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eamcmahon3's review against another edition
5.0
An educated and nuanced look at the complexities of addiction. Fisher's personal experience with addiction lends credence and merit beyond his clinical work.
This book is a great reminder in the importance of compassion and the difficulties of addiction.
This book is a great reminder in the importance of compassion and the difficulties of addiction.
brennacummings's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 great information and the writers experience brings a enlightened and nuanced perspective.
emrodav's review against another edition
4.0
3.75 stars?
This is a really interesting history of addiction, how society views addiction and those who live with it, and the story of author/addiction physician Carl Erik Fisher's personal journey with the disease. I learned a lot of interesting historical information, but what I really loved was the continuous care Fisher put in to be as precise and nuanced with his language.
The main issue I had with the book was with the structure and tone. Fisher jumps from topic and narrative a bit too frequently, and it can make the book feel disjointed. Also, at times the writing is overly technical and uses academic language that isn't explained enough for the average reader. Neither of these problems are huge in the grand scheme of things, and I do still think this is a worthwhile read (or listen in my case), but it did lessen the impact and enjoyment in some parts.
The Urge is both a historical and deeply personal look at the story of addiction, and I am glad I read it.
This is a really interesting history of addiction, how society views addiction and those who live with it, and the story of author/addiction physician Carl Erik Fisher's personal journey with the disease. I learned a lot of interesting historical information, but what I really loved was the continuous care Fisher put in to be as precise and nuanced with his language.
The main issue I had with the book was with the structure and tone. Fisher jumps from topic and narrative a bit too frequently, and it can make the book feel disjointed. Also, at times the writing is overly technical and uses academic language that isn't explained enough for the average reader. Neither of these problems are huge in the grand scheme of things, and I do still think this is a worthwhile read (or listen in my case), but it did lessen the impact and enjoyment in some parts.
The Urge is both a historical and deeply personal look at the story of addiction, and I am glad I read it.
lymadebell's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
medium-paced
4.0
I quite liked this book, it was informative and yet still very personal. The book was written from two perspectives, the recovering phycologist and the history side of addiction. I enjoyed the personal side of recovery with history about addiction of various substances. I thought it was provocative and informative, I found the personal story of recovery to be as methodical and important as the rest of the book. The exploration of addiction couldn't have been said to be happy, but the overall knowledge provided in this book was overall hopeful. If you've ever wondered about addiction and recovery through the years, this is a great start!
lilydoyle6's review against another edition
emotional
informative
medium-paced
4.0
this book was at times dense and information overload, but i enjoyed it. it was nice to learn about the history of addiction and how its perception and treatment has changed over the years. i also enjoyed how the author peppered his personal story with addiction & recovery throughout - it added a nice touch. i was also really happy at how inclusive and socially aware this book was - it was inclusive of experienced poc have with addiction, how their treatment differs, struggles they face that white counterparts seeking treatment for addiction don’t have to deal with, and how women also have different experiences. very pleasantly surprised by that. overall, a good read.
msteasam's review against another edition
4.0
This was really interesting. While the narrative felt a little disjointed and repetitive at times, I appreciated the author including his own experiences and struggles with addiction. Regulation of drug use could do with a more empathetic and evidence-based focus.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, and Drug use
Moderate: Racism
flexmentallo's review against another edition
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Really loved a lot of this -- a sharp, well-informed, and often intimately reflective look at the way we think and talk about addiction. I understand his reasons for doing so, but I do think at least periodic check-ins in other countries/cultures would have been worthwhile. It's hard to talk about the War on Drugs without talking about Duterte, for example. But despite that mild limitation, I think this is a really interesting and informative book.
abbykoepke's review against another edition
3.0
Fine but I wasn't drawn in wanting more hence the two months it took to read/listen to this. Painted addiction in a new light for me. I can better understand those around me with addictions and be kinder to them.