Hilary Young’s memoir, Trusting Gus, is a profound exploration of resilience, self-discovery, and spiritual awakening. Published at the age of 58, the book chronicles her remarkable journey through childhood trauma, addiction, and near-death experiences, ultimately culminating in a story of hope and transformation. With unflinching honesty, Young offers readers a candid glimpse into the challenges she has faced and the lessons she has learned, providing a beacon of inspiration for anyone grappling with hardship or seeking a fresh start.
The memoir is grounded in Young’s tumultuous childhood, marked by the instability of growing up with a bipolar, alcoholic parent. These early experiences shaped much of her life, leading to struggles with addiction and self-doubt. Yet, rather than allowing these adversities to define her, Young chose to confront them head-on. Her journey toward sobriety, which began after menopause, is a testament to the idea that change is always possible, no matter the stage of life. This perspective makes Trusting Gus a rare addition to the addiction memoir genre, offering a unique and hopeful narrative for those seeking to reinvent themselves later in life.
At the heart of Trusting Gus lies the concept of “Gus,” or the Great Universal Spirit. For Young, Gus represents a guiding force that transcends traditional notions of religion or spirituality. Instead, it is an inclusive and deeply personal philosophy that invites readers to reflect on their own sense of purpose and connection to something greater. Through this lens, the memoir encourages readers to embrace the unknown, trust their intuition, and find meaning in life’s mysteries.
Young’s raw and authentic storytelling is one of the memoir’s most compelling features. She does not shy away from the darkest moments of her life, including a near-death experience as a child and a brush with death from liver failure later in life. These experiences, while deeply personal, resonate universally, reminding readers of the fragility of life and the resilience of the human spirit. Her ability to weave these moments into a narrative that is both vulnerable and uplifting is a testament to her skill as a writer and her commitment to authenticity.
The decision to self-publish Trusting Gus at age 58 was itself an act of courage and self-determination. For Young, the process of writing the memoir was not only a creative endeavor but also a deeply therapeutic one. By sharing her story, she has created a space for readers to reflect on their own journeys and find solace in the knowledge that they are not alone. The memoir has elicited heartfelt responses from readers, many of whom have shared their own stories of resilience and spiritual awakening after reading the book. This ripple effect of connection and reflection underscores the profound impact of Young’s work.
In addition to her work as an author, Hilary Young is a dynamic and multifaceted creator. She owns a successful hair salon, where her ability to connect with clients and foster personal transformation mirrors the themes explored in her writing. Her entrepreneurial spirit is also evident in her previous role as the founder and CEO of AstrologyDating.com, a platform that combined astrology with matchmaking to help people forge meaningful connections. This diverse background enriches her perspective and adds depth to her storytelling.
One of the most striking aspects of Trusting Gus is its exploration of the supernatural and the extraordinary. From her near-death experiences to her reflections on fate and coincidence, Young invites readers to consider their own brushes with the mysterious. These elements lend the memoir a spiritual and thought-provoking dimension, encouraging readers to look beyond the surface and explore life’s deeper questions.
Young’s journey is also a celebration of late-blooming creativity. Her decision to publish her memoir later in life challenges societal notions of success and creativity being reserved for the young. Instead, Trusting Gus serves as a powerful reminder that it is never too late to pursue one’s passions or share one’s truth. For readers who may feel hesitant to take a creative leap, Young’s story is a source of encouragement and inspiration.
Through her memoir, Hilary Young has created more than just a narrative of personal growth; she has built a community of readers who find strength and solidarity in her story. Trusting Gus is more than a memoir—it is a call to embrace life’s imperfections, trust the journey, and believe in the possibility of transformation at any stage.
For those seeking a heartfelt, thought-provoking read, Trusting Gus offers a unique blend of vulnerability, spirituality, and hope. The book is available for purchase on Amazon and Hilary Young’s website, TrustingGus.com, and readers can connect with her on Instagram at @hilaryyoungritter or join her Facebook community here.
Hilary Young’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of trusting oneself and the greater forces at play. Through her words and her example, she reminds us all that it is never too late to find hope, healing, and purpose.