Books are the New Black...and a Review.

Title: Unwasted: My Lush Sobriety

Author: Sacha Z. Scoblic

Synopsis: When Sacha Z. Scoblic was drinking, she was a rock star: the days were rough and the nights filled with laughter and blackouts. Then she gave it up. She had to. Here are her adventures in an utterly and maddeningly sober world...and how she discovered that nothing is as odd and fantastic as life without a drink in hand...(amazon.com)

Available: Paperback and Kindle 

PRELUDE

I never considered myself a book worm. Although I am now pretty darn happy I can read and write somewhat coherently, I dreaded the dictated summer reading during my schooling years. There were some real winners, including a 1000 page book on the history of the world for an AP social studies class. I also thought I had an actual physical disability to read for long periods of time. I was just too "active" to sit for that long (I can see my mom lovingly rolling her eyes). I guess you could say I was disillusioned with books at the time but little did I know the reading fairy would come around soon.

Something happened in my late teens and early 20's. I started to realize reading wasn't so bad, possibly even quite enjoyable. It started slow but my relationship with books began to change. I was now able to choose what I was interested in reading and found that, holy sh*t I had just read for four hours straight! My physical disability was cured! I still enjoy pacing while I read sometimes (what's a retired amateur athlete to do?) but due to possible maturity and the serendipitous discovery of a few great reads, I now understand the magic of books. 

REVIEW

Unwasted: My Lush Sobriety is now part of that legion of great reads. I was hooked from the first page. Scoblic wastes no time getting to the point of the book - to unabashedly and humorously reflect on her relationship with alcohol while providing tangible insight that was, personally, very relate-able.

Scoblic writes with a balanced mix of whit, vigor and reflection that challenges you to think about your own battles. More than once I had a feeling of camaraderie and a spark of knowing; I spent many evenings highlighting sentences and taking a couple minutes to meditate on her words.

She writes in a way that expresses her deep understanding of her own personal condition without isolating those who might not be dealing with alcoholism per say. Anyone, from any walk of life, would find this a great read on the inner workings of the mind during a time of struggle and how to find the help and strength needed to over come those battles.

By the end we come to see that alcoholism, in whatever form it takes, is a tough path but one that can be transformed into a healthy journey. I appreciate her openness and willingness to express her deepest thoughts in an effort to help others feel less alone.

This will be on my nightstand for many evenings to come as I'm sure to look back for snip its of wisdom.

PS - get the book here.