Customer Reviews

Where Hope Begins: One Family's Journey Out of Tragedy-and the Reporter Who Helped Them Make It

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

You always hear the cliche, 'I couldn't put it down', when it comes to reading... well, this is the first book I've read that I COULD NOT PUT DOWN. The story of the Wesson family and what they've been through is unbelievable enough, but then add the brilliant writing of this book, the sweet stories of Sofios' relationship with the Wesson's, and you have an absolute gem. It is emotional, fun, extremely sad, gut wrenching, funny, entertaining, and moving all in one, and at different times. It goes back and forth from the family's horrendous experiences, to the inspirational story of how they were rescued by Sofios, and overcame pure hell to work there way into society... and it's done perfectly. It is the most amazing story you can imagine. A family going through the most heinous acts of sexual, physical, emotional, and mental abuse done by their father/husband for decades, being rescued by a brave and courageous news reporter, and how they all grew to be better people together.
Read this book. You will not be disappointed!

"Where Hope Begins" is the first book by Fresno, California news and feature reporter Alysia Sofios. She masterfully recounts her experiences covering the nationally publicized mass murder perpetrated by Marcus Wesson upon 9 members of his immediate family in Fresno in March 2004. She injects insight, personality, worldly perceptiveness, and soul to this highly publicized tragedy in a way that would not be possible by any other reporter/writer. To say any more would spoil the twist to Alysia's story that helps make the book so uniquely special; (and far superior to the standard True Crime effort).

If you love True Crime stories, you must read this book. (it is way better than most and frankly stands up on many levels with the likes of the wonderful "Fatal Vision") If you could care less about True Crime, but just love a great story with a lot of heart, you must read this book. If you read to be entertained only, you must read this book. If you read to be reaffirmed and enriched by real life exploration of universal themes like: the fight of goodness vs. true unrepentant evil, redemption, religious devotion, unconditional love and generosity... you must read this book. If you are like me and seek all the above when you read, you must read "Where Hope Begins".

I came into it as a junkie for more scuttle on big events, and came away pleasantly surprised by the book's overall excellence and depth. Besides being one hell of a fascinating page turner, it made me think about a lot of really important issues/struggles that we all share. When that happens with me, a book becomes way more than just another way to pass the time. Highest recommendation.

I could not put this book down! This amazing account of the Wesson tragedy is written with care and compassion and is a brilliant reminder that there are still people who will risk more than most to be a light in the darkness. Alysia Sofios does not try to pat herself on the back, or try to shine a light on her unbelievable bravery - her risks and the rewards that came from those risks speak for themselves. When the news of the Wesson tragedy first broke, I like most wondered how anyone could live in a situation like that. What mother wouldn't remove herself and her children from the grasp of that monster? It was obvious to the world that Marcus Wesson had abused and tortured his entire family and I could not understand why they had stayed, and how they could possibly defend him. Alysia Sofios does an excellent job of re-telling the consistant brain washing and abuse that his wife,children and grandchildren endured. I went from being disgusted and sickened by the surviving family members to wanting to find them and apologize for not understanding their situation. This is an excellent book - full of heart-breaking, horrid, gut wrenching sadness - only to be left with amazing, wonderful, awe inspiring hope. If there were more people willing to take the risk of caring for others in difficult situations like Alysia Sofios did, we'd be the better for it. I highly recommend this book.

This is an absolutely amazing story. This book is beautifully written and will make a huge impact on anyone who reads it. I can't recommend it enough. As I said, A MUST READ!

I rate this book with 5 stars (even more if I could)... I highly recommend reading Where Hope Begins. The author's writing style is captivating and you end up with a deeper understanding of the struggles, events and courage of both the family and the reporter who helped them. Very inspiring, insightful and tragic all at the same time. This honest writing style makes "Where Hope Begins" is a must read!!

I'm not an avid reader. A book has to grab me in order for me to read it..I couldn't put this book down. Just to know what this family has went through brought tears to my eyes. Alysia is a strong woman who helped the family out when no one would. I love knowing the fact that all the kids grew up to be something better than their father ever would. Also, I love the fact that the mother till this day still lives with Alysia.

I saw this author and family interviewed on "Oprah" and was simply dumfounded by their story. The author is a strong, compassionate, remarkable, modern day heroine. This family is an absolutely inspiring testament to how vulnerable, soul-crushed humans can -- and do -- survive the unsurvivable, starting from below ground level, and going on to learn how to live productive, worthwhile lives. Due to my professional background, I also especially appreciated the insights as to how this kind of tragedy can come to happen, and how ordinary people fall victim to it. I strongly recommend this book!

The story is inspiring but the writing lacks interest. I couldn't stay interested in reading and I skimmed through to get to the end.

I originally saw this family on the Dr. Phil show and was so inspired by them and their story that I purchased this book. This family is truly amazing and hearing what they have been able to overcome is truly awe inspiring.

From the moment I started reading this book I did not want to put it down, reading it at every opportunity.
A tragic story that Alysia Sofios pulled you into with such clarity.
You are not even aware totally of the questions you are asking yourself as you read it, but you just want to know more and more as you are reading it.
The story has a beautiful side to it was you see how much of her own energy Alysia puts into the family and you are left with a beaming heart that a person would sacrifice so much emotion, time and money into a family that were total strangers.
As you read her story you along with her are dying to know.. Do they ever get to lead normal lives? What will become of them now thrown abruptly into a world they had never known.

Without a doubt this was the most gripping book I have ever read. And emotional magnet. Well done Alysia for this fantastic book!