Finding Venus: Seeing Divinity in Many Forms

by Qat Wanders

An Esoteric Adventure of Self-Love, Culture, and FulfillmentAfter the brutal murder of her beloved life-partner, Ruth takes it upon herself to turn inward.She has explored the world, found deep love, and repeatedly suffered tragic loss. Now she must take another leap into the unknown as she continues to wander from place to place in search of real and lasting self-fulfillment.But how can she find such a thing when life has proven to be so impermanent and conditional?Ruth knows there is more to life than just the tangible, physical realm. So after yet another unexpected turn of events (and another and another), she takes to putting the puzzle pieces of her life together into a new-more abstract-work of art.She joins a nomadic community of festival workers, moves onto a self-sustaining commune (or is it a cult!?) and tackles the biggest rite of passage of all-motherhood.While she knows-deep down-that death isn't the end, and that her relationship with her Higher Self is significantly more important than her human relationships with others, she finally finds herself on the path that takes her exactly where she wants to go. Only to discover that she has been on this path the entire time. Finding Venus is just a matter of self-awareness. But then another hurdle comes along-putting her own mortality into question.It's time to accompany Ruth in the third and final phase of the Searching for Venus trilogy, as she overcomes obstacles, lessons, and victories on a physical, mental, and spiritual level!

Genres: Fiction

Kindle Edition

Published December 23, 2018

About the author

Qat Wanders is a full-time writer and editor with a unicorn and pug obsession. When she isn’t writing or editing books about unicorns or pugs (or owl shifters, vampires, werewolves, faeries, witches, angels, or succubi), she is likely eating sushi with her daughter or jumping out of a plane in the Rocky Mountains.

Reviews

[Aza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book as it really hits our Zeitgeist. We start off with the introvert Ruth, our main protagonist and travel along this young and confused female in the 80's through pre-internet times, caught in a community and in the strict belief system that isn't really hers. Born into Jewi-sh family and raised by her neurotic single mom who had converted to Christianity, Ruth has to attend Cincinnati Christian Academy and focus on bible studies. Not only that, everything she loves doing is not allowed... dancing, reading 'clever' books and being open-minded towards other religious ideas. Not in a position to yet fully rebel or physically escape until she finally graduates high-school, Ruth, throughout the story, is driven by her never-ending curiosity. As a smart teenager she does things secretively: when she discovers that she has a thing for girls, she is foxy enough to find ways to find a cover-up and take brief escape sprays that... eventually get her in trouble. Searching for Venus is sometimes utterly sad and sometimes just too hilarious, and comes with a yummy topping of dry humor. 'The Blondes' how she satirically refers to the über-perfect stereotypical All American blond hair white teeth family got me floored more than once. It's not negative at all, just very funny. Ruth is a shy girl but as the story evolves, the appetite for a different life-style, for the Indian culture and for finding the space and a community to love another female being unrestricted and uninhibited, grows. But - whilst still being monitored living under the Christian umbrella — being exposed as a lesbian doesn't exactly put her in a good spotlight; Ruth the sinner 'fucks up' a few times only to have another life experience that catapults her onto another life stage. Truly can't wait for the sequel. Five stars well deserved.

[Joy RS · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. It may be controversial to some, but I found it to be a heartwarming, happy, sad, beautiful and extraordinary look at what it is to be different. It got me thinking about these issues all over again, which is important for each one of us to do on a regular basis. It breaks my heart that through prejudice and small-mindedness we cause so much pain to other people every day. As a Christian, it is terrible to me how much hatred and breaking of people is done in the name of God. This book looks at all of these issues and more, and will remind you that the human spirit has a capacity for strength beyond that which we sometimes imagine. This book made me want to be a better, stronger person, and I cannot wait to start reading the sequel.

[Vicky Peplow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seeking!

A great book that had me totally transfixed within the story. It reads like a autobiographical book which drew me in even more. A story of a coming of age teenager that when through the worst at camp but found herself on an adventure and traveling to far away countries to seek something that was always within.
Beautifully written book and highly recommend.

[Aza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading Qat Wander's new book. I personally don't find anything about it controversial, but that's maybe just the always open-minded and forever curious me. Reading Ruth's adventure really got me thirsty to hit the road again – regardless of any danger that could await. This book is the sequel to 'Searching for Venus' and it's, by all means, a hell of a ride. I don't want to give away any spoilers but this character Ruth, who had been brought up in an uptight, middle class and save guarded religious community, really learns to break free and conquer the wild. She faces her own fears more times than most humans would even dream of. Ruth spends her precious, character building Twens being so ALIVE, and I mean really alive, like not even I had come close to (and my ride was a wild one, too). Knowing that the author has weaved her own experience into this story makes it even more precious and interesting. Forget about Eat, Pray & Love – this is the real deal and such a page-turner! If you want to know how deep love can go, this book is certainly for you and it is genderless as love always should be. You love what you love. If you're bored with your cozy existence but you can't get around leaving your comfort zone, those train rides that Ruth and her girlfriend Bianca Rose experience are nerve wrecking and will put you on the edge of your seat. It certainly isn't a save Disneyland rollercoaster ride but more of a thrill of a life lived with utter passion, courage, and self-fulfillment. I'd call it – living on the edge with no regrets and feeling as close to yourself as you possibly can. Well, maybe one regret but I'm not going to give the ending away. I'm not kidding, this grand life opera includes a wild and romantic love affair, interweave in the grandest adventure you'll ever find – Bellydance, life in India, life on the road, soul food, train hoppers, spirituality, sacrifices, a circus family, friendship, growth, loss, dignity, love and hate, sex, love, death, and soul stillness.


If you want to know how crazily awesome ten years of your life can be spent you might want to pick up this book and start reading! This story is for all adventure lovers, for all curious readers who do not mind the shared love between two girls exploring the world and the most resourceful way you can possibly imagine.

[Samantha Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an inspiring story!

Qat Wander’s tale of a young girl struggling to discover and understand herself in a a restrictive society is beautiful and moving.

I love her brutal honesty and unflinching portrayal of Ruthie, a gay Jewish girl who finds herself in an ultra-conservative Christian high school.

I can’t wait to read the rest of this trilogy and find out how young Ruthie overcomes the obstacles keeping her from being her true self.

[Elsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCELLENTLY WRITTEN!!! COMPELLING!!!
Every person has a story to tell. I could truly relate with this book in many ways, as if it was my story. I have never read a novel so fast. I could not put the book down. Every chapter is engaging and as you progress, it gets more interesting and I love that there are lessons to take in each chapter too. I really look forward to reading the next book and to the next journey of Ruth.

[Melissa Feick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this isn't a book I would usually read I couldn't put it down. I loved the story and found it so beautiful and enlightening. This story is about a girl as she moves through her teenage years experiencing first loves and having deep trauma through the hands of ignorant people. The main character, Ruthie, wants to express herself authentically but she has to hide who she in order to fit into a religious world.

[Logan Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book

This is an amazing adventure. It opens your eyes to other realities that you may never have thought about. It pulls you in and keeps you interested page after page. A very well written book indeed.

[Kathryn Orange · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not only a well-written and enjoyable book but also an important social comment on sexual awareness, LGBT acceptance and all the normal angst of growing up. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Nick (Yu) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reliving childhood moments

Qat’s words are so fluid and vivid. They made me call back some memories of growing up as a gay person. The curiosity and courage of Ruth were dancing in front of my eyes as I was flipping through pages. Highly recommended!

[Tom Leverett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book partly because it was so hard for me to write about my own life, and really put it all out on the table. Her situation was unique and still is - it's a very interesting life and well worth your time to read it. The characters stay with you for a while and make you wonder about life on the outside of the formal kind of things - the kind of things you jump trains to get away from.

[Toni Crowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent well written book about a woman and her life choices. Living life on your own terms is something many people never get to experience. This is a candid view of a person being fully themself. I did not find the controversial but crisp and clear.

[Jessi · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved reading this

It’s an amazing read if you love true stories with authenticity in it. A great lesbian memoir everyone should have in their household!

[Aza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've become quite a fan of Qat Wanders's stories - this one here is the third book in the Venus Series that I inhaled. I recommend reading book one & two beforehand as it is a build up of stories, time passing, character development etc.

What I love most about her books are reading of her mad adventures! And it always pays off. However twisted your own life stories might have been, Ruth, the main character of the books tops it all. Secretively escaping by hiking down a snowed-in mountain with freezing temperatures and with a baby strapped to her body in the middle of the night, not really knowing if she'll make it down to the valley of if she freezes to death, speaks of guts and bravery. But wouldn't you do the same if you have just found out you will be served for dinner in the commune that you went to for healing, where you sought refugee to come to terms with what happened to your lover and best friend? I know I would. Ruth had to make an escape - or face the consequences.

If you are a fan of road movie stories, the bohemian lifestyle; and if you are perhaps into self-discovery and up for diving into a fascinating mad female adventure story, these Qat Wanders books are definitely for you! Another Five stars well deserved

[Elsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

ABSOLUTELY A GREAT READ!!!
I have read the first phase of this book and I couldn’t put it down. It brought me the same experience on the second phase. Ms. Wanders is truly an excellent writer. I saw, heard and felt everything in each chapter. I look forward to the last phase of this novel. This is my first novel that I followed so excitedly. This book is a source of many realizations and lessons in life…a story, a journey, and a life well lived.

[Joy RS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impatiently awaited, but it’s here! Just as I expected, a very welcome, beautifully written, and compelling conclusion to the Searching for Venus series. This book is at the same time eye-opening, sad, hopeful, happy, and difficult to put down. If you haven’t read the first two books in the series I very much recommend that you do—you won’t regret it. Of course, the word ‘lesbian’ would have to be in your vocabulary, but by now it should be.

[Dorcia Beland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for this story. Ms. Wanders did not disappoint me. The story is both poignant and inspiring. Made me think. The quotes at the beginning of the chapters were perfect and some of my favorites. Ms. Wanders' writing style is easy and pleasant to read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I'm sure others will as well.

[Elsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT WRITER, GREAT STORY...FOLLOW THE SEQUEL

As usual I read this book in one sitting. It may have sat in my shelf for quite sometime due to my schedule but it's worth the wait, I'd say. I always get hook with Ms. Wander's writing: compelling, funny, heartwarming and honest. BRAVO!!! I love the story from book 1. I look forward to the next sequel.

[Pamala P Messinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping story that's impossible to put down!

Ms. Wanders has managed to take the reader through love, tragedy, survival and beyond. A must read for anyone who has experienced the underbelly of life and wants to continue to thrive.

[NB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic story and continuation from Searching for Venus. I couldn't put it down. It's honest and tears at your heart through the adventures Ruth goes through. Looking forward to the third book.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read...

Loved continuing this journey. My heart soared, hurt, cried and left me wondering what happened next. Can’t wait to find out.