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Standing Strong
The Real Housewives of New Jersey star and New York Times bestselling author Teresa Giudice opens up about her tumultuous past year in her emotional new memoir Standing Strong.
In her second memoir, Teresa chronicles her life since her release from prison and what it’s been like to weather difficult times as a single mother. Though she recounts the happy memories she has experienced over the past year, she also touches upon some of the darkest times of her life, including her parents' hospitalizations for severe medical issues in late 2016, which led to the tragic passing of her mother in March of 2017. With unparalleled honesty and courage, Teresa opens up in Standing Strong in ways she never has before, showing her fans what it truly means to be a survivor.
In her second memoir, Teresa chronicles her life since her release from prison and what it’s been like to weather difficult times as a single mother. Though she recounts the happy memories she has experienced over the past year, she also touches upon some of the darkest times of her life, including her parents' hospitalizations for severe medical issues in late 2016, which led to the tragic passing of her mother in March of 2017. With unparalleled honesty and courage, Teresa opens up in Standing Strong in ways she never has before, showing her fans what it truly means to be a survivor.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2017
101 people are currently reading
765 people want to read
About the author
Teresa Giudice
8 books74 followersTeresa Giudice is an American reality television cast-member, known for starring in The Real Housewives of New Jersey. She is the daughter of Italian immigrants, grew up speaking Italian, attended Catholic school and is a graduate Berkeley College. Teresa is married to businessman Joe Giudice and they have four daughters together. In 2014, Teresa and Joe entered a guilty plea to several counts of financial fraud. Teresa was sentenced to 15-months in a federal prison.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
October 8, 2017
Don’t bother with this one. She says the same things over and over:
All of her problems are her husbands fault. She went to prison because of him. She has to raise her kids all by herself because her husband is now in prison. She has to make money. She wants to be the next Martha Stewart.
She loves yoga. She loves to cook. A lot. She has money trouble, but wears expensive clothes and takes numerous vacations. She loves, loves, loves her 4 daughters. She misses her mother who recently died. She cares for her elderly father. She blames Jacqueline Laurita for trying to ruin her life. She loves, loves, loves Dina Manzo. Caroline Manzo, not so much. She loves Donald Trump but couldn’t vote for him because she is a convicted felon. Blah, blah, blah.
She’s waiting for Joe to get released from prison before she decides if she’ll divorce him or not.
I just saved you $14. You’re welcome.
All of her problems are her husbands fault. She went to prison because of him. She has to raise her kids all by herself because her husband is now in prison. She has to make money. She wants to be the next Martha Stewart.
She loves yoga. She loves to cook. A lot. She has money trouble, but wears expensive clothes and takes numerous vacations. She loves, loves, loves her 4 daughters. She misses her mother who recently died. She cares for her elderly father. She blames Jacqueline Laurita for trying to ruin her life. She loves, loves, loves Dina Manzo. Caroline Manzo, not so much. She loves Donald Trump but couldn’t vote for him because she is a convicted felon. Blah, blah, blah.
She’s waiting for Joe to get released from prison before she decides if she’ll divorce him or not.
I just saved you $14. You’re welcome.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2017
Ohh Teresa Teresa Teresa...I understand the poor reviews here but I think they're a bit superficial and Teresa deserves more credit than she is getting.
I think that she's honest in this book for the first time and I do think she's shown that she's growing a lot as a woman. I think she had an epiphany that the way she was taught to act is clashing with her reality, which then landed her in prison. She was taught that women have their role and that role is to care for children and to trust their husbands and do as they say. Who knows if she knowingly committed fraud.. maybe she didn't and maybe this is the first time she's saying screw this, women need to be independent and I made this mistake but next time I won't because I'm going to be on top of my own business. Yes, it's the 21st century and most women know that this is the way, but I don't think she did until now.
Aside from that, I think she deserves to feel proud of her daughters and grateful that they love and seemed to have forgiven her despite all they've been through as a result of their parents choices. I acknowledge that there are a lot of single mothers out there that deserve respect, but does her being a reality star mean that she doesn't deserve the same respect as any other single mother of 4 trying to provide for her family? Or the same level of empathy as a single mother of 4 trying to provide for her family while watching the person that's gotten her through all the hard times in life die a slow death? Is it not reasonable to expect that she misses her mom? Is it not reasonable that she's pissed off she lost a year with her children and her mother because she trusted someone else. She blames Joe, but I don't think she's playing the victim.
I'm not claiming that Teresa Giudice is perfect or that this is a perfect book, but isn't it just so easy to take down the reality celebrity like she had it coming to moment she signed on to live her life in a public way? If you wanted a pulitzer prize winner you should have looked elsewhere. This is what I got out of this book: Overall I see a woman who is acknowledging her situation, busting her ass and working like crazy to try to make it right-to provide for her family, care for her ailing parents, and be a good role model/teach the hard lessons she's learned to her kids all in the midst of a hyper-critical public eye. I think she's made a big transition from a submissive wife to a stronger woman who has decided to stand up on her own two feet for once. I see a lot of growth here. Good for you Teresa.
PS Why would anyone criticize her for making nice with Danielle Staub? Because she called her a prostitution whore and flipped a table at her a decade ago? Haven't you ever said or done something you regretted while you were young and wanted to make it right?
PPS What's wrong with her doing yoga? Everyone needs a way to cope...I see this as her trying to promote a healthy coping mechanism as compared to other coping mechanisms that were shown on the RHONJ.
I think that she's honest in this book for the first time and I do think she's shown that she's growing a lot as a woman. I think she had an epiphany that the way she was taught to act is clashing with her reality, which then landed her in prison. She was taught that women have their role and that role is to care for children and to trust their husbands and do as they say. Who knows if she knowingly committed fraud.. maybe she didn't and maybe this is the first time she's saying screw this, women need to be independent and I made this mistake but next time I won't because I'm going to be on top of my own business. Yes, it's the 21st century and most women know that this is the way, but I don't think she did until now.
Aside from that, I think she deserves to feel proud of her daughters and grateful that they love and seemed to have forgiven her despite all they've been through as a result of their parents choices. I acknowledge that there are a lot of single mothers out there that deserve respect, but does her being a reality star mean that she doesn't deserve the same respect as any other single mother of 4 trying to provide for her family? Or the same level of empathy as a single mother of 4 trying to provide for her family while watching the person that's gotten her through all the hard times in life die a slow death? Is it not reasonable to expect that she misses her mom? Is it not reasonable that she's pissed off she lost a year with her children and her mother because she trusted someone else. She blames Joe, but I don't think she's playing the victim.
I'm not claiming that Teresa Giudice is perfect or that this is a perfect book, but isn't it just so easy to take down the reality celebrity like she had it coming to moment she signed on to live her life in a public way? If you wanted a pulitzer prize winner you should have looked elsewhere. This is what I got out of this book: Overall I see a woman who is acknowledging her situation, busting her ass and working like crazy to try to make it right-to provide for her family, care for her ailing parents, and be a good role model/teach the hard lessons she's learned to her kids all in the midst of a hyper-critical public eye. I think she's made a big transition from a submissive wife to a stronger woman who has decided to stand up on her own two feet for once. I see a lot of growth here. Good for you Teresa.
PS Why would anyone criticize her for making nice with Danielle Staub? Because she called her a prostitution whore and flipped a table at her a decade ago? Haven't you ever said or done something you regretted while you were young and wanted to make it right?
PPS What's wrong with her doing yoga? Everyone needs a way to cope...I see this as her trying to promote a healthy coping mechanism as compared to other coping mechanisms that were shown on the RHONJ.
October 13, 2017
This book is terrible. Who the heck condone this to even go to print? She says the same things over and over again. Never takes accountability for her own actions and puts blame on everyone else. Save your money. This book sucks.
November 18, 2017
This book was actually quite entertaining!!! There were the high moments and the low moments, some annoying, some really sad and tearful. I am definitely a fan of what I would call the psychology of people. I love tuning in to reality TV and trying to figure out the why of how people act - totally fascinating!! Obviously The Giudice situation in unique. And you would only read this book if you actually liked her on the TV show...why else would one want to read this?? Because then you will just hate on her because her deal is stressful!!
I read Teresa's first book about her time in prison, it was good. But, I actually liked this one a lot more. Maybe it was more personal and held quite a tribute to her parents, which I found very endearing!! The story basically started when her husband went to prison and told her day to day moving forward.
I read Teresa's first book about her time in prison, it was good. But, I actually liked this one a lot more. Maybe it was more personal and held quite a tribute to her parents, which I found very endearing!! The story basically started when her husband went to prison and told her day to day moving forward.
October 2, 2024
girl what are you going on about
December 27, 2017
ADMISSION TO THE HUMAN ZOO: STANDING STRONG BY TERESA GIUDICE
First off, I am starting this post off by explaining the plot to a tv show episode that will allow this headline to make sense. Yes, I know, it's a sad day when I have to explain myself, but this will all make sense shortly.
Theresa just called Danielle a 'prostitution whore' because Danielle just told her to 'pay attention.' Because that's what you do... This is the final episode of series one, shortly after a book is placed on the table (eek!).
Seth McFarlane (who I am not a huge fan of to begin with) has a show on right now called The Orville. Think of it like a funny, light version of Star Trek. And while they tackle some social issues, it's really just about light-hearted space travel in a universe with a laugh track. Enter the Human Zoo. One of the episodes has a plotline where creatures are brought to a place and are fodder for a race that thinks they are smarter and better than everyone else (including the Orville's captain). While they cannot escape, some of the members of the crew are able to negotiate the release of the Orville crewmembers by providing them with some amazing historic records--namely every episode of Real Housewives and the Bachelor. I don't watch the latter, but the former has the New Jersey table flipping episode that they actually show ON THE SHOW!
So when I watched that, I was laughing hysterically and telling my husband that my tv addiction looks like it is lasting compared to his tv show. When they actually refer to the series as a human zoo on the episode, my husband decided to take that and use it occasionally when I mull over things about the RH franchise.
However, as a fan of the franchise, who has read more than a few of the memoirs these ladies put out, I feel like Standing Strong by Teresa Giudice (out today!) is really the only ticket to that of a human zoo, and I want the money I paid for admission BACK, please.
JUDGING A BOOK BY ITS COVER
The cover is positioned as such to show that she has taken up yoga, that she's the busy mom of four daughters and that she still knows how to be dressy and fabulous (I can only imagine the bottle of wine in the lower right hand corner is some derivative of Fabellini beverage). And there's pasta because Teresa always makes her own recipes and no one else knows how to make her parents recipes like she can. The fonts are nice, and it looks to be a mix between what she is doing to stay strong and possibly a way to use yoga to clean your house?
THE WHOLE STORY
Teresa fills in everyone about the events happening after her last memoir (Turning the Tables) in Standing Strong. She begins by talking about how anti Joe Giudice she is--that's the husband she's stood by, and gone to prison for trusting. Teresa states that she would not have gone to prison had Joe not dropped the ball--that she would have been able to stay at home with her daughters and parents had he just kept up with the laws and their taxes.
She also talks about having sick parents, and caring for said parents...and sadly the process of losing one of those parents. She speaks of family--both repairing the bond with her brother (and his wife) as well as the relationship she has with each of her talented and busy daughters. She talks about meeting up with Danielle Staub (the woman she called a 'prostituion whore' and flipped a table at) for yoga and reconciling. She additionally talks about her warm friendship and support she has received from the entire Trump family.
Those who finish the book will be rewarded with pictures that she's probably shared on Instagram, or that you can see on the better RHONJ gossip sites. The basic theme of this book is: 'Single Momma has to make BANK.'
MY THOUGHTS
I was really looking forward to this book. I'd heard that there was some trouble, because Teresa didn't want to pay for any advanced press. She felt like she could not afford it, and also that the book would be advantageous for anyone who wanted to pony up their resources. I feel like this is more of the old Teresa and not the evolved Yoga-touting Teresa we've been promised.
As in previous iterations, she blames others (mostly Joe and a tiny bit Jacqueline) for her own issues and at no point does she take ownership of her part--she thinks that you should believe your husband and that Jacqueline spearheaded a really long battle to bring Teresa down. She is downright nasty to her sister in law, Melissa (as per usual) in regards to a cake purchased for her birthday, Melissa's not getting a gift for Teresa for said birthday and for not visiting Joe in prison.
There are additionally a few odd choices Giudice (and her coauthor Emily Liebert) make in the course of this book. There are a LOT of posts copied from Instagram, that she mentions ARE from Instagram, but are not pictured. Since Instagram is usually a picture based app, I would expect those pictures to be shown. I also wonder if all the places she name drops are sponsors of her brand or her Instagram (like when she posts about some health box she gets for free). She also makes sure to talk about her philanthropy, almost as if she's compiling a character-trait based resume. She quotes 65-75% of an alphabet her youngest daughter created for a Mother's day gift, espousing all of her amazing traits. It's cute, but why would you want to post almost all of it, especially if it is so special? It feels like space-filler.
Teresa also adds a lot of poetry from unknown sources, and quotes Ave Maria, which, while lovely, is just a little odd. Having read other pieces of her work, it feels like its not cohesive. The pictures in the back of the book ARE from Social media, but do not match up with the pointed social media posts referenced earlier. It makes no sense.
The book released today, and is available from your favorite retailer. But I'd say wait until you can find this at the library--or on a kindle deal for $0.99 if you're a HUGE fan. Otherwise, this is totally skippable. This had a lot of potential, but ended up falling flatter than a housewives hair after an appointment at Chateau...
First off, I am starting this post off by explaining the plot to a tv show episode that will allow this headline to make sense. Yes, I know, it's a sad day when I have to explain myself, but this will all make sense shortly.
Theresa just called Danielle a 'prostitution whore' because Danielle just told her to 'pay attention.' Because that's what you do... This is the final episode of series one, shortly after a book is placed on the table (eek!).
Seth McFarlane (who I am not a huge fan of to begin with) has a show on right now called The Orville. Think of it like a funny, light version of Star Trek. And while they tackle some social issues, it's really just about light-hearted space travel in a universe with a laugh track. Enter the Human Zoo. One of the episodes has a plotline where creatures are brought to a place and are fodder for a race that thinks they are smarter and better than everyone else (including the Orville's captain). While they cannot escape, some of the members of the crew are able to negotiate the release of the Orville crewmembers by providing them with some amazing historic records--namely every episode of Real Housewives and the Bachelor. I don't watch the latter, but the former has the New Jersey table flipping episode that they actually show ON THE SHOW!
So when I watched that, I was laughing hysterically and telling my husband that my tv addiction looks like it is lasting compared to his tv show. When they actually refer to the series as a human zoo on the episode, my husband decided to take that and use it occasionally when I mull over things about the RH franchise.
However, as a fan of the franchise, who has read more than a few of the memoirs these ladies put out, I feel like Standing Strong by Teresa Giudice (out today!) is really the only ticket to that of a human zoo, and I want the money I paid for admission BACK, please.
JUDGING A BOOK BY ITS COVER
The cover is positioned as such to show that she has taken up yoga, that she's the busy mom of four daughters and that she still knows how to be dressy and fabulous (I can only imagine the bottle of wine in the lower right hand corner is some derivative of Fabellini beverage). And there's pasta because Teresa always makes her own recipes and no one else knows how to make her parents recipes like she can. The fonts are nice, and it looks to be a mix between what she is doing to stay strong and possibly a way to use yoga to clean your house?
THE WHOLE STORY
Teresa fills in everyone about the events happening after her last memoir (Turning the Tables) in Standing Strong. She begins by talking about how anti Joe Giudice she is--that's the husband she's stood by, and gone to prison for trusting. Teresa states that she would not have gone to prison had Joe not dropped the ball--that she would have been able to stay at home with her daughters and parents had he just kept up with the laws and their taxes.
She also talks about having sick parents, and caring for said parents...and sadly the process of losing one of those parents. She speaks of family--both repairing the bond with her brother (and his wife) as well as the relationship she has with each of her talented and busy daughters. She talks about meeting up with Danielle Staub (the woman she called a 'prostituion whore' and flipped a table at) for yoga and reconciling. She additionally talks about her warm friendship and support she has received from the entire Trump family.
Those who finish the book will be rewarded with pictures that she's probably shared on Instagram, or that you can see on the better RHONJ gossip sites. The basic theme of this book is: 'Single Momma has to make BANK.'
MY THOUGHTS
I was really looking forward to this book. I'd heard that there was some trouble, because Teresa didn't want to pay for any advanced press. She felt like she could not afford it, and also that the book would be advantageous for anyone who wanted to pony up their resources. I feel like this is more of the old Teresa and not the evolved Yoga-touting Teresa we've been promised.
As in previous iterations, she blames others (mostly Joe and a tiny bit Jacqueline) for her own issues and at no point does she take ownership of her part--she thinks that you should believe your husband and that Jacqueline spearheaded a really long battle to bring Teresa down. She is downright nasty to her sister in law, Melissa (as per usual) in regards to a cake purchased for her birthday, Melissa's not getting a gift for Teresa for said birthday and for not visiting Joe in prison.
There are additionally a few odd choices Giudice (and her coauthor Emily Liebert) make in the course of this book. There are a LOT of posts copied from Instagram, that she mentions ARE from Instagram, but are not pictured. Since Instagram is usually a picture based app, I would expect those pictures to be shown. I also wonder if all the places she name drops are sponsors of her brand or her Instagram (like when she posts about some health box she gets for free). She also makes sure to talk about her philanthropy, almost as if she's compiling a character-trait based resume. She quotes 65-75% of an alphabet her youngest daughter created for a Mother's day gift, espousing all of her amazing traits. It's cute, but why would you want to post almost all of it, especially if it is so special? It feels like space-filler.
Teresa also adds a lot of poetry from unknown sources, and quotes Ave Maria, which, while lovely, is just a little odd. Having read other pieces of her work, it feels like its not cohesive. The pictures in the back of the book ARE from Social media, but do not match up with the pointed social media posts referenced earlier. It makes no sense.
The book released today, and is available from your favorite retailer. But I'd say wait until you can find this at the library--or on a kindle deal for $0.99 if you're a HUGE fan. Otherwise, this is totally skippable. This had a lot of potential, but ended up falling flatter than a housewives hair after an appointment at Chateau...
Read
October 13, 2017I don’t know what to say or how to dignify this choice of book with a rating. Of course I had to read it, because I am drawn to the Housewives like a fly to shit. This wasn’t very good, even by Bravolebrity standards. I can only hope my money goes to a Giudice girl’s college fund.
October 24, 2017
so apparently she's was 'just a housewife' that's why it wasn't her fault.
it was a bit boring and repetitive. she's kinda delusional. saying how strong she is but then making it a giant pity party. such a bad book.b
it was a bit boring and repetitive. she's kinda delusional. saying how strong she is but then making it a giant pity party. such a bad book.b
November 22, 2017
I’ll save you some time. She complains about how it’s all her husbands fault that she went to prison. She tells you how great her kids are to point of making me want to scream I get it Lady! And she tells everyone how awesome her 10,000 square foot home is. Save your money! I wish I would have!!
October 24, 2017
It seems like in this book Teresa has realized the shit has hit the fan now that Joe is locked up and quite frankly she's pissed off at the situation he put her and her children in. She goes IN on him.
People like to whine that Teresa hasn't owned up to what she did and blames everyone else - you know what? She did her time in prison and is well within her right to blame Joe - he dug their grave with a backhoe, Teresa helped with a spade. I genuinely feel bad for her. She has four children and an ailing father to take care of since her mother died and she doesn't want her father living alone...it clearly isn't easy. Girlfriend also has to hustle to pay the bills and support her children since Joe can't and doesn't supply a dime while he's locked up.
While I wish Tre would go back to cookbooks I do think that this whole experience has been a slap back to reality for her and I enjoy reading what she has to say.
My only complaint is the stupid Donald Trump chapter. It really didn't fit. We get it Tre, you were on Celebrity Apprentice and think he's great. *eyeroll*
Otherwise a solid Bravo-lebrity memoir!
People like to whine that Teresa hasn't owned up to what she did and blames everyone else - you know what? She did her time in prison and is well within her right to blame Joe - he dug their grave with a backhoe, Teresa helped with a spade. I genuinely feel bad for her. She has four children and an ailing father to take care of since her mother died and she doesn't want her father living alone...it clearly isn't easy. Girlfriend also has to hustle to pay the bills and support her children since Joe can't and doesn't supply a dime while he's locked up.
While I wish Tre would go back to cookbooks I do think that this whole experience has been a slap back to reality for her and I enjoy reading what she has to say.
My only complaint is the stupid Donald Trump chapter. It really didn't fit. We get it Tre, you were on Celebrity Apprentice and think he's great. *eyeroll*
Otherwise a solid Bravo-lebrity memoir!
February 23, 2019
So, I kind of hate-read housewife books. Well, it was MUCH better than the last one. Her ghost writer was much better on this one. She tells it like it is (or how we all pretty much knew even though she denied it). I keep my expectations low and was surprised with this one. It got old that they kept reprinting jnstagram messages and things like that to fill space. They included the words to Ave Maria with a translation for you. 🙄
March 6, 2018
I have always thought Teresa seemed like such a fun loving person!
To be honest I have only seen bits and pieces of Real Housewives of NJ, but the parts I did see were great! She has such a great personality and seems pretty down to earth for the most part.
This second memoir touched on her life after prison and wow, it has not been a walk in the park for her. Between her husband going away from 4 years, her mother's passing and the hectic life of a single mom of 4 girls,she has her hands full.
This book tells about her raw innermost feelings. She doesn't hold back and that's another thing I love about her. She tells it like it is!
If you are a fan or have been in the past I highly recommend this book, you will really enjoy it.
To be honest I have only seen bits and pieces of Real Housewives of NJ, but the parts I did see were great! She has such a great personality and seems pretty down to earth for the most part.
This second memoir touched on her life after prison and wow, it has not been a walk in the park for her. Between her husband going away from 4 years, her mother's passing and the hectic life of a single mom of 4 girls,she has her hands full.
This book tells about her raw innermost feelings. She doesn't hold back and that's another thing I love about her. She tells it like it is!
If you are a fan or have been in the past I highly recommend this book, you will really enjoy it.
November 25, 2017
After reading (and laughing at) Teresa's last book, I couldn't resist picking this up when I saw it at the library. It was just as bad as I expected, but on the plus side it was actually much better than her other book.
Teresa is still a spoiled, rich, and superficial woman with minimal brain cells, but now she is finally being honest. She sugarcoated everything in her first book, but she is finally admitting that she's furious at her husband and fully blames him for everything. It's about time! Whether she is right to put all the blame on him or not, at least she is finally exhibiting real feelings about her time in prison instead of calling it "camp".
But, she really needs to stop trying to convince people that she is broke only to turn around and buy expensive things and go on extravagant vacations. I lost count at the number of times I rolled my eyes while she lamented about having no money but hey, let's rent a house on the beach and have a tropical vacation for a month!
Teresa is still a spoiled, rich, and superficial woman with minimal brain cells, but now she is finally being honest. She sugarcoated everything in her first book, but she is finally admitting that she's furious at her husband and fully blames him for everything. It's about time! Whether she is right to put all the blame on him or not, at least she is finally exhibiting real feelings about her time in prison instead of calling it "camp".
But, she really needs to stop trying to convince people that she is broke only to turn around and buy expensive things and go on extravagant vacations. I lost count at the number of times I rolled my eyes while she lamented about having no money but hey, let's rent a house on the beach and have a tropical vacation for a month!
December 20, 2017
Sooo in this book Teresa calls Europe a country, she puts down her husband and his family, she complains about having to be on tv on her birthday, she complains that she’s had to downsize because of their convictions, and whose fault is it? Well sure isn’t hers, nope even though she was in prison she says she is NOT a criminal? She complains because her sister in law dared to get her a birthday cake with zebra stripes on it! Ugh how ugly!!! No gratitude for anything, takes everything for granted, complains about things that people would give their right arm to complain about, totally comes across as a spoiled ungrateful little brat!
January 22, 2018
Selfish and without a clue
This woman is self centered, selfish and without a clue. Stop maintaining a lifestyle you can't afford, stop composing about what millions of women do on a daily without help and get a life. Ashamed I bought the stupid book.
This woman is self centered, selfish and without a clue. Stop maintaining a lifestyle you can't afford, stop composing about what millions of women do on a daily without help and get a life. Ashamed I bought the stupid book.
September 5, 2019
Brave and intriguing! Couldn’t put it down!
September 15, 2024
this was the worst book ever, I loved it
February 12, 2018
As with most books I've read by Real Housewives, I have a lot of random feelings about this book.
1. This is Teresa at her most honest. There's no reality-show sheen to her thoughts in this book. She's cussing; she's finally talking about the BS her husband helped put her through; and she's just a bit delusional as well, blaming everyone and everything else for her legal problems (Joe, her lawyers, her notoriety) while proclaiming that she owns her mistakes. It's ridiculous, but it at least makes the book highly readable and occasionally fun.
2. There is an entire motherfucking chapter about how kind, charitable, understanding, supportive, and welcoming Donald Trump and his children are. In this same chapter, Teresa has the balls to write, "I don't understand why [Hillary Clinton] didn't get in trouble for all those e-mails she sent. Why did I get in trouble and she didn't? It doesn't make any sense to me." Now... I could break this down, but it's pointless. It gives you a sense of Teresa's head space as she put this book together. Also in that same chapter, I got a hearty laugh out of this passage: "[Mr. Trump] and Joe hit it off immediately. It was like they'd been friends for years." Consider where your husband is right now, Teresa. Rethink this statement.
3. I read this in a couple hours. It's beyond simplistic, and the length is almost laughable. The publisher should be ashamed of themselves for charging $26.00 for a hardcover of a small (5.5x8in), embarrassingly short (the narrative ends on page 214) book. It's an empty book, though, so it's not surprising. Not enough time passed and not enough happened between the writing of this and her last book. While some of the events were surely monumental to Teresa and her family, they're not enough to write a whole book about: going to visit Joe a couple times, her mother passing away, her daughter turning 16, another receiving her first Communion... they're family milestones, but they're not enough to write a memoir about. It makes the whole thing feel like a very obvious cash grab (which isn't helped by Teresa constantly reminding us that she needs to make money).
4. Speaking of, there is so little of substance here that I often found myself rolling my eyes. There are entire Instagram captions reposted from her daughters' accounts. There are at least a half dozen poems by unknown authors, the kind which you see your parents sharing on Facebook, typed over a stock photo of a sunset or a breaking wave or rolling clouds. Three entire pages are devoted to the words of the Ave Maria. Pages upon pages are Teresa typing out handwritten letters, cards, or school projects her seven, eleven, and twelve year old girls make for her.
5. Also included: detailed descriptions of seemingly every outfit Teresa wore in the year-plus this book takes place over, a list of menu items at her brother's now-closed Italian restaurant, and several repetitions, just in case you weren't sure, of the fact that she is now a "single mother" and doing it all herself... because her husband is in prison and her mother passed. It gets exhausting reading the same thing over and over, which is no small feat considering how short Standing Strong is.
6. Teresa definitely focused on it way too much, but I will say that reading about her mother's final weeks was heartbreaking and genuinely affecting. In those chapters, the "Teresa Giudice" persona, whether that be of the glamorous RHONJ star or the yogi single mom doing it all, drops away, and it's just a sweet, sad recounting of a daughter's last days with her mom.
1. This is Teresa at her most honest. There's no reality-show sheen to her thoughts in this book. She's cussing; she's finally talking about the BS her husband helped put her through; and she's just a bit delusional as well, blaming everyone and everything else for her legal problems (Joe, her lawyers, her notoriety) while proclaiming that she owns her mistakes. It's ridiculous, but it at least makes the book highly readable and occasionally fun.
2. There is an entire motherfucking chapter about how kind, charitable, understanding, supportive, and welcoming Donald Trump and his children are. In this same chapter, Teresa has the balls to write, "I don't understand why [Hillary Clinton] didn't get in trouble for all those e-mails she sent. Why did I get in trouble and she didn't? It doesn't make any sense to me." Now... I could break this down, but it's pointless. It gives you a sense of Teresa's head space as she put this book together. Also in that same chapter, I got a hearty laugh out of this passage: "[Mr. Trump] and Joe hit it off immediately. It was like they'd been friends for years." Consider where your husband is right now, Teresa. Rethink this statement.
3. I read this in a couple hours. It's beyond simplistic, and the length is almost laughable. The publisher should be ashamed of themselves for charging $26.00 for a hardcover of a small (5.5x8in), embarrassingly short (the narrative ends on page 214) book. It's an empty book, though, so it's not surprising. Not enough time passed and not enough happened between the writing of this and her last book. While some of the events were surely monumental to Teresa and her family, they're not enough to write a whole book about: going to visit Joe a couple times, her mother passing away, her daughter turning 16, another receiving her first Communion... they're family milestones, but they're not enough to write a memoir about. It makes the whole thing feel like a very obvious cash grab (which isn't helped by Teresa constantly reminding us that she needs to make money).
4. Speaking of, there is so little of substance here that I often found myself rolling my eyes. There are entire Instagram captions reposted from her daughters' accounts. There are at least a half dozen poems by unknown authors, the kind which you see your parents sharing on Facebook, typed over a stock photo of a sunset or a breaking wave or rolling clouds. Three entire pages are devoted to the words of the Ave Maria. Pages upon pages are Teresa typing out handwritten letters, cards, or school projects her seven, eleven, and twelve year old girls make for her.
5. Also included: detailed descriptions of seemingly every outfit Teresa wore in the year-plus this book takes place over, a list of menu items at her brother's now-closed Italian restaurant, and several repetitions, just in case you weren't sure, of the fact that she is now a "single mother" and doing it all herself... because her husband is in prison and her mother passed. It gets exhausting reading the same thing over and over, which is no small feat considering how short Standing Strong is.
6. Teresa definitely focused on it way too much, but I will say that reading about her mother's final weeks was heartbreaking and genuinely affecting. In those chapters, the "Teresa Giudice" persona, whether that be of the glamorous RHONJ star or the yogi single mom doing it all, drops away, and it's just a sweet, sad recounting of a daughter's last days with her mom.
October 4, 2017
Save your money, read exerpts
Unfortunately, I read the tabloid excerpts before the book came out. They were interesting, so I bought the book. Then learned nothing new. Could have saved the money. Oh well, contributed to the Giudice legal fund...
Unfortunately, I read the tabloid excerpts before the book came out. They were interesting, so I bought the book. Then learned nothing new. Could have saved the money. Oh well, contributed to the Giudice legal fund...
October 16, 2017
It was just OK. I was getting annoyed with her "poor me" attitude, repeatedly expressing how she does everything on her own and is a "single" mom. She repeated many times how this was all her husband's fault and how she is 100% innocent. Because I don't want to give her any of my money, I didn't buy the book but rather checked it out from the library.
I feel bad that she lost her mom so suddenly. Having lost my dad 13 years ago, I understand how devastating it is.
She tends to pat herself on the back quite a bit, which was getting repetitive as well. There are thousands (maybe millions) of single parents out there who do it all, too, who manage with a lot less than what she has. She obviously has the money, she should hire some help.
I feel bad that she lost her mom so suddenly. Having lost my dad 13 years ago, I understand how devastating it is.
She tends to pat herself on the back quite a bit, which was getting repetitive as well. There are thousands (maybe millions) of single parents out there who do it all, too, who manage with a lot less than what she has. She obviously has the money, she should hire some help.
October 31, 2017
She remains delusional.
She is responsible for everything that has happened in her past yet she just does not get it.
This book is repetitive to the point of being obnoxious.
I would not give $1 to this criminal. I borrowed the book from my library.
She is responsible for everything that has happened in her past yet she just does not get it.
This book is repetitive to the point of being obnoxious.
I would not give $1 to this criminal. I borrowed the book from my library.
February 13, 2018
I’m a huge housewives fan, but this book is horrible. Teresa likes Trump because he was nice to her on Celebrity Apprentice- enough said.
September 6, 2018
Just awful, and she's a Trump supporter. Enough said.
March 24, 2020
I’m a fan of RHONJ but I did not like this book. It was poorly written and very repetitive. I couldn’t wait to be done with it.
October 18, 2017
Teresa Giudice takes on a different tone in this second book after her release from prison. She describes the heartache of losing her mother and worrying about her father's health, how she is faring with her husband now serving his prison sentence, what the future holds for her and husband upon his release and how she has had to step up her game in his absence.
Teresa finally shows readers that her life is not all perfect as one would believe. She also harbors a lot of anger toward her husband, not only for his actions which led to their jail sentences, but also the spiraling path he was on while she served her sentence.
The read was fast and the parts related to her mother's failing health were filled with sadness. It was interesting to hear Teresa's accusations against her husband, as in the past she only shot down any negativity regarding the pair.
Teresa finally shows readers that her life is not all perfect as one would believe. She also harbors a lot of anger toward her husband, not only for his actions which led to their jail sentences, but also the spiraling path he was on while she served her sentence.
The read was fast and the parts related to her mother's failing health were filled with sadness. It was interesting to hear Teresa's accusations against her husband, as in the past she only shot down any negativity regarding the pair.
December 13, 2021
Life is a roller coaster, and you have to ride the highs and the lows all the same. Teresa has found the root of her happiness, her children, and nothing will ever change that. Life is short, and you never know what tomorrow will bring. She has never given up, and is still standing strong.
October 16, 2020
This was a fun, easy read.
September 28, 2022
Wow I love Teresa and the RHWONJ. I love how open and honest she is and the real heart felt emotion from losing her mum
December 1, 2017
Being a Bravo/Real Housewives junkie, I had to read Teresa's latest novel. It's always interesting to me to read about Bravolebrities' daily lives, as I feel like we all know them well from the TV shows.
It was sad to read about Teresa's mother's health struggles. I did not realize she had so many issues before her death. It has to be hard for her family. It's also nice to hear her speak kindly about the girls and their pitching in when the family has been going through so much.
Otherwise, the rest of the book was a constant stream of thought about her hating Joe and how he put her and her family in the financial/prison situation they're currently dealing with. She also is a little unkind to Melissa at some points, despite saying they are A-OK. At just about 200 pages, I finished it in a day, so it's a quick read if you want an update on Teresa's life.
It was sad to read about Teresa's mother's health struggles. I did not realize she had so many issues before her death. It has to be hard for her family. It's also nice to hear her speak kindly about the girls and their pitching in when the family has been going through so much.
Otherwise, the rest of the book was a constant stream of thought about her hating Joe and how he put her and her family in the financial/prison situation they're currently dealing with. She also is a little unkind to Melissa at some points, despite saying they are A-OK. At just about 200 pages, I finished it in a day, so it's a quick read if you want an update on Teresa's life.
October 19, 2017
I like Teresa, have read all her books, she is a hard worker and I appreciate her honesty in this book. Tv severely altered her life, let's hope in the end it was worth it, we have been voyeuristic to many changes, I wish her a happy and peaceful life.
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