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juliasilge's review
4.0
Haines writes about his first 90 days of sobriety and thinks through how alcohol is just one of the many ways we numb and hide and soothe. Haines' story is compelling, and simultaneously centered in the details of who he is (southern, evangelical) and widely relevant.
mandyfreddy's review
4.0
"Karl Marx was wrong: it's the illusion of perfection that's the opiate of the masses."
ddejong's review
5.0
I needed this book in ways I did not anticipate when I picked it up. One of the reasons I read is to find new friends for the journey, and Seth Haines is officially part of my tribe. This isn’t really a story about alcoholism or sobriety— it’s a story about faith and doubt, about making sense of a God who chooses not to heal you or someone you love, about the anguish of living in mystery when you are mentally wired for systems and logic and explanations and rationalism. It’s about the wounds of childhood, about experiencing the punishing words of other people’s overly simplistic faith, about learning forgiveness for people and situations that stretch back years but continue to haunt you. We’re all drunk on something— that is what this book is really about. Each “chapter” is a journal entry from Seth during his first 90 days of sobriety. His writing is beautiful; he is articulate about complex thoughts, experiences, and griefs. Never is this book didactic, overtly instructive, shaming, wallowing or even remotely self-help-ish. Seth is a man in the middle of living a story and he simply invites us to walk with him.
notesonbookmarks's review
4.0
This is basically a journal of Haines first 90 days of sobriety, and he doesn't promise it'll be pretty or get all wrapped up in a bow or even have a plot. But it does have an overarching theme as Seth struggles with his faith, his ability to trust in a God that would allow his baby boy to be so sickly, his desire to drown the fear and anxiety with alcohol. There are some deep faith questions asked and (sort of) answered in this book. It is so worth a read. I'm sad that I let it languish on my Kindle for so long, but glad I finally picked it up for a summer reading challenge!
lneff514's review
4.0
I heard Seth speak on a panel at Q in Nashville in 2018. I knew by the way he spoke that he had been through some pain and had processed it well.... so, of course, I bought his book.
I enjoyed this look at his process of pursuing sobriety - the factors of his alcohol issues, the people and conversations that helped along the way, how he encountered Christ in meaningful ways.
It felt like his writing got more beautiful, complex, and nuanced as the book went along - perhaps that's to be expected, since this book is from his journal in his first 90 days of sobriety. I thought that, perhaps, his mind and thoughts were more clear as the book went along.
I enjoyed this look at his process of pursuing sobriety - the factors of his alcohol issues, the people and conversations that helped along the way, how he encountered Christ in meaningful ways.
It felt like his writing got more beautiful, complex, and nuanced as the book went along - perhaps that's to be expected, since this book is from his journal in his first 90 days of sobriety. I thought that, perhaps, his mind and thoughts were more clear as the book went along.
jvos's review
4.0
I deeply appreciate the courage it takes to release such a raw and personal experience into the world. Seth was honest about his journey to sobriety and the constant wrestling with God. I took away a great deal both personally and in how I view addiction.
davehershey's review
4.0
This is a journal chronicling the author's first 90 days of sobriety. It is deeply moving and honest. As his son faces intense medical issues, Seth questions God and God's involvement in the world. He begins by pointing out there is no arc, though Seth does change in ways that look almost like a story arc throughout. The best part of this book is the honesty, the questions any believer has had to have had when faced with personal loss or just looking at the news. That said, the only odd thing is that though this purports to be a journal, it definitely starts (on day 1) as an address to the reader as if the person writing this knows it will be a book. Did he go back and edit it? Did he keep the journal with the plan to publish? Was this explained in the intro and I just forget?
Overall, a great read.
Overall, a great read.
sheilajoyful's review
4.0
Melodic and honest. It turns out that breaking addictions—just as any other journey from bondage to freedom—is inextricably related to forgiveness.
pianojo's review
5.0
I came to this book with high anticipation following all the good things I heard about it. A 90 day journal through sobriety and working to get to grips with what and why we capitulate to the 'thing' that numbs our pain (Seth's being alcohol.)
The first book in a long time to be a conduit for me to want to lean into the process of forgiveness for the things behind my own pain numbing. Maybe it was God's timing but I have a sneaky suspicion the writing too, gently helped me reach that place. And for that I think I will be very grateful.
The first book in a long time to be a conduit for me to want to lean into the process of forgiveness for the things behind my own pain numbing. Maybe it was God's timing but I have a sneaky suspicion the writing too, gently helped me reach that place. And for that I think I will be very grateful.