Christina DiMari’s inspiring and uplifting memoir, Ocean Star, is a tale of a young girl who escapes an abusive childhood to become a beacon for others who are suffering.

Ocean Star charts the story of Christina, second-youngest in a family of five, who is resented by her mother from birth. Although, she is the apple of her father’s eye, Christina cannot deny her father’s violence forever. He eventually becomes so violent he is forced to move out of the family home. Christina, looking for things to take her mind from it all skips school to hang out at the beach, with her hippie friends, where she begins taking recreational drugs. In time she finally passes her exams, attends university, marries, has children and is able to move on when she finds an inner-spirituality.

Ocean Star examines the effects of physical abuse and deals with teenage suicide, depression and death.  However, it is ultimately a tale of redemption and of understanding those around you. With the start of the story set against the backdrop of the swinging sixties, LSD, flower-painted Volkswagons and NewAge fad diets it's soon replaced by true friendship, love and commitment in this tale of self-discovery.

Christina is a true ExplorerGirl. Her memoir is peppered with references to travel, the outdoors and nature’s splendours. At times she lives in a tent at the base of a mountain, hides in caves made by cliffs on the ocean, surfs with dolphins and watches the sunrise over the beach. Christina has a spiritual appreciation for natural beauty that shines in this memoir.

Ocean Star is an easy-to-read account of personal growth. It is inspiring for those who have experienced abuse and a call-to-action for those who haven’t. DiMari’s strength lies in her frank, charming storytelling powers and her invocation of a world that is both dangerous and wondrous.

“I wrote my memoir to encourage others to believe there is a special plan for their life, to never forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith, to pursue the gifts God has given them and to pass on those blessings to others. We each have a destiny to be discovered, a light that is meant to shine and a journey before us yet to be explored. I hope my readers will Look Up to the possibilities in their future and discover Pearls for the Journey from unexpected people and places along the way. And ultimately, like the Ocean Star, when we are connected to our Source of Life, no matter what gets broken along our journey, we will be made whole," says Christina.

Ocean Star is available for purchase from her website (and other major book sellers) as well as information on inspirational events hosted by Christina for girls ages 8-88 in beach communities through out the US.

"With the use of integrating art and creativity, we encourage you to Define the dreams you have for your future, Shine your light, Travel with a supportive pod of friends, Discover Pearls from unexpected people along the way and Ride the unique wave of God’s dream for your life!," Christina says of her events.

Christina was also featured as an Awesome ExplorerGirl in Febuary. Have a read to see what other beautiful things she is creating.

www.ExplorerGirls.com / Gemma Considine