I got to read this book and could not stop. This book shares a perspective seldom known about life in America - I sure had no idea. I was shocked by the way women lived, were treated and acted and I was amazed to see the author realize the terrible truths in her life, face them and then overcome them. I am used to an America where the main candidates in the presidential election were a woman Senator, an African American Senator, a wonam governor and a war hero senator - the only white man on either ticket - how far America has come in such a short period of time. This book tells me how so many women faced and overcame the terible family, cultural and moral roadblocks that few people face today. The story reads like a novel, but it is true, and when Gussie confronts her own issues and the surprising issues in her life - head on, as I'm sure she would, she tells us how she was able to form a wonderful family, a wonderful life. It is in the end, a positive story, that many young people should read, so that they will know how much better their own lives are due to the actions, sacrifices and decisions made by those who came before them. I have a lot more respect for those who came before me and for all that they overcame and how much better my life is because of the countless millions who made the US, Oregon and Gresham such a great place to in which to live.

Thanks Gussie, everyone should read this warming story we will not be the same, once we've read your wonderful memoir!

Gussie McRobert's no-nonsense style of telling her story is true Gussie, as this story unfolds you will be drawn into a true story of survival. This story is compelling and note worthy, Gussie blazed trails for women in her personal and professional life and I know this to be true, because I witnessed it.

I had the honor of being mentored by Gussie and served on the Gresham City Council with her.   Now, knowing the whole story of Gussie's life gives me a far greater appreciation for the hope, recovery and success that has made her the woman she is today.  

Gussie McRobert, Gresham’s most memorable mayor, has been telling me for months that she was working on a book---and she even warned me about the subject. Still, I wasn’t prepared for what landed on my desk this week when McRobert dropped off a copy of the finished product. The title of the autobiography—”From Hell & Back: Survive and Thrive” -- may sound like an exaggeration, but it’s not. The story of McRobert’s life is a journey from a cruel and accursed beginning to, as she puts it, an ending of “hope, recovery and success.”

Gussie McRobert's book, From Hell and Back Survive and Thrive, was, especially, impacting for me because we're friends and I've experienced many events in her life with her! However, many of the influences that directed her achievements to her goals in the end really awakened me to the depth of her struggles! It's a story that you can't put aside! Her goals for the rights of women, I share because I've raised three daughters and have struggled myself for the right of choice! Read it! You'll be inspired!

From Hell and Back is a poignant story exposing the pain and bewilderment of a child less than loved by her mother and the unhappiness that followed. There is a constant quest for understanding how the early years of her life affected her self worth. When the dark secrets are brought into the light, the journey to emotional healing began. Gussie McRobert's compelling story is told with tremendous courage.

Gussie's story about women's household slavery in the 1900's, her abusive family tree, and the way she transformed into a popular Mayor are inspirational. McRobert is known for her contributions to Gresham OR as Mayor for 10 years, but until I read her book I had no idea that her success came from overcoming horrific early years.

This book explores how women were treated as household slaves at the turn of the century, and how that hopelessness affected Gussie's mother, who then took it out on her unwanted daughter. Later, Gussie's experiences in school and meeting her second husband allowed her to heal, and move forward.

I'm glad I read this book!

I have lived in Gresham Oregon for 42 years and knew of Gussie McRobert from a distance for most of that time and as a neighbor for the last 6 years. When I learned she had published a book about her life I was curious and wanted to read it. I'll start by saying I have read the book twice. It's not long, 12 chapters, just 212 pages, and many pages of photos to help provide a visual of the main characters. The writing style was a little disjointed for me through some of the early chapters, but once I was on board with the cast the reading smoothed out and kept my interest. The details are unique to Gussie, as she exposes her life story to the public, but the reasons for writing the book are very similar to others, it's a catharsis. That is, it allows the writer to expel, if you will, the emotions that have built up over a period of time. Not all of us want to do that, have the ability to do that, would take the time to do that, but Gussie has and provides this vehicle for readers to get on board and ride the emotional train. There is a passion in the writing that has been exhibited in Gussies life from childhood through her various careers. She put 100% into each occupation she chose. There are some issues critical to the book that get repeated to many times for this reader, but that is the choice made by the writer. Another interest for me are the bits of history about the State of Oregon and the City of Gresham that are incorporated into a sort of behind the scenes picture of events. I'm trying to do this without dealing in details as one could get caught up with each chapter and wind up with another book. I even have relatives mentioned in the book, and possibly my wife's picture as she skied with the Gresham Get Aways in bygone years. I would like to think the book captures a long courageous life, filled with family and friends and brings closure in many ways for Norma Jean (Augustus)McRobert. I may have to read this book one more time to figure out how she got the name of Gussie. To the best of my recollection she doesn't spell that out. My congratulations go out to the writer for putting on paper her life of hope, recovery and success.