Review: Unflinching Character

In this post, Vera Koo’s memoir “The Most Unlikely Champion” is reviewed by Authentic Voice for Online Book Club. The reviewer says that Vera’s shows unflinching character as she tells her story. This reviewer rates the memoir 4 out of 4 stars. Keep reading to learn more.

Vera Koo is a courageous, strong, and brave woman. Having been ignored almost all her life as a child, she developed her strong-willed personality. Her ignorance of guns pushed her to learn gun safety. That was the beginning of her sport shooting desire. It was a blow when he had a fracture and could not walk well. Vera does not withhold her inner turmoil and struggles from her readers. This downfall was going to affect her participation in the Bianchi Cup shooting competition. In the pains of life, struggles of childhood, betrayal, and victories her faith in God is not shaken. It is amazing how his husband Carlos and her two daughters Christina and Shane, and son Austin were of many blessings to her through the recovery process. That was not the only painful experience she had. The lonely and insecure father-in-law made her stay to be hell. In addition to that, the loss of her son Bryan was a big blow. Her story is not only that of a sport shooter but of a life and how we can be ‘unlikely champions’ through the challenges. Justin Pahl did a greater job in helping her write her memoirs.

Resilience, discipline, forgiveness, determination, and perseverance are some of the life lessons I picked from Vera Koo. Her ability in shooting without flinching is displayed also in all aspects of her life. Could this be the reason why she is The Most Unlikely Champion in her story? The author’s journey of faith is incredible and speaks volumes of who she is now. With an impeccable win in World Championship in Germany, Koo’s story affirms her greatest life philosophy. It is true indeed that the greatest rise can come from a painful fall.

Unflinching Character

What I like about this book is the value Vera gives to the family. It’s very unlike in our generation to see a strong woman who withstands the mental, physical and emotional pain like she did and still possesses a deep love for the family. She sets out the challenges that immigrant women face in trying to achieve their life’s goals. Through the men’s domineering world, Vera does not flinch to display the place of women in the family. She understood her role and played her part as a woman in the family. Her conservative Chinese background has influenced a lot about her value for the family.

Second. I have always loved memoirs that I can relate with and pick life lessons for my application and enjoyment. These accounts are full of that. She does not withhold lessons picked in the real estate business, in sport shooting, in family matters. The infidelity from her husband was a tragedy to her. Yet her lesson on forgiveness and healing from that is a bold move. The alternating storyline captures and sustains the desire to read through the memoirs.

I have never been to a shooting competition of any kind before. When I came across the photos, I was so much overjoyed to see what she had been talking about. The beautiful and happy family that has gone through tough times. Their smiles seem to have been refined by the challenges Koo has overcome. They have become unlikely champions.

I enjoyed my read through this book. The book is well edited. With all considerations, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I recommend this book to all women, mentors, life coaches, and lovers of sport shooting.

Purchase your copy of Vera’s memoir at Amazon or Barnes & Noble.