with uncompromising passion and heart. She wears her still-raw emotions right out there on her sleeve, and we can't help but get swept up in her candid journey from stripper's pole to sensitive soul. This is going to be one helluva memoir. I'm pre-ordering it on Amazon right now to beat the rush."
Ray Richmond -- Journalist, Author, Hollywood Reporter, Playwright
"Certain heartbroken yarns move us because we see the beauty about to be born in the wreckage. Christine's is that kind of story: stark, honest, and sad with the sweet promise of something good to come. I've had the honor of hearing her read from an opening chapter recently, so I know something of the beginning and the end, and deeply want to learn how she got from one to the other!"
Jeremy Toback - Musician, Author
"Macdonald has a story to tell that is all her own. She has an incredible talent for painting a tropical paraside picture in your head then taking you there full-force with both humor and heartache. Allow Christine to take your hand and relive her journey with you. You will not only learn more about her, but yourself along the way."
- Kevin Weber - Radio Personality, Founder of The SFM Project
"Love it. Christine makes vivid a world I knew nothing about (a 29-year-old man who's never been to a strip club!). Her tales are teasingly seedy, brutally honest and vaguely, strangely, heartwarming. Cannot wait to read the full memoir!"
- Jimmy Rice - Writer, Award Winning Blogger
"Christine's true life take on the seamy world of stripping is a thrilling, voyeuristic peek into a world of debauchery where few dare to linger. Her stories of the life she left behind are filled with poignancy and the eye-opening truth that there are real girls on those poles. Real girls who once had different dreams. At times her tales are hilarious, with talk of flying stilettos and gassy strippers. At times her bittersweet saga is heartbreaking. Every stripper has a story. Christine paints a portrait so vivid and undeniable, I cannot get enough of her story. I'll be the first in line for this book"
- Joann Cleveland Mannix - Writer, Award Winning Blogger