Joan Koonce in the News

The Oconee Leader: Author offers candid look at her life in new book, Thursday, January 28, 2010

What Others are Saying:

“For many life isn’t easy. Joan Koonce grew up amidst poverty. She was sexually abused as a child. But she did not let that stop her from thriving. She shares the love her parents bestowed upon her and the love she has for her precious son. In her book she shares memories of working in tobacco. It brought back memories for me. It hasn’t been that many years ago that I spent summers working in a tobacco field.

I wish Koonce had spent more time sharing her life after accepting Christ as her savior. Her life is interesting and her book well written.” Readers Favorite

“I discovered this newly-released book at an “emerging authors” booth in Dahlonega, GA. With such an intriguing title one must ask, “how is integrity like a box of chocolates?”
Author Joan Koonce takes us from the tobacco field she worked at the age of five, through a painful childhood filled with molestation, alcoholism, and feelings of inadequacy. In the 60′s she was called “nigger” by fellow classmates who, she later rationalized, were acting out fear. As painful as their words were, it was her grandmother who doted on her light-skinned grandchildren while Koonce worked the field that hurt her the most. Pregnant by age 15, she delivered a son, Carlus Koonce, and returned to high school the following year. Never shying away from self-discovery, Integrity explores single-motherhood, domestic violence, and the excruciating decisions parents make. Koonce writes that, “March 29, 1999,” the day her son was sentenced to life in prison, “was the most painful day of my life.” Integrity is a story of determination, faith, love, and unending forgiveness. I highly recommend this book for anyone struggling to overcome life’s circumstances. Integrity gives readers hope that regardless of how many times we stumble, redemption is possible and happiness is attainable.”
-Renea Winchester, Award Winning Author, Long Ridge Writers Group 11/23/09 Webletter

Book Endorsements

“As an avid reader of anything non-fiction, this is one of the most compelling books that I have read!  Ms. Koonce’s story goes to the heart of overcoming life’s obstacles, and brings to light the determination of the human spirit.  This author opens a window for us to see into her life, live it with her, and to ultimately be a part of her spiritual transformation.”
-Tiffany Hudak, Mrs. Georgia United States 2008

“This memoir teaches us that truth–sometimes beautiful, sometimes ugly–is ultimately healing.  The author’s courage is an example for us all.”
-Patricia Bell-Scott, editor, Life Notes:  Personal Writings by Contemporary Black Women and Flat-Footed Truths:  Telling Black Women’s Lives and Professor Emeritus of Women’s Studies and Child and Family Development at the University of Georgia