Reviews

Ride: Peace … through Connection to Self – Spirit – Nature by Andrea Taylor is a fascinating non-fiction book with a powerful message for anyone longing for healing and deeper levels of connection and intimacy with themselves. It is a book with strong spiritual hints and one that can be read as a spiritual odyssey and an exciting path to personal growth. In this book, the author shares the heart-breaking, devastating experience of her son’s suicide, the darkness that invaded her soul thereafter, and her journey towards light and healing. As the author relives the painful moments with readers, she demonstrates how acceptance and facing reality helped her to find the light within. This is a book about inner freedom, understanding human pain and its place in the economy of growth, and it is also a book about finding peace in the midst of harrowing storms. The author illustrates the interconnection between self, spirit, and nature with intelligence and shows readers how to achieve peace through enhancing the unity between these different components of their being.

This book is deeply moving, filled with insights and wisdom, a rare gift for anyone going through loss or a painful experience. Through her story, Andrea Taylor teaches readers that taking flights from reality doesn’t change it and that it doesn’t take away the pain. But when we open our hearts and listen to the pain, it instructs us, it heals us, it opens new paths to life. This is a book about reconciling with the part of us that is hurting, memories that are disturbing, and experiences that are difficult to accept. Writing in crisp and gorgeous prose, she invites readers to put aside the social constructs that limit their understanding of self. Readers will learn to read their stories differently, develop a fresh and healthy attitude towards their humanity, and learn powerful ways to connect with themselves. Andrea Taylor’s voice is compelling and irresistible and she speaks with unwonted clarity and honesty. Ride: Peace … through Connection to Self – Spirit – Nature will change the way you feel about yourself; it will change your life.

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo Review Date: February 11, 2022

Category: Non-Fiction – Inspirational

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Too many good people I have known have left this world way too soon by suicide. I found I have much in common with Andrea and her Sons connection with the world around us. Although such tragedy, Andrea, and those who shared in this book, helped me deal with a deeper understanding of how we treat our world reflects back at all life on this planet.
Words cannot convey the kindness, wisdom and selfless openness that has been shared by writing this story. With all my heart, mind, soul and spirit I thank this author for allowing us to read such a personal affair.
I was saddened reading, however, there is one particular story that filled me with joy and which seemed to balance all the sorrow.  This short story drove me into a state of purity where their was absolutely no fear or no sorrow. It was like I was greeted at the end of a storm with this really beautiful rainbow.  The love that just pours out of it reminded me of the truth of innocence. The truth of respect. And the truth of leaving something behind for others. Thank you.

This book is phenomenal! In my opinion, it’s not just for a mother or father who has lost a child through suicide but for anyone who has experienced life-crushing grief, trauma, or change. I found myself deeply connecting with Andrea’s raw honesty. Andrea connected me to those deep parts of myself that I’d hidden and conveniently forgotten. I cried and I laughed and gasped at Andrea’s openness. It blows me away how Andrea was able to pick herself up from her, deepest and darkest despair and allow herself to feel her pain and suffering and thus allow herself to heal and grow and see the bigger picture. This dear lady has so much more to teach us, and I eagerly await to see what she has install for us next.

I found Andrea’s book to be a deeply moving and an important work for healing. It tells of a spiritual journey that few will have the courage and fortitude to travel. Her personal inner journey and her connection with her son is what most interested me and probably others who are moved to read this book. She talks of her process through to acceptance and love which has no ending, and, if one allows and is open to it, that grief will transform. The chapter by her son’s girlfriend is beautifully written and so insightful.  I particularly liked her discussion on alcohol and the fact that normalising of binge drinking is a serious condition accepted as ‘normal’.  This is a book for anyone and everyone and not only those who have experienced challenging change like Andrea.

Andrea’s book Ride is valuable on many levels. It was easy to read, hard to put down even! I experienced it as engaging, stimulating and powerfully real. It offered me wonderful insight into Andrea’s healing journey and a sense of awe at how much she traversed and explored. The clarity and depth of sharing in Ride expanded my ability to bring more trust and acceptance in my own life around things I question and cannot control. Ride also gifted me more compassionate understanding of the different and extreme realities life can face each of us with.
I have also found Ride to be a valuable resource to offer some of my counselling clients whom might be struggling with loss and repressed grief and as a bridge to help them to open and talk about more spiritual aspects in their process.
Thank you Andrea for this gift.

Wow what a read. My admiration for Andrea is huge. Ride is a must read for anyone who has lost someone by suicide. Andrea’s ability to put her ride on paper, the personal heartache, truthfulness, strength, reality and connection is astonishing. I believe Ride will help many people and am thankful Andrea has not only written but shared and for that I am truly grateful.

Andrea couldn’t have picked a better title for her book, for it certainly takes you on a ride! This book makes you emotional, it makes you think, and also challenges you at times to be open minded. It is a compelling insight into Andreas world after losing her son, and I have no doubt it will help others. Easy to read and difficult to forget.

I purchased this book today from Andrea. I wish I wasn’t so tired as I am 3/4 through and I really don’t want to stop reading this tonight. It’s everything and more for anyone who has been affected by suicide. Andrea’s writing is real and raw and honest and I have been deeply touched that she has the courage to share her experience with the world. Bless you Andrea thank you.

I highly recommend reading Ride. Andrea’s words will resonate with everyone. She shows us why we need to stay connected to nature and nurture ourselves, to stay open and to trust. Ride will make you laugh and cry as Andrea takes us on her journey and how she found inner strength and courage to navigate life after the passing of her beautiful son Dylan. A very strong and emotional ride this book took me on. Ride demonstrates that we don’t have to stay stuck with grief, and with Trust and Acceptance we can find happiness in our own lives, as difficult as the ride is after suicide .I admire Andrea’s strength and joy for life. This book will give great hope and strength to anyone who has lost someone close. And it raises great questions as to why our young men are choosing their own departure with suicide. A topic which is still not getting enough exposure.

Wow, what a powerful, thought-provoking read. Andrea writes with such honesty and heart, I found it difficult to put the book down. Even as someone who has not been touched by the loss of a close relative or friend to suicide, I gained so much from Andrea’s story. Andrea’s reflections on the social environment and challenges faced by youth growing up in today’s society are important insights, and as a mother to two young children, I have a new appreciation of the individual and systemic issues we must tackle. Highly recommend you give Ride a read.