by Patricia Cumbie

“I feel Cumbie’s writing is incisive, personable, and critically important for those who are seeking their own way back to reclaiming life after assault. I’m in awe of the courage in Patricia Cumbie’s prose, and grateful she has offered to light the way with this candid and inspiring narrative.” — Review, Glassworks

“In this well-written memoir . . . are many issues that women face every day, wrapped in the author’s descriptions of hip scarves, full skirts and costumes with shiny adornments–how we feel about our bodies, our relationship to body image and sex, the shame that follows rape, how little girls like the author were raised to be “nice” and do housework when they wanted freedom. Who knew belly dance could lead to such wisdom?” — Pioneer Press

“Extraordinarily well written, organized and presented, The Shape of a Hundred Hips is an inherently fascinating read that is as informative as it is thoughtful and thought provoking.” – Midwest Book Review

“Frank and fascinating: these words apply to Patricia Cumbie’s new book, a memoir. Her bravery is second to none. Raped as a teenager, living with family who settled for little, Cumbie fought for independence, and an understanding of herself consistent with her dreams and abilities. In short, she is amazing, and so is The Shape of a Hundred Hips. Descriptions and explanations of belly dancing—which she studied—are informative and enlightening, revealing how she grew into a maturity from which we can all take guidance. You will want to read this book now and quickly because it is exciting, useful, and memorable!” — Kelly Cherry, author of Girl in a Library: On Women Writers and the Writing Life (nonfiction) and Quartet for J. Robert Oppenheimer (poems)

“With courage, empathy and clarity, Cumbie depicts her working class family and roots, the difficulties and triumph of her marriage, and her struggles to tell the truths of her life and to confront the trauma of rape.  That the art of belly dancing comes to be one of the ways in which she heals helps makes this a singular and intriguing work.  The result is a fascinating narrative whose emotional weight keeps gathering power and will move readers in unexpected and subtle ways.” — David Mura, author of Turning Japanese: Memoirs of a Sansei

“The reader will shimmy with Patricia, tip and roll their shoulders, and release in time with her as she shares her love and heartbreak on the page. Her words move on the page much like a belly dancer undulating on the dance floor.” — Elizabeth DiGrazia, author of House of Fire (memoir)