A Raw, Honest & Addictive Read
351425
This book is a raw and honest view of not just one life, but two: It is both a telling of the death of Bob Crane and the birth of his sons career, Robert Crane.

At first blush, its easy to assume that a son would write a tribute book through rose colored glasses. But, the surprising elements are that it is truthful, painful, and emotional. And, enjoyable!

The Hollywood world today is different than that of yesteryear. Before Instagram, Twitter, or TMZ, private lives remained relatively private. In this book, we discover Bobs not-so-hidden secrets and how they sent him down the rabbit hole of anonymity. He goes from one of the biggest stars of a hit sit-com to playing local theatre.

At the same time, the reader feels how proud Robert is to see his dads success. Of course, then, he must make it on his own as an entrepreneur, writer, screenwriter, and even producer. In short, a very wild ride!
198262
I devoured this book.

As an ex-comedian wealthy only child from Beverly Hills who was addicted to pills, alcohol, and sex, Amy recounts with utter hilarity and riveting honesty what her life was like--a crumbling marriage, 5 rehabs, the psych ward, jail. Rock rock bottom. The writing itself will seduce you and make you laugh out loud; the content is jaw-dropping and thought-provoking.

I was mesmerized by her story and writing. As an addict myself, I kept wanting more. Write another one, Amy!
1062090
This is one honest, and raw book. I love the main character Olivia and I so understand what she is going through at home. Details about her fathers death and her home life lead her on a path of destruction. Reading this book now as a parent I really understand how important the lines of communication with our kids are!

Olivia lives with her mother and her for lack of a better term monster of a step father. She makes some choices in her life that lead up to a tragedy, and thankfully she turns that tragedy into so many great things by taking that all important first step in bettering her life and turning it over to God. We are introduced to some of the teens at Diamond Estates and pay close attention because you may see them again! I just found myself so wrapped up in Olivia and pulling for her that I couldn't put this book down. The Embittered Ruby is book book two coming out April 1st!  Now if only I can keep myself busy until Dec 1st when the third and final book, Shadowed Onyx comes out!
3576393
Sheer Willpower is a captivating and emotional book which provides honest insights into the challenges of infertility and adoption. I knew the subject matter would be tough, but I ended up starting and finishing the book on a 5-hour plane ride, a huge testament to the authors strong storytelling. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is going through something similar or knows someone who is. The book gave me a deeper understanding of the emotional and physical struggles that many women and their families go through. Their stories are not often told, but their strength and bravery is an inspiration.
4967794
Hilarious, heartbreaking and honestly addictive....This book has your heart, like a fish on a hook; gliding through the colorful and vivid streams of an evolving psyche and heart... Candid and raw accounts of his intimate emotional relations, are stylishly laced with intense humor, deep and redemptive, in the darkest of moments. Unpretentious, deliciously deep yet simple. R.S. Johnson enchants your heart with his own.
2196748
There are some books of poetry that I will never finish for fear I will bleed their inspiration dry. Those books are horrors stitched inside beautiful truths. Those books are "Shake Loose My Skin" by Sonia Sanchez, "Leadbelly" by Tyehimba Jess and most recently "A Little Truth On Your Shirt" by Sonya Renee Taylor. "A Little Truth" is a delectable brew of honest confessions, jarring epiphanies, and startling indictments. This raw collection of poems is more than thought; it is travel, time, and journey. Taylor has proven herself again and again as a force to be reckoned with on stages the world over. This work is living proof that her words not only stand on the stage, but on the page in a mighty, mighty way.
3084241
When I purchased this book on yesterday, I was told by Sharetha that I would read it in one sitting, but I never thought that it would take only 45 MINUTES to complete!! Once I began I was enthralled in Sharetha's journey... or as her life is eloquently defined... The Tunnel - The Struggle - The Outcome! Sharetha's strength, candidness, and honesty is captivating, and you are challenged to reflect on your own personal experiences so that you can inevitably experience "the release"!
3590266
Being a good friend to Jay and a member of Bill W's Club, I could not wait to get my hands on this book. A wonderful read, highly honest & sincere. Sharing one's private lives to the world is never easy and Jay did a fantastic, colourful endeavour in doing so.

One a side note, my own life is very similar to Jay's and found it very insightful and helpful in dealing with my recovery as well!!

Encouraging the author to pursue writing more often because his talent is very proficient.
551043
Some life experiences are so unquestionably singular and personal that we cannot relate to nor conjure real awareness of themnor imagine we have any genuine understanding about themunless we have lived such an experience ourselves. In this brave memoir, author Cheryl Musick nakedly attempts to chronicle her own tortured journey as the desperate parent of a daughter who is first seduced into and then stubbornly chooses a life of enslavement to hard drugs, to her and her familys consternation and demise. With more courage than most would have, Musick delivers on her promise ...to be as open, honest and vulnerable as I can in sharing the love and promise, the triumphs and setbacks, the anguish and the yearning for a new start along this journey that continues on to this day.  I have a daughter who I love with all my heart. Not only can I not begin to imagine what this experience would have been like, but I cannot imagine myself being as brave as this author in baring myself to the world about it, thus opening myself to criticism as well as embrace.  Is this writer perfect? Did she do everything right? Was she righteous and surefooted in every moment? Of course not. But such is the essence of this little book, an all-too-human account of one parents plough through this unique Hell, how it was experienced by her and her family, and how it changed everything for every person who had meaning in her daughters life. For one who relates to the parents in this story or one who might themselves be trapped in the quicksand of drug abuse, this reflection will encourage youfrom experiencethat Somehow, some way, someday, addicts and those who love them [can and] will break these chains and live the lives they are meant to live.  Obviously I encourage you to read this book. No doubt you will benefit. ~ Jim H - Boise, ID USA
4475880
I was provided an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. To steal a line from the text, this book was "profound & meaningful" from cover to cover. It was an easy read, in a positive way, finishing it in only one evening. I could not put it down. This book is raw with emotions and does not fluff up the challenges we face in life. The characters are real and their lives are real. Normally I am a fan of fiction, but this book was a refreshing twist of lives, jobs and relationships. I laughed, I cried, I squirmed, and I was immersed. I am very glad I had the opportunity to read this book and look forward to read #2 in the series.
2447728
The only downside to this book is that I wanted to read it as fast as I could but also to read it slow and savor it. An unflinchingly honest story, never shying away from the highs of potential to the fear of losing one's body. The experience is raw and brings you right in with it. Throw in a lot of very legitimate laughs and this a book I'd recommend to anyone, not just baseball gamers. Enjoy!
1696843
This book is so heartfelt, honest, and incredibly hilarious. Also, it talks about dick. . . A LOT. It's really a win-win. Tyler is very true to himself and as someone who has watched all of his videos, I can say that he really does share experiences that he has never talked about before on YouTube or on the podcast. He dives deep into sexuality, family issues, eating disorders, first loves, and relationships in really raw, open way that I appreciated very much as a reader. On top of that, Tyler Oakley is a top-notch guy so I'm always happy to support his endeavors. (Buy #Snervous on iTunes! Subscribe to his podcast #Psychobabble!) ;) Love you, Tyler! Keep killin' the game. :)
2926209
I've read several of Renee Carlinos books and all of them have moved me to the core. With such emotion and anguish she packs into her stories, you can't help but shed some tears and be an emotional wreck while reading and Wish You Were Here brought every emotion out and then some. (Tissues needed) It gutted me, made me cry, (like curl up in a corner rocking myself blubbering- kind of crying)  as well as made me so incredibly overjoyed with happiness. I just get so elated when an author can do that. Make you ugly snot cry and laugh at the same time. Very few authors can do that for me.

So let's chat about this wonderfully broken, flawed and imperfect, yet incredible book!

Charlotte does not open up her heart to be loved she keeps everyone at a distance. She can't seem to get through any kind of schooling, and is just strumming along with life, living with her childhood best friend, Helen, and working at a dead end job. She feels as if her family thinks she's a joke. Her younger brother Chucky is following in their father's footsteps becoming a dentist. She has random boyfriends who are all weird and unattainable. Her loved ones just want to see her succeed, fall in love and be happy. Then one night coming back from a bar, with Helen, she meets Adam, a beautiful stranger on the streets and they have an immediate connection, which eventually leads to an amazing, incredible night together only to, unfortunately lead to awkward morning times. Charlie feels completely rejected and forces herself to move on even though she knows she has never felt the way about anyone before. Adam has brought out something in her she has not yet discovered.

There are so many incredibly flawed yet flawless characters in this book. Adam and his beautiful yet addicting, tender soul, to Charlotte and her aloofness ways, not knowing the effect and power she exudes on the people around her. To Chucky and Charlie's parents, for the love they never let both kids go without. And finallySeth to the honest and unconditional love he so willingly gives.

This book was raw and honest and one of my top favorites of 2017.
1221635
This is a very gritty story about real life and the struggles we are sometimes forced to fight through. Life is not simple and it can become very easy to get caught up in something, even addicted to them, and Addicted to Dimes is the most honest and true piece of work I've ever read. It takes a lot of courage to admit you have a problem, and even more courage to write about them.

Cathy's journey through her addiction is spelled out so eloquently and can easily be applied to any obsessions someone may have. The depths she went to in an attempt to pull the curtains back and express her real story are so impactful and touching. The struggles and torment addictions can cause do not affect just you, they affect everyone around you, and Cathy's story really depicts this. She does a fantastic job of bringing us all the way from the beginnings of the problem, the exacerbation of it, and all the way through acknowledgment and treatments, which is a powerful guide for life.

I honestly suggest this read for everyone, whether you are struggling with some sort of compulsion or not. It has had an emotional impact on me and I know it can for you too. Certainly a MUST READ!

Jeremy Shory
Author of The Orion Chronicles: The Journal of Forgotten Secrets
3167069
This raw, brave story parallels the author's intense fights to achieve major athletic victories, battle life-threatening disease, and overcome deeply personal battles, including finding the will to live fully and authentically through life's potentially crushing waves. The author honestly shares painful struggles relatable to many, from bullying, a reading disorder, perfectionism, eating disorders, overwhelming and relapsing addiction, sexual assault, partner abuse, and professional and relationship sacrifices and struggles, as well as aggressive illness with pain, uncertainty, and complications. Through gritty, growing, and sometimes end-of-the rope faith and determination, and the surprising interventions of others and a God who turns out to be very different than expected, she fights tremendous challenges, including personal demons and masks that arise from doubt, fear, and inner shame. I could not put the book down until I was finished, with my teen daughter reading over my shoulder. This is a great read for launching meaningful thought and discussion about accepting both our gifts and challenges in life, while living connected with others and God in honesty, love, and faith.
2602777
Colorfully real, beautifully raw, eerily personal.  I read much of it while I was waiting for over 3 hours for AAA to show up after my car broke down.  Having this book with me made the experience much more bearable.  I love the way it's written.  Sort of a literary autobiographical approach after a manner like Henry Miller or Charles Bukowski, but so beautifully raw it could even make those guys blush.  Like sex so good you wanna tell all your friends about it but you're not sure how to tell em all the dirty details.  You just gotta read it for yourself.  Trust me.  You do.  One of the coolest books I've ever read, and I've read a lot.  This woman can write.
1039465
Lisabeth's writing is honest and raw. Lisabeth shares her innermost thoughts in this wonderful book that grips you immediately and pulls you through until the end. Share the ups and downs of an incredible journey about family, brotherhood, hope and love in this absolutely worthwhile read.