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.