Through A Sober Lens

A Photographer's Journey

Non-Fiction - Art/Photography
100 Pages
Reviewed on 10/09/2020
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Through A Sober Lens: A Photographer’s Journey by Michael Blanchard is an exquisite collection of photographs and words that signal the author’s transformational journey and looking at the world with sobriety. The beauty that unfolds in front of the reader’s eyes gives them glimpses of the author’s catharsis from darkness to light and hope. The book is a fine blend of words and photographs that reveal the darker days of the author, which include his addiction and alcoholism, and give positive insights on his recovery. There are stories that reiterate the presence of love, faith, compassion, resilience, and empathy and his realization that challenges are part of life and growth is not possible in their absence. This memoir shares his experiences and is a good tool for readers who are looking to be free from their alcohol addiction.

Michael Blanchard’s photographic skills and aesthetic eye are a treat for readers and bring his creativity to the fore. The approach to reaching out to others to help them heal from their addictions is different and unique and that makes the book refreshingly original and unconventional. His words along with the pictures will influence many readers to change their perception of life and how to deal with their demons. The Affirmations in the Storm are good to use as a reminder to readers to see how far they have come from what they originally were. Through A Sober Lens is a good way of helping alcohol addicts to remove their shame which actually stops them from seeking help. The author’s spirituality, connection with nature, and his healing journey are motivating and inspiring. I enjoyed the presentation and his simple and clear narrative style makes it easy for readers to comprehend his words, incorporate them into their lives, and effect the changes they are looking for.