Review: Last Call For Alcohol: Put The Drink Down Before It's Too Late
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 30, 2014
This book contains information that can be found easily on the internet, using Google. So, if it's information about alcoholism that you are interested in, just google it. What you can't google, however, is the personal, intimate voice of the book's narrator. You can't google, more importantly, the author's personal journey of dealing with alcoholism.In the final analysis, what makes us human, is the ability to think, to rationalise, to reflect. For this purpose, throughout the centuries of recorded time, we have turned to the storyteller. We ask our storytellers to be credible, to have a personal stake in the story they tell us. In turn, we lend our ear, and listen. We become emotional, we recognize reason and logic, and we value expertise.Our storyteller takes us through his own personal journey to purgatory, into the darkness of alcohol addiction, and shares the experience with us. Once we get there, we are taken back on the journey into the light of a successful treatment. You will be surprised to know the term, "successful treatment" is an oxymoron, as "failure" is only a drink away. The success rate is indeed not impressive. In the end, this is a personal story, not an academic exercise. A real human being is sharing a real story. That alone is enough for me to recommend this book highly, for anyone age 8 to 80. Yes, some of the language is vulgar, profane, offensive. We can forgive the author, considering the negative impact alcohol has had on his life.Finally, a word about denial. The author tells us that (quote) "Denial is the refusal to accept reality or fact." (end of quote) Having read this book, you will almost certainly have thought of someone who needs help. It would be an act of denial for you to simply do nothing. Help someone back into the light...Reviewed by Thomas Jerome BakerAuthor ofHow to Coach A Debate Team