Reviews

Abandoned in Search of Rainbows

A.K. Driggs
Book Publishers Network (2016)
ISBN 9781940598772
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer for Reader Views (8/16)

There are very few books this reviewer has come across that have a “wow” factor and leave you with such emotion as was the case after reading, “Abandoned in Search of Rainbows.” As a Psychologist by trade, I have heard many journeys of life, some good, and some not so much, but I have to say A.K. Driggs’ journey tops them all. “Abandoned in Search of Rainbows” grabs readers from the very beginning and will have you so involved you won’t be able to put it down. Each chapter details the author’s thoughts, emotions, and memories while she continues her path to find herself.

Abandoned as an infant, left in a brown paper bag on a toilet seat, Driggs made headlines from the very beginning of her life. Adopted by a wonderful family, she had a life that was full of excitement and wonder. Her jobs ranged from an animal communicator, to a phone sex operator, to being an author.

The author tells of her confusion of having love for both men and women, while seemingly more attracted to women. She dated men, but those relationships just didn’t click with her. She also shows in her writing how dependent she is on her parents. When things went wrong they would drop their own wishes to help her. Eventually her parents decide, as parents often do, that it was time for them to live their own lives, as Driggs became an adult.

After her father dies, Driggs feels somewhat peaceful in that her parents had come to terms with her lifestyle. Losing her mother later to lung cancer, she handles her grief by getting back into drugs, and loses touch with her brother and friends, as her life once again spirals downward. It is not until she finds Janet that she feels she is starting to make positive changes in her life; this only to find out she has breast cancer. Yet Janet is there with her throughout it all until the end.

A riveting story, full of hope and love that will keep readers totally in awe that one person can have so much happen in their lives, and that, even as there seems no way out, it all turns out like it should. The author has included photos throughout the book that enables readers to put names to faces. Her descriptions of people and events make one feel like they are right there with her.

“Abandoned in Search of Rainbows” by A.K. Driggs is a must-read book for fans of memoirs and inspirational stories. You will not be sorry you picked it up and started this journey with the author.

Hi Kim,

I started your book yesterday when I had some free time….literally could not put it down and finished it today! It’s not often I read a book in 2 days but this was the exception! What a beautiful story…I felt like I was walking with you thru your life! Thank you so much for sharing your story! This book should be on the NY imes best seller list. I will pass this book onto so many to read…making sure it is returned to me every time. I’m also glad you and Janet found love with each other and are experiencing life in Hawaii! God speed…I wish you continued love and success!

P. Crane

I just finished reading your book. Amazing! It is really riveting. I could not put it down. I had started it a few times and read the first couple of chapters but on a flight today from Nashville back to LaGuardia, I read most of the rest and could not stop so I read the final 80-90 pages tonight.  I could not put it down. What a life story!! It is a story you HAD to write. No doubt it will inspire anyone who reads it, as it will inspire me – to enjoy life to the fullest while being thankful for all of life’s blessings. I write this as my best buddy – Mookie (mini Golden Doodle who is 10 pounds heavier than they told me he’d be) lies asleep at the foot of my bed.

Thank you for writing this story. I’m so glad you have found such happiness after all the tough times in your life. I simply had to share my feelings briefly with you about the book. I so loved it. I think I cried about 15 different times. But I’m glad you told your story. It’s one of those stories that had to be told and it’s simply amazing!   D.R. Long Island, NY

An article in a newspaper concerning an abandoned newborn baby is how the story begins. This sounds like a fictional story, but sadly, this is the true story of A.K. Driggs. But that is not the end of the story. The article lead to this baby being adopted. At a young age she realizes there is magic and healing in her singing. This is the story of how A.K. Driggs spent life feeling abandoned, yet loved. Her adoptive parents loved her enough to allow her to figure out her identity on her own, but always with guidance when needed, and always there to help when needed. Through different career changes, it took several years before she finally found where she belonged. And the search for love was at times heartbreaking. Who should she love? What did it mean to be loved? Other obstacles and pitfalls get in her way, but A.K. Driggs is an over comer. Her story is a story of hope, perseverance, and promise. The reason I gave this only 4 stars is that I felt some parts gave too many details while others not enough. Regardless, this is a really interesting autobiography.

4-Star Amazon Review

Wow! You read about people having extraordinary lives and here’s the opportunity to get to know one in her own words. AK Driggs was abandoned as an infant and adopted by a loving couple who obviously allowed Driggs to find her own unique gifts and flourish. Driggs’s memoir here recounts many of the memories and experiences she had growing up, and it is a remarkable story.

It really brought the story to life that she included photos to show herself and the other people in the story. For a memoir to work, you really have to care about the person and what they are telling you. In this case I did. Driggs brings in vivid memories of growing up, quitting college, falling in love with a woman with a child, changing careers, moving. Sometimes the memories went on a little too long, but overall I enjoyed the book.

4-Star Amazon Review

What a great family story! A. K. Driggs is a detailed writer who shares her story with ease and great poise. I was captivated from the first few pages and couldn’t put it down. It is a great story to share and I was enriched from reading this book. Having had children in my own family that have joined us in unconventional ways, I was really touched by this book.

A. K. Driggs tells her uplifting and profound story in such a thoughtful, clear way. Through sharing, she shows how resilient the human spirit is and how we all have a history to share. This is a book that I will share with my family and other loved ones. I believe that there is something wonderful that can be found within its pages by readers of all ages. It touched my heart!

I think this book would be a great read for teens and adults. It has great perspective that needs to be shared and I am so glad that read this book. I will be keeping this book on my shelf, to share with my family.

5-Star Amazon Review

I admit it, this was an emotional read for me. There are so many moments where I found my heart breaking, to healing, to finding laughter, inspiration and more. I could never even fathom what the heck anyone is thinking even in just dropping a child somewhere unsafe, let alone growing up to understand what brought you to where you are. I love that she had the ability to not only express what her background story is about, but to share it with the world at large. That right there takes an immense amount of strength and ability.

We have all at some point found ourselves questioning what has happened in our lives to put us on the path we are at. I felt like A.K. was able to capture her path in words that should be used as inspiration and viewed as triumph. At a young age she faced the challenges that no child should have to. The feeling of loss, abandonment, heartache and frustration with life. However, she takes that later on in her life and spins it around to creating a better portion of who she is. It wasn’t always sunshine and rainbows of course. She dealt with even more heartache and obstacles stood in her way. I love that she is so relatable and that her journey mirrors many of ours. The way she told her story made her more “real” and honest. It wasn’t as if someone is preaching to you or pumping you up in a seminar. No, she was able to put feelings into a book that can and probably have, helped others.

When you look back at the time frame as well and the era she grew up in, there is a dramatic difference. Think about how different things were really then. So much was taboo and not talked about. Even something like her being abandoned by her birth mother was something to be hushed up and not talked about in certain circles. I feel like for the time she went through all of this and to still come out of it “okay” if you will, shows a lot about who she is and the family who nurtured her. It’s a wonderful read and one that will have you feeling the rollercoaster of life moments with her.

5-Star Amazon Review

In Abandoned in Search of Rainbows, A.K. Driggs brings her own story to life with rich and thoughtful writing. The book starts off quite powerfully, with the story of her mother and father’s experience with adopting Kim, who was abandoned as a baby. She uses wonderful detail to tell the incredible history of her parents and being ‘chosen’ by her mother. Driggs is clearly a talented storyteller, and captures the emotion, love and pain of her early years which sets up a great foundation for the rest of her story. She comes of age in the 70’s chasing dreams of being a professional musician and coming to understand relationships and her own sexuality. Driggs does a wonderful job of bringing to life big and small moments and writes a very warm and engrossing story.

5-Star Amazon Review

A.K Driggs “Abandoned in Search of Rainbows” is a beautifully written journey about a newborn baby girl found in a paper bag to a women who found her voice, her love and an understanding of her unique life.
I liked how the book is set up like a play with ACT I, ACT II and ACT III. In. ACT I the story begins with an older A.K. Driggs who is on a relocating trip with her mom. Her mom wants to reminisce about how A. K was adopted into the family. How,at 2 days old, she was left in a paper bag in a ladies room and walked away from. My heart went awe when Betty and Bob were sitting at the table and she turns the newspaper and sees the picture of the baby and says “We should adopt her, why not her” and when they finally meet 15 months later and they look into each other’s eyes and it’s like they are both saying “I chose you”. From there on the chapters are different parts of her young life in different stages. You can read how the fear of abandonment is visible even in her young life. Like being left behind at birthday parties and even the early days of school and having to face being there all day!. “Kimmy” went through your usual trials and tribulations of being a pre-teen.
In ACT II, A.K tells us about her years as a teenager and the beginning of mixed feelings between men and women. And as she goes through high school and her family moves on she develops her own sense of independence. She starts using her love of music to push her past her grief and understanding. While with her family in London she meets many characteristic women that she forms great friendships and business partners in. She goes from many jobs like phone sex operator and a business broker to trying to find a job that suits her. In this sections she comes to turns with her sexuality and the choices she has made. She forms a bond of acceptance from her dad before he passes on.
In ACT III, it’s later years in Kim’s life and her dad has been gone for a few years and now she loses her mom to lung cancer. She is in such grief, that she loses her partner and loses touch with her brother and life just spirals downhill. Then she meets Janet who turns out to be the love of her life. Who is there when she too gets breast cancer, who is there when they start a new life in Hawaii, when she takes up guitar playing again and makes a new family of dogs, neighbors and other couples. While chasing those rainbows.
I really enjoyed this story. It is a story of hope and how hard life starts out for some folks and they turn it into a lifeline of happiness. On how our choices make who we are and not what people think we are. I only regret for this story is that I hope that Kim and her brother reconcile. He was there for the beginning of her life and should be there until the end.

4-Star Amazon Review

What a beautifully written story! I really enjoy autobiographies-or any biographies-and this one did not disappoint. Everyone’s story is unique, and I always finish with a different perspective than I had before. This book is no different. I especially like the open, honest way that Ms. Driggs told her story. It was very genuine. It didn’t feel like she was trying to create a certain image, or share only part of herself. It was real. I was captivated by both the things that happened to her and the way she responded. What a lovely book. I highly recommend it.

5 STAR -Amazon Customer

Abandoned in Search of Rainbows is the multifaceted story of author A.K. Driggs, young woman abandoned at birth, adopted by loving parents, and dedicated to sharing her many talents, from singing to communicating with animals.  Driggs also speaks candidly of the importance of a healthy love and sex life, and tells of her work as a phone-sex operator, her search for love and passion as a bisexual, and the joy of sharing her life and creativity with a partner.  It should be noted for personal reading lists that Abandoned in Search of Rainbows is also in a Kindle edition ($9.99).

Clint Travis-Reviewer

 

 

This book starts out with the author and her mother on a road trip together. The road rip brings back memories of Ms. Drigg’s life, which she shares with the readers, beginning with her being abandoned as an infant, fortunate to be adopted by a loving couple; through her childhood as an outcast, to fighting cancer as an adult. Ms. Drigg’s life has not been easy, but it has been full and colorful. I enjoyed this book and recommend it.

4-STARS

This autobiography was a great read. It was very interesting to “ride along” with the author throughout many of her life’s journeys. The beginning of this book was more detailed and I felt that towards the end of the book she seemed rushed, and a lot of her ‘years’ weren’t talked about in as much detail. In addition, I had a hard time keeping all the people’s names she talked about straight.
Overall, it provided great insight into what it takes for some people to get into the music industry and also the struggle that some face to be and find themselves in this crazy world! She seemed to be very open and honest about all the things/jobs she has done, and I appreciated that. It made her book much more interesting to read.
Her life certainly has not been dull, and I think anyone would enjoy reading her book!

4-STARS by N.Klein

When I read A.K. Driggs autobiography, I can relate a lot on how she felt as a child not fitting in and wondering what is wrong with you. As Kim found her voice she truly found out who she really is as a person with her gift of a beautiful singing voice that has touched and healed so many people, even animals! Kim’s life is an interesting one as she was abandoned as an infant in a bar on a toilet seat in the woman’s bathroom. Adopted by two loving parents who loved Kim and her adopted brother, they gave them both a good life with a lot of support and finally, acceptance of Kim of whom she truly is as a person. Kim needed to find out even for herself who she really is and had a few relationship that left her a broken heart, but in the end, she found the love of her life and is happily living in Hawaii on the Big Island living her dream after surviving breast cancer. I have been to Hawaii and I know exactly how Kim feels about living there and a strong attachment to the islands and the land of rainbows, I felt the same way and didn’t want to leave Hawaii. Only a few are as lucky as Kim to be able to live there and to be one with the spirits. Mahalo Kim for your wonderful life story.

4-STARS by S.Bliss

Driggs’ autobiography made the perfect after work, winding down before bed read. I am amazed at the level of recall she has about her childhood; it speaks volumes regarding the influence her experiences had through her development. I was captivated throughout the entire read. She delivers more than mere facts; she ties in her thought processes and how it helped to construct her belief system and self. While she struggled with typical pre-pubescent and pubescent trials, I appreciate how much character development she brought to the table in her delivery. I couldn’t help but think “I wish one of my late relatives wrote something similar so I could get to know them in the same fashion.” I resonate and truly appreciate Driggs’ sharing her story; I resonated with her finding peace over time and think that many folks can learn a thing or two from what she shared.

5-STARS by J.Baker

This story shows real life struggles from being abandoned and then adopted, to the work and struggle in the business world in order to become successful. This is an autobiography about struggles that put you right there with her with her details and experiences. You ache for her as she was abandoned, are happy for the love her adoptive family shows, excited for the success in the work world. “Abandoned in Search of Rainbows” was a reality check to get you to look at your own situations and to accept some for what they are and then find a new perspective on so you can change others. I do not personally have experience with adoption or anything like that but it is my hope to one day become adoptive parents and become loving parents like Kim’s. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes autobiography’s or wanting an inspirational story as a book to just relax and read to.

4-STARS By jksmith

Driggs provides a thought provoking journey into her world and the obstacles she had to overcome to achieve a sense of fulfillment and peace of mind. I instantly related to the feelings of abandonment and despair at a young age. So many events of her life are too strange to be fiction and it is this level of honesty and transparency that make for such a great story. Although the specific details of her past differ from most readers, it is the emotional connection that drives this book home with the themes of belonging and discovery. I love how her journey helped not only find her identity but also her voice, literally! The ability to use natural talent in her music and turn that into assets that she can pass along to others is a miracle and Drigg’s exemplifies this beautifully in her book.
If anything, Abandoned In Search of Rainbows is a tale about hope. It is inspiring to read about a person who had to overcome so much and to do it with such courage and persistence. It is motivational without taking itself too seriously. Driggs has capitalized on a harmonic balance of trial and error, wit, and clever writing style. If you want to continue feeling sorry for yourself and not do anything about it, this book is not for you. This is for those who want to live life to the fullest, give back to others, and look back without resentment.

4 STARS-Satisfied Amazon Customer.  Dotrazn,

Offering the perfect balance of positive and negative – the two real sides of life’s coin – this is a story you won’t soon forget.

There are some authors out there, and yes, readers will agree, who should not write their life stories. This, however, is not one of those authors.

Just think…from the very beginning, as a baby left inside a brown paper bag, on a toilet seat of all places, this author has been on a one-of-a-kind, completely unique path. Now, a beginning like that could spell a dark, perhaps even dangerous future for a child. But in A.K. Drigg’s life, any darkness would eventually be overcome by her talent, her heart and her passion. No, she is not a psychic who can see in vivid color the Ancient World (readers have run across those in the past). What A.K. can do, however, is heal and help all living creatures with the amazing power of her voice. Her singing…her songs, her poetic words actually create light in lives that need just that.

As readers walk along the path with A.K., looking at oddities that somehow, after the chapter comes to an end, make complete sense, they discover A.K. communicating with animals, building a loving and supportive relationship with her adoptive family, fighting cancer, as well as using her voice in both the phone-sex industry and as a musical prodigy. When Act I begins, in present day, she is taking her mother to a place where she truly wants her to be happy – a condo in Vegas. While in the car on the road, A.K. and her mom get into a conversation that leads down memory lane. And when the memories begin to flow, the reader finds themselves in the frigid, gloomy New York State winter of 1954. Baby Jane, found in the restroom of a local restaurant and bar, makes headlines and is adopted by the Driggs family. Her mother, Elizabeth L. Driggs, is a wonderful woman who loves Baby Jane and she and her husband anoint her with the name, Ann Kimberly Driggs. She and her husband not only adopt Ann; they have also adopted a young boy named Chip who becomes the older brother that A.K. immediately looks up to.

The years following highlight a path filled with a rainbow of color. Dark days are lived with the author, as well as bright, positive moments in time when she discovers that her voice is a blessing. Readers will love this family; the heartfelt and true emotion that this Driggs group share is monumental and lasting. And dealing with everything from how hard

it is to lose a pet to how on earth you find/define yourself when a large part of your own history is simply not there, is riveting. Life, love, finding a mate to care for with your heart and soul, and expressing beauty and power through music – this book has a story with so many tales that every reader will find something they can definitely relate to.

And, in the end, it’s so nice to know that even an odd beginning can lead to an amazing Act II.

Review Date: June 22, 2016

Railroadkid5 reviewed Abandoned In Search Of Rainbows — Such a touching story!

June 15, 2016

What an emotional roller coaster. The life of an abandoned little girl and her struggles through life. She is left on a toilet seat in a diner where she is quickly found and becomes headlines. This is the story of her life and struggles from the beginning. I had no idea this was a true story. I didn’t read the intro very well I guess. I probably wouldn’t have bought this if I had. I’m sure glad I misread. This is such a touching story! A little girl who only wants to please her loving family. How can she choose what really makes her happy if it doesn’t make them happy. There were a few times I wanted to cry reading this story, the author really brings you into her life. She makes you feel like you’re right there with her. I think you will be cheering her on and crying with her too when you purchase this story.

It was a good read, definitely worth the ten bucks.

5-STARS

Alicia A. Garcia reviewed Abandoned In Search Of Rainbows
Pretty good read for an autobiography June 14, 2016

This is the story of a little girl who is adopted as a baby and grows up with aspirations of becoming a singer. She struggles with pleasing her parents while living the life she wants- one where she is free to love whoever she wants. It is a great story about acceptance, love, and doing what is right for you regardless of what the world wants from you. I loved that the main character, Kim, decided to live out her dreams while she was young rather than wait until retirement age, like her parents. It was a great reminder to me that life does not always go the way we want it and we need to take advantage of the time we have with our loved ones while they are still here with us.

This book started out a little slow for me but picked up speed about halfway through. I initially thought this was fiction but once I figured out it was pretty much an autobiography, I understood it a little better. It was an interesting read. I did enjoy the second half of the book and the ending especially.

4-STARS

What a life! That was my exact thought when I finished reading Abandoned in Search of Rainbows by author A.K. Driggs. Found as an infant in a brown paper bag on a toilet seat, the story of her arrival in the world made the news from the very beginning. She was adopted by a loving family, and her journey went from abandonment to the life she was meant to lead. Living an incredible life, experiencing incredible vocations, from animal communicator to phone sex operator, from recording artist to author, A.K. Driggs seems to have done it all. This fascinating autobiography delves into the idea that even those with the saddest of beginnings can end up with the most fulfilling of lives.

I so enjoyed Abandoned in Search of Rainbows. There are some stories that just grab a person from the get-go, and this was definitely one for me. Author A.K. Driggs has certainly written her autobiography in such a way that readers will be completed engrossed in her story, but will also get a lot of personal meaning and thought provoking moments along the way. The idea that an innocent newborn could be left in such dire straits, but that the same person could evolve into such a unique, talented and multi-dimensional person is a wonder. I recommend Abandoned in Search of Rainbows to any reader who loves autobiographies or just a great story. Author A.K. Driggs is certainly an author to watch. While this book is autobiographical in nature, I can certainly see her using her talents and interesting life experiences to write a great work of fiction as well. If she does, I will certainly be in line to read it!

If you want to read a true and emotional story that touches on so many personal experiences we all share, Abandoned in Search of Rainbows will set you free! I laughed. I cried. I smiled throughout this touching book. OH and by the way A.K.Driggs’ music is the story of the book. Also available on Amazon. The album is called Journey Through the Years.

I had the opportunity to meet Ms. Driggs in person and we connected. After reading this book about her ongoing journey through life I feel I know her and maybe even understand her. She connects with animals and people on several levels, including the spiritual and the book reflects this. A gritty memoir of an unusual life.

A wonderful story of an amazing life journey. I also found it touching in so many ways. Life is fascinating and special especially when you embrace it as A. K. Driggs has.