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Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite
Leonie’s Leap: A Liberation Journey by Marzia Pasini is a self-help book with a real difference. A fifteen-year-old orphan acrobat runs away from his cruel, oppressive orphanage, where his skills as an acrobat are exploited as a means to generate revenue for the orphanage and its matron. Leonie is desperate to make his life as a circus trapeze artist and is determined to find his place amongst the high fliers. He is also seeking his mother and wants answers to that most vexing of questions: why was I given up? Why was I not wanted? The author then uses Leonie’s journey, exploits, barriers, doubts, and fears, to amplify the same issues that we all face in our lives. She provides an understanding and explanation of how we can tap into the power we have within us. She illuminates the issues that prevent us from being the best version of ourselves and outlines clear, practical steps to achieve the same purpose, meaning, and freedom that Leonie seeks.
My initial reaction to Leonie’s Leap was that it was just another self-help book regurgitating information and ideas previously expounded by others. However, author Marzia Pasini’s literary technique of linking these ideas to a character’s adventure made the book insightful and satisfying. The concept of all power being within ourselves is something that resonates deeply with me. Leonie’s adventures were relatable, and the wisdom he received along the way struck a chord within me. The language is lyrical, almost poetic in places, and the wisdom imparted during the journey is something all readers can appreciate. I particularly loved that despite all the obstacles thrown in Leonie’s path, he was able to ultimately rise above them by searching deep inside himself. As the author so eloquently puts it, “the world needs you to dwell in your wildly liberated heart." The key message from this insightful book is that every single one of us has the same power inside us to make a difference in our world (however small that may be), and we must bring it out and live every day through it. I loved this book and highly recommend it.
