Hillary Rodham Clinton: "You are clearly a woman of courage." 11/4/03
Dominic Guarino: "What a fascinating life story! Great book! ... I don't think I'll take antibiotics for
granted ever again. Inventions like collapsible wheelchair seem so common to me. Anita must have endured so much physical
pain that it is hard to imagine. Who would have ever thought that achieving veteran's benefits would be so difficult? ...
Learning about Anita's sexuality was F-U-N-N-Y. ... Book helped me look at her as a beautiful woman fighting for her country,
independence, and personal freedoms. Anita's book helped me to look at people for what they are, realize their thoughts and
feelings, and not judge people based on their physical or appearance." 11/5/03
Sr. Maura: "You will give courage and inspirition to many readers and I am so proud of you." 10/16/03
Marie G. McQuilkin: "In three sittings I read "BEYOND DANCING"! It was very nostalgia for me ... Your story
is amazing and I am so glad to learn more about your life ... I do admire the person I read about ... Gal, you had guts like
nobody I've ever known. HURRAH! For all you did to earn your benefits! I feel like I'm a better person just to have known
you for a short time. Reading the book was like a long chat with my best friend. I could hear your voice all the way through
it." 10/2/03
Inge Goldstein: "Your book accounting for your life-adventures was mesmerizing. I read it non-stop for 1
1/2 days and found it spell-binding, filled with your energy and vitality and wonderful spirit. There was much familiar to
me re: mom, dad & Marylin, but what captivated me the most was your determination and ultimate success in working beyond
the obstacles that confronted you and your survival skills! It was so heartening to know (& read about) the many caring
& loving people around you. I don't wonder you were (& are) loved so deeply." 10/13/03
Hannah Freid: "Nita, I went through the first 100 pages in practically one sitting -- and that's a speed
record for me! ... You had me spellbound. Even knowing some of your earlier life, I could never have imagined all that you
went through!! Absolute torture! Do you know whatever happened to the "Executioner" who wielded that razor blade?! Hoe in
the world was such filth allowed in our Armed Forces?! ... nita, you are a woman of valor -- over'n over again! And you tell
a tale in such a "you are there manner"! 10/16/03
Dorothie Flieger: " it was a fascinating experience to read your book. I loved it! And I loved learning
in more detail about the struggles of your early years. it was a page-turner! 10/21/03
Ben Ornoff: "to me your book was written as a novel and all the characters come alive. some of these people
I knew but most of them casually, including you and your children. of course I know my brother, somewhat, and I knew marylin.
... I will go to the heart of your story. each character in your book came to life. your story made me think I was following
your times of misery and happiness. The hell of life is there for everyone at times. thank god you had your times of love
and I pray you still have good times in your life. your book should help many people in their life - they will know that there
are many paths to follow. in your case you were forced to follow one path - who knows what might have been had you followed
a different way. I will always be grateful for having read your book and I am sincere." 11/3/03
Lisa Cohen: "... I just finished reading your book, actually I couldn't put it down. your personal story
is extremely inspirational and moving, and had a profound impact on me. ... thank you for sharing your painful and jubilant
history with all of us. ... I am a social worker and soon to become the director of clinical services ... we will place beyond
dancing on our library shelf as I'm sure it will be inspirational for many of our clients. thank you again for sharing your
story and for paving the way as a role model for so many!" 11/18/03
Paul Merker: "This is a fascinating story about a woman's courage and tenacity to fight for what she thought
she deserved. It is well written and "could not be put down" book. 11/26/03
Gerald and Libby Meyer: "what a thrill for us to read "beyond dancing". A powerful, painful story which
left us no time for interruptions such as food, water, and the bathroom. We are proud of you two-the talented, determined
author and her wonderful, faithful husband. ..." 11/8/03
Leila Price: "I started your book last night (11/6/03). I can hardly wait to resume reading tonight. ...
I finished your book last night. Couldn't put it down. Wow! What an accomplishment - Writing it and living it." 11/9/03
Beverly Brumbaugh: "I've been meaning to write you ever since Marie surprised me with your book. Dave &
I both enjoyed it so much. I always knew you were a strong and courageous person and I admired you so much. however, I didn't
know how strong or how courageous you really were. It was a wonderful book and written so well! Thank you for telling your
story. I've shared your book with several friends who feel likewise. ..."11/23/03
Esther Blum: "I have just finished your book, "beyond dancing" a veteran's struggle - a woman's triumph.
your struggle to achieve independence left me profoundly moved. the book carries the reader along, never flagging, dealing
with a multitude of problems that would have left many in hopeless despair. I was charmed by your lack of self-pity and strong
desire to "overcome". The book is very well-written, and impossible to put down. I hope "beyond dancing" will be read by readers
in every walk of life. it has been my pleasure to call you "friend" for many years. I have been in awe of your many accomplishments,
in spite of severe problems, to gain control over your own life. reading your story was thrilling; a beautiful depiction of
a very special human being." 12/4/03
Florence Freidenrich: "after reading your book "beyond dancing" I could not help but think of the cliche'
sink or swim. in my opinion, when you were faced with the challenge of life you chose to swim and as new challenges appeared
you met them by not sinking but by swimming. with this positive attitude, I believe you have been able to reach the good life
you live to day. it would be fortunate if a lot of our present day soldiers would read this book and benefit by your courage."
12/9/03
Eleanor Kurson: "I loved the book. it was interesting, informative and inspirational! I couldn't put it
down - what an incredible lady - a must read!" 12/9/03
Burnice Kramer: "reading about nita's courage and perseverance in the face of severe disability and heartbreaking
losses was a humbling experience. it made me realize how fortunate I have been and should be an inspiration to anyone who
is handicapped. she is a woman in a wheelchair who should be admired, not pitied. congratulations on a well written book which
was hard to put down." 12/10/03
Helen Horowitz: "I finished the book and loved reading it. after all these years, I finally feel that I
know you. when you meet people late in life, and never met their parents or siblings, you miss out on a rich history. now
I feel that I "know" your parents and marylin and john. and, it was wonderful meeting the vivacious nita. you really haven't
changed that much. you definitely still have that spark." 12/22/03
Mary Walters: "Beverly Brumbaugh recommended your book to me and I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed
it. it was very inspiring." 12/20/03
Dorothy Kimelhor: "Your story of the struggle for justice against a terrible injustice is a haunting one.
the courage and determination shown carried you on despite overwhelming odds. the long fight to obtain help from the army
and your success enabled all women personnel to obtain recognition and financial help. I know that we are very happy to know
you and certainly hope that we will be your friend for a long time to come. our lives have become enriched by this friendship.
This book, beyond dancing, is a tribute to your marvelous spirit and persistence. keep healthy and keep going. we love you!!"
12/12/03
Jeffrey Treem: "I have been meaning to write this letter for a while. I just wanted to let you know how
much I enjoyed reading your book. It was an incredibly powerful and moving story that does a wonderful job covering the power
of human spirit. You do an amazing job not only of portraying your individual struggle, but also giving insight into the ambivalence
and struggles of America during this time. For me, it was a pleasure to learn about a part of your life that I was relatively
unfamiliar with. For anyone the book will surely be an inspiring, entertaining and fascinating read.
I just wanted to
let you know I am so proud to call you my grandmother and am so blessed to have absorbed some of your endless spirit and passion
for life. I am grateful that I will always have this book to share with my future wife, children and friends so that they
may know what an incredible woman my grandmother is. I hope you are as proud of yourself as I am of you, as this is just another
of your many tremendous accomplishments...." 12/24/03
Elizabeth Carlson: "I found "beyond dancing" to be an inspirational and insightful view into the life of
an extremely courageous woman. despite overwhelming odds against her to walk again anita discovered strength within herself
not only to overcome this challenge but to triumph in life despite it. Thank you for the spark you gave to me through your
writing!" 12/30/03
Judy Saffer:" I just finished reading your wonderful book, "beyond dancing", and wanted to tell you how
much I enjoyed it. it's a fabulous story - so heartwarming and uplifting. what strength and courage you have! ..." 12/30/03
Gladys Sherr: "beyond dancing by anita Ornoff is a story of personal courage - courage to deal with a severe
physical disability and courage to fight the political and bureaucratic obstacles in order to receive recognition and reward.
a story of an attractive young woman who with determination and persistence managed to find a way of balancing her life between
dealing with her physical disability and her social and romantic experiences. I was expressed with anita's determination to
get a college degree in spite of her disability at a time when the Disability act was not in effect. The relationship between
anita and her therapist was tender and heartwarming." 1/26/04
Ed Shapiro: ""beyond dancing", written by Anita bloom Ornoff, is a gutwrenching story of an indefatigable
woman who wouldn't allow herself to quit, to submit to problems that would be insurmountable to most individuals. The close
friendship of 20 years with nita did not impart to me the vicissitudes she faced after her medical neglect in the WAAC". 2/14/04
Mina Shapiro: " I felt comfortable with nita immediately upon meeting her and her energy and sense of humor
endeared her to me. after reading her story, I am in awe of her strength and accomplishments in spite of the mountains she
had to climb". 2/14/04
Nina Doran: "Beyond Dancing tells us of a young woman's tramatic experience as a WAAC during the war; her
courage and steadfastness innthe face of the increadible challenges that befell her. The story keeps the reader interested.
we want to know how she will cope; what she will do. When the story has been told you realize this is a woman of great courage
and one who is to be admired". 2/20/04
Ruth Love: "I do not recall being so impressed and so deeply touched by any book nor by any life story as
I have been by "Beyond Dancing". I know for sure, Nita, that I will never forget your struggle, your honesty, and your depth
of character - all vividly evident within the 311 pages of your book.
Probably most important, however, is the tremendous
inspiration that you impart not only to each one of us, but especially to those who have the challenge of significant physical,
mental, and/or emotional handicaps. I will mention jus three of G-D's blessings with which I feel you have been endowed and
which stand out for me. First, your ability to "find a way". Second, the tremendous support of your first husband, John, as
detailed and described in your book. And third, the love and support of your husband, Hal(Harold). I am fortunate to be able
to call Hal my friend. Thus, I know first hand the enviable team you two are in everything you do." 2/19/04
Esther Katz: "Thank you for sharing your experience of your adult life's struggle - it really was helpful
to me to see how you were able to make the most of what you had - and keep your sanity. Your cousin Mildred Hird - is my sister-in-law
(Martin's kid sister). They have been supportive in my recovery and therapy after my right leg above the knee was amputated
a little over a year ago. I've had several PT's working with me but it isn't easy for an active person to be confined to a
wheelchair or trying to walk with a prosthetic leg. Thank you again for "Beyond Dancing" - I'll cherish it!" 2/22/04
