Title: Chasing the Daylight
Author: Joanna Rakowski
Publisher: Xlibris
ISBN: 978-1-6698-6941-2
Pages: 410
Genre: Autobiography
Reviewed by: Michaela Gordoni
Hollywood Book Reviews
Chasing the Daylight by Joanna Rakowski is a captivating memoir which provides a unique insight into the life of a dainty ballerina turned army interrogator. The book takes the reader on a journey through Joanna’s adult life in Poland, where she trained as a ballerina, and later in the U.S. Army, where she served as an interrogator. Her story is one of grit, determination, and self-transformation.
Joanna Rakowski’s writing is surprisingly well-written, well-edited, and very well- organized, which sets it apart from many other autobiographies in today’s book market. The inclusion of photographs throughout the book adds interest and credibility to her written life history. It is fascinating to learn how someone who was once a delicate ballerina became a hard-core army interrogator. Joanna’s story is a testament to the fact that one’s career path can take unexpected turns, and it’s never too late to pursue your dreams.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Joanna’s story is her determination and resilience in the face of adversity. She faced numerous painful injuries while serving in the army, yet she persevered and ultimately achieved her goals. Her story is a source of inspiration to anyone who has faced hard obstacles in their lives.
Throughout the book, Joanna alternates passages about her experiences in the Army with memories of a special friendship she had with her former French professor and long-time crush, and letters to her husband, Alec. These personal touches expertly add depth and emotion to her story and makes it more relatable to the reader. The ending of Joanna’s story is the most poignant part of the book. Without giving anything away, it contains a surprising element that evokes sympathy for Joanna after she put so much into her Army career. However, it is evident being in the army gave her a positive, life- changing experience leading to her self-transformation, and it is definitely worth reading about.
Overall, Chasing the Daylight is a remarkable memoir which offers readers a unique perspective on one immigrant’s experience in America and the US Army. Joanna’s story is one of perseverance, resilience, and self-discovery. It shows with hard work and determination, anything is possible. This is a book which will certainly be of interest to anyone with a penchant for memoirs, or who is simply interested in learning more about the lives of service members.