A Book Review: “The Visionary” by Alyshia Hull

Photographic Collage by Alyshia Hull ~ Thank you Alyshia!

I first “met” teen author, Alyshia Hull, via Facebook. Our first formal meeting was at the book release for Where’s Heidi? One Sister’s Journey. Miss Alyshia, with her mother, came to the River’s End Bookstore in Oswego on April third, so Alyshia could get a book, have it signed, and meet me. She is this tiny bundle of adorable energy. We posed for a picture with hopes of seeing each other again. Not only have we had the opportunity to see each other since this, we’ve done a book speech at the Mexico Public Library together along with another local author, Amy Quonce. We have enjoyed the Oswego County Fair’s Author’s Corner the past two years and crossed paths at different school events. We didn’t need to “hope” to see each other again; God continues to orchestrate ways for our paths to meet.

Alyshia is the author of two books. Her first, A Thousand Miles, is about an eighth grade girl’s struggles, adventures, and victory over learning disabilities and change. I enjoyed this book and could see some of my former students nestled within the covers of this fictional story. 

Getting to know Alyshia over the past year or so has heightened my love of this book and its deeper meaning. Alyshia’s heroin prevails in the end and so did she by seeking and obtaining publication of this book. A Young Adult book even an adult would enjoy reading. 

Miss Alyshia keeps herself very busy and released her second book this year. The Visionary. I must admit, it took me much longer to read this one. It still has her style and voice yet the topic slowed my reading down. Here is the storyline from the book jacket:

“Taylor Lee Parker, who once lost herself to the city of Bridge Port has found home again. But her new life in her old world doesn't remain peaceful for long. Her gift as a Visionary soon connects her with a seven year old child named Gracie Johnson. Taylor Visions the next chapter of Gracie’s life, and is shocked by the horror. Immediately Taylor rushes to save the young girl's destiny... but ends up finding herself along the way. Between love, horror and loyalty, Taylor is thrown through a whirl wind of emotions. Gracie's life now depends on Taylor's next decision. Will she succeed or loose it all in the process?”

It’s an intriguing teaser for the book, isn’t it? I think so and it also has one word in it that slowed my desire to read it right away, “visionary”. If you have read Where’s Heidi? One Sister’s Journey or heard me speak; you know I wrestled with the sin of seeking psychics instead of seeking God. I know Miss Alyshia personally, and adore her and it’s for this reason I made sure I read the book.

While this genre or subject is not one I read, once I was a few chapters in, I wanted to find out what was going to happen to Gracie and if the story would end well. I won’t tell you how the story ends but I’ll say this, once you reach a certain part towards the middle of the book, you can’t put it down. My husband, Ed, had to fill my coffee for me because I didn’t want to stop reading long enough to walk to the kitchen.

If you are a paranormal reader, you might enjoy a lighter read in your genre. Miss Alyshia writes with heart and tackles a difficult and sensitive subject using Gracie’s kidnapping to leave you hopeful at the end of the book. Alyshia also does a variety of book speeches at local libraries. So if you are looking for the Young Adult book to spur a young reader on or a teen author to come and speak at your school or library, connect with Alyshia Hull. She’s taught writing classes too. This girl is using her gift to write to encourage other young aspiring writers while investing in her community.

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Thank you Miss Alyshia for another great book and addition to the literary world! Keep reaching for the stars ~ you are reaching them, one at a time. 

Keep inspiring and shaping lives. God’s gifted you to write and I pray you channel His love and gifting as you continue to encourage, inspire, and teach other kiddos to do the same. 

Miss Alyshia, thank you so much for the acknowledgement at the end of your book. It was a wonderful surprise and I’m honored to be mentioned in your book and it’s a joy to mentor you.

I’ll close with my favorite quote from the book:

“Taylor, it doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from. I don’t care if you’re four years old or ninety-seven. If you have a gift, it’s there, no matter what…” From Alyshia Hull’s The Visionary

Thank you Alyshia Hull for reminding us, young or old, it is possibly to reach our goals if we strive to reach them and never give up!