Appreciating Angels: Sarahs Story

by Sally Asling

Appreciating Angels is a harrowing, yet heart-warming account of Sarah’s life story transitioning from an adolescent teen to a young woman. Sarah’s experiences of rape, self harming, anorexia and bulimia draw the reader on a dramatic and moving journey which captures the attention from the moment you turn the first page. It is hard to imagine that anyone could emerge from such a process sane, never mind with the intelligence and bravery to share her story. Despite the frightening events of her youth, Sarah's spirit is powerful and a testament to the strength of human energy in the struggle against adversity. Sarah's story is a reminder to us all that challenges are placed in our paths to help us grow and evolve. Along the way, if we listen and pay attention, we are never far from angels and true love. Appreciating Angels will take you on a powerful journey demonstrating pain, loss, love, self discovery, intimacy, friendship and a deep appreciation for the people who cross our paths and touch our hearts.“The pain of unrequited love, as seen from both sides …” Despite the frightening events of her youth, Sarah’s spirit is powerful and a testament to the strength of human energy in the struggle against adversity. Sarah’s Story is a reminder to us all that challenges are placed in our paths to help us grow and evolve. Along the way, if we listen and pay attention, we are never far from guides and angels … and true love. Appreciating Angels, will take you on a powerful journey demonstrating pain, loss, love, self discovery, intimacy, friendship and a deep appreciation of the people who cross our paths and touch our hearts.“I’ve never read anything like this, thank heaven for its publication. With brutal honesty Sarah conveys the truth about her teenage and student life. Parts of which I’m sure many will relate to on one level or another. This is a lesson in forgiveness and letting go.”“Appreciating Angels has had a profound effect on me, drawing up emotions and memories. It has simultaneously brought a lump to my throat and filled my heart to overflowing.”“This book will reach many people – parents, daughters, sons, friends – listen and watch those around you who may be crying out for warmth, a hug and understanding – we can all learn to be Angels to one another as Sarah so beautifully shows us.”Authors Note 2014: It was always the intention that by sharing Sarah's Story, it would help others either by the subject content itself or by the royalties on every sale. All proceeds from this book will be gifted to B@ttitude - charity number 1140398 - an organisation that was set up through love to meet the needs of others and support them in a caring community helping people realise their dreams. For more information of the work of B@ttitude see their

Genres: Ebooks

111 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[BCTC/Anne Kelly/Nigel · Rating 5 out of 5]

engrossing read

Read it in a day - couldn’t put it down. So much Sarah says chimes with what I believe too. Her journey is compelling - from the psychological and spiritual aftermath of horrendous multiple rape at 15 to the sublime peace of near death, to beautiful souls who sensed her need and attuned themselves to it and to helping in the ways they were meant to.
Best of luck Sarah - I’m sure there are still hiccups but so glad you made it through.
Anne

[Martine Cherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found some of the narrative in this book both shocking and truly emotional. I think it gives you an insight into some of the major issues faced by young people as they grow up, as well as making you appreciate those in your own life who give help and love. The author has achieved this through the honest account of the events and people in Sarah's life as a teenager and a young woman. It is written in such a way that often you feel that you are listening directly to Sarah's voice. This brings you closer to her experiences and emotions.

Appreciating Angels is a book that I wish every teenager and parent would read and discuss. I'm sure it would help young people recognise their own vulnerabilities and parents and other adults become more aware of those vulnerabilities too.

It is not a gentle read, it is a book that grabs you and won't let you rest until you've finished Sarah's story.

[Aisling Doyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Think this book gives the reader an excellent insight on some horrendous subjects. For example eating disorders, self harm and of course, the mind set of a rape victim. This book is quite graphic and is definitely meant for more mature readers. The imagery is shocking and unbelievable at times. It's hard to believe that so much could happen to one person. I did get confused a bit the way the narrator was jumping from past to present so abruptly, that's just me though. Overall this book was good and I would recommend it, but only to more mature readers.

[Tabby · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story has its good and bad. I must say that it's not for the weak hearted, young, or immature. Being the age of the main character it's concerning that this maybe realistic. The context, the idea was great. Although, the way it was written it seemed aimed at the younger generation. I would have given this a better making if the book contained more detail, like her inner conflict and was at a higher reading level. Again the idea of getting this out there is admirable. I would one recommend this if you aren't triggered by the struggles, are older, and are more mature.

[Mindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Young girls should read this. Young girls wanting to be women before the mind and body is ready. Unfortunatly, this story takes many bad turns, but hopefully it's shocking enough to make girls think beyond the moment of "fun" and drinking/drugs. Sarah's situations are scary to envision.

[Lou Sellars · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book fairly boring and a bit long winded in certain parts. The chapters on the
Present day seemed fairly redundant. I've read much more inspiring books on recovering from anorexia and what seems like either a borderline personality disorders or bipolar in this author's case.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling, shocking, great reading. Not at all what I was expecting, but so glad I read it.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

An honest insight and unfortunately very relatable. Slightly triggering and graphic but well written

[Corissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was disturbing in many ways yet still a great read. I hope to read the second book in this trilogy soon.