A Vision of Hope: A Story of Redemption and Purpose
Everyone has something to recover from.
by Andrew Drasen
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Pub Date Dec 02 2025 | Archive Date Feb 12 2026
ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op | Vision of Hope Media
Talking about this book? Use #AVisionofHope #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!
Description
From prison ID to purpose.
When addiction and incarceration upended Andrew Drasen’s life, he could have become another statistic. Instead, he turned relapse, grief, and reentry into a fearless account of how a person—and a community—can rebuild.
A Vision of Hope: A Story of Redemption and Purpose is an unflinching memoir that pairs lived experience with clear-eyed reflections on the systems that shape addiction and criminal justice. Drasen writes frankly about the daily work of recovery, the barriers of reentry, and the quiet, stubborn practices that make change real: accountability, service, faith, and showing up—especially after setbacks.
For anyone drawn to stories of second chances—and for professionals working on the front lines—this is both a page-turner and a practical companion. It invites readers into the mess and the meaning of starting over, without easy answers or neat endings.
For readers of: Writing My Wrongs (Shaka Senghor), Orange Is the New Black (Piper Kerman), A Million Little Pieces (James Frey), and Dry (Augusten Burroughs).
Themes: addiction & recovery • relapse & resilience • incarceration & reentry • grief & loss • spirituality & personal growth
Perfect for: library collections, recovery and reentry programs, book clubs, classroom and campus reads, and anyone invested in justice-informed narratives that heal as they illuminate.
A Note From the Publisher
For Librarians
Why request: High-interest memoir with strong community-read potential; resonates with patrons impacted by addiction, incarceration, grief, and recovery.
Programming ideas: Author talk + partner panel (public defender, recovery counselor, reentry nonprofit); One City/One Book–style reading with companion discussion prompts.
Collection fit: Memoir; Social Science—Criminology; Psychology—Addiction; Religion/Spirituality; Self-Help—Substance Abuse & Recovery.
For Educators (HS/College/Adult Ed)
Why request: Voice-forward primary text for units on criminal justice, social work, psychology, public health, or ethics.
Classroom use: Reflective journaling on harm, repair, and stigma; systems-mapping of reentry barriers; debate on policy vs. practice in recovery.
Supports: SEL objectives (resilience, accountability, purpose) and media-literacy around carceral narratives.
For Program Directors & Practitioners (Recovery/Reentry/Corrections)
Why request: A lived-experience narrative that doubles as a conversation starter in group settings.
Implementation: Pair with the companion titles—A Vision of Hope: Reflections and A Vision of Hope: The Workbook—as a structured pathway. The memoir also anchors a 90‑day recovery and reentry curriculum available for licensing to nonprofits, treatment programs, and correctional facilities.
For Booksellers
Why stock & hand-sell: Combines propulsive narrative with real-world takeaways; hand-sell to fans of redemptive memoirs and justice-forward nonfiction.
Staff rec angle: “For readers who want the grit of Writing My Wrongs and the candor of Dry—with a clear line of sight to healing and community impact.”
For Media & Journalists
Angles: Lived-experience perspective on relapse and reentry; faith and service in long-term recovery; community-based approaches to reducing recidivism; why ‘after’ is the hardest chapter.
Assets: Clear talking points on stigma, systemic barriers (housing, employment, supervision), and evidence-informed recovery practices.
For Reviewers, Bloggers & Bookstagrammers/BookTok
What you’ll love: Transparent, scene-driven storytelling; high-quote passages on accountability and hope; discussion-ready chapter beats.
Suggested hashtags: #Memoir #AddictionRecovery #PrisonReentry #CriminalJustice #Grief #SecondChances #FaithAndRecovery
Key Selling Points (Quick Hits)
Authentic and unsparing, yet ultimately hopeful.
Bridges personal story and systems insight—useful for professionals and compelling for general readers.
Program-ready: First in a trilogy with a companion reflections book and workbook, plus a 90‑day curriculum currently offered for licensing.
Broad utility: Libraries, classrooms, book clubs, community and faith-based groups, and recovery/reentry programs.
Content Note:
Mentions of substance use, relapse, incarceration, grief/bereavement, and faith/spiritual themes.
Category & Keyword Suggestions
BISAC ideas: BIO026000 (Personal Memoirs); PSY038000 (Psychiatry—Addiction); SOC004000 (Criminology); SOC022000 (Sociology—Penology); REL062000 (Spiritual Growth)
Keywords: addiction, recovery, relapse prevention, prison, reentry, social justice, grief, resilience, spirituality, purpose, second chances, lived experience
Request If You…
-Champion second-chance stories that don’t shy away from the hard parts.
-Build collections or courses around addiction, criminal justice, and recovery.
-Lead book clubs that value honest conversation and real-world impact.
-Work in nonprofits, treatment, or corrections and want a ready-to-use reading anchor.
On‑sale date: December 2, 2025 (all three titles).
Rights/territory: World (if applicable); kindle‑exclusive ebook via KDP Select; print via Ingram (returnable at 55%).
Audience tags: Recovery • Mental Health • Criminal Justice Reform • Faith/Spiritual Growth • Social Work/Education.
Reviewer instructions: Please post reviews on NetGalley + retail (Amazon/Goodreads) at or after pub; librarians/booksellers—please flag if you’re considering for purchase, programming, or group use.
Why request: High-interest memoir with strong community-read potential; resonates with patrons impacted by addiction, incarceration, grief, and recovery.
Programming ideas: Author talk + partner panel (public defender, recovery counselor, reentry nonprofit); One City/One Book–style reading with companion discussion prompts.
Collection fit: Memoir; Social Science—Criminology; Psychology—Addiction; Religion/Spirituality; Self-Help—Substance Abuse & Recovery.
For Educators (HS/College/Adult Ed)
Why request: Voice-forward primary text for units on criminal justice, social work, psychology, public health, or ethics.
Classroom use: Reflective journaling on harm, repair, and stigma; systems-mapping of reentry barriers; debate on policy vs. practice in recovery.
Supports: SEL objectives (resilience, accountability, purpose) and media-literacy around carceral narratives.
For Program Directors & Practitioners (Recovery/Reentry/Corrections)
Why request: A lived-experience narrative that doubles as a conversation starter in group settings.
Implementation: Pair with the companion titles—A Vision of Hope: Reflections and A Vision of Hope: The Workbook—as a structured pathway. The memoir also anchors a 90‑day recovery and reentry curriculum available for licensing to nonprofits, treatment programs, and correctional facilities.
For Booksellers
Why stock & hand-sell: Combines propulsive narrative with real-world takeaways; hand-sell to fans of redemptive memoirs and justice-forward nonfiction.
Staff rec angle: “For readers who want the grit of Writing My Wrongs and the candor of Dry—with a clear line of sight to healing and community impact.”
For Media & Journalists
Angles: Lived-experience perspective on relapse and reentry; faith and service in long-term recovery; community-based approaches to reducing recidivism; why ‘after’ is the hardest chapter.
Assets: Clear talking points on stigma, systemic barriers (housing, employment, supervision), and evidence-informed recovery practices.
For Reviewers, Bloggers & Bookstagrammers/BookTok
What you’ll love: Transparent, scene-driven storytelling; high-quote passages on accountability and hope; discussion-ready chapter beats.
Suggested hashtags: #Memoir #AddictionRecovery #PrisonReentry #CriminalJustice #Grief #SecondChances #FaithAndRecovery
Key Selling Points (Quick Hits)
Authentic and unsparing, yet ultimately hopeful.
Bridges personal story and systems insight—useful for professionals and compelling for general readers.
Program-ready: First in a trilogy with a companion reflections book and workbook, plus a 90‑day curriculum currently offered for licensing.
Broad utility: Libraries, classrooms, book clubs, community and faith-based groups, and recovery/reentry programs.
Content Note:
Mentions of substance use, relapse, incarceration, grief/bereavement, and faith/spiritual themes.
Category & Keyword Suggestions
BISAC ideas: BIO026000 (Personal Memoirs); PSY038000 (Psychiatry—Addiction); SOC004000 (Criminology); SOC022000 (Sociology—Penology); REL062000 (Spiritual Growth)
Keywords: addiction, recovery, relapse prevention, prison, reentry, social justice, grief, resilience, spirituality, purpose, second chances, lived experience
Request If You…
-Champion second-chance stories that don’t shy away from the hard parts.
-Build collections or courses around addiction, criminal justice, and recovery.
-Lead book clubs that value honest conversation and real-world impact.
-Work in nonprofits, treatment, or corrections and want a ready-to-use reading anchor.
On‑sale date: December 2, 2025 (all three titles).
Rights/territory: World (if applicable); kindle‑exclusive ebook via KDP Select; print via Ingram (returnable at 55%).
Audience tags: Recovery • Mental Health • Criminal Justice Reform • Faith/Spiritual Growth • Social Work/Education.
Reviewer instructions: Please post reviews on NetGalley + retail (Amazon/Goodreads) at or after pub; librarians/booksellers—please flag if you’re considering for purchase, programming, or group use.
Advance Praise
Advanced Praise for A Vision of Hope: A Story of Redemption and Purpose by Andrew Drasen
A Vision of Hope has already received early praise from readers, clinicians, and professional reviewers, with published reviews from Readers’ Favorite and Goodreads reviewers, and additional trade reviews forthcoming from:
Kirkus, Clarion, BlueInk, Indie Reader, Independent Book Review, Midwest Book Review, Choice Review, and Publisher’s Weekly/BookLife.
“A raw memoir that chronicles his traumatic yet inspiring journey through addiction, incarceration, and recovery… brilliantly structured… a fantastic memoir, and I highly recommend it.”
— Readers’ Favorite (Rabia Tanveer)
“A standout work from first-time author Andrew Drasen… weaving together the author’s political and personal reflections, this book offers thoughtful insights into how a person grows through addiction, incarceration, and ultimately redemption. Drasen has penned a moving piece for others similarly struggling to find a light.”
— Zachary via Goodreads
“This book isn’t just a memoir — it’s an invitation to conversation, reflection, and healing. Drasen’s clarity of voice and unfiltered honesty shine, making this a valuable resource for people in recovery, mentors, or organizations working in the justice and treatment space.”
— Dr. Jason Roop, Center for Trait-Based Transformation
“Overcoming addiction is a monumental battle — but it doesn’t have to be fought alone. Andrew’s willingness to share his story makes this book both enlightening and inspiring. A powerful resource for those seeking a better life of freedom and purpose.”
— David Kingsbury, Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor
“From someone who lost a sibling to overdose, this book hit home. It’s real, it’s raw, and it shines light into dark places. I have deep respect for Andrew’s story, and I’ll be recommending this to anyone who needs hope.”
— Kaitlyn Krems via Goodreads
“Not a polished narrative — an honest one. Drasen’s mix of journal entries and reflections shows that recovery isn’t a straight line. It’s a fight. And this book doesn’t flinch from that reality.”
— Marcia Vidal dos Santos via Goodreads
Marketing Plan
Marketing Plan for A Vision of Hope: A Story of Redemption and Purpose
Overview:
A Vision of Hope is a memoir written during the author’s final incarceration and completed minutes before release. It’s the first in a 3-part series, followed by Reflections (a journaling and group companion) and The Workbook (a 90-day facilitator guide for recovery, reentry, and counseling settings). The campaign spans trade, institutional, and consumer channels, with a focus on public impact and professional relevance.
Retail and Availability:
Print: IngramSpark (55% wholesale discount, returnable)
Ebook: Amazon exclusive (KDP Select)
Bulk orders: available direct via andrew@avisionofhopebook.com
Preorder site: www.avisionofhopebook.com
Edelweiss: https://www.edelweiss.plus/?sku=9798999641526&g=4400
NetGalley Promotions (Oct 2025 – Jan 2026):
– Dashboard Spotlight (Read Now): week of Oct 20 ($800)
– Dashboard Spotlight (Read Now): week of Nov 17 ($800)
– Dashboard Spotlight (Read Now): week of Dec 29 ($800)
– Recently Added Books Spotlight (Read Now): week of Dec 8 ($800)
– Self-Help Category Spotlight (Request): week of Nov 3 ($175)
– Memoir & Biography Spotlight (Request): week of Dec 1 ($175)
– Self-Help Category Spotlight (Read Now): week of Jan 5 ($175)
– Librarian Newsletter Bonus Placement: Nov 13 ($200)
– Featured Theme Week – Nonfiction & Memoir: Jan 19 ($175)
Total NetGalley investment: $4,075 across 11 placements
Edelweiss Promotions (Nov–Dec 2025):
– Nov 10: Featured Title Placement
– Nov 13: Memoir eBlast
– Dec 2: Broad eBlast
– Dec 11: Weekly Greeting Banner (graphic)
– Dec 16: LibraryReads Banner
– Dec 4–18: In-platform promotion to 12,000+ users
Publicity and Media:
– ARC copies mailed to The Nation, The New York Review of Books, NPR, and other national outlets
– Podcast tour underway (2 episodes drop Dec 1; more scheduled weekly through Jan)
– Local press outreach in Racine, Milwaukee, and Madison
– Full press kit and OP-ED library prepared
– Trailer pinned to author’s socials and embedded on official website
– Potential feature at grief-focused virtual summit on launch day
– Virtual book reading and Q&A event tentatively planned
Trade Reviews:
– Readers’ Favorite (5-star review published)
– Submissions to Kirkus Indie, Foreword Clarion, BlueInk, IndieReader, Independent Book Review, Midwest Book Review, Choice Reviews, Publisher’s Weekly/BookLife
Advertising:
– $175/day Amazon Ads through December and January, with keyword testing in November at $10-$15/day
– Goodreads Display + Giveaway (launching soon)
– BookBub CPC and CPM targeting comp audiences
– Retargeting to NetGalley clickers and site visitors
Influencer and Community:
– 250+ ARCs sent to creators in recovery, justice, and faith circles
– Instagram and TikTok reels in rollout
– Featured partner on F8 Foundation’s site
– Outreach to NAMI chapters, chaplain networks, and reentry nonprofits
– Discussion guide and workbook integration for programs
Institutional and B2B:
– Edelweiss, NetGalley, and direct outreach targeting librarians, treatment vendors, educators, and faith-based ministries
– The Workbook offered for pilot programs with bulk/quote requests
– Evaluation copy pipeline in place for chaplains and reentry directors
Awards and Recognition:
– Entered in 12 book award programs, including Readers’ Favorite, IPPYs, Eric Hoffer, Nautilus, and Independent Book Awards
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9798999641519 |
| PRICE | $5.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 682 |
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 1 member
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