I read Dina Kucera's memoir, Everything I Never Wanted To Be over Thanksgiving weekend. I read the book over the span of 2 days - it's a very quick read that sucks you in pretty quickly. I guess you could say it's a bit of a train wreck story. What I mean by saying that is that you want to look away or stop reading because some of the events of Kucera's life are so harrowing and awful, but at the same time, you want to know how it all ends. In this book, Kucera shares her family's story of addiction to drugs and alcohol.I must say, I have lived a very sheltered life and am blessed to have not been exposed to drugs. The first time I saw marijuana, I was 20 years old and I was working at a resort in Colorado during a winter break. One of the bell boys helped someone carry groceries up to their condo. When he came back to the front desk, he opened his palm to show me his tip... A look of confusion came over my face and I said, "He gave you dried up grass?" I had NO idea what I was looking at! I got teased quite a bit for this comment and my naivety! I feel blessed that I lived such a sheltered life, though!
It was eye opening to read such an open account of the life of a family struggling with addiction. It made me think more about the drug problems in America. Kucera frequently touches on the lack of treatment options for those who can not afford expensive drug rehab programs. Until I read this book, I had not really thought about that and how our country should handle drug dependency - especially when the addict is a minor.
While the story was very heavy at times, Kucera did a good job of introducing humor throughout the book, which kept it from getting too heavy for the reader.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from TLC Book Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
9 comments:
I can relate to you. We went to Vancouver on our honeymoon and I asked the hubby loudly, "What is that awful smell?" Vancouver is notorious for rampant marijuana use.
Sounded like an interesting book! I never knew the story about the bell hop - but am glad you had never been introduced to it! To this day, I have never seen any or smelt it! I am thankful for being so protected! My heart goes out to people who are addicted.
Hahahahaha Lisa I'm laughing at Gracie's comment because remember what the Barrister told you?? Hahahaha
Anyways, that sounds like a super interesting story! I have been fairly exposed to drugs and alcohol in that I know quite a few people who have tried different drugs. I've never known anyone closely who was severely addicted though. I can't imagine how difficult that would be!
Interesting... I don't know if I could handle a book like this but it does sound intriguging. I like that the author drew on the social situation about it as well. Thanks for sharing!
Dried up grass?! That is hilarious! I'm sure it took you quite some time to live that down. :) Not that I can really say much ... I'd probably have had the same reaction as you did. LOL
Thanks for being a part of this tour!
Oh wow, I can't believe you were 20before you saw pot!!!!! hahahha. I grew up in a super small town but man, I was smelling it on the bus from about 6th grade on!
Lol your comment is pretty awesome. But then seriously, who gives pot as a tip?
Sounds like a very interesting book. I agree that drugs are a real problem in this country especially with kids and young adults. At a time when they really need to be making big decisions, they can't even make small ones as a result. Very scary.
I wouldn't say I was really exposed to the world by any means, but I did know people who did drugs and I still know people who are addicted... I feel like it's really just everywhere and there is almost know way to shelter kids completely from it here anyway.
Thanks for the review!
Thank you Lisa for the beautiful review:)I am glad that you were not exposed to drugs. Drugs are horrible.
We are all doing great and clean and happy! How about that for an ending! My oldest daughter is having a baby boy, (she may have to be induced in the morning). My middle daughter is clean and amazing. My grandson Moses, who has never spoken one word said 'Mama' the last week. Really CLEARLY!!! I can not hear it enough. My youngest daughter Carly has been clean and sober for almost two yrs and she is so crazy amazing:) I wanted to post and thank you for taking time to read the book and reviewing it:) I hope you have an awesome holiday season!!!! And thx to the above for the fun comments!:) Dina Kucera
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