Book Review – Audrey Snyder’s Worth the Climb

I just read the most delightful book.

I say delightful because every page of Audrey Snyder’s Worth the Climb, read as if Audrey were telling me her story personally. It felt as if Audrey and I were talking over a cup of coffee and a slice of cake. And like a good slice of cake, the story was enjoyable and left me feeling satisfied at the end.

Worth the Climb is the story of Audrey Snyder’s journey from secretary to prominent business success in corporate America. Early chapters tell of Audrey’s background and upbringing. We learn about her Cherokee grandmother, whose legacy to Audrey was the grit and determined spirit that enabled her to accomplish what seemed impossible – travelling across America in a covered wagon – unchaperoned – with orphaned children in tow.

Audrey opens the door to her childhood and early marriage, inviting the reader to know and understand the people who raised her and close-knit community that shaped her. As Audrey takes the first steps of her journey, the reader already feels connected to her. It is easy to fall into step beside Audrey as she walks us through her struggles and successes.

As the story unfolds, Audrey paints a vivid picture of what life in corporate America was like for a young black American woman trying to find her way. During her journey which spans more than four decades, Audrey is continually faced with discrimination, setbacks, and frustration. Through it all, though, she draws upon her strength of character to keep her focused on her goal of corporate success.

Audrey introduces the reader to her colleagues, her friends and family, her ever-supportive husband, Nate. We see how important these people were not only to Audrey’s ultimate success, but also to her confidence and self-respect. We also get to know those who tried to stand in Audrey’s way and discourage her from attaining her goals. When Audrey confronts these naysayers, I found myself silently urging her on and cheering when she put them in their place. One of the things I like most about Audrey in these scenarios is that she always sands up for herself, no matter how bold the choice may be. In every instance, Audrey makes her point with grace and professionalism.

The narrative unfolds easily with clear and vivid detail to bring the reader into the author’s experiences. Personal reflections and motivational words from well-known historical and contemporary figures punctuate the story and provide insight and a framework for the memoir. We gain perspective about Audrey’s struggle through her own words and with the benefit of the distance of time.

Audrey’s story appeals not only to readers making their way along the path to corporate success, but to any one who facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles to a goal. She proves many times over throughout the book that hard work, perseverance, and a firm idea of what you want to accomplish will lay the framework for great success. Audrey’s tale is personal, enjoyable, and inspirational.

Worth the Climb should be on top of the reading pile for anyone working to move ahead and make change in their life, no matter what obstacles life throws in your path.

Audrey’s book, Worth the Climb is available on Amazon. Click here to grab your own copy.

You can also enter to win a copy right here! Audrey is giving away an autographed copy of her memoir, Worth the Climb, to one lucky reader along the stops of her blog tour. Enter below!

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Audrey Jane Snyder is retired after working in the corporate environment for 40+ years in the fields of human resource management and customer service.  She has also been an independent consultant specializing in on-line web based training of interpersonal skills for first line managers.  Audrey holds a BA in Business Communications and a Masters in Training and Development.  Audrey is a member of Western Pennsylvania Initiative, Greater Pittsburgh Area Communications and National Black Public Relations Society, Inc. and PennWriters Inc., The Pittsburgh East Writer’s Group.   Audrey has also served on the board of Family Resources, Inc.  Audrey has spoken as an expert at Budget Financial Seminars and recently was Keynote Speaker on Courageous Leadership- Owning your Own Success at the National Black MBA Gala.   Audrey is currently an Adjunct Professor at DeVry University.

Audrey was born and raised in the Pittsburgh, PA area lives with her husband of 44 years.  She has two adult children and two grandchildren.    This is her first book which one finalist position at the Pittsburgh Author Zone Awards.

Visit Audrey’s website at www.audreyjsnyder.com. You can also connect with her via Twitter at AudreySnyderaj@twitter.com.