Praise for Matches in the Gas Tank
Reviews of Matches in the Gas Tank
"The admonition, 'write about what you know,' fits well for Carla Powers’ Matches in the Gas Tank. In a most readable manner, her story illustrates how religion can wound. And further she reveals how a healthy spirituality can heal. This book is an important contribution to the dialogue among psychology, religion and spirituality. In addition it is a most intriguing memoir."~ J. Pittman McGehee, D.D. Jungian analyst and author of The Invisible Church, Finding Spirituality Where You Are
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"Carla Powers accomplishes what few are able to achieve when writing about their problematic religious backgrounds: she bathes painful personal narrative with critical distance and maturity, and shows great compassion for herself and others. Powers' voice is clear and intelligent, and her story-telling acumen makes for an enjoyable and insightful read. Matches in the Gas Tank is a thoughtful memoir that will appeal to anyone interested in understanding how religion can ravage, but how faith and spirituality can also heal." ~Dr. Jill Carroll, Writer and Lecturer
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“A ripping, riveting page turner by a woman captured inside a cult.” ~Judge Eugene Sullivan, Author of The Majority Rules and The Report to the Judiciary
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"Carla Powers' "Matches In The Gas Tank" is an incredibly powerful memoir of the most difficult of childhoods. It is truly amazing—and redemptive—that she could not only survive it, but write her story with such grace and insightfulness. This is a must read!" ~Ron Liebman, AAttorney and author of Death by Rodrigo
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“First let me say that I loved your book! I couldn’t put it down. Really fantastic, and I know it took courage to tell your story. It also resonated with me, personally ... I could so relate to your feelings!” ~Executive, branding and communications, Houston, TX
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“You are such a model of strength. Thanks for sharing your story.” ~ attorney, Dallas, TX
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“Very dramatic, and inspiring story which, obviously, few of us knew.” ~ attorney, Houston, TX
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“I finished the book. Once I started, I couldn’t put it down. It’s a very powerful narrative, and one that I connected to in so many ways. I am in awe. It was a ‘revelation!” ~ Chair, Dept. Women's Studies, Los Angeles, CA
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“I think everyone who is a professional "helper" should read and encourage the reading of this...for all creeds and religions that are out there.” ~ former member, Radio Church of God
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“What a tremendous book. I really admire you for having the courage to write it. You are an inspiration to anyone who has faced tremendous obstacles and needed to overcome them. Thanks for writing Matches in the Gas Tank.” ~Law firm Managing Partner, Kansas City, MO
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“What a powerful story. I think it will go places and really help others.” ~ publisher, Houston, TX
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“Your book brought back chilling recollections of my childhood and I applaud your family’s courage and fortitude. I just wanted to let you know how much your courage and candor means to all of us who share your memories of a childhood controlled by ‘Gods Apostle’. She certainly hit the nail straight on and pulled no punches.” ~ former member, Radio Church of God
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“Your personal story is very compelling, and I am even more in awe of you now understanding what your childhood was like. It took a very special person to overcome such incredible obstacles. You are a true role model for all women (and men, too!).” ~ former corporate senior executive and attorney, Houston, TX
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“What a great read. I thought the flashback narrative worked so well, and the writing was so clean. Thanks for sharing such a personal story. One of the sadder aspects of the story is the fact that there are so many cults across the religious spectrum that still have the same view of women.” ~business executive, Houston, TX
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“It's amazing. Reads like a Hollywood script!” ~ banker, San Francisco, CA
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“Needless to say it is an incredible book in every way: each chapter leads into the next, her memories both to and from visiting her father in his final stage of life reveals her entire life which includes her family, friends, the Armstrong Cult and finally the remarkable strength of herself and family.” ~ reader, Dallas, TX
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“I am totally enthralled with the book! It’s one of those books that if I am not reading it, I am thinking about it constantly, and can't wait to get back to it. The book is excellent reading and I also think it would make a great movie!” ~ reader, Shreveport, LA
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“I found that reading your book was an inspiring experience. In many ways, I could relate to the story, even though our two lives could not be more different. I think one of the most significant components of your work is your portrayal of the indoctrination into the belief system – how very intelligent people can naturally convert their entire way of thinking away from the real and towards the absurdly hypocritical – step by step. A woman like you, succeeding both as a great author and as a lawyer is important and inspiring to me. Particularly a woman that blazed her own path. It might sound trite, but such role models are difficult to find. You did not just write another book of legal fiction. You wrote something meaningful and important, to which many different people of diverse backgrounds can related and learn from.” ~ attorney, Chicago, IL
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“I loved your book. Wow! A great success despite an alcoholic, physically and mentally abusive pyromaniac father. Everyone can take lessons from you.” ~ attorney, Houston, TX
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“I couldn't put it down. It is a source of healing for me.” ~ former member, Radio Church of God
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“I thought it was a compelling read, and I admire your courage in putting all of that out there for the world to see and understand. It was a most unusual and difficult upbringing, and I appreciate all of the insights that you shared concerning the teachings and world view of this cult. You really shared your hardscrabble beginnings, odd experiences, dangerous encounters and inmost struggles, and how all of this helped to shape the woman you are today.” ~ attorney, Houston, TX
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“I could not put it down. Your life story is indeed compelling. Most of us lack the courage to be as open and transparent about our past as you had to be to write your memoir. I, for one, am glad you had the courage. It was a privilege and a true eye-opening experience to read your book.” ~ attorney, Houston, TX
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“Your book is amazing, and so are you.” ~ paralegal, Houston, TX
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“I found your story compelling, well presented, easy to read and made all the more fascinating because I know the author.” ~ energy company executive, Houston, TX
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“You are a hero. Congratulations on writing this important book.” ~ attorney, Houston, TX
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“So impressive – it’s hard to put down. You are so very inspiring Carla!” ~business executive, Houston, TX
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“The experience has been a literary roller coaster: exciting and frightening at once, yet enjoyable throughout for the writing style. It is also familiar and foreign at the same time. Many of the quaint tales are downright nostalgic for anyone who grew up in the era, while the more chilling tales are alien to me.” ~ attorney, Washington, DC
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“I've always enjoyed reading about "comparative religions" but U having lived this life in such detailed experiences put it so vividly in my mind that I felt I was living every word of your life with YOU! You are so very expressive and the book even provided a few laughs through the tears I shed during the reading!” ~ retired educator, Shreveport, LA
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“It's a good book and an inspiring story - the story of a strong, resilient and talented woman.” ~Sr. Executive, ConocoPhillips
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“I enjoyed so much hearing your story. You are an extremely powerful woman and have so much to share. I was impressed!” ~Kristi Von Woglom, EO Houston
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“I literally could not put it down, and I loved the hopeful manner in which it ended. It is so well written and engrossing.” ~ business executive, New York, NY
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“It’s really a courageous book. I liked most understanding the work you’d done to recognize the patterns in your life.” ~ author, Houston, TX
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“What a book and what a story! I started reading and just couldn’t stop.... I must say that I admire you (even more) – for what you have managed to overcome, for being so brave to come up with your story, and for the way you have written it.” ~Sr. Executive, Shell
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“I'm not going to attempt to capture the range of emotions your memoir evoked in me. Suffice it to say, I was moved by your story. For now, I'll just say that I am enormously inspired by your honesty and resolve, and am grateful that you understand that your book may be helpful to others.” ~ Headmaster, Jr. Prep school, NH
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“Incredible life story. Powerful inspiration. And a great read.” ~ Executive Director, Nonprofit, Austin, TX