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 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), Kirkus Reviews, BlueInk, and Foreword Clarion reviews received.

– Submissions to 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)

– Reedsy Discovery

– Current listing on Booky Call

– 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, NAACP Image Awards-Debut Author, Nautilus, and Independent Book Awards, among others.