Review
Appearing Angels is incredibly easy to read, but this doesn t mean that it is an easy read. The author deals with subjects that for many sheltered middle Englanders are the stuff of nightmares: a violent teenage gang rape, anorexia, difficult parent-daughter relationships, bulimia, alcoholism and drugs. That Sarah is still here to tell the tale is testament to her sheer strength of character. From the illicit girls night out that unravelled so drastically the book moves quickly through her teenage life and despite it dealing quite explicitly with some harrowing subjects, I just couldn t put it down. Sarah has threaded the angels in her life beautifully through this book and it is this element which stops this feeling like misery-lit and turns it into quite something else. Twenty-four hours on from finishing the book I m still thinking about it and the questions the book raises. It s a brave book. There are plenty of scenes which don t paint Sarah in a flattering light far from it. And yet through Sally Asling has told, what feels like, a very balanced story. I also don t feel a sense of poor me which you so often get from books of this genre. And frankly, Sarah would be entitled to take more than a little tea and sympathy, she has had a tough life. Appreciating Angels: Sarahs Story is absolutely compelling, thought provoking, harrowing and encouraging all in one. Well worth a read -- --Fiona Humberstone, Founder, Flourish Print and Design
This book was so powerful to read I had to stand up while reading it. I was on a flight to Chicago and I found it so moving, so honest, so real, and so sad that I went to the back of the aeroplane crying my eyes out. I have led a sheltered life, I have never knowingly come into contact with anyone who has experienced the challenges Sarah had and survived such pain. You have given me an education and the ability to me more empathetic and understanding when people appear to be destructive, yet it is them-self they are trying to destroy. I am proud to have been this close to Sarah through her story. Congratulations on such a compelling book. --Penny Power, Founder, Ecademy
I ve never read anything like this, thank heaven for it s 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 s Story so beautifully shows us. --Jackie Wlaker - Founder - Ugli
This book was so powerful to read I had to stand up while reading it. I was on a flight to Chicago and I found it so moving, so honest, so real, and so sad that I went to the back of the aeroplane crying my eyes out. I have led a sheltered life, I have never knowingly come into contact with anyone who has experienced the challenges Sarah had and survived such pain. You have given me an education and the ability to me more empathetic and understanding when people appear to be destructive, yet it is them-self they are trying to destroy. I am proud to have been this close to Sarah through her story. Congratulations on such a compelling book. --Penny Power, Founder, Ecademy
I ve never read anything like this, thank heaven for it s 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 s Story so beautifully shows us. --Jackie Wlaker - Founder - Ugli
Product Description
Appreciating Angels: Sarah's Story 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 a brutal gang rape that she keeps a secret manifests itself in a spiral of self destructive behavior leading to self harming, anorexia, bulimia and a low self esteem draw the reader on a dramatic and moving journey which captures the readers 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 tell the story. Sarah s Story is a biography of a part of Sarah's life as told to the author Sally Asling.
Comments received include: “The book demonstrated the pain of unrequited love, as seen from 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, 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.”
"Life is 1% what happens to you and 99% what you make it."
Comments received include: “The book demonstrated the pain of unrequited love, as seen from 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, 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.”
"Life is 1% what happens to you and 99% what you make it."
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