Trusting the Currents

by Lynnda Pollio

Trusting the Currents has won 13 book awards for literary 2021 International Readers Favorite Gold Medal in Inspirational 2014 Nautilus Book Awards Gold Medal in Fiction
2015 IPPY Gold Medal in Visionary Fiction
2015 National Indie Excellence Awards Gold Medal in Visionary Fiction
2015 International Book Awards Gold Medal in Visionary Fiction
2015 Readers Favorite Gold Medal in Inspirational Fiction
2015 USA Book News Best Book Awards top Winner in Visionary Fiction
2015 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist in Inspirational Fiction
2015 Los Angeles Book Festival, Honorable Mention in Spirituality
2015 Writer's Digest Book Awards, Honorable Mention in Inspiration
2015 B.R.A.G Medallion
2016 Wishing Shelf Independent Book Awards, Red Ribbon Winner in Fiction (England)
2016 Selected as a 5-Star Awesome Indie, a list of quality independent fiction curated by publishing professionals

Author Lynnda Pollio's life changes abruptly when she begins hearing the mystical, elderly voice of Addie Mae Aubrey, a Southern, AfricanAmerican woman from the 1930s rural South.Narrated by Addie Mae Aubrey,Trusting the Currents is a story of self-discovery and the uneasy search for one's place in life. Beginning at age eleven with the arrival ofbeautiful, mysterious cousin Jenny and her shadowy stepfather, UncleJoe, Trusting the Currents explores Addie Mae's reluctant awakening. AsJenny introduces Addie in the writing that shift consciousness deep into the reader's heart to activate their own inMae to the natural world, acaring teacher guides Addie Mae with the power of reading.Romantic loveenters her life for the first time with Rawley, and we learn how AddieMae's emerging sense of self compels her to alife-altering decision,even as fear and evil shakes their lives.

There are threelevels to the unique Addie Mae's powerful story, universal lifemessages woven throughout the book, and high energetic frequenciesembedded her wisdom.

Addie Mae reveals how life blossoms whenwe have the courage to not only accept but also learn from our mistakesand sorrows. Her story may belong to one woman, but the lessons itteaches belong to everyone willing to open their hearts and listen tothe truth within their souls. Trusting the Currents is a powerful bookfor anyone going through change and struggle in their lives.

Genres: Nonfiction

290 pages, Paperback

First published October 28, 2013

About the author

I've always been trying to find my place in life. I communicated to insects as a child, wanting to be both a nun and artist. I am a caregiver by nature. An intuitive, empath and visionary by birth. A lover of all things green and alive. I've bounced around in careers, from an accomplished advertising executive to the world's first Chief Consciousness Officer, bringing the human technologies of wisdom, intuition, compassion, empathy, forgiveness and gratitude into Fortune 100 companies. I am now a Consciousness Doula, ever committed to heart-based solutions, helping business and people give birth to more expanded states of consciousness to create a more sustainable, happier world. Never expecting to write a book, Trusting the Currents was channeled to me by a southern, African-America woman who asked me to share her story, which was wise and wild and full of promise. She took me on a journey of a lifetime. Trusting the Currents has won 13 book awards and garners extraordinary and quite beautiful reviews. Born in New Jersey, rooted in New York, I now live in Sedona, AZ.

Trusting the Currents has won 13 book awards for literary excellence:

Winner: 2021 International Readers Favorite Gold Medal in Inspirational Fiction
Winner: 2014 Nautilus Book Awards Gold Medal in Fiction
Winner: 2015 IPPY Gold Medal in Visionary Fiction
Winner: 2015 National Indie Excellence Awards Gold Medal in Visionary Fiction
Winner: 2015 International Book Awards Gold Medal in Visionary Fiction
Winner: 2015 Readers Favorite Gold Medal in Inspirational Fiction
Winner: 2015 USA Book News Best Book Awards top Winner in Visionary Fiction
Winner: 2015 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist in Inspirational Fiction
Winner: 2015 Los Angeles Book Festival, Honorable Mention in Spirituality
Winner: 2015 Writer's Digest Book Awards, Honorable Mention in Inspiration
Winner: 2015 B.R.A.G Medallion
Winner: 2016 Wishing Shelf Independent Book Awards, Red Ribbon Winner in Fiction (England)
Winner: 2016 Selected as a 5-Star Awesome Indie, a list of quality independent fiction curated by publishing professionals

Trusting the Currents was selected by Library Journal for its Self-e Select program as a great library book. This is a nationwide program available at any local library subscribed to BiblioBoard and participating in the SELF-e program.

Reviews

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I should start by saying that I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. And, I am so glad that I did!

This book was a total delight and I want to read it all over again. I don't think it right for me to give a review of the storyline, as I don't want to steal anyone's joy as they read the book. But, do yourself a favor, read this book and experience what I think was pure magic!

Lynnda Pollio - Thank you for giving readers such a wonderful book to read!

[Lauren Sapala · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely beautiful book. I picked it up not knowing what to expect, although I was intrigued by the description “conscious storytelling.” Right from the very first page, I was drawn in and wanted to keep reading. From the introduction alone, where the author talked about how she met the main character of the story, and all the signs and synchronicities that lined up between them, I knew this was a book I would love and want to share with others, and I definitely wasn’t disappointed.

Trusting the Currents is the story of Addie Mae, a young African-American woman in the South in the 1930’s, but it is also the story of her family and her community and everything they go through together. Addie Mae is an intelligent, curious, seeker kind of person. She isn’t satisfied with the status quo and she never stops questioning. She reads big books full of big ideas and she’s always searching for something bigger than herself. Because she’s this way, she struggles to fit in at times and she struggles to live a humdrum life where everything goes according to plan and she falls into the traditional mold of getting married to her first sweetheart, having a bunch of kids, etc. I very much resonated with this storyline as this is something I’ve also struggled with my entire life. It’s difficult to be a woman who wants a family and has a lot of love to give, but also feels the calling to pursue a non-traditional path in life that not very many other people are going to understand.

I also loved the themes of non-traditional spirituality found in the book. Addie Mae’s cousin, Jenny, was one of my favorite characters. Jenny is what some would call “Pagan” and others “Wiccan,” but she’s basically a person who feels an unbreakable bond with the earth and all the forces of nature and communes daily with the trees, flowers, the sun and the moon. Jenny was full of simple, yet profound wisdom that I know will stay with me a long time down the road.

On top of this, there’s a great plot twist that adds a ton of suspense and mystery into the story, which I also loved. I devoured this book in one weekend. Once I picked it up, it was hard to put down because I was so interested in how all the puzzle pieces fit together and how the storyline would play out to the end.

Overall, this was a fantastic read. I highly recommend to anyone who loves well-written contemporary fiction, women’s fiction, inspiring fiction, or who considers themselves to be following a non-traditional spiritual path.

[Daydreamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is unusual but exciting. The ending is open in a certain way but then again not so much. I have to admit that I was pretty sceptical towards this book at first, because I don’t really read that kind of genre usually. I was pleasantly surprised by this book and recommend it to my friends.
There are no clichés and the story is told effortlessly. The plot is very emotional, so keep the tissues ready.
Sometimes the plot is a bit slow but never really boring.
The characters are amazing and all have flaws, which shine brightly throughout the story. But these little things make them adorable and you can’t not be sympathetic with them. Every person has its story and by learning they show new fascinating facets of themselves.
The only things I would have liked would have been a few more details about the uncle and his drinking problem.
After the descriptions you can imagine the village very well. Although the persons are quite religious and I’m not, I could learn a few things from them and understand their point of view.
The description in general are sometimes somewhat childish or nearly naïve, but since you hear about a kid growing up, it’s ok. Luckily unnecessary things were left out, so the book isn’t bloated. The emotions were beautifully written and made you think about these events.
The length of the sentences varies in a nice way and creates a pleasant reading flow.
Not to forget the little bonus for the nice cover. I really like it!

[Anya Pavelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I call myself a spiritual rather than religious person, and I think there's definitely more about our reality than what we see with our eyes. So much of what we learn in life happens when we look below the surface of thing and trust the forces, physical and spiritual, that are there to guide us. We're really not alone when it comes down to it, and we can find solace in the most unusual of places.

[Gloria Zachgo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have such a mixed reaction to this novel. I was attracted by the book cover (beautiful) and curious about the title. I wanted to give it more stars; however, I found the author’s use of her own experiences as to why she wrote the story confusing and somehow out of place.

The scenes often read like poetry with prophetic ramblings of nature and God’s love for our souls. It’s what I liked—it’s what I didn’t like.

The story often lacked movement, and I was highly disappointed where Addie Mae’s journey began.

[Shae]

DNF on page 107. Not my kind of book. Writing isn't bad, just not my kind of story.

[Rosie Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trusting The Currents is a form of conscious storytelling. It is the story of two women: Lynnda Pollio who reached a point in her life when she was ready for a spiritual journey, and Addie Mae, a Southern African-American woman who chose to speak about her own teenage life through Lynnda.

‘Then, one afternoon, Addie Mae laughed, and every plan I had entertained evaporated.’

At a time when many are awakening to their own spiritual paths, Addie Mae’s story will resonate with those ready to hear her words. Addie Mae’s tale is set in the 1930s; she lived in a small town, with her mother, uncle and his step daughter Jenny. They were people who relied on the land for most of their food, supplemented by a small income her mother made from sewing. The community was friendly and hard-working.

Addie Mae and Jenny were best friends; while Addie Mae had a thirst for learning at school, Jenny was more of a free spirit. Jenny spent hours in nature; listening to the trees and earth spirits. She followed her own path, was pretty and caught the attention of the boys.

The one dark cloud which hung over their lives was Uncle Joe. Addie Mae reckoned he was born bad; unhappy with his lot, he spent most of his time drinking and at times took his anger out on the family and their home.

This is a multi-layered book; the poetic writing creates beautiful pictures of 1930s Southern America, and Addie Mae’s rich Southern dialect drops you right into the era.

“Let go, fool child. Can’t hold to anythin’ too tight.”

Addie Mae’s own story is about self-discovery and her strength to break away from the small town expectations. But this is much more “It’s not what happened to me that matters.” She tells Lynnda at the outset. This book will be about what each reader can take from it: messages, lessons and inspiration may resonate with readers. This book was full of meaning for me, and I thought about it a great deal, afterwards; I've been excited about spreading the word to others, and hope you will take as much from it as I did.

I’ll leave you with one more quote from Lynnda about Addie Mae.

‘She taught me how much we are shown in a flickering moment. How many secrets are hidden in the ordinary if we only take occasion to notice.’

More reviews at https://rosieamber.wordpress.com/
Twitter @rosieamber1

[Sage Nestler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trusting the Currents is a remarkable novel. It was originally sent to me by Lynnda Pollio for consideration in my Go Indie Now! Bibliotherapy Box, and I immediately knew that the book would change my life. Through this book Pollio has created a new genre of Visionary Fiction, and embedded in the writing are energetic frequencies that help to expand the reader's consciousness. Reading a novel should always be an experience, and Pollio's writing has taken it to the next level.

I connected with Addice throughout the novel due to all of the life changes that she was experiencing and how small events in her life changed who she was. Reading is truly a form of healing, and by transporting the reader into the novel Pollio was able to heal them simply by having them read her words. Spirituality is all around us just waiting to be grasped, and Trusting the C urrents is a great door opener to those who are interested in learning about spiritual awakening and the power that is in all of us.

[Savannah Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was incredibly moved by Trusting the Currents- Addie Mae represents the spirit in all of us. The whisper in our soul, driving us to push beyond our realms of comfort. Our heart breaks with her many times throughout the story, and like many "classic" narratives before it, it is discretely, then quite epically stitched back together as the story reveals its final lessons. Addie Mae wasn't looking for answers and neither should we, she was looking for her confidence to grow enough to take that first step in the direction of her dreams. And she did it with the support of her community. I cried (many times), I cheered, and perhaps most surprising of all, after I finished I wrote my mother a letter thanking her for all she's done for me. Trusting the currents brought her and I closer together just as Addie Mae brought me closer to myself.

Trusting the Currents is for anyone seeking to reconnect with their inner voice, anyone ready for a powerful journey through the eyes of a kindred spirit. I'll recommend it to anyone ready for something more than your average fiction but most importantly, anyone pondering a change or transition. I started it in the botanical gardens in Christchurch, NZ and read it across each plane journey during a 5 stop speaking tour I just completed. It gave me strength when I was giving a lot (we all know much us with passion put into projects). I am so grateful my dear friend recommended your book for this particular journey.

[Tabitha Vohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel was straight soul food! I am so excited to tell you about it. It's like nothing I've ever read before in fictional form.

Trusting the Currents is a brilliantly conceived novel in which the author channeled the spirit of her character onto the page. And what a beautiful story she had to tell! Addie Mae is struggling to find herself in a way that I think all women could relate to: how to separate what the heart wants from what the soul is destined for, how to let go of the ones we love so tenderly--not only to live our lives to the fullest but allow them to as well--, how to make peace with one's spirit and find consolation with nature and God without dependence on others.

I loved everything about this novel. Jenny is my favorite character. She is like a goddess spirit full of wisdom. Many of the passages in this book I marked with my e-reader highlighter just so I could go back and revisit them because they spoke such truth.

If you're looking for a story that will leave you changed afterwards--in the best way--discover this novel!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addie Mae will speak to you as she does to everyone who embraces this life altering novel. Addie Mae's story transforms the reader by making us see our lives in her rich tapestry of self awakening so beautifully written and paced by Lynnda Pollio. The reader longs for more and for the story to continue in our own lives. Genuine inspiration that is timeless and thought provoking is worth everyone's time and devotion to its characters and deep meaning. I rank it along side The Alchemist as one of my favorite books. Thank you Addie Mae, Jenny and Lynnda for this gift of a book that crosses all gender, race, cultural and age barriers. If you have a soul that you long to hear, then this book is for you. Trusting the Currents is more than a novel. It is a guide to find one's life path.

[Susan Weintrob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part internal monologue, part mystical, part coming of age story. Well written and crafted, the path to wisdom is found in family, in crisis and in communicating with nature. A pleasure to read and savor.

[Rebecca Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most moving, amazing books I have ever read. Addie Mae will touch your heart and teach you, and move you to tears with the power of her words. Bravo!

[gj indieBRAG · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are proud to announce that TRUSTING THE CURRENTS by Lynnda Pollio is a B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!

[Steph Warren · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of this book. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*

A story within a story, Trusting the Currents begins and ends with Lynda Pollio at a tipping point in her life but the main focus and heart of the story is Addie Mae and her tale of learning, growing and opening oneself to the world.

Addie Mae’s story of family, love, and leaving the nest is simply told and full of warmth and life. In the Aubrey family tree, Addie Mae’s mother is both the roots and trunk, nourishing them and keeping them anchored to their history; Addie Mae is the branches, reaching up and outwards towards the sun, the sky, the horizon; and Jenny is the leaves, attached but apart, changing and turning as the breeze catches her.

All three women have wisdom to impart and there are life lessons to be reaped in their words and experiences throughout the story. They face adversity with great strength and grace, and embrace their blessings with an open joy that is infectious.

The basis of the story is deeply spiritual/religious, but it can be enjoyed by readers of any faith or belief, as the soul of the book is in the human experience and how we stand together to survive it and grow within it.

I recommend this to those who like slow-paced family stories with a warm, giving heart.


“Words are cathedrals for ideas, Addie Mae. Each time we open a book, we enter a door to a sacred space where fresh truths are born. Reading changes what we are into who we might be, opening shuttered minds and warming even the coldest hearts. It frees our true promise like butterflies experiencing life for the first time outside the dark unknowin’ of the cocoon.”

– Lynnda Pollio, Trusting the Currents

Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...

[Katherine Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read an interview by this author and was intrigued by the story of how this book came to be, so I decided to grab a copy and give it a read, unsure what to expect, and I am so glad I did.

Trusting the Currents is one of the, if not THE most beautiful book I've ever read. Addie Mae is telling her story and we follow along as she learns about life, love, courage, and spirituality. And I don't mean religion, but rather a spirituality based on being true to oneself and understanding the interconnectedness of life, particularly from Jenny, who has a special connection to nature and an almost mystical ability to listen to her own heart.

Everything about this book is beautiful, from the story that teaches you to be true to yourself and follow your heart in life even though the road is often challenging and painful to the surprising ways in which the author combines words to paint a picture so vivid it's as if you're looking at it right in front of you. It feels as if Addie Mae is sitting right next to you, telling you her story at the same time you're watching it unfold before your very eyes.

I've been sad to reach the end of a book before - many times, in fact. I've read books that have made me cry because there is so much grief or sadness or pain within the pages. But this is the first time I have ever finished a book and cried simply because I didn't want it to be over. The first time I felt sadness because I can never experience it for the first time again.

This is a book that will redefine how you think about life - your own and others - as well as how you define beauty of the human spirit. Absolutely breathtakingly beautiful.

[Debra Denker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this inspiring, heart-lifting book about overcoming adversity through trust in guidance from the “Invisibles.” I felt like I knew the character of the young narrator, Addie Mae, and her wild, fierce, and gentle cousin Jenny, who comes to live with Addie Mae’s family. “Trusting the Currents” is a parable of two young African-American women coming of age against great odds. Jenny’s magical connection with Nature combines with the love of books that Addie Mae learns from a special teacher, Mrs. Blanchard, to give the two young women the courage of personal redemption and hope. Writing is a mysterious process, and who knows why the spirits of these two characters chose to come through an author with such a different background in time, space, and culture, but Pollio’s writing brings their story alive with great immediacy and affection.

[Marianne Reese · Rating 5 out of 5]

There aren’t very many books that I read that cause me to pause and reflect on my own life, but this book did. There is so much about this wonderfully written book that is thought provoking. For anyone not sure about what path to take in life, this story may be the nudge needed to move them forward.

The story flows beautifully and I found it easy to latch on to the characters. Each character is described in a fashion true to life, and easy to like, hate, or relate to.

I really enjoyed this read, and was satisfied with the ending.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book, full of spiritual advice and life lessons. It's also the story of Addie May, the voice of a young black girl channeled into a modern-day New York business woman. Unfortunately, this is (and maybe always will be) the only book written by this author, who turns every word and sentence into a painting. The writing is truly spectacular ~ this is a book that could be perused and savored more than once. Read this.

[Ahmad Addam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story deserves a 5 stars and more readers for enlightenment.

It’s a story that reflects every individual and the path of their own journey. It’s a story of understanding life and its reasons, never easy and never satisfying, a road that is cracky and coiled. Yet, at its end, there is a light. This story tough me how to see things simple, and how fear can numb our soul. I highly recommend to read this story, unique and inspirational. Addie Mae’s story is now scripted in my heart, forever.

[Debora Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written. A powerful story about being true to self. The words float off the page and into your soul and the characters are very real and leave you thinking about them long after you finish your reading for the day. A message so many need to hear at some point in their life. I truly loved this book. Thank you Lynnda Pollio for following your muse. I know it is not easy in a busy life to dedicate the time and energy needed to bring a book into existence.

[Helen DiFalco · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book truly shocked me. It was written by Lynnda Pollio and I thought it would be a mystical, spiritual book but it was an interesting book about a young black girl growing up in the south. Actually I enjoyed the book much more than I thought I would.

[Ann Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book!

What a great story this is, and with lustrous pearls of life wisdom woven in. As a writer myself, I’m extra fussy when it comes to reading books...and this one definitely makes the cut. Thank you, Lynnda, for listening to Addie Mae.

[Declan Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started Trusting the Currents I wasn't sure if it was the right fit for my taste. From the first couple of pages I felt I was hooked and I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I will keep an eye for other works of this author.

[Ro Babcock · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars....I enjoyed this story because I could relate to much of it, and there are some profound quotes, but it did seem wordy in the message.

[Sandra Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book recommended by a friend who knows the author. It's a story that works on you in unexpected ways.

[Christine Korbesmeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the story and the wisdom scattered throughout.

[Shailla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. One of those books you can read during different seasons of life and benefit from the deep rooted wisdom within this book each time. Highly recommend.

[Catsafrass Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

A warm-hearted story set in the south, following the lives of two young women as they grow into their strength.

[Jane Fanning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book during a transitional life period is sure to bring at least a small sense of peace to anxious readers.

Beautifully written with an engaging storyline.