Wow, what a good read! Barbara, you are an amazing writer. As I turned each page, I felt like I was there with you through all your dreams, disappointments and victories. I loved how real, candid, and honest you are. "Arnold and Me" would be fabulous for a book club. Oh, how women can relate to trials and hurts that you experienced. After reading your book, I can't help but think of Keith Urban's song "Stupid Boy". "So what made you think you could take a life, and just push it, push it around. I guess to build yourself up so high, you had to take her and break her down." But your down times are over! I am so proud of your strength and courage to overcome and succeed in life. I love this quote I once heard, "God isn't concerned with our comfort, He's concerned with our character." With all you have been through, Barbara, you have developed incredible character. You will touch so many with your story. You have touched mine. Jenny Howe, Plano, Texas
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Compelling, informing, intriguing, and motivational, more than a love story or a gossipy tell-all, this book is a must read of anyone who has ever had their lives touched by 'Arnold' (and very few have not felt his impact in some small way). I had a hard time putting this book down. It is the 'behind the scenes' of 'The Education of a Bodybuilder'. Not written by a gossip rag hack, or a biographical investigator with no inner circle connective experience, this is written from a first person perspective that only one person could have experienced. Thankfully, that person is Barbara Outland-Baker. Her story is skillfully told with in-depth insight and fortitude. An extraordinary book about an extraordinary man and life situation. No one else could have written this book with such heart and soul. I applaud you and thank you. Larry Eklund, Simi Valley, CA.
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Your life offers a powerful insight into the human drive toward happiness. It has given me a renewed motivation me to discover my own destiny! It was fascinating to read your story of growth and empowerment, especially since I could relate it to you as the Professor who taught me English for a year. Your and Arnold?s lives gave you both the opportunities to do anything either of you wanted. You chose to follow true happiness, and found it in you soul mate John. Arnold chose to be the better son and found it in his bodybuilding, acting, and political careers. Both of you learned to harness life?s energy, briefly sharing each other?s abundant supply as each made your dreams reality.
You must be proud to have published your story. Keep writing! You have a talent for words. Arnold saw something unique in you just as you did in him. Roberto Brooks, Simi Valley, CA
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"I really appreciate how you have humanized Arnold in your book Arnold and Me. I've had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with him on two occasions and both were as one might hope when meeting someone whom you've always idolized since a young man.
Unlike those who may read a book cover to cover, I enjoy my daily trek through the life you and he shared and at times don't wish to put it down. Absolutely thrilled to read a few pages each day to get my fix so to speak."
Given the fact that Arnold and Mohammad Ali might well be two of the most recognizable people worldwide the last 100 years, you did pretty well for yourself in the fact that you did not ever lose yourself, but instead discovered who you are today.
The saying, "Behind every great man is a great woman" doesn't infer that they had to be married. You were his catapult to success and for that he owes you immensely Alex Shead, Alexander & Associates, Corporate Fitness, Inc., Lawrenceville, GA
