English majors may find the fragments and run-ons distracting, but Frey cultivates a unique style that is sure to provoke a reaction from even the most stoic readers.

This reader found his transformation convincing and realistically difficult. The book clearly gives insight into living with addiction. One wonders, though, which parts were fictionalized or sensationalized.

By far an excellent book, and easy to read. Very enlighting to a subject most parents fear. Highly recommended!!!

regardless of what you have heard or what you think you know about this book and this author, it will not disappoint. a raw tale that leaves you anxiety ridden to the last page

I am in Al-anon, a support group for friends and families of alcoholics; which is modeled after the 12 steps of AA. I have attended open AA meetings for many years with my boyfriend. The stories in this book simply do not ring true to anyone familiar with 12 step programs. In my eyes, the author's new found sobriety is questionable; as he is just as arrogant by the end of the story as when we first meet him. I am not convinced he has attained any recovery what-so-ever, considering his preference for mobsters over those who are sincere about beginning a new life. The people I know who are successful in recovery know that they must live honestly or they will drink again. They recognize they can't make it without the support of other alcoholics; the only people who understand their own hellish struggle. It's hard to believe that Frey has changed one iota over the course of the book, considering how arrogantly he dismisses AA, the only successful treatment for chronic alcoholism. My boyfriend attended roughly 5 AA meetings a week to achieve his 20 years clean and sober. I do not recommend this book. It gives a wrongly negative view of treatment centers and AA and they value they have in the treatment of this terrible disease.

I am not a recovering drug addict or alcoholic, a rehab industry professional or anybody who would know if this was true or fiction and I bought the book and read it from cover to cover in a matter of days. After reading the book I picked up my friend Leonard and realized that much of what he had written in his first book was false. My sympathy for this man and his supposed ordeal quickly changed to disgust! Don't buy this book and put another penny into this mans pocket!