9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent life changing story..., August 16, 2009
This review is from: Living in the Rear View Mirror: From Substance Abuse to a Life of Substance (Paperback)
"Living in the Rear View Mirror: From Substance Abuse to a Life of Substance"
Author Kim Vazquez has such a special writing style that before you know it you are right into the middle of her world. I felt I was actually there with Kim as she was telling her story. I could relate to her pain and sorrow, struggled with her numerous attempts to find love and happiness, and cried out loud with her as she finally found a way to overcome her troubles.
This young lady tried just about anything and everything to bring peace into her life. When it seemed like she found it in a different man, job, party or song... she smacked right into a brick wall dragging you along with her. You realize what she is searching for and that keeps you earnestly turning each page to find out if, when and how she actually does find it.
Once I started reading Kim's book I could not put it down. I am a pretty fast reader but I found myself slowing down to a crawl. I felt like I just met a new friend. She does not hold anything back and tells it exactly how it is.
Kim is not afraid to share her deepest secrets, fears, strengths and weaknesses. She even is willing to introduce you to her classic inner-voice demon type characters she calls, "Anxiety" and the "Belittler". Many readers will relate to these cridders.
You will not be able to walk away from this book without thinking you have actually known Kim all of your life. She has an extraordinary way of finding just the right words to express herself and keep you hooked.
Kim Vazquez is not just a gifted writer... she is a gift!
I would highly recommend this book to not only people struggling with substance abuse issues but to anyone who finds themselves on a road leading to nowhere, hoping to find someone who is willing to lend a helping hand by example.
Her story touches on so many other important issues besides just Kim's substance abuse problem. That is only the tip of her iceberg. It is the one everyone can see, feel and taste. However, there are more deep-rooted issues Kim faces and ultimately learns how to overcome.
Kim reminds me of the typical biblical "Prodigal Son" (daughter, in Kim's case). Once she "finally" comes to her senses she knows enough to turn away from her addictions and... Well, you will just have to read the book to find out the rest of the story.
This book is not religious... which is odd. In fact, she coyly stays away from anything even close to being preachy. She even admits in the beginning of the book she was never a big follower of God. However, the spiritual struggle that ensues throughout the book screams out clearly you know she is either cleverly just pulling your leg or trying to foolishly kid herself.
Kim does mention she experienced angelic encounters, however she does not dwell very long on them. She allows the reader to get so entwined in her life that you have to hang in there with her knowing the end has to be something special. Read it and you will see what I mean.
Great job, Kim. I wish I had half your writing abilities. If I did, I would be a best-selling author, which I know someday you will be. Please do not ever stop writing. I truly feel you will touch millions of lives with your books and specialty practice.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An extraordinary survival tale mixed with the Magic of an human spirit that could not be broken., December 13, 2009
This review is from: Living in the Rear View Mirror: From Substance Abuse to a Life of Substance (Paperback)
I rarely have read a more enjoyable trip through someone's life as in this book. Kim's story takes place in the same area as I myself grew up, near Roseville, California. Her family upbringing and the dysfunction of the people around her created a woman who was headed for disaster if she did not change course. I felt as if the people she described, often living mere blocks from where I had lived, were people I had known. She knows how to capture the essence of a person and commit that to paper. Reading the book, so many of my own memories of that time and place came to the fore...
Kim faced horrific events in her life. Divorce, perverted grandfathers and workplace bullies. Inner and external battles with family. Secrets kept and universal "no-no" arguments to hide the unforgivable and all the while, she kept getting up and facing life. It takes a special spirit to just keep going, despite the headwinds of life.
All the while, an Angelic presence and her own developing psychic sensitivities were there, bubbling in the background, appearing now and again as she wove the tale of her life and the realities of her battles with drug and alcohol addiction with her relationships and ultimate discovery of what Love itself truly meant and not what she had originally envisioned it to be.
Her distrust of men was absolutely clear through much of the book but there was a male angel who appeared to her throughout her life, even appearing for one of her friends and who was quite likely the only trustworthy man she had close to her, save for her one true love whom she finally awoke to realize was the man for her. The angelic forces that surrounded her and which ultimately convinced her to save herself are not well-covered in this volume (the focus being Kim's life), but they are powerful symbols that bring the reader into her mindset and whom, as real beings, show Kim the way to a better life. They are patient teachers, these angels and one finds oneself cheering inside when Kim jumped into rehab and began facing her inner demons and self-created thought-forms that were needing replacement and correction.
Her "letting go and letting be" experiences, where she leaves the self-important ego so carefully crafted over a lifetime and to become something greater that used all her life experiences is an example of the truly self-actualized human who can leap into the unknown and face the abyss with courage and ultimate victory. She has transformed her life into something more and is an example to all people of what it is to be "complete" and in tune with her guides and inner being.
I have actually spoken with Kim and found her kindness, understanding and intuitive nature to be the real deal. She has much to teach. For those in the grip of addiction, be it drugs, alcohol, food or something else, her story should be mandatory reading. I can think of no finer compliment to give her than that. Read this story and it will, at a minimum, bring a smile to know the human spirit can overcome the greatest of challenges... I will most certainly be reading her other books and recommend this story highly to the prospective reader.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Courageous personal testament of finding oneself..., June 14, 2009
This review is from: Living in the Rear View Mirror: From Substance Abuse to a Life of Substance (Paperback)
Hang on for an enjoyable ride. This personal revelation is not for the faint of heart, but if you want to be entertained and uplifted with a frank and courageous personal story, read this book. The writer is willing to share her private and painful journey that rings true for many with co-dependant relationships. Finding the truth in relationships from family to partners and friends is shared in a true to life, and heartwarming frankness. The humour is refreshing lightening the whole read throughout. Her personal discovery of herself leads to a beautiful connection to Spirit. Truly an incredible read and highly recommended.
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