Strand Of Pearls by Deborah Livingston ~ review

• Paperback: 284 pages
• Paperback: 284 pages Publisher: BalboaPress (January 24, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1452544360
• ISBN-13: 978-1452544366

Book Description

Publication Date: January 24, 2012

In her memoir, Strand of Pearls, author Deborah Livingston recounts her journey from childhood abuse, frequent tragedy, and adult addiction to a spiritual transformation that brought her an inner peace and joy available to us all. Deborah was the first of three children born to a Canadian father and a New England mother-parents who were worlds apart in their own upbringings and views of the world. From two to sixteen, when she was finally able to break free, Deborah suffered abuse at the hands of her father. Her freedom from that abuse took her to abuse at the hands of others and to a tragic accident that cost the life of a friend. Her misfortunes early in life and her inability to see them as the "pearls" they actually were led to serious addiction in her early forties. And yet this addiction saved her life, preparing her for the inner transformation she would experience. In Strand of Pearls, Livingston invites the reader into the most painful, raw moments of her past so that the light of the present might shine brighter-as an invitation to others to embrace hope, faith, and gratitude in their lives.

My take on this book:

With "Strand of Pearls" the author allows us to see how childhood abuse shaped her adult life, until she finally finds freedom from the pain that she carried for years.

Deborah was a young girl who could never measure up to what her father expected of her. His cruelty and abusiveness towards her lasted until at the age of sixteen when she somehow finds the courage to flee her home. Unfortunately though Deborah began a journey of self destruction by turning to alcohol, because she was carrying the burden of feeling like she never measured up, after all that's what her father taught her to believe. As her drinking continues to get worse, she also finds herself in several bad relationships.Deborah shares a story that is often heartbreaking, but ultimately triumphant as the author finally finds spiritual healing, learning not only to forgive others but to find forgiveness for herself as well.

If I had to describe this book in one word it would be inspirational. Abuse and addiction  is something that isn't easy to talk about, but the author shares her story in a very honest, down to earth  way, hiding nothing. I found myself riveted to her story, needing to know that things would ultimately work out for her. This story will resonate with many,and give hope that there will be a brighter day for anyone who is going thru a difficult time in their life. Inspiring and encouraging, a soul stirring story that had me thinking about the author long after I finished the final page.

Reviewed for Readersfavorite.com