James Brown (2) (1957–)

I always appreciate an addiction memoir that;s sincere in it's story telling - not looking for the shock effect as so many have in the It's been awhile since I read his first memoir, Los Angeles Diaries, but I recall it being more polished and substantially under-the-surface. This River is sloppy and feels hastily put together looks to be possibly self-published. Interesting to know that as Los Angeles Diaries was being published, the author was recovering from a serious relapse. I do hope he has remained clean and sober as it would seem dire for him to return to using and drinking.… (lisätietoja)

First and foremost this is a beautifully written book. The story is about the life of James Brown, a writer struggling with addiction and dysfunctional relationships. Each chapter is a certain point in his life, going back and forth between his childhood and his adult life. I finished this in two days, although I think I would have read it straight through if I hadn't started it in the evening. James Brown's story is tragic, but there are glimmers of hope in it as well. This was just a wonderful read.… (lisätietoja)

Writers on the Edge: 22 Writers Speak About Addiction and Dependency edited by Diana M. Raab and James Brown is a collection of essays, memories, poems, and stories about addiction and dependency, but more than that they are harrowing experiences of surviving with addiction and dependency and the continuous struggle that dogs these writers throughout their lives. Most, if not all, of these essays are frank and honest about the vacillation between lying about an addiction and being honest about it and confronting it. The poems are similar in that way. From alcoholism to suicide and depression as well as overeating addictions, these writers share the struggle with themselves, each other, their readers, and sometimes even their families. “These writers were more often than not, perps–their own or somebody else’s. It’s roughly akin to reading a recollection of Nagasaki survivors by people who dropped the bomb on themselves,” says Jerry Stahl in the Foreword.

Read the full review: http://savvyverseandwit.com/2013/06/writers-on-the-edge-22-writers-speak-about-a...… (lisätietoja)

"Writers on the Edge" is a book compiled by stories of 22 different writers and their stories of various addictions and struggles they have encountered within their life. While the purpose of the book is very good, I didn't feel most of the stories were well written. There were a few stories that really were gripping and very helpful as I was allowed into their life to see their story. In these few instances it was as though I felt the pain they felt and was drawn to reach out and try to help them overcome the problems they were facing.
With that being said, I do feel for anyone facing depression, battling alcohol, drugs, pornography, sexual addiction, suicide, etc... This would be a very good book to help you understand that you alone and that you can find strength and courage from the pages of this book. This would be a good resource to use in counseling and addict groups. Many of the stories were very insightful just not written in a way that I found the most helpful. I do appreciate what the editors have tried to accomplish in putting this book together and hope that people from all walks of life receive help from its material.
I received this book from Review the Book for my honest evaluation.… (lisätietoja)