Author: Andrea Adler
Publication: Hay House Visions
Pub date: September 21, 2012
Source: NetGalley
Summary from Goodreads:
Pushing Upward is a remarkable debut novel that will sweep you along on one woman’s unforgettable spiritual quest.
The year is 1974. While trying to eke out a living as an actress in L.A., 21-year-old Sandra Billings discovers the I Ching, the ancient Chinese oracle; and uses it as her GPS to navigate a torrid love affair, battle with demons of the past, and search for meaning and truth.
She places a fateful newspaper ad—Drama student in need of RM AND BRD in exchange for housekeeping—and encounters an assortment of outrageous and inappropriate individuals. But it is one unlikely stranger who will change the course of her life.
Events ultimately build to a stunning climax, where everything Sandra has gained is challenged by a poignant and surprising twist of fate . . .
My review/thoughts:
Sandra Billings is a young struggling actress who's trying to break into the business and needs a place to live. She meets Emma an elderly woman who acts as sort a of fairy godmother to Sandra. She helps her get into shape for auditions by telling her how to exercise and eat healthy, while giving advice along the way. Emma also has connections to people in the industry. Along with the I Ching and Emma, you would think Sandra would have a smooth ride, but that wasn't the case. She was stubborn and thought the I Ching was wrong because she wanted to do whatever she wanted. This was a different kind of book than I'm used to reading. It was intriguing and a page turner.
