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Christina-Taylor Green was beautiful, precocious and popular, a member of her elementary school’s student council and the only girl on her Little League team. Born on 9/11/2001, it was perhaps no surprise that she harbored aspirations of becoming a politician—thus her presence at the political rally that fateful day in Tucson last January. Congressman Gabrielle Giffords was severely wounded in the gunman’s splay of bullets; six others were killed, including Christina, the youngest of the victims.
But this inspirational book recounts far more than the events of “the tragedy of Tucson.” Written by Christina’s mother (with New York Times best-selling biographer Jerry Jenkins), As Good As She Imagined celebrates this little girl’s life, along with the hope that has been born out of a nation’s loss and a family’s grief.
Roxanna Green has been a practicing home health-care nurse, now serving as CEO of the Christina-Taylor Green Foundation. Her husband, John, is National Crosschecker in the scouting department of the Los Angeles Dodgers. They have a son, Dallas, 12, and their daughter, Christina-Taylor, would have been 10 on the tenth anniversary of 9/11.
Jerry B. Jenkins is a New York Times best- selling novelist (Left Behind Series) and biographer (Billy Graham, Hank Aaron, Walter Payton, Orel Hershiser, Nolan Ryan, Joe Gibbs and many more), with over 70 million books sold. His writing has appeared in Time, Reader’s Digest, Parade, Guideposts, and he has been featured on the cover of Newsweek.
The Macabre Setting 1
Chapter 1 "Someone Will Speak with You" 3
Chapter 2 A Love Story 7
Chapter 3 Starting a Family 15
Chapter 4 9/11/01 25
Chapter 5 Something Special 35
Chapter 6 An Even Bigger Move 45
Chapter 7 First Loss 61
Chapter 8 Prelude to Disaster 71
Chapter 9 The Unspeakable 85
Chapter 10 The News 95
Chapter 11 The Sanctuary 103
Chapter 12 Hunkered Down 115
Chapter 13 The Outpouring 129
Chapter 14 In Remembrance 151
Chapter 15 Final Farewell 165
Chapter 16 Seeking Peace 177
Chapter l7 The Visitation 189
Chapter 18 Enduring 205
Chapter 19 Legacy of a Princess 217
Notes 227
Donna-Collins-Tinsley
Posted December 29, 2011
This story written from a mother¿s viewpoint will rock your world as you experience a part of the pain she felt in losing such a dear child. Christina-Taylor Green truly did seem like an angel sent briefly to earth. From the birth date of 9/11 to the day of her tragic death her light shone so bright in a dark and sometimes painful world, it is hard not to weep through the whole book. Yet it was so sweet and touching. It reminded me at times of Carol Kent¿s book ¿When I Lay My Isaac Down¿ where there was a moment when life was so perfect and then their world was turned upside down never to return to that perfection. In saying that I also thought of the book of Job throughout. The affect that young Christina-Taylor had on people seemed magical, even down to her relationship with her brother, Dallas. Although he had some special needs she made him feel so special and loved that it was a big part of his healing and he seemed to cope so much better with life after she was born. I adored the stories about Christina-Taylor¿s relationship with her grandmother. I know they are happy to be together in heaven now. The time-line of the shootings and the facts given about the tragedy were very informational. But being allowed to journey with this family through their personal grief was a wonderful contribution to the world. I also loved the small but poignant writings from the Dad especially in the last chapter where he said, ¿I love thinking about Christina-Taylor and will do so forever.¿ He also wrote a poem called ¿Faith:¿ Christina-Taylor Green on one-eight-eleven, Was laid to rest and went to heaven. She left her mark in nine short years, And we remain to shed our tears. Mom, Dad, and Dallas will love you forever, Awaiting the day we¿re together again. (John Green) The letters from friends and family added so much to the value of the story of a life that was much too short. It was good to read what the President said to encourage our nation at the State of the Union address shortly after the shootings. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was also wounded and Christina-Taylor Green was one of six people that were killed, with 13 people wounded. Shattered in soul and spirit, this mother, Roxanna Green gave us such a gift in writing this book (along with Jerry B. Jenkins) and the heart of a loving mother was so evident. The focus on forgiving and not dwelling on the murderer was commendable. Any thoughts I have now of Christina-Taylor make me smile amidst the tears. There are some that the book of Hebrews, chapter 11 speaks of, that ¿the world was not worthy of them.¿ Our world was not worthy of such a pure, sweet, kind angel-like spirit as Christina-Taylor Green was. We are so glad the Lord sent her for a brief moment of time to show that you can really live a life that is better than can be imagined. Unforgettable book about an unforgettable family! Donna Collins Tinsley
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted April 8, 2012
My heart goes out to this mother. I honestly don't know how she did this but I'm glad she did. Not only did it help her heal but she allowed us to get to know her beautiful, bright shining star. My daughter was also celebrates her birthday on 9/11 but she was born in 1976. I will read it again even though I sobbed all the way through it because loosing a child is a parents worse nightmare. Her and her husband should be proud of her accomplishments in the short years she was with them.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.nanaof3WV
Posted March 30, 2012
Our pastor used this book in one of his sermons and I couldn't wait to get home and order it. I was not disappointed!! A very moving and heart warming book.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.TO100
Posted March 10, 2012
How one coupes day to day after losing a precious daughter. A happy family of four brought to their knees by a tragedy that takes one away. The before and after life of Christina-Taylor Green and her beloved family. Heart breaking reality but special whimsical memories that the family have are shared. Help make Christina's dream come true. "Christina-Taylor Green Memorial Foundation"
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 11, 2012
The book is a very powerful tribute to the life of Christina Taylor Green. The very special 9 year old girl born on 9/11 and shot during the Tucson tragedy on Jan 8. Her character, interests, talents, activities, personality, hopes and dreams, as told by her very courageous Mother, Roxanna. It also gives details of the events occuring after the death of Christina Taylor, and how two very strong, loving parents handle the whirlwind of national media attention and outpouring of love and support from a nation that grieved with them. The book is not only a tribute to Christina Taylor, but a challenge to all Americans to strive to make this country, our communities, and ourselves, As Good as she Imagined.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 29, 2012
This book is one of the best books i have ever read. I have lent it to all my friends!!!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.dizzydee19682001
Posted January 24, 2012
I am not a fast reader but this book I read very fast. It was an amazing book. It also was amazing the strength of this family. It made me want to become more close to God after seeing how much God gave them strength. Christina was an amazing little girl that we could all learn a lot from. Once you buy this book you will not be able to put it down. Very well written.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.KdandCo
Posted January 22, 2012
I am so personally close to this story, and have not had a chance to read the book until the last few weeks. With my busy schedule, I chose to read it aloud to my husband in bed over a few nights. We didn't get very much sleep this last week! To read this story, and know it all so well, I just didn't think it could surprise me. It did! There were chapters that my husband and I were just sobbing. It was so well done! I am so proud of my friend to have had the strength to be able to share with the world who Christina-Taylor was and what she stood for! It was an honor to know her. I hope you all pick up the book, It's fantastic! It is not all sad, it is inspiring and full of hope!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Pasquita
Posted January 17, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed As Good As She Imagined by Roaxanna Green and Jerry B. Jenkins.
It’s a wonderful book that portrays the life of this 9-year-old, Christina-Taylor. My heart mourned for the victims and their families but especially for the Green family. No one wants to lose his or her child.
Green and Jenkins share stories from Christina-Taylor’ short life and I couldn’t help but fall in love with her and her family. It’s reminded me of the importance of community, love of family and how enduring challenges develops the perseverance needed to survive later trials.
It encouraged me to enjoy each moment with my loved ones. Not to sweat the small stuff and to avoid passivity. Christina-Taylor did a lot in her 9-years on earth and she left us with her mark and a smile. Even though she has passed, Christina-Taylor continues to bring good in this world.
cakesandkids
Posted January 17, 2012
I love this book because it tells the world what a truly amazing little person Christina-Taylor really was. At such a young age, she completely got the fact that 1 person could make a change in the world, & she wanted to be that person. Yes, it is a story of sadness & loss, but it is also a story that should inspire us all to do something while we are here- something positive for our children like Christina.
2 thumbs up!
PxlJedi
Posted January 9, 2012
I finished reading, "As Good As She Imagined" at 11:30 pm last night (1/8/12). I cried a lot, but I also laughed. There are parts where Roxanna describes Christina-Taylor's relationship with her brother, Dallas. They were quite humorous. Dallas' letters to his sister were so whimsical and cheerful. The incident with the pretend hair salon left me laughing out loud.
I'm not an overtly religious person and don't go to church, but the signs that God gave cannot be denied. I will not divulge them here because I want others to read the book, but I truly saw them as angels amongst us. At the end, I was filled with hope. Hope that a little girl's life and potential to give back were still being felt. In that, Christina-Taylor lives on. Thank you Roxanna for writing this book. I was really angry about what happened and if you and John can forgive; so can I.
Everyone should read this book. It was well-written and you truly feel the heartache in Roxanna's writing. I felt honored and humbled to be able to read about such a special person. Roxanna was right when she said Christina-Taylor did so much in her nine years than some do in their whole life.
I want to live up to her expectations. I want our democracy to be as good as Christina imagined it. I want America to be as good as she imagined it. All of us -- we should do everything we can to make sure this country lives up to our children's expectations. ~ President, Barack Obama, 1/12/11
EKParsons
Posted January 1, 2012
The story of a remarkable little girl. The first few chapters move a little slow, but it doesn't take long to be drawn into the life of this incredible family. Christina-Taylor soon captures your heart and you find yourself attached to this little girl. Despite knowing the tragedy that was to come, you feel tremendous loss at not having more time to get to know her better. Roxanna Green does an outstanding job of sharing the story of her precious daughter's short, but full, life.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.One of the special challenges of writing (and reading) the story of "the angel of Tucson," Christina-Taylor Green, is that we already know how it ends. When news of the shooting broke this past January, we watched and listened in horror. Regardless of political affiliation, we prayed for Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and mourned as the death and injury toll mounted. Other than Ms. Giffords, the victim whose death sparked an outpouring of compassion was nine-year-old Christina-Taylor. Born on 9/11/01, her life was bookended by tragedy but bathed in significance. In AS GOOD AS SHE IMAGINED, her mother and Mr. Jenkins pour intense effort into making that message plain. The book combines a strong narrative thread with italicized comments from Christina-Taylor's father and others who knew this bright, confident child. The additional perspectives add credence to her parents' claim that their daughter was born for greatness. The news-like feed that fronts each chapter adds a powerful, creative element without glorifying either the killer or his crimes. As expected, raw grief makes its presence known, tempered by a strong faith that seems natural rather than forced. I applaud both Mrs. Green and Mr. Jenkins for their work to complete this book so soon after the tragedy that birthed it and for sharing the personal truth behind the public reports. Only God knows the potential for good cut in the lives cut short by a misguided marksman. But as President Obama challenged those who heard his memorial tribute to Christina-Taylor, we have potential of our own. Read this book and receive a challenge to become "as good as she imagined."
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.GrandmaKaye
Posted December 14, 2011
With amazing candor Roxanna Green, with Jerry B. Jenkins, portrays the death or her nine-year-old daughter, in the poignant book, As Good As She Imagined. She tells enough family history for the reader to understand their faith, community involvement, normal life and interests. Christina-Taylor Green was born just before the tragedy of 9/11/01 and was included in a special commemorative book, Faces of Hope. She grew to love tee-ball, soccer, dancing, learning to sew, and politics. Because of her interest in politics, Christina-Taylor attended a political meeting in Tucson, Arizona. In an innovative format, as Roxanna tells the story of her daughter¿s too-short life, the top of the first page of each chapter gives a running commentary on the tragic time-line of the tragedy of January 8, 2011. On that day, a gunman shot into a crowd in Tucson, killing Christina-Taylor Green and five others, and severely wounding Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and many others. As Good As She Imagined emphasizes the Green family¿s faith in God, the great love and support of friends and strangers who heard of their plight, and overcoming the difficulties of adjusting to the death of a child. Roxanna forthrightly delineates details of their tragedy and includes sections by other family members, friends, President Obama and Peyton Manning among them. As heart-wrenching as it is, people should read As Good As She Imagined to understand and better help those who have suffered loss.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.JM_Schiele
Posted December 8, 2011
Nine year-old Christina-Taylor Green was born on 9/11 and was killed during the fatal shooting at a political rally held by Gabrielle Giffords, killing 6 people. However, As Good As She Imagined is not about that event. Not entirely. If you want a detailed account on the shooting itself, this is not the story. In fact the book is really about the extraordinary Green family.
It starts at the beginning telling of how Roxanna and John Green met and started their family. We learn all about their kids Christina-Taylor and Dallas. Then the tragedy strikes and changes their lives forever.
Told from the perspective of Roxanna Green, we learn the inside story of what her life was like during this. Although she is the main voice, there are snippets from friends, family, speeches, statements, and letters compiled in the book. We also learn a little bit about the other victims through the President's speech.
The killer is rarely spoken about, because the family didn't want to see him, hear about him, or give him any more attention. Though at the beginning of each chapter we get a tiny look into what the killer did to prepare for this unfortunate event and what happened minutes afterwards.
Although I enjoyed this book, I had one problem with it. Roxanna's daughter had been dead only months before writing this book. Thus there seemed to be unnecessary details at a few spots, including what people were wearing. Sometimes it seemed like she was just pouring out her grief into this book. While this can make it more real, I can only imagine how much deeper and better this book would have been if she only waited the right amount of time before writing.
What really got me was, at the end, she would say things about her still having a hard time. I'm thinking, "Roxanna your little girl just died in January! Of course it is still difficult." I wish she would have waited a few years, so we could have found out what it is like overcoming the loss of a loved one.
This is a touching and heartwarming tribute to a little girl and her family. From the words of the President, the name of this book is birthed, he hoped that the word would be as good as she imagined.
As Good As She Imagined is available in stores January 3rd 2012.
*This content was based upon a free review copy the Contributor received.*
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Overview
Christina-Taylor Green was beautiful, precocious and popular, a member of her elementary school’s student council and the only girl on her Little League team. Born on 9/11/2001, it was perhaps no surprise that she harbored aspirations of becoming a politician—thus her presence at the political rally that fateful day in Tucson last January. Congressman Gabrielle Giffords was severely wounded in the gunman’s splay of bullets; six others were killed, including Christina, the ...