Review: Poignant but humourous
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 10 10, 2013
WARNING:  This book is not suitable for readers under 18, and those with blinkered opinions.  It is not a book that is intended for everyone, a fact the Author makes clear from the start in her own words, but it will definitely make you think.Most of the tales in this book are funny, but shockingly so as the Author takes the reader on a journey through the train wreck of her life, in her own words.  As this is a compilation of random events, fuelled by alcohol, sex and drugs, there is obviously no character development; and there are no moments in this book where the light goes on for the writer, and she thinks to herself `why am I doing this?'  In fact, as I read on through this book, it didn't have the shock value I assume the Author was hoping for, it actually made me sad and wonder why the writer allowed themselves to be treated in such a manner.Each disastrous relationship, drink induced destructive act and drug propelled incident is written in excruciating detail in this book, but while it may seem just an exercise in self-pity on behalf of the Author, it is actually someone writing something cathartic that may help themselves, or others who suffer this kind of life, to come to the realisation that this is not all life has to offer.  I could forgive the horrible grammar, and badly put together phrases, as this is not and most likely will never be a great piece of writing, as I felt that these errors actually added to the overall feel of the book.The Author has a heart of gold when it comes to the under-dog, be it an injured animal or a fellow human in need of help.  In this we see that, despite everything else that is happening to her, and she is letting happen to her, she is trying to do some good to others in some way in her train wreck of a life.  This leads the reader to see that the Author is consumed with her own needs to make a difference, to feel wanted in any way possible whether that be by depending on men who just use her or avoiding many of the real life issues that we all face by hiding behind her substance abuse.  Whatever, the reasons for writing this book it is apparent by the time the reader turns the last page, that this Author is losing the battle she is fighting on all fronts; or is she?  To discover this you have to read the last chapter to discover the answer to this question.Whether you agree with these kinds of life choices or not, this is a book you need to read to help you understand that your life is probably not as bad as you think it may be.  I would recommend this to the more mature readers, as I feel that they would have a greater understanding, if not acceptance, of the driving forces behind the Author and not be as quick to judge her.Originally reviewed on: [...]