Beyond the Mountains - by Deja Vu Prem

About the Book

Book Synopsis

As a child in a small barrio in the Philippines, Deja Vu Prem faced neglect and physical abuse. At age seventeen, desperate to escape her situation and claim a better life for herself beyond the mountains of her town, she became a mail-order bride and moved to San Francisco. But the challenges of her childhood didn't go away--they merely evolved into the form of her emotionally abusive husband.

Cut off from her family and any kind of emotional or financial support, Prem was a prisoner in her own home, unable even to use the phone or check the mail. But she wasn't helpless. Relying on her deep faith and the fire within that had always pushed her to achieve, Prem made the brave decision to escape her situation to provide a better life for herself and her two young children.

Recounting Prem's harrowing yet hopeful journey, Beyond the Mountains is a stirring and moving portrait of one immigrant's refusal to be defined as a victim and a testament on finding the strength to forgive in order to reclaim the power that lives within us all.

Review Quotes

"Heartbreaking yet hopeful . . . [a] captivating debut memoir." --Karla J. Strand, Ms.

"This inspirational memoir exemplifies and celebrates the strength, bravery, and willpower it takes to reclaim your inner power and build the life you deserve." --Rachel Epstein, A Marie Claire Best Self-Help Book of the Year

"[A] heartfelt and candid memoir . . . Readers will feel deeply immersed in Prem's tale of self-discovery, courage, and resiliency . . . An introspective and engaging chronicle of what it's like to pursue the American dream with resolution in spite of the ugliness of prejudice. Throughout, Prem imparts words of wisdom and encouragement." --Booklist (starred review)

"Prem's story resonates with frankness, circumspection, and humor. Her ebullient voice radiates warmth and confidence . . . This story is a pleasure to read. The triumphant tale of a Filipina who takes control of her story." --Kirkus Reviews

"[A] stirring debut memoir . . . [Prem's] tenacity and unstinting optimism inspire. This slim volume pays big emotional dividends." --Publishers Weekly

"Deja Vu Prem's beautiful, honest memoir Beyond the Mountains describes its author's geographical and spiritual journeys--from the Philippines to the United States, from childhood to maturity, from trauma survivor to evolved woman, and so much more. Most remarkably, anyone who reads it will take their own journey along with the author, who challenges herself to grow each time she faces a painful reckoning and reminds us that love will take us farther than we could ever imagine." --Bethanne Patrick, author of Life B: Overcoming Double Depression

"Deja Vu Prem has led a truly remarkable life. Believing in herself and her potential, and guided by a deeply held spirituality, she has embraced life, overcome adversity, and learned to celebrate joy even in her darkest moments. Beyond the Mountains is a treasure." --Emmanuel Jal, Author of My Life is Art: 11 Pillars for a Positive and Purposeful Life

"Beyond the Mountains is a captivating masterpiece that left me utterly inspired and deeply moved. The vivid writing seamlessly combines the elements of a novel and a self-help book, creating a unique and powerful experience. Prem's exceptional storytelling and ability to ignite a fire within the reader's soul make this book an absolute must-read." --Lavinia Errico, cofounder Equinox fitness clubs and founder Movejoy

"Rather than succumb to her life's dramatic and chaotic events, Deja Vu Prem chooses to rise beyond the mountains and seize control of her fate. Her courage and wisdom capture the reader's heart, revealing that anything is possible. Written with an irresistible sense of humor, this memoir recounts a woman's journey striving for authenticity and true love." --Dr Evelyne Leone, medical doctor, author, and founder of the Institute of Conscious Health

"Deja Vu Prem's triumphant story of leaving everything and everyone she knew behind at seventeen years old, in order to find home in the never-ending well of self love she possessed inside herself, is a universal tale of the courage it takes to reclaim your heart from pain and trauma. Instead of choosing fate and remaining broken, she chose her destiny by making decisions from her most whole and healed version of herself. From surviving to thriving, Prem's expansive path of rebirthing herself over and over is a must-read if you want to be inspired to break harmful ancestral patterns from a place of grace, joy, abundance, and love. I couldn't put the book down." --Elisa Goodkind, cofounder of StyleLikeU

About the Author