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Innocence Derailed
My sisters, do you remember your first time? The exquisite tenderness, or the shameful anguish? The right or wrongness of it?
• Fifteen-year-old Kate gives her virginity away in glorious romantic innocence. She maps out a perfect life for herself – until the rose-colored glasses have to come off and grown-up trials engulf her. After questioning everything she’s learned about God and love, Kate contemplates suicide on a foggy cliff one night but then chooses to ride the 1970 hippie currents of free love and rebellion instead.
• While the guys in her class are drafted into the violence of the Vietnam War, she too flees her country for grand adventures from Mexico to Canada. On this turbulent path of self-discovery, she’s pursued by mystical words that drop into her conscience. When Kate faces her destiny, she must choose to settle down in her hometown or find the courage to follow Spirit where it leads.
• This emotional page-turner explores the hurt and wonder of first love and the raw and real experiences of becoming a woman. Innocence Derailed is a stand-alone novel, the first in the Spirit Quest Series, and gives the early background to the author's narrative non-fiction awarding-winning book, The Celestial Proposal.
• Fifteen-year-old Kate gives her virginity away in glorious romantic innocence. She maps out a perfect life for herself – until the rose-colored glasses have to come off and grown-up trials engulf her. After questioning everything she’s learned about God and love, Kate contemplates suicide on a foggy cliff one night but then chooses to ride the 1970 hippie currents of free love and rebellion instead.
• While the guys in her class are drafted into the violence of the Vietnam War, she too flees her country for grand adventures from Mexico to Canada. On this turbulent path of self-discovery, she’s pursued by mystical words that drop into her conscience. When Kate faces her destiny, she must choose to settle down in her hometown or find the courage to follow Spirit where it leads.
• This emotional page-turner explores the hurt and wonder of first love and the raw and real experiences of becoming a woman. Innocence Derailed is a stand-alone novel, the first in the Spirit Quest Series, and gives the early background to the author's narrative non-fiction awarding-winning book, The Celestial Proposal.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2022
5 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Jane Catherine Rozek
4 books41 followersJane Catherine Rozek writes award-winning, inspiring adventure/romance novels and narrative non-fiction.
As an independent thought-leader and trailblazer, Rozek shows how to activate a powerful and personal kind of faith for the twenty-first century. Each book in her Spirit Quest series has won awards, and the most recent was 1st place in Life Stories for the Canadian Word Guild organization!
She currently lives in beautiful BC, Canada and travels to distant parts of the world with her laptop in hand for grand adventures.
As an independent thought-leader and trailblazer, Rozek shows how to activate a powerful and personal kind of faith for the twenty-first century. Each book in her Spirit Quest series has won awards, and the most recent was 1st place in Life Stories for the Canadian Word Guild organization!
She currently lives in beautiful BC, Canada and travels to distant parts of the world with her laptop in hand for grand adventures.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 31, 2025
Set against the tumultuous 1960s, Jane Catherine Rozek's brilliantly written "Innocence Derailed" captivated me. Rozek's emotionally resonant language pulls you into the remarkable journey of Kate, the protagonist. From the very first page, set on the gum-speckled sidewalks of Portland, I was hooked, and I stayed that way until I finished reading late into the night.
I connected with Kate, and her struggles moved me to tears more than once. She navigated the social upheaval that redefined our moral and spiritual landscape, and I felt nostalgic. The book vividly brought back the chaos of anti-Vietnam War protests and the powerful emotions surrounding conscription.
I couldn't find fault with the writing. The characters are vibrant and well-developed, and Rozek's descriptive prose and vivid imagery are a standout feature. The story is perfectly paced.
Reading this book was a genuine pleasure. Congratulations to the author; her masterpiece earns every one of my five stars. I highly recommend this book.
I connected with Kate, and her struggles moved me to tears more than once. She navigated the social upheaval that redefined our moral and spiritual landscape, and I felt nostalgic. The book vividly brought back the chaos of anti-Vietnam War protests and the powerful emotions surrounding conscription.
I couldn't find fault with the writing. The characters are vibrant and well-developed, and Rozek's descriptive prose and vivid imagery are a standout feature. The story is perfectly paced.
Reading this book was a genuine pleasure. Congratulations to the author; her masterpiece earns every one of my five stars. I highly recommend this book.
August 9, 2024
Emotional adventure
This was an emotional and adventurous coming of age story. The well-written novel has a very personal feel but also touches upon some important issues of the time, like politics and spirituality. It is easy to dive into the story of Kate's young life and adventures, and I would recommend this book.
This was an emotional and adventurous coming of age story. The well-written novel has a very personal feel but also touches upon some important issues of the time, like politics and spirituality. It is easy to dive into the story of Kate's young life and adventures, and I would recommend this book.
June 23, 2022
A candid journey of self-discovery
Although warned by a well-wisher, a naïve teenager becomes involved with a flighty boy. Despite all the warning signals, she persists in the relationship. The context and the protagonist’s reaction to the dysfunctional are poignantly described, and it is the opening salvo of her spiritual journey.
Despite her regrets, Kate continues to stumble from one disastrous sexual relationship to another, partly due to her over-trusting and affectionate nature. However, she had a safety net, having subconscious respect for the natural law. That is expressed in another beautiful passage later in the book when she has a spiritual awakening following on her love and contact with nature.
“Kate envied the natural laws because their patterns had a purpose. Birds flew south for the winter, and bears hid out and hibernated. Nature was pure, simple, and beautiful. Words whispered back to her gently, and there was so much love attached to them. PUT MY LAWS INTO YOUR HEART TO ENTER MY KINGDOM”
This story is relatable. Kate has her own brushes with illness, drugs, and alcohol, all of which could make or break a person. Many in a similar predicament, slide down a spiral of self-pity, and self-hatred, falling victim to various self-destructive addictions to cope with the hurt. The protagonist took responsibility of her misguided decisions, and strove (not always successfully) to respect certain boundaries and to find meaning in her life.
I enjoyed reading this book. It’s well written and inviting. Moreover, it is a valid eye-opener, pertinent for these modern times. The author is honest, and narrates matter-of-factly. She is able to forgive others’ transgressions because she learns to forgive and make up for her own. Her moments with her parents are particularly touching. Despite the protagonist’s flaws and frailties, she is strong in character, empathic and the reader can easily relate to her.
The text is interrupted by probing existential thoughts of the protagonist, and that works well. It takes courage to write such a book. Hopefully, it should give insight to others who find themselves in a similar predicament.
Although warned by a well-wisher, a naïve teenager becomes involved with a flighty boy. Despite all the warning signals, she persists in the relationship. The context and the protagonist’s reaction to the dysfunctional are poignantly described, and it is the opening salvo of her spiritual journey.
Despite her regrets, Kate continues to stumble from one disastrous sexual relationship to another, partly due to her over-trusting and affectionate nature. However, she had a safety net, having subconscious respect for the natural law. That is expressed in another beautiful passage later in the book when she has a spiritual awakening following on her love and contact with nature.
“Kate envied the natural laws because their patterns had a purpose. Birds flew south for the winter, and bears hid out and hibernated. Nature was pure, simple, and beautiful. Words whispered back to her gently, and there was so much love attached to them. PUT MY LAWS INTO YOUR HEART TO ENTER MY KINGDOM”
This story is relatable. Kate has her own brushes with illness, drugs, and alcohol, all of which could make or break a person. Many in a similar predicament, slide down a spiral of self-pity, and self-hatred, falling victim to various self-destructive addictions to cope with the hurt. The protagonist took responsibility of her misguided decisions, and strove (not always successfully) to respect certain boundaries and to find meaning in her life.
I enjoyed reading this book. It’s well written and inviting. Moreover, it is a valid eye-opener, pertinent for these modern times. The author is honest, and narrates matter-of-factly. She is able to forgive others’ transgressions because she learns to forgive and make up for her own. Her moments with her parents are particularly touching. Despite the protagonist’s flaws and frailties, she is strong in character, empathic and the reader can easily relate to her.
The text is interrupted by probing existential thoughts of the protagonist, and that works well. It takes courage to write such a book. Hopefully, it should give insight to others who find themselves in a similar predicament.
November 15, 2023
Great book, great story! Thank you, Jane, for offering a story that makes you think and get all the feels. I definitely offered this to my 17yo daughter to read. If you are looking for a book that you can really identify with, makes you remember things and feel things this is your book!
June 13, 2022
As a child of the 1960s myself, I must admit that this book captured my cuiosity. The author is several years younger than I am but was impacted by many of the same world-changing events that colored my world, i.e., the assassinations of JFK, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Robert Kennedy, as well as the Vietnam war.
Young Kate lives in small-town Hood River, Oregon. She's a great student and isn't much into boys, per se. One day she goes to Portland, the big city, with her mother and sister, and hears a voice talking to her, sending a mysterious invitation. She looks around and sees no one. This is foreshadows what will take place throughout the book.
Her two friends are all about boys; however, Kate doesn't flirt. She keeps to herself until she accidentally meets Mark, who turns out to be the love of her life. He's older but he treats her with respect. Most of the time they spend together is exploring nature. She's worried he will get drafted and sent to Vietnam--not an unfounded concern. I won't reveal the course of their love affair, but it's tender, true love, the kind every teenage girl hopes to find.
Kate begins to become more and more aware of things happening in the world--corporate greed, war profiteers making money at the expense of young men dying in Vietnam, government officials lying about what's happening (and whether they're really trying to stop communism in Southeast Asia. After graduation, she dabbles in all sorts of drugs, including psychedelics, She begins roaming the country with a variety of friends and different men.
The author tells a story that is part historical fiction, part reality, part autobiographical, part soul-searching, but overall, one of a young woman who doesn't quite know what to do with herself. She needs to learn how to trust, but whom? She continues to receive messages from what she calls "Spirit" throughout the book as she reflects on her life. She's searching for who she is, what she will be, who she will become.
I enjoyed the references to songs of the times as well. The music during the turbulent 1960s was almost a character unto itself.
The characters are believable and real. I cringed as the author described Kate and her friends hitchhiking from Oregon to Mexico in those days, knowing full well that young women did those things and came out of it unscathed, most of the time. Not in today's times.
In all, this book is intriguing. I am anxious to read the sequel in which Kate continues her lifelong path for who she is. I recommend this not only for children of the 1960s, such as me, but for people who want a glimpse of how the world was during the peace, love, and rock 'n' roll days.
June 24, 2022
Innocence Derailed, by Jane Catherine Rozek, is an inspirational book that turns the mundane events Kate experiences into a deep encounter each and every time. In today’s world, where everybody prefers the comfort and safety of one’s home, her story goes to show that there are people who opt to surround themselves with the outside world, specifically nature and all its beauty, and find out that there is a higher being within the smallest things one sees daily.
The author has written the book in a way that makes it feel personal even to its readers. The first pages makes the story seem like a romantic novel, but when the relationship ends, readers will see that there is more to this story than meets the eye. It motivates its audience to think about philosophical queries and reflect on their own answers. It also raises questions about rights, politics, and religion that are often silenced, not just during the 1970’s, but still today. Lastly and surprisingly, it also promotes the importance of taking breaks, may it be through the means of traveling, surrounding oneself with new people, or having a single day to yourself. You never know where your decisions will take you, and that is the fun of it all. In Kate’s case, her entire journey only brought her to a new one, only this time, she is now an enlightened woman; more prepared to take on what her next story holds.
Innocence Derailed is an emotionally-resonant coming of age novel that provides readers with a compelling exploration of a relatable and fascinating character. I would recommend this to young adults, because I personally share the struggle of not knowing where I am supposed to be in this age. The fact that the story is also based on true events will serve as a great inspiration for its readers, for it is a positive reminder that one’s path can progress with the will of God.
The author has written the book in a way that makes it feel personal even to its readers. The first pages makes the story seem like a romantic novel, but when the relationship ends, readers will see that there is more to this story than meets the eye. It motivates its audience to think about philosophical queries and reflect on their own answers. It also raises questions about rights, politics, and religion that are often silenced, not just during the 1970’s, but still today. Lastly and surprisingly, it also promotes the importance of taking breaks, may it be through the means of traveling, surrounding oneself with new people, or having a single day to yourself. You never know where your decisions will take you, and that is the fun of it all. In Kate’s case, her entire journey only brought her to a new one, only this time, she is now an enlightened woman; more prepared to take on what her next story holds.
Innocence Derailed is an emotionally-resonant coming of age novel that provides readers with a compelling exploration of a relatable and fascinating character. I would recommend this to young adults, because I personally share the struggle of not knowing where I am supposed to be in this age. The fact that the story is also based on true events will serve as a great inspiration for its readers, for it is a positive reminder that one’s path can progress with the will of God.
June 22, 2022
The raw beauty of this book reminds us that life is messy but exquisitely breath-taking when Spirit whispers to our soul.
Innocence Derailed is a coming-of-age story set in the US during the Vietnam War and makes a nice contrast between young love and the ugliness of war. I did not find the history jarring or obtrusive in any way. This must have been exactly what people felt during these times.
Kate grows up quickly because of adult decisions and consequences, while also trying to navigate the emerging hippie era. She experiences many adventures, and they fuel a philosophical thirst for meaning that draws her toward the unknown. The author shows Kate’s growing faith without asking anyone else to buy into religion, simply showing how Kate came into her spirituality.
Her dilemmas were so raw and real it made my heart break for Kate. I felt the same emotions as Kate did, like I was right there with her, wishing I could reach in and comfort her. Yet the ending was so good, it made me pause and cry a little at Kate’s happiness. This is a book I will remember for a long time. R.A.
Innocence Derailed is a coming-of-age story set in the US during the Vietnam War and makes a nice contrast between young love and the ugliness of war. I did not find the history jarring or obtrusive in any way. This must have been exactly what people felt during these times.
Kate grows up quickly because of adult decisions and consequences, while also trying to navigate the emerging hippie era. She experiences many adventures, and they fuel a philosophical thirst for meaning that draws her toward the unknown. The author shows Kate’s growing faith without asking anyone else to buy into religion, simply showing how Kate came into her spirituality.
Her dilemmas were so raw and real it made my heart break for Kate. I felt the same emotions as Kate did, like I was right there with her, wishing I could reach in and comfort her. Yet the ending was so good, it made me pause and cry a little at Kate’s happiness. This is a book I will remember for a long time. R.A.
June 17, 2022
Read it, loved it. I found this story very well written and relatable. Two thumbs up! I highly recommend.
June 16, 2024
A Turbulent Journey of Self-Discovery
Innocence Derailed will take you on a powerful coming-of-age ride through the free-spirited 1970s. At fifteen, Kate naively gives away her…., dreaming of a perfect future that's quickly derailed.
As her male peers get drafted into the Vietnam War, Kate escapes her small town, fleeing across North America on a wild path of hippie rebellion and romantic adventures from Mexico to Canada.
Haunted by mystical messages nudging her destiny, she contemplates suicide before choosing life - though the trials of love, heartbreak, and finding her place in a chaotic world are just beginning.
With raw emotional honesty, Innocence Derailed explores the wonders and hurts of first love while taking readers on Kate's turbulent journey to womanhood.
This book is a living creature breathing in my brain! I can't wait to read the second book!
Innocence Derailed will take you on a powerful coming-of-age ride through the free-spirited 1970s. At fifteen, Kate naively gives away her…., dreaming of a perfect future that's quickly derailed.
As her male peers get drafted into the Vietnam War, Kate escapes her small town, fleeing across North America on a wild path of hippie rebellion and romantic adventures from Mexico to Canada.
Haunted by mystical messages nudging her destiny, she contemplates suicide before choosing life - though the trials of love, heartbreak, and finding her place in a chaotic world are just beginning.
With raw emotional honesty, Innocence Derailed explores the wonders and hurts of first love while taking readers on Kate's turbulent journey to womanhood.
This book is a living creature breathing in my brain! I can't wait to read the second book!
August 18, 2024
Wow! What a testimony! Some great adventures!
I so enjoyed this book. The author wrote it in such a way that made me feel I was riding alongside her on the amazing adventures she went on. Some had me on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. I've even learned some things I never knew about places and things. If you're a reader that enjoys action and adventure with love tangled in the midst, then you'll love this book. It is also a good eye opener to think through your decisions before doing them as some will have consequences that follow whatever we choose to do in life! Thank you Jane for writing this book!
I so enjoyed this book. The author wrote it in such a way that made me feel I was riding alongside her on the amazing adventures she went on. Some had me on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. I've even learned some things I never knew about places and things. If you're a reader that enjoys action and adventure with love tangled in the midst, then you'll love this book. It is also a good eye opener to think through your decisions before doing them as some will have consequences that follow whatever we choose to do in life! Thank you Jane for writing this book!
June 20, 2022
Kicking off the Spirit Quest series, “Innocence Derailed” by Jane Catherine Rozek, is a standalone coming-of-age novel based on the author’s personal experiences.
The story begins with fifteen-year-old Kate, who is living in Oregon in 1968. It was at this time she first felt Spirit connecting with her through brief messages. Shortly after, Kate falls in love for the first time and experiences life fully through this relationship. And while there is a great deal of joy, there are some painful, life altering experiences. After the relationship ends, Kate launches herself out into the world on some grand adventures. Around the time that she attends a university, she also journeys down into Mexico to help a friend and ends up fully immersing herself in what life has to offer there. Spirit continues reaching out to Kate with messages to help her understand the meaning behind some of the events. When Kate returns from Mexico, she feels compelled to move to Canada, though she encounters serious incidents that put this goal at risk. Still, she perseveres and in April 1974 finds herself on her way to her next adventure.
Jane Catherine Rozek’s story really captured my attention. She tells her story so vividly and heartfelt, that I felt like I was viewing what was happening through young Kate’s eyes. I felt like I could relate to this young woman, as I remembered my own adventures and misadventures as a young adult. Her friendships were so meaningful, and heartbreaks so devastating. Watching her begin to embrace her connection to spirit was wonderful. I had similar experiences like this, and I suspect others who enjoy “Innocence Derailed,” will also relate. As I was reading about the messages she was hearing, I clearly remembered when Spirit told me, “Find your center,” as I was unable to stop myself from sliding down a mountain in Big Sur. That voice was clear and helped me focus so that I could save myself. Rozek helped remind me that I need to spend more time focusing on renewing this special connection.
I believe others will also feel connected with this book on a level that goes beyond just enjoying an exceptionally written story, which this book is. I think “Innocence Derailed,” will be an excellent choice to share with women’s readers groups, friends and sisters. The conversations that will develop from discussing this will be amazing! I look forward to the next book in the Spirit Quest s
The story begins with fifteen-year-old Kate, who is living in Oregon in 1968. It was at this time she first felt Spirit connecting with her through brief messages. Shortly after, Kate falls in love for the first time and experiences life fully through this relationship. And while there is a great deal of joy, there are some painful, life altering experiences. After the relationship ends, Kate launches herself out into the world on some grand adventures. Around the time that she attends a university, she also journeys down into Mexico to help a friend and ends up fully immersing herself in what life has to offer there. Spirit continues reaching out to Kate with messages to help her understand the meaning behind some of the events. When Kate returns from Mexico, she feels compelled to move to Canada, though she encounters serious incidents that put this goal at risk. Still, she perseveres and in April 1974 finds herself on her way to her next adventure.
Jane Catherine Rozek’s story really captured my attention. She tells her story so vividly and heartfelt, that I felt like I was viewing what was happening through young Kate’s eyes. I felt like I could relate to this young woman, as I remembered my own adventures and misadventures as a young adult. Her friendships were so meaningful, and heartbreaks so devastating. Watching her begin to embrace her connection to spirit was wonderful. I had similar experiences like this, and I suspect others who enjoy “Innocence Derailed,” will also relate. As I was reading about the messages she was hearing, I clearly remembered when Spirit told me, “Find your center,” as I was unable to stop myself from sliding down a mountain in Big Sur. That voice was clear and helped me focus so that I could save myself. Rozek helped remind me that I need to spend more time focusing on renewing this special connection.
I believe others will also feel connected with this book on a level that goes beyond just enjoying an exceptionally written story, which this book is. I think “Innocence Derailed,” will be an excellent choice to share with women’s readers groups, friends and sisters. The conversations that will develop from discussing this will be amazing! I look forward to the next book in the Spirit Quest s
October 18, 2022
I really enjoyed this story. I'm not one for explaining away mysterious things that happen to forces we can only surmise about, but Kate's journey was relatable and I found myself wondering how she integrated all her experiences. She came of age in Portland in the late sixties - the decade of burgeoning feminism, the Vietnam War, the assassination of Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy. In this story Kate steps into her life by instinct; she hasn't been thoroughly indoctrinated by either parent or any religious beliefs and she's looking for what to believe in; she's beautiful and sexy - one of those girls who quickly becomes 'experienced'. Her sweet romance with Mark is her first relationship; young and trusting she 'gives her heart' to him and tries to understand the meaning of life through the lens of this 'true love'. After the inevitable break up when Mark goes away to university, Kate's life wanders without much purpose. I admired her adventurousness - she tries so many things that are identified with The Sixties: marijuana, LSD, travel by hitchhike to Mexico, driving a Volkswagen bug, flying in a Cessna, hiking the backwoods of the Pacific Northwest, being a cook for bunch of guys on a sailboat, spelunking into a dark cave and 'free love'( which she concludes is great for the guys). Kate questions the social norms, how sexual behaviour affects her sense of self and tries to understand how she should behave; she's looking for her own morals through her actions and experiences. She attracts several lovers but none lives up to Mark, who returns for an evening here and there. Kate's mental wondering often crops up in simple messages she 'hears' after experiencing a provocative event. The writing reveals the action through conversation and simple telling; but there are areas - mostly when Kate is in the presence of nature - when her descriptions of the quiet, or the rolling waves, or the sunset are truly magical.
August 2, 2022
Life experiences that I never had...
This book gives a glimpse of what it was like to be a hippie in the 60's--Hitchhiking, drugs, free love and carefree travel on a small budget. Even though I couldn't relate to anything personally, I experienced the emotions.
Well, the one thing I do connect with is Kate's love of music. The author includes links to all of the songs at the back of the book. It would be fun to read it again and listen to each song as they come up in the story line.
I like the book and consider it to be an adult novel. With the sex and drugs being so prevalent, I wouldn't want my young teens to read it yet.
This book gives a glimpse of what it was like to be a hippie in the 60's--Hitchhiking, drugs, free love and carefree travel on a small budget. Even though I couldn't relate to anything personally, I experienced the emotions.
Well, the one thing I do connect with is Kate's love of music. The author includes links to all of the songs at the back of the book. It would be fun to read it again and listen to each song as they come up in the story line.
I like the book and consider it to be an adult novel. With the sex and drugs being so prevalent, I wouldn't want my young teens to read it yet.
November 24, 2025
This is an emotional, beautifully crafted story that truly brings the 1960’s Counterculture Movement to life. The writing is excellent—rich, raw, and real. I truly admired the author’s ability to portray the confusion, heartbreak, and searching that come with growing up in such a turbulent era.
Much of Kate’s journey takes place against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, the draft hanging over young men like a shadow, and a generation wrestling with mistrust of government and the pull of the hippie movement. I learned a lot about what it felt like to live through those times—always wondering who would be shipped off, who might run, and how those choices shaped everyone they left behind. And many families already living with a cloud of pain and trauma from previous wars. I walk away with a new understanding and appreciation for this generation and what they went through.
What moved me most was the emotional honesty: the ache of first love, the pain of innocence lost, and the hard, sometimes messy choices that shape a young woman’s identity. The story doesn’t shy away from the difficult parts of becoming an adult, yet it’s told with compassion and a depth that lingers long after the last page.
A powerful and engaging start to the Spirit Quest Series, written with skill and heart. I will definitely be reading on. This story is based on the author’s life, and it’s a story that needs to be recorded and remembered.
Much of Kate’s journey takes place against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, the draft hanging over young men like a shadow, and a generation wrestling with mistrust of government and the pull of the hippie movement. I learned a lot about what it felt like to live through those times—always wondering who would be shipped off, who might run, and how those choices shaped everyone they left behind. And many families already living with a cloud of pain and trauma from previous wars. I walk away with a new understanding and appreciation for this generation and what they went through.
What moved me most was the emotional honesty: the ache of first love, the pain of innocence lost, and the hard, sometimes messy choices that shape a young woman’s identity. The story doesn’t shy away from the difficult parts of becoming an adult, yet it’s told with compassion and a depth that lingers long after the last page.
A powerful and engaging start to the Spirit Quest Series, written with skill and heart. I will definitely be reading on. This story is based on the author’s life, and it’s a story that needs to be recorded and remembered.
August 21, 2024
I received a copy of the book from Voracious Readers Only. This book is an emotional account of a young woman, named Kate, navigating her life from being a teenager and becoming a young woman. I didn’t realize it was also a novel about Christianity (I am myself but don’t like having it shoved in my face). I no longer believe in structured religion because it’s the cause of strife around the world. I was born in 1963 and it was fantastic to relive historic moments in time. For a young woman exploring her religious beliefs, she’s a bit uncaring and unforgiving. Both are concepts should be followed, according to the New Testament (who would worship Old Testament God?!). She goes to Mexico to rescue a friend who had a bad experience with illicit drugs. After her friend is home, it’s like she completely forgets about her. She also refuses to forgive her first love, even though he was clear about the reason why they broke up (too young and he was correct). Even better? She decides to immigrate to Canada but just before going gets a DUI. This makes her ineligible to go there but she still does on the hope that the Canadian government hasn’t received notification of the sentencing. She’s able to cross the border but is breaking the law in doing so. I guess her rules apply to everyone but her own self.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2025
From the very first page, Innocence Derailed captivated me with its poetic yet unflinching portrayal of girlhood on the brink of womanhood. Jane Catherine Rozek has written something deeply personal and emotionally arresting. Kate’s voice is so real, vulnerable, and authentic that I felt like I was reading someone’s secret diary.
Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War and the rising tide of the hippie movement, this book doesn’t just tell a story of a young girl giving away her innocence; it deconstructs what innocence even means. It bravely delves into taboo topics: sex, shame, suicide, and spirituality, but does so with grace and sensitivity.
Kate’s spiritual evolution, the inner voice, the pull of “Spirit,” the sense of a higher calling, was so refreshing. It wasn’t religious in the traditional sense, but instead offered a raw, soul-deep exploration of meaning. This is a rare book that made me cry, think, and ultimately heal a little piece of my younger self. A must-read for every woman who has questioned her worth and come out stronger for it.
Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War and the rising tide of the hippie movement, this book doesn’t just tell a story of a young girl giving away her innocence; it deconstructs what innocence even means. It bravely delves into taboo topics: sex, shame, suicide, and spirituality, but does so with grace and sensitivity.
Kate’s spiritual evolution, the inner voice, the pull of “Spirit,” the sense of a higher calling, was so refreshing. It wasn’t religious in the traditional sense, but instead offered a raw, soul-deep exploration of meaning. This is a rare book that made me cry, think, and ultimately heal a little piece of my younger self. A must-read for every woman who has questioned her worth and come out stronger for it.
January 27, 2026
Innocence Derailed is a powerful and emotionally honest coming-of-age story that explores first love, trauma, and the long, often complicated path toward healing and spiritual awakening. Jane Catherine Rozek writes with vulnerability and courage, allowing the reader to witness both the pain of shattered innocence and the strength it takes to reclaim one’s inner truth.
What makes this book especially impactful is its authenticity. The story doesn’t rush healing or gloss over the lasting effects of trauma; instead, it honors the messy, nonlinear journey of growth and self-discovery. As both a reader and a therapist, I appreciated how thoughtfully the emotional and spiritual layers are woven together, offering insight without preaching. This is a meaningful read for anyone drawn to true stories of resilience, inner awakening, and the reclaiming of self after loss.
What makes this book especially impactful is its authenticity. The story doesn’t rush healing or gloss over the lasting effects of trauma; instead, it honors the messy, nonlinear journey of growth and self-discovery. As both a reader and a therapist, I appreciated how thoughtfully the emotional and spiritual layers are woven together, offering insight without preaching. This is a meaningful read for anyone drawn to true stories of resilience, inner awakening, and the reclaiming of self after loss.
January 8, 2026
At first glance, this appears to be a simplistic romance - girl meets boy as a teen and they fall in love -but you'd be mistaken. This is a poignant, memoir-esque story about a girl becoming a woman, during highly political times, and navigating love, heartbreak, spirituality and self-discovery against a backdrop of a changing world.
The setting kept me gripped - having been born myself after the tumult of the Vietnam war and the civil rights movement, I found it fascinating to read not only an American perspective, but also a portrait of a young woman, whom I could easily identify with on many levels, experiencing those times. It is not a romance, in the traditional sense. It's a journey, with some very dark moments in, towards acceptance, along with the discovery of what it means to find a true faith and very moving, whatever your own beliefs may be. From small town America to the dangers of the open ocean and South American countries - Innocence Derailed is an easy, gripping read with a sympathetic and likable protagonist. The prose is simplistic, and that's ok - not every book has to be lyrical and riddled with metaphors, and I think the style of it (which at first I thought a little Judy Blume) works very well as it allows the reader to draw their own conclusions.
Candid, inspiring, this book deserves attention because one cannot help but draw comparisons to the unease of the world today, and how we might navigate such uncertainty ourselves.
The setting kept me gripped - having been born myself after the tumult of the Vietnam war and the civil rights movement, I found it fascinating to read not only an American perspective, but also a portrait of a young woman, whom I could easily identify with on many levels, experiencing those times. It is not a romance, in the traditional sense. It's a journey, with some very dark moments in, towards acceptance, along with the discovery of what it means to find a true faith and very moving, whatever your own beliefs may be. From small town America to the dangers of the open ocean and South American countries - Innocence Derailed is an easy, gripping read with a sympathetic and likable protagonist. The prose is simplistic, and that's ok - not every book has to be lyrical and riddled with metaphors, and I think the style of it (which at first I thought a little Judy Blume) works very well as it allows the reader to draw their own conclusions.
Candid, inspiring, this book deserves attention because one cannot help but draw comparisons to the unease of the world today, and how we might navigate such uncertainty ourselves.
December 19, 2025
Innocence Derailed by Jane Catherine Rozek is a compelling and deeply emotional journey into adolescence, first love, and self-discovery. Rozek captures the raw vulnerability of growing up, blending the exhilaration of youthful romance with the trials of moral and spiritual awakening. The story’s vivid settings from the 1970s hippie currents to journeys across Mexico and Canada add rich texture, while Kate’s personal journey resonates universally with readers navigating the complexities of identity, love, and choice. A thoughtful, introspective, and unforgettable read that leaves a lasting impression.
December 26, 2023
Innocence Derailed is a captivating true story that shows the lasting effects of first love, devastation in loss, and growth from naivety to love and acceptance. It mirrors powerful, transformative messages from God and the importance of trusting our inner voice. The author’s descriptions and storyline were phenomenal. I felt as if I was walking alongside Kate as she journeyed through life. I smiled, and I cried. This is a heartwarming and tender read. I’d highly recommend it for those who’ve loved and lost, and as a result, found themselves again.
December 18, 2025
Reading each section took me through moments of love, loss, and awakening—sometimes tender, sometimes harsh, but always honest. I felt the restlessness of youth, the pull of the road, and clashes with culture and its consequences. What stayed with me most was the sense of growth: a journey that begins with craving and movement and slowly turns into one of reflection and spirit. By the final chapters, I felt like I had walked alongside someone finding their way home.
July 30, 2024
This truly is a ‘spirit quest’. In 1970s America a young girl gives up her virginity and imagines a wonderful future. When that doesn’t pan out she leaves her hometown and travels to Mexico and Canada to find it.
Her quest leads her many places. Maybe she should just go home.
Her quest leads her many places. Maybe she should just go home.
September 14, 2024
This book really touched me. It is based on the life of the author who lived in a significant time in history and who experienced a spiritual awakening. I loved reading about her free spirited adventures and look forward to reading more.
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