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.
The memoir ends at release; the real work starts after. Since finishing the book, Drasen rebuilt his life and developed a 90‑day recovery & reentry curriculum that uses this story as its spine.
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.
More than a personal memoir, A Vision of Hope challenges how society defines recovery and justice. Drasen argues that healing requires both accountability and restoration — including the right to rebuild one’s life fully after paying one’s debt. Through his evolving journal entries, he captures a shift from chaos to clarity, exploring controversial but vital questions about criminalization, rehabilitation, and what genuine redemption demands in practice.
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
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 with built‑in continuation path (curriculum + community) that supports reentry, recovery, and civic learning initiatives. 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 anchors a structured 90‑day curriculum; memoir + Reflections + Workbook are designed to be used together in groups and aftercare.
Implementation: Use the memoir for weekly reading/discussion; pair with Reflections for prompts; use the Workbook for goal‑setting and action plans. A guided community is available for step‑by‑step delivery.
The narrative closes at the moment of release by design. The Afterword frames it as a beginning, not a bow. In the years following, Drasen rebuilt step‑by‑step and shaped this memoir (with its companions) into a 90‑day curriculum now used by programs and communities.
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.”
Collection/programming fit: Memoir with built‑in continuation path (curriculum + community) that supports reentry, recovery, and civic learning initiatives.
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.
Also tackles policy friction points — from drug decriminalization to post-release rights restoration — through the lens of lived experience and moral accountability.
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: #AVisionofHope #AndrewDrasen #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
A Vision of Hope has already received early praise from readers, clinicians, and professional reviewers, with published reviews from Readers’ Favorite, Independent Book Review, IndieReader, BlueInk, Kirkus, Foreword Clarion, and Goodreads reviewers, and additional trade reviews forthcoming from:
Midwest Book Review, Choice Review, and Publishers’ Weekly.
“A gritty, often poignant chronicle…providing an insider’s look at the American prison system…a powerful account of addiction and incarceration in 21st-century America.”
— Kirkus Reviews (Get It)
"Andrew Drasen lays everything out unabashedly in this moving memoir...This memoir will educate and inspire readers to be more than what they're labeled...Investment in Drasen's story is easy with such fearless recollection as this...On top of its brutal honesty, beautiful moments of reflection, and inspirational messaging. A Vision of Hope also shines in it's delivery...The reading experience feels like a heart to heart told over a bonfire rather than a distant recollection of a life gone-by...This inspirational book does exactly what it sets out to do. Not only do readers get closer to the realness of addiction and recovery, but writers will revel in Drasen's effective delivery and personal storytelling."
— Independent Book Review (received 12/1, will be published within two weeks)
“Andrew Drasen goes beyond a typical recovery memoir, looking back on his long fight with addiction and what it really took to find sobriety. Through raw reflection and hard truth, he charts his way out of addiction and into the slow, uncertain light of sobriety. This book is encouraging to anyone who has felt trapped in a similar struggle.”
— IndieReader (4 Stars- IR Approved)
“A Vision of Hope combines personal confession with civic advocacy…drawing on family addiction and incarceration to propose systemic reforms…a candid memoir–cum–social science proposal for systemic reform.”
— Foreword Clarion Reviews (3 Stars)
“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 (5 Stars)
"The gripping narrative provides insight into addiction, incarceration, and personal growth. Casting addiction as a public health matter, Drasen raises awareness of mental health issues facing addicts and advocates for prison reform. His prose is raw and unflinching in recounting dark episodes from his past. Overall, this is a compelling redemption memoir, part of a self-help trilogy aimed at helping individuals recover from addiction, loss, or trauma."
- BlueInk Review (positive)
“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 via Goodreads
"The structure—switching between narrative chapters and reflective journal entries—creates a layered effect. Readers gain insight not only into the author’s external circumstances but also into his evolving inner world. It demonstrates that recovery is not a single event, but a continuous process of self-awareness, setbacks, and determination to move forward. Drasen’s voice is unfiltered, sometimes harsh, but always authentic, which gives the book its impact."
— Marcia via Goodreads
Marketing Plan
Marketing Plan for A Vision of Hope: A Story of Redemption and Purpose
A Vision of Hope is the first in a three-part nonfiction series, written during the author’s final incarceration and completed minutes before release. It is followed by Reflections (a journaling and group companion) and The Workbook (a 90-day tool for use in recovery, reentry, and counseling settings). The campaign spans trade, institutional, and grassroots channels, with a focus on long-term impact and community relevance.
Retail and Availability:
– Print: IngramSpark (55% wholesale discount, returnable)
– eBook: Amazon exclusive (KDP Select) and D2D for library distribution.
– Bulk orders: Available direct via andrew@avisionofhopebook.com
– Website: www.avisionofhopebook.com
– Edelweiss listing: https://www.edelweiss.plus/?sku=9798999641526&g=4400
Trade and Reader Response:
– Reviews from Kirkus, BlueInk, Foreword Clarion, IndieReader, Independent Book Review, and Reader’s Favorite
– “Get it” verdict from Kirkus
– 5-star rating from Reader’s Favorite
– IndieReader Approved
– 4.5 Goodreads average from 14 early reader reviews
– Over 360 “Want to Read” adds during first Goodreads Giveaway
– 75% recommend rate on NetGalley
– NetGalley reader reviews and quotes integrated into Amazon A+ content and outreach
Bookstore and Grassroots Outreach:
– More than 200 independent bookstores contacted directly with a one-sheet and full digital access. Undergoing a national independent bookstore campaign to build awareness and secure orders.
– First indie bookstore placement secured within two weeks of launch
– Author supports participating stores through website features, social media, and print display materials
– Posters and bookmarks distributed for in-store and community visibility
– Posters actively being hung in community centers, police stations, coffee shops, gyms, grocery stores, hotels, and small medical practices in the author’s city and neighboring towns
– Campaign designed to build quiet, real-world awareness alongside trade outreach
Library and Consortium Outreach:
– Accepted to BiblioBoard through the Indie Author Project (A Vision of Hope and Reflections)
– Titles available to libraries via OverDrive and Axis 360 (through Ingram)
– Submissions to Illinois Heartland Library System (eRead), RAILS, and multiple Wisconsin consortia (including South Central, Bridges, Monarch, Milwaukee County Federated, Winnefox, Winding Rivers, and Wisconsin Valley)
– Direct outreach underway to collection development directors and resource sharing specialists
– Edelweiss promotion scheduled through April
– NetGalley promotion ongoing through January
– Discussion guide and full digital copies available for library reviewers and programming consideration
Speaking and Institutional Programming:
– Author available for campus talks, community events, reentry panels, book club visits, and virtual Q&A
– Scheduled to give a virtual oral presentation at the Global Addiction, Behavioral Health, and Psychiatry Conference (October 2026)
– Outreach underway to NAMI chapters, jail chaplains, and nonprofit reentry programs
– The Workbook offered for pilot use in therapeutic, justice, and pastoral settings
– Evaluation copy program in place for chaplains, facilitators, and ministry leaders
NetGalley Campaign (Oct 2025 – Feb 2026):
– $4,075 invested in promotions, including Dashboard Spotlights, Category Spotlights, and Theme Weeks
– 889 impressions, 151 clicks, 105 accessions to date
– 78% recommend rate and strong reader feedback
– NetGalley quotes and metrics incorporated into library and retail outreach
– Listing active through February 2026 via Victory Editing co-op
Edelweiss Campaign (Nov–Dec 2025):
– Edelweiss advertising spend exceeds $15,000
– Featured Title Placement
– Memoir and Broad eBlasts
– Weekly Greeting Graphic
– LibraryReads Banner
– Full-page promotion to 12,000+ trade professionals
Advertising and Promotion:
– Goodreads Giveaway with over 360 want to read adds
– Ongoing Amazon Ads campaign targeting recovery, memoir, and justice themes
– Retargeting ads for NetGalley clickers and website visitors
– Listings on Reedsy Discovery, Booky Call, and the F8 Foundation website
Influencer and Community Outreach:
– 250+ ARCs sent to creators in recovery, reentry, and faith spaces
– Active rollout of Instagram and TikTok video content
– Podcast appearances continue to be released in a steady drip and cross-posted to the website with ongoing SEO
– Featured on the F8 Foundation website
– Ongoing outreach to recovery leaders, ministry facilitators, and mental health advocates
– Discussion guides available to support group integration
– Author available for podcast, panel, and nonprofit partnership requests
Awards and Recognition:
– Entered in 12 national awards programs including Readers’ Favorite, IPPYs, Eric Hoffer, Nautilus, Independent Book Awards, and NAACP Image Awards (Debut Author category)
– 5-star rating received from Readers’ Favorite
– Additional award notifications expected mid-2026
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9798999641519 |
| PRICE | $9.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 650 |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 10 members
Featured Reviews
Angela G, Reviewer
Andrew Drasen explores his life through the lens of recovery, incarceration, recovery and redemption. His memoir explores his experiences and the journey back.
Reviewer 397546
(Thanks to NetGalley & publisher for the copy — this was a gentler change of pace than what I usually reach for.)
A Vision of Hope sits somewhere between allegory and quiet speculative fiction, and I appreciated how tender it is without being sentimental. The narrative follows individuals trying to find meaning, healing, and direction in a world that feels increasingly fractured. There’s a simplicity to the way Drasen writes that makes the emotional beats land more softly—not blunt or heavy-handed, just intentional. I liked the quiet wisdom threaded through the chapters, the sense that everyone is reaching for something bigger than their own pain without pretending it’s easy.
Some sections felt more like reflections than story progression, and depending on your mood that can either soothe you or feel like you’re drifting—but for me, it worked. The pacing is calm, steady, the kind of book you read when your chest feels too tight and you need something that doesn’t scream at you. It’s not meant to shock or twist; it’s meant to nudge. If you’re craving a story that feels like a slow exhale, or you’re in a place where you need gentleness rather than high-stakes tension, this is one of those reads that reminds you small moments matter too.
Jamie P, Reviewer
I dove right into Andrew Drasen’s memoir about addiction/recovery & never looked back. I could not put it down. I felt like I was reading someone’s private journal (in a lot of ways, I was). This memoir does not promise an easy or miraculous redemption. Instead, it shows that real transformation is messy, painful, slow & sometimes takes many, many tries. But it IS possible. It offers humanity to the people society often writes off. If you’re looking for a memoir with teeth- one that doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff, but finds strength in it- this book delivers.
Carly C, Reviewer
“The fact of the matter is, we need to do something different. Compassion, love, empathy, and understanding are the keys.”
I feel like this quote sums up the purpose of Andrew Drasen’s book, A Vision of Hope: A Story of Redemption and Purpose. The author pulls at the reader’s heartstrings immediately with the Author’s Note at the beginning of the book. With words of hope, redemption, and compassion, anyone struggling with addiction is instantly given words of motivation and the acknowledgment that they are not only not alone in their struggle but are also understood.
The book is written in an interesting format of journal entries from the author’s most recent incarceration and the chronicling of their life and journey in addiction. The description of the author’s arrest in the Prologue was done in such vivid detail, it read like a scene in a movie and I could visualize each moment as it was described.
Each new chapter is a rollercoaster of addiction and recovery, seeming like a never ending cycle, making one wonder how it ever ends? As a reader, I felt immense empathy for the author, in their feelings of helplessness to the drugs. The author began using at the tender age of twelve, which seems incomprehensible. From this moment in the book and throughout, I constantly wondered, where are this child’s parents/family? There is little mention of how much the author’s parents attempted to get their child help but many references to warning signs being overlooked. I couldn’t help but think, why aren’t the parents seeing this drug use, the change in behaviors, and drastic changes taking place with their child while their child is currently living in their home? I suppose it goes to show that when one wants to hide something, they will go to extreme lengths to do so and that parents may want to believe what they are being told rather than face what is apparent. Also, along the lines of the author’s family, it was concerning the amount of references made to doing drugs with the author’s sister, in her home, often (seemingly) with the sister’s children at home.
One of the purposes of the author sharing their story is clearly to shed light on how the justice system is failing those suffering from addiction and I appreciated the insight given to how the system could be changed to be a more effective tool at helping those with addiction be rehabilitated. Rather than simply stating a problem exists, the author offers practical and manageable solutions. Acknowledging that addiction is a mental health crisis and not only do addicts need help overcoming their addiction, but they also need help transitioning back into society with jobs, mentors, and a system that gives them a “hand up” rather than a hand out. Pointedly the author states, “We may be behind bars, but we’re not beyond purpose.”
I thoroughly enjoyed the tumultuous journey reading A Vision of Hope: A Story of Redemption and Purpose.
My ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgally in exchange for an honest review.
M R, Reviewer
Andrew Drasen has blown my mind away by this wonderful great, thoughtful and inspiring book to read about life’s hardships and challenges life can bring and how to live with it and deal with the challenges and obstacles that come with life.
I found this so interesting and inspiring as the amount of work that has been put into this book is absolutely phenomenal.
I will highly recommended this book to everyone as it’s motivational, upsetting, engaging. Powerful and informative.
Highly recommended for all.
Alma S, Reviewer
A Vision of Hope by Andrew Drasen is a quiet but powerful reminder that healing doesn’t come all at once ,it comes in moments of courage, honesty, and persistence. Drasen writes with sincerity and compassion, offering hope that feels real rather than forced. This book doesn’t promise easy answers, but it gently reassures you that even in the darkest seasons, forward movement is possible.
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