The Battle Is Not Yours

By Jasmine Bunton and Rita J. Bunton

This book is an inspiring true story of a life transformed, but if you did not know that it is based on actual events, you might readily believe that it is a novel, destined to be fashioned into a made-for- TV movie and promoted on talk shows. Certainly its author deserves the attention. With extraordinary effort and an abiding trust in God, Rita J. Bunton transformed her life. Instead of succumbing to heroin addiction, which appeared likely, she found the strength to change everything. She not only got out of an abusive relationship, with her four young children in hand, but she enrolled in college, earned her degree, and eventually became a newspaper reporter, writer, and public information director. Her story is both remarkable and uplifting. What makes it more amazing is that it is true.
When readers first meet Jasmine Armstead, she is a young girl. One of four children of a divorced and emotionally distant mother, growing up poor in Jackson, Michigan, she is kept in line by her grandmother. Jasmine was an honors student until high school, by the time she graduated, her grades had fallen and she was pregnant. She got married at nineteen and was a mother of four (including twins) by the age of twenty-one. Her life spiraled quickly downhill and hit bottom after seven years of heroin use. Broke, desperate, and abused, she prayed to be saved--and her life reversed its seemingly inevitable course. This is an inspiring book. Although its appeal is universal, it has particular allure for women. Portraying four generations in matrilineal relationships that are always loving, if not always warm, it vividly depicts the importance of family--for better and for worse. However, in the end, this is a story about faith: in God, in oneself, and in redemption. It will resonate with readers long after they have closed its covers.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0870137999
• ISBN13: 9780870137990
• Release Date: February 2007
• Publisher: Michigan State University Press
• Length: 418 Pages
• Weight: 2.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.3" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

The Battle is Not Yours by Rita J. Bunton is Worth Reading!

A very descriptive and honest book. The author does a great job telling her heartfelt story. It's like you were there going through the journey with her. It's definitely excellent book club material!

Phenomenal Read!

What a phenomenal read. It was as if you were actually in the room. Rita's ability to so vividly describe her surroundings is uncanny. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy a good personal story. Kudos to author Rita Bunton for exercising her creative license to produce a well writen, vivid depcition of a young black girl's struggle to find strength, peace and happiness within.

A winning story

Bunton's narrative gives the reader an inside look at mid-western small town life in the 1950s and 60s. Through her story the reader can view the issues of race, gender and class in their full complexity, as they were lived. Through the story of this resilient woman one sees hope, ambition and determination.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Mrs. Bunton, I was just informed that you have completed your first book and I toss my hat off to you for your accomplishments. I cannot wait to finish reading this book. I'm not sure if you are aware, but hopefully this year I'll have a published novel as well as a series of books that are in the works. I cannot wait to tell all friends and family to go out and buy your work. You have given me more inspiration than ever to keep pursuing my dream of becoming a published author. I can't wait to see results of your labor. Oprah hasn't seen nothing yet. Jackson, Michigan will be on the map once and for all. Thanks again for the inspiration Wendy Little, member of Motown Writers (hometown: Jackson, Michigan); Lansing, Michigan 1984-2003; Presently Residing in Livonia, Michian