A Million little pieces – James Frey

A heart breaking tale of addiction, bodily abuse and self loathing from James Frey. His journey and road to recovery is sadly not common enough. There are many questions surrounding the validity of James Frey’s story. Most characters of course have their names changed or no longer with us.

Controversy aside, this book takes you through the depths of the mind of an addict. James Frey tells his story with absolute honesty and a no holds barred writing approach. His story starts with his parents driving him to a rehabilitation centre, the whys and how he arrived at rock bottom starts to unfold as you go through the chapters and the horror of his own internal demons begin to appear.

Rebelling against the system of recovery, James’ own self believe and shear sense of resolve to rid his demons and strengthening his soul overrides all the advise and the odds stacked against him. The chapters in the family sessions with the parents were particularly heart breaking to read and I praise his parents for their love, strength and support, it must of been very difficult to listen to let alone be part of.

It certainly is a roller coaster of emotions but shows that we all have strength inside if we just take the time to look.

Wild by Cheryl Strayed

I can’t believe I didn’t come across this book before, apparently first published in 2012. This is the first book I have read on my transition from working life to unemployed grifter.  As it turns out it is a very apt book to start with as Cheryl Strayed is also in a period of transition in life between being lost and found. As I was struggling with the new found art of relaxing, I made myself a promise of reading for a minimum of 1 hour a day.  This book was no struggle to read in the least.

After the passing of her mother and a failed marriage in her wake Cheryl 26 takes the decision to hike 1000 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) from the Mojave Desert through California all the way to Washington State, with no previous camping or hiking experience.

This book is written in such an unflinchingly honest but humorous way about life mistakes made, the grief, the forgiveness but also bravery and hope for the future.  You feel her emotion, pain and laughter popping out of the pages.

I ready my last few chapters this morning very slowly as I didn’t want the adventure to end. I don’t mind saying that I also cried like a baby.  I am also wondering if her feet have ever recovered?

Well Worth splashing the cash on this read !!