I didn’t start shooting until I was 49 years old. I was intimidated by many things, just one of those things being that most women shooters I saw were young, even teenagers. Was I too old to play this sport? As a researcher, I started looking for older women who began shooting later in life and I happened upon champion shooter Vera Koo and found her inspiring. So, when I got the chance to review her second book, “Wisdom and Things: Essays From An Unlikely Champion,” I felt excited for the opportunity to learn even more about her. I came to realize that we shared something in common – as two women who came to the shooting sports later in life.
這本書與大多數回憶錄不同的一個地方是，它不依時間順序，而是歸類編排， 因此，敘述雖會在年份順序上忽前忽後，但每篇文章都各從其類：
- 成為冠軍
- 愈挫愈勇
- 宗教信仰、哲學思想、內省關照
- 行旅心得
在方蓁身上我們最早發現的一件事是：無何可以阻止她——性別歧視不可，種 族歧視也不可，年齡歧視更不可；她大可以對所處境遇發牢騷、憤憤不平、懷 怨在心，然而她不以為為意、絲毫不受影響。這是我們何等的典範！
她散發的另一項啟示，我也極其欣賞、能夠心起共鳴——也就是她自認自己乃 是學生個性，非傳道授業之人。也有很多女性要我拜我為師，我很榮幸她們覺 得我有此能耐，但我心知教學非我所長；讀到方蓁泰然如此聲明時，我安心了 ——這一點我也可以見賢思齊。
Vera’s frankness about age affecting health and strength is refreshing, as she gives advice about diet and exercise. Her comments on cooking and eating chocolate made me laugh in agreement, as well.
Vera’s “wisdom” also reminded me of a few things:
- “You have power to create the life you want.” This has been my philosophy for many years, I just had to be reminded of it.
- “The older I’ve gotten, the more I’ve seen that every hardship carries a valuable lesson and a chance to emerge stronger on the other side.” Another good reminder for these turbulent times.
“Wisdom and Things” is really a reflection of lessons learned from experiences, work ethic, endurance and faith in God. This short afternoon read during this time of extreme crisis in the world left me feeling renewed, positive and hopeful. Thank you, Vera.
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This review was originally published at 《女性戶外運動新聞》.
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