natbelks's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely loved this. Great writing. Even if you can't relate to alcoholism itself, Hepola's story still resonates.
astrocalluna's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
5.0
threedoors's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
3.0
jcschildbach's review against another edition
5.0
Arguably, Hepola strays into some self-indulgent territory here. But, really, that's the point of explaining her alcoholism--describing how a particular substance becomes so centrally important in one's life that all other things can be pushed aside--and how she clings to that substance well after she recognizes the damage it is doing. Hepola's book also delves into a somewhat different side of alcoholism and recovery than is the norm for narratives of 'hitting bottom'--that of alcoholics who manage to build and maintain careers while engaging in substance abuse to a level that would seem to spell doom for those careers--but never does. Much of the damage Hepola does is to her personal relationships, and to her physical self. She is also brutally honest in noting how the details of her story are specific to her, but the drinking is just the same old cliches involving deception and self-deception. And she can really write. Highly recommended for anybody interested in issues of substance abuse, but also personal stories well told.
aeriecircus's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
dillpickleblackberry's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism
Moderate: Sexual violence
kimberlyf's review against another edition
5.0
I have a confession. I am addicted to addiction memoirs (among other things). Especially if it is written as well as this one. I absolutely loved Hepola's use of humor throughout because if we can't laugh at ourselves then what the hell are we even doing? I felt such a connection to Sarah and saw myself in many pieces of her story. If you are a lover of good writing and are looking for an emotional but slightly comical memoir, I would suggest that you give this one a go.
turtlekenn's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.75
samanthatully's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
4.0