Living in the Rear View Mirror: From Substance Abuse to a Life of Substance

"Living in the Rear View Mirror" by Kim Vasquez will take you on a journey through one woman's quest to find happiness and fill her feelings of emptiness. She attempts to fill the void through various avenues like men, career, materialism, and ultimately drug and alcohol abuse. What she did not know was that the very thing she was looking for was already in her possession in the form of a very special and spiritual gift. The book is compelling and impossible to put down. The descriptions of her thoughts and various situations are so graphic, gritty and real that I would cringe in recognition. However, at no time is it a voyeuristic glamorization of substance abuse a la "A Million Little Pieces". Her story traverses through her life's highs and lows, ultimately reaching her breaking point. While her breaking point is not as dramatic as ending up on skid row, it was low enough for the average person to envision that only a few choices separate her fate from one's own. The author is able to share her lessons from her experiences with an insight and clarity that would appeal to all readers, not only those affected by substance abuse. A captive read that leaves one very satisfied, yet hungry for the author's next writing.

"Living in the Rear View Mirror: From Substance Abuse to a Life of Substance" Author Kim Vazquez has such a special writing style that before you know it you are right into the middle of her world. I felt I was actually there with Kim as she was telling her story. I could relate to her pain and sorrow, struggled with her numerous attempts to find love and happiness, and cried out loud with her as she finally found a way to overcome her troubles. This young lady tried just about anything and everything to bring peace into her life. When it seemed like she found it in a different man, job, party or song... she smacked right into a brick wall dragging you along with her. You realize what she is searching for and that keeps you earnestly turning each page to find out if, when and how she actually does find it. Once I started reading Kim's book I could not put it down. I am a pretty fast reader but I found myself slowing down to a crawl. I felt like I just met a new friend. She does not hold anything back and tells it exactly how it is. Kim is not afraid to share her deepest secrets, fears, strengths and weaknesses. She even is willing to introduce you to her classic inner-voice demon type characters she calls, "Anxiety" and the "Belittler". Many readers will relate to these cridders. You will not be able to walk away from this book without thinking you have actually known Kim all of your life. She has an extraordinary way of finding just the right words to express herself and keep you hooked. Kim Vazquez is not just a gifted writer... she is a gift! I would highly recommend this book to not only people struggling with substance abuse issues but to anyone who finds themselves on a road leading to nowhere, hoping to find someone who is willing to lend a helping hand by example. Her story touches on so many other important issues besides just Kim's substance abuse problem. That is only the tip of her iceberg. It is the one everyone can see, feel and taste. However, there are more deep-rooted issues Kim faces and ultimately learns how to overcome. Kim reminds me of the typical biblical "Prodigal Son" (daughter, in Kim's case). Once she "finally" comes to her senses she knows enough to turn away from her addictions and... Well, you will just have to read the book to find out the rest of the story. This book is not religious... which is odd. In fact, she coyly stays away from anything even close to being preachy. She even admits in the beginning of the book she was never a big follower of God. However, the spiritual struggle that ensues throughout the book screams out clearly you know she is either cleverly just pulling your leg or trying to foolishly kid herself. Kim does mention she experienced angelic encounters, however she does not dwell very long on them. She allows the reader to get so entwined in her life that you have to hang in there with her knowing the end has to be something special. Read it and you will

What good is being presented with a problem when there is no solution in sight? IN LIVING IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR Kim Vazquez shares with us the pain and challenges of her personal life while also allowing us to see how she found deliverance, peace and triumph over her own demons. This is an incredible read for those who are looking for a way out and need that pep talk from someone who has "been there, done that." They will get that and more from Vazquez in this inspiring account.

Hang on for an enjoyable ride. This personal revelation is not for the faint of heart, but if you want to be entertained and uplifted with a frank and courageous personal story, read this book. The writer is willing to share her private and painful journey that rings true for many with co-dependant relationships. Finding the truth in relationships from family to partners and friends is shared in a true to life, and heartwarming frankness. The humour is refreshing lightening the whole read throughout. Her personal discovery of herself leads to a beautiful connection to Spirit. Truly an incredible read and highly recommended.

Living in the Rearview Mirror, by Kim Vazquez, is a frank open look into the life of a young girl's struggle with drugs, alcohol, work and relationships. The outside beauty people saw never revealed the turmoil that raged beneath the surface. The ability she had to balance work, substance abuse and her need for adoration from her current partner is an eye opener that will make you think about your own personal relationships and how you deal with friends and acquaintances. Kim, living in the past, caused severe headaches that lasted more than a decade and were only made bearable by burying herself in work using pain killers and alcohol to deaden those debilitating migraines. Kim writes with such clarity her readers will understand her futility, trying to hide from life's problems and the devastating effect of using drug or alcohol as a quick fix for those problems. Kim's view into another realm with visits from guardian angels and deceased relatives shows the depth of her mystic ability. A suggested read for young teenagers, Kim's problems exposed in this book should help them avoid the mistakes she made as they too will be searching for partners and reaching for maturity. This book has had a definite impact on my views and I look forward to whatever she decides to write next.