patti66's review against another edition

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dark hopeful sad tense fast-paced

4.5

majikal's review against another edition

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challenging dark sad slow-paced

2.5

It is always hard to review someones biography. This is her story and it is incredibly vulnerable and gut wrenching. However, as someone with almost 20 years in recovery, that has done all the suggested work and agrees with so much of what was said,  this book was incredibly triggering.  While I do understand the desire to connect and be relatable for what I assume is a target audience of people, especially women, in early recover, I would be cautious in reading this book. 

I listened to this on audio and recovery isn't barely mentioned until 75% in and she is still getting high at 83%. I really wanted to hear more about what the first years were like, how she managed 12 steps early on through an Atheist belief. Though these were touched on it was glossed over so quickly almost as an afterthought. With such detail about her trauma history and substance abuse I wanted more about her recovery.

addyreadsitall's review against another edition

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4.0

TW: drug use, SA, sex-drug trading, loss

What a powerful story of recovery! As someone that has struggled with addiction(sober 7 years as of September 2022) this book is such a needed piece of work.

From Junkie to Judge is the perfect balance of showing the trauma of childhood, struggles with staying sober, and making a better life for yourself.

Thank you to HighBridge Audio and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

lisforliterature's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

5.0

From Junkie To Judge was very interesting with many trigger warnings to be cautious of. Mary has been through a lot in her lifetime. From being abused both physically & emotionally, she turned to drugs & alcohol to survive. Her need for drugs also lead to sexual abuse & even rape. While she may have conjured up the idea that it was not rape as she did not say no or try to stop them, she now sees those experiences through a different lens & realizes what they were. 
Mary Beth had so many obstacles to overcome but she did it. She turned her life around & became successful. She put her past behind her & left it there. It is always truly amazing to me to hear about how people turn their lives around. It is truly inspiring. 
Thank you NetGalley for the Audiobook ARC. 

bookworm89's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

5.0

Amazing redemption story about addiction and recovery. This disease can be beaten and Mary Beth proves this! She comes from being a meth addict to an American Judge who has 29years recovery under her belt. Amazing achievement and massive well done to her. I wish her all the best. Hope for addicts everywhere. #WDR

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nicholtoney's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced

4.0

Great book but extremely traumatic! It took me longer to read because I went into a bad head space, but I was able to finish it! The fact that she was able to get clean after so much trauma and years of addiction is mind blowing and so inspiring! I’m glad she wrote her story and hopefully it changes someone’s life! Ps. I won this from GoodReads! 

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