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laurapk's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars in my opinion. I read memoirs of recovering addicts, but they were all people with a financially stable family to support them and catch them when they fell. I wondered how the story of an addict without support would look like, and it turns out, not as different as I've thought, once the addiction kicks in. What differs is the path into addiction, but the way out is always paved by people willing to listen, support and offer a second chance. Without love, the wounds will never heal.
The concept of rock bottom is a myth. There is no lower point, there is always a lower point (excepting death). The path to recovery is always tortuous and with a lot, a lot of dead ends. What was impressive in this story though was how much more determination and self control was required for the author to pull himself up and out of addiction. Jesse Thistle had all the cards stacked against him: he was half metis-cre, his father (a white man) was an addict (self-fulfillment prophecies are dangerous, yet many families can't help but throw them at their children), he was abused as a child in foster care before his grandparents stepped in, he didn't finish high-school and could barely read and write. He was on a collision course with early death and only managed to escape with his life because of small acts of kindness from strangers or friends along the way.
There were very few faults I could find with the book. It had some beautiful language, and some genuine moments of emotions, but the delivery (especially the audio book) was at times flat. I suspect this is a mechanism of self-protection the author employs when dealing with some raw memories, and I completely understand it. I did however want to understand Lucy a bit more. She seems to be such an important part of the recovery process, yet I was a bit curious about who she was and why did she, a distant school mate, have so much empathy and trust in Jesse? There may be parts the author omitted to protect her.
I did love the parallel between the author discovering his native roots and the ultimate solidification of his sobriety. It speaks volume about the importance of knowing and understanding our past, in order to become healthy adults. And it also highlights - again - why the Canadian residency schools were such an abomination.
Highly recommend it, but a strong stomach is needed at times. Fret not, it has some genuine fun and hear warming moments as well.
The concept of rock bottom is a myth. There is no lower point, there is always a lower point (excepting death). The path to recovery is always tortuous and with a lot, a lot of dead ends. What was impressive in this story though was how much more determination and self control was required for the author to pull himself up and out of addiction. Jesse Thistle had all the cards stacked against him: he was half metis-cre, his father (a white man) was an addict (self-fulfillment prophecies are dangerous, yet many families can't help but throw them at their children), he was abused as a child in foster care before his grandparents stepped in, he didn't finish high-school and could barely read and write. He was on a collision course with early death and only managed to escape with his life because of small acts of kindness from strangers or friends along the way.
There were very few faults I could find with the book. It had some beautiful language, and some genuine moments of emotions, but the delivery (especially the audio book) was at times flat. I suspect this is a mechanism of self-protection the author employs when dealing with some raw memories, and I completely understand it. I did however want to understand Lucy a bit more. She seems to be such an important part of the recovery process, yet I was a bit curious about who she was and why did she, a distant school mate, have so much empathy and trust in Jesse? There may be parts the author omitted to protect her.
I did love the parallel between the author discovering his native roots and the ultimate solidification of his sobriety. It speaks volume about the importance of knowing and understanding our past, in order to become healthy adults. And it also highlights - again - why the Canadian residency schools were such an abomination.
Highly recommend it, but a strong stomach is needed at times. Fret not, it has some genuine fun and hear warming moments as well.
jmcrobbie's review against another edition
5.0
Content warnings for homelessness and starvation, addiction and drug&alcohol use, sexual assault, attempted suicide, racism, child neglect, and some intense body/injury stuff if you’re icked out by blood etc.
bookishlychar's review against another edition
5.0
This is an extremely intense book that I was deeply moved by. Jesse Thistle provides a raw, informative and real insight into his life. This is one of the realest memoirs I have read, with so much heartbreak and tragedy in it. It is also a story of overcoming and despite the things that have been thrown at him, Thistle managed to build himself up and achieve great things. I appreciate the perspective written here and think that it would be beneficial for anyone to read.
whalesharkandme's review against another edition
3.0
I am so happy I did not give up on this book! The book grabbed me right away, although I’m not used to the style of writing; but I did not REALLY enjoy the book until page 238, when the author describes his near death experience...after that I couldn’t put the book down until I finished. This book made me laugh, it made me cry, but most of all it made me think. Really think. Recovery is impossible without a safe place to recover. Both physically and mentally. Not everyone is afforded a safe place. I’m thankful Jesse Thistle found his safe place, that he wrote this book and that I picked it up and read it.
bergamotandbooks's review against another edition
5.0
5 STARS
In this extraordinary and inspiring debut memoir, Jesse Thistle—once a high school dropout and now a rising Indigenous scholar—chronicles his life on the streets and how he overcame trauma and addiction to discover the truth about who he is.
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Real talk: this was a really difficult read. It's raw, unflinching, ugly. It shines a light on the systemic racism within my country and how broken our system really is. Although Thistle eventually "finds his way" there are so many that don't.
Personally, I would recommend listening to the audio version of this, as it is read by the author himself. Hearing his words, experiences and recovery in his own voice was very powerful. Exquisitely written and highly recommended.
In this extraordinary and inspiring debut memoir, Jesse Thistle—once a high school dropout and now a rising Indigenous scholar—chronicles his life on the streets and how he overcame trauma and addiction to discover the truth about who he is.
.
.
.
Real talk: this was a really difficult read. It's raw, unflinching, ugly. It shines a light on the systemic racism within my country and how broken our system really is. Although Thistle eventually "finds his way" there are so many that don't.
Personally, I would recommend listening to the audio version of this, as it is read by the author himself. Hearing his words, experiences and recovery in his own voice was very powerful. Exquisitely written and highly recommended.
marchemvee's review against another edition
5.0
Powerful, raw, emotional. Thistle writes with honesty, passion, and openness that sheds light on so many facets of human existence it is overwhelmingly beautiful. An excellent read.
livvlaird's review against another edition
5.0
heartbreaking read. wanted to cry throughout the whole book. it was very well written
brittneydewolfe's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0