7Despite childhood poverty and the death of her brother and both parents at the age of thirteen, actress Linda Cristal escapes certain death in Argentina by stowing away on a ship to eventually become one of the most beautiful, successful, and well-known actresses in the world. A Life Unexpected is a book about her perseverance, her constant battles with naysayers, and her strength to move forward despite numerous obstacles. There has never been a story like this nor could there be as it wouldn't be believed. Yet it's true. This book details -the men in her life (Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart, Dana Andrews, John Wayne, Charles Bronson, and even billionaire Howard Hughes); -the emotions throughout her life (fear, isolation, passion, sadness, joy, and a longing for real love); -the experiences in her life, such as reckless stunts, heartbreaking romances, and breaking all the rules, even flying to the edge of the atmosphere with an astronaut; and -finally, her unstoppable goal to become one of the most famous actresses in the world in an effort to make her mom proud. A Life Unexpected is a mixture of vignettes and short stories of her travels in the film lands of the world, her interactions with amazing people, and a lot of laughs sprinkled with salty tears for good measure.