Up from the Water: A Journey of Identity, Grace, and Redemption

5 Star Review

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Editorial Book Review:

By Marcos Buttler

Up from the Water: A Journey of Identity, Grace, and Redemption is a great and very human look at the universal search for identity and meaning. From the beginning, the narrative—which tracked a young child through years of yearning for a solid foundation to maintain her sense of self and tragic loss—captivated me. Even though the author's biography is unique, the feelings and issues she struggles with are ones that we have all encountered at some point, which is what I found most admirable about the journey. It's a tale that strikes a balance between hope and personal suffering, demonstrating that if we are prepared to face our fears head-on, even the most dire storms can turn into calm waters.

I found great resonance in the storytelling's transparency and sensitivity. The way the book treats social pressures, sorrow, and identity is both instructive and comforting. The notion of cutting ties to the "broken boat" of society expectations really spoke to me. This book not only acknowledges that I've experienced the burden of trying to fit into boxes that don't match who I really am, but it also provides a solution. It's not about giving up on everything; rather, it's about exploring our inner selves and discovering what lies beyond the surface.

Long after I had finished reading, I continued to think about the metaphor of being adrift with torn sails and broken rudders. It captures exactly how life may seem when things are at their worst. The way the author turns that visual into one of empowerment, however, is what I adored most. It’s not about fixing the boat or pretending everything’s fine; it’s about the bravery of jumping into the water and learning to rise anew. That’s a lesson I think everyone can benefit from.

This book isn’t just for those who have faced extreme loss or hardship—it’s for anyone who has ever felt adrift in their own life. I was most struck by the observations on Western culture's fixation on outward appearances, which caused me to reevaluate my way of life and interactions with the outside world. In the end, this is a tale of redemption—not in a didactic or prescriptive sense, but rather in a profoundly universal and personal sense. You will feel inspired, seen, and prepared to climb above the surface after reading this book.

About the Author

Tanya Simpson

Tanya Simpson is a published author and dynamic speaker whose expertise is preparing and empowering high-potential women to become impactful leaders at the next level. Her debut book, Up from the Water, is already receiving praise from reviewers around the world.

Tanya is an attorney, a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), and a Certified Professional Life Coach. In her twenty-five years of leadership in the legal and financial services industries, she has developed and implemented organizational change management strategies to lead teams through restructuring and merger and acquisition activity while successfully maintaining employee engagement and retaining top talent.

Tanya holds an MBA from the University of San Diego and a JD from Florida State University. She also holds Product Strategy and Strategic Change Management certificates from Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern University) and a Mergers and Acquisitions certificate from Columbia Business School.