In 2021, Vera Koo published her second book, “Wisdom and Things: Essays From an Unlikely Champion.” At “Women’s Outdoor News,” just like with her book, “The Most Unlikely Champion,” we once again shared reviews from many of our friends in the industry. The following is a roundup of those reviews, featuring heartfelt quotes from the authors who wrote them.
Erin Garvin
“While reading “Wisdom and Things,” I felt as if I were sitting with Vera, drinking tea, sharing a heartfelt conversation with a trusted friend who wanted to help make my life easier and more fulfilling with her words. The energy behind her book is total kindness, as she shares her personal struggles and lessons with humble transparency.”
Cheryl Todd
“Within the pages of Vera Koo’s collection of essays, she reminds us that although we must dig deep within our hidden strengths and “Seize the moment, and don’t hold back”, community is also important. Her essay titled, “Why you should surround yourself with inspiring people” is an unvarnished look at Vera’s insecurities, and how she has gained strength from her mentors and other accomplished women. Vera confesses that she is much more comfortable being the student, rather than the teacher. However, because Vera pushed through her initial unease with being in the role of a firearms instructor, in front of cameras on an online NRA television show no-less, she was able to empower other women to learn from her background in the shooting sports.”
Read Cheryl Todd’s review.
Il Ling New
“But the most remarkable thing about ‘Wisdom and Things’ is that Koo somehow makes us believe that if she can do it, we can too. Well, perhaps not her mastery of competitive shooting (as she notes, “I advise shooters to gravitate toward a discipline that naturally suits their strengths.”). But this book isn’t about becoming a championship competitor. It’s about being the champion of your own life, and about creating your own challenges to make your best life.”
Read Il Ling New’s review.
Julie Golob
“To me, Vera’s second book is like a diary and scrapbook in one. Having competed with this unlikely champion over the span of many years, it’s fun to see photos from her childhood. It’s an intimate look beyond my memories on the range and one of my favorites is her standing behind a stove cooking up a meal. In some images, she looks like a movie star and travel blogger. Others are more familiar and feature her hard at work on the range, chasing her goals.”
Read Julie Golob’s review.
Julie Park
“Throughout the book, Vera weaves in stories from her distant past with glimpses into her training life. She recalls thoughtful advice from her mother, her instructors, books she has read, and shows she has watched. It’s an assortment that is rich, but palatable, has depth, but not highbrow.”
Read Julie Park’s review.
Sharenda Birts
“I was hesitant to read a memoir, I was not certain I would appreciate the content, as previous memoirs that I have attempted tend to read robotic, leaving me bored. Vera Koo’s memoir felt as if she were having a discussion with someone, and you were fortunate enough to have seat right next to them to absorb the conversation. It is not written in chronological order, yet it flowed perfectly with the points she wanted to express and flashbacks to her journey.”
Read Sharenda Birts’ review.
Barbara Baird
“Although I’ve read most of these essays, in the form of her columns at The WON, I enjoyed how she grouped the topics in the book. Vera draws parallels between shooting and life, or travel and life. In fact, the travel section ranks as my favorite. You’ll understand, after you read this part, that Vera is an itinerant traveler, always ready for the next adventure.”
Read Barbara Baird’s review.
Jackie Richardson
“I love Vera’s inclusion of photos from her life and sport. They added layers and dimension to her written words. I found myself searching her family photos, trying to understand the dynamic and history as it was being told to me in the text. I wiped tears from my cheeks as I looked over the images of Vera’s lost son, Bryan. In the opposite measure, I was able to easily read the joy in the moments that Vera shared, when telling about her experiences traveling, shooting and being with her family.”
Read Jackie Richardson’s review.
Nancy Keaton
“I didn’t start shooting until I was 49 years old. I was intimidated by many things, just one of those things being that most women shooters I saw were young, even teenagers. Was I too old to play this sport? As a researcher, I started looking for older women who began shooting later in life and I happened upon champion shooter Vera Koo and found her inspiring. So, when I got the chance to review her second book, “Wisdom and Things: Essays From An Unlikely Champion,” I felt excited for the opportunity to learn even more about her. I came to realize that we shared something in common – as two women who came to the shooting sports later in life.”
Read Nancy Keaton’s review.
Michelle Cerino
“Each short story within the book is chock-full of snippets of life lessons suitable for women of many ages.”
Read Michelle Cerino’s review.
Read more book reviews and learn more about Vera Koo at her website.
Order your own copy of “Wisdom and Things: Essays From an Unlikely Champion” here.
Michelle Cerino, aka Princess Gunslinger, first entered the firearms industry in 2011 as co-owner, president and trainer at a national training company. She immediately began competing in both 3-Gun and NRA Action Pistol, becoming a sponsored shooter. Michelle is currently a columnist and Managing Editor of Women’s Outdoor News, as well as owner of Pervenio LLC. She also manages social media for Vera Koo and FASTER Saves Lives. Michelle encourages others to step out of the comforts of home and explore. View all posts by Michelle Cerino
Start the Conversation