Pacific Book Review
In Vision of Hope, author Leilani Faber shares her inspiring journey of healing from drug and alcohol abuse, serving time in prison, and ultimately emerging stronger. This memoir is a powerful blend of a cautionary tale and motivation, encouraging readers to live with passionate purpose.
Faber’s story begins at her lowest point, marked by her husband suffering severe burns in a freak meth cooking accident while she is incarcerated. Her vivid descriptions of prison life resonate with fans of “Orange is the New Black,” revealing her feelings of desperation and shame. Even after her release, Faber grapples with this shame, yet her book beautifully illustrates the hope and healing she discovers along her path.
This impactful read is beneficial for anyone, especially young people who may be tempted by drug and alcohol use among their peers. Though many warnings exist, the dangers of substance abuse are often overlooked. Vision of Hope is a beacon of hope for recovering addicts and those facing substance abuse challenges, whether personally or through a loved one. A highlight of the memoir is Faber’s dedication to teaching other felons how to improve their lives, transforming her role as a counselor into that of a pioneer for effective programs addressing the trauma of addiction.
While Faber’s memoir is relatively short, it is not an easy read. The beginning is deeply sad and gut-wrenching, leaving a lasting impact. Although my life experiences differ from Faber’s, the lessons she imparts are universally relatable. I found myself rooting for her, especially when she mentioned Dr. Mercola, my favorite doctor and nutrition expert, as a resource she utilized during her classes.
The epilogue of this edition offers a life update, where Faber candidly discusses her struggles during the pandemic, her promotions, messy love encounters, and finding a safe haven during chaotic times. Her writing exudes humility and honesty, devoid of the haughtiness often found in memoirs. Though it is a challenging read, Vision of Hope stands out as an essential memoir that can inspire anyone navigating difficult times in their lives.
Hollywood Book Review
Author Leilani Faber has crafted a delightful and comforting children’s book titled Angel Kisses. Featuring lyrical rhymes and captivating illustrations, this book imparts a theme of love and peace that is always essential, reminding readers that everyone has an angel watching over them. The story follows a little girl who faces everyday challenges, such as a rainy day, a bully shouting names, losing her dog, or feeling scared during a sleepover. These relatable experiences are real sources of fear; however, the narrative emphasizes that with angel kisses and divine love, protection is assured, dispelling fears and restoring serenity.
In this concise yet profound children’s book, various scenarios are presented alongside beliefs in faith, highlighting how angels ensure that life events remain manageable and safety prevails. The author illustrates ways to play indoors on rainy days, reassures that words from bullies cannot harm, and comforts with the idea that an angelic hug can mend a scraped knee. The book reassures children that their lost dog will return home safely.
The tone is filled with maternal love, instilling confidence and a healthy belief in God. The illustrations perfectly complement the text, creating an engaging experience for young readers just starting to learn how to read. Angel Kisses is an ideal bedtime story, providing a comforting way to send children off to dreamland. They will awaken feeling more confident and resilient, knowing they have an angel watching over them and showering them with kisses whenever sadness strikes. This book can be perceived as non-fiction, despite being a perfect children’s story, because many of us, myself included, believe in the presence of guardian angels. Indeed, Angel Kisses is a must-have addition to any collection of spiritual children’s books!
