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3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
I'm really glad I muscled through the first half of this book. For some reason, the first half didn't really grab me. I loved the second half. Knapp's honesty and frankness were refreshing and mesmerizing. I definitely recommend this book, whatever your relationship with alcohol.
This book was slow, heavy, and sad. It was hard to read, knowing this author passed away from cancer six years after publishing this book. But, man, it was so, so good.
Before reading this book, I'll admit it, I had a hard time understanding alcoholism. I had a hard time finding grace for those who struggle with this disease. But Knapp's words and her story really opened my eyes to what this disease really is.
Some quotes that left me thinking:
"The knowledge that some people can have enough while you never can is the single most compelling piece of evidence for a drinker to suggest that alcoholism is, in fact, a disease, that is has powerful physiological roots, that the alcoholic's body simply responds differently to liquor than a nonalcoholic's." (p. 54)
"'If it feels warm and fuzzy and comfortable and protective, it's probably the alcoholic choice. If it feels dangerous and scary and threatening and painful, it's probably healthy.'" (p. 237)
"The idea that alcoholism is a disease-dangerous and fatal if untreated-can be deeply threatening to a culture that not only harbors a profound distaste for illness of any kind but that also uses and glamorizes alcohol to the degree it does." (p. 244)
Before reading this book, I'll admit it, I had a hard time understanding alcoholism. I had a hard time finding grace for those who struggle with this disease. But Knapp's words and her story really opened my eyes to what this disease really is.
Some quotes that left me thinking:
"The knowledge that some people can have enough while you never can is the single most compelling piece of evidence for a drinker to suggest that alcoholism is, in fact, a disease, that is has powerful physiological roots, that the alcoholic's body simply responds differently to liquor than a nonalcoholic's." (p. 54)
"'If it feels warm and fuzzy and comfortable and protective, it's probably the alcoholic choice. If it feels dangerous and scary and threatening and painful, it's probably healthy.'" (p. 237)
"The idea that alcoholism is a disease-dangerous and fatal if untreated-can be deeply threatening to a culture that not only harbors a profound distaste for illness of any kind but that also uses and glamorizes alcohol to the degree it does." (p. 244)
A very insightful, well-written story about alcoholism. I sometimes find these kinds of books too self-deprecating but Knapp's wrote it in a way where you root for her. She describes the difference between not being able to quit and not wanting to quit very well. A very emotional and honest memoir.
I was looking for a different memoir when I encountered this. It seemed fated because I had just heard this author referenced recently in another article, so I took it out.
I thought this was a well-told, interesting story. Knapp doesn't have the down and out story that many alcoholics/addicts do. She didn't kill anyone in a drunk-driving accident, never lost her job, but she did hurt her relationships and stall herself emotionally.
Knapp wrote openly about her personal life and, in particular, about her relationship with her father. It was moving, although, ultimately, it was more of a snapshot than a story. But maybe that's what makes it more impactful - that it wasn't dramatic.
I thought this was a well-told, interesting story. Knapp doesn't have the down and out story that many alcoholics/addicts do. She didn't kill anyone in a drunk-driving accident, never lost her job, but she did hurt her relationships and stall herself emotionally.
Knapp wrote openly about her personal life and, in particular, about her relationship with her father. It was moving, although, ultimately, it was more of a snapshot than a story. But maybe that's what makes it more impactful - that it wasn't dramatic.
challenging
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Tbh, this was a slog to read & I can’t say I enjoyed it (but that’s to be expected when it’s a memoir about alcoholism). However, it provided so much food for thought about how we develop coping mechanisms in life & how sometimes we trade one bad habit/addiction for another.
Powerful story, honestly and openly written. Made me think about the role alcohol plays in our society and in my life. The author passed away a few months ago, what a loss to us all.
a twenty year love affair with alcohol.
lots of things i could relate to, and thankfully lots of things i couldn't. the more i read tho, the more i felt like i was reading about katy, my ex-roommate and partner in crime (best drinking buddy), especially the parts about lying, manipulating the truth, and clinging to men who reinforce low esteem.
"its not so much that people like me hide the truth about our drinking from others (which most of us do, and quite effectively); its that we hide from others the truth about our real selves, about who we really are."
"most alcoholics i know experience that hunger long before they pick up the first drink, that yearning for something, something outside the self that will provide relief and solace and well being."
"that may be one of liquors most profound and universal appeals to the alcoholic: the way it generates a sense of connection to others, the way it numbs social anxiety and dilutes feelings of isolation, gives you a sense of access to the world."
"you think you're drinking to have fun, to be sociable, or more relaxed. but you're also drinking to shut down, to retreat."
lots of things i could relate to, and thankfully lots of things i couldn't. the more i read tho, the more i felt like i was reading about katy, my ex-roommate and partner in crime (best drinking buddy), especially the parts about lying, manipulating the truth, and clinging to men who reinforce low esteem.
"its not so much that people like me hide the truth about our drinking from others (which most of us do, and quite effectively); its that we hide from others the truth about our real selves, about who we really are."
"most alcoholics i know experience that hunger long before they pick up the first drink, that yearning for something, something outside the self that will provide relief and solace and well being."
"that may be one of liquors most profound and universal appeals to the alcoholic: the way it generates a sense of connection to others, the way it numbs social anxiety and dilutes feelings of isolation, gives you a sense of access to the world."
"you think you're drinking to have fun, to be sociable, or more relaxed. but you're also drinking to shut down, to retreat."
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Such a personal and relatable memoir.