-
Anyone can be an addict. Feb 24, 2008 (18 of 21 found this helpful)
This book is worth reading. Without a doubt it will end up being compared to James Frey's a Million Little Pieces but this book is much better in my opinion for the following reasons:
1) First, and most important, this book speaks to something bigger than James Frey's book. The book shows that people can function at the highest level - obtaining a degree from the US Military Academy at West Point and still struggle with addiction. I think that this theme is more profound than anything in Frey's book. This book represents the extreme of the truth that addicts are everywhere - doctors, lawyers, firefighters, whoever - all can be addicts and still do their job.
2) The author's experience is humbling. Despite his selfish binges and self destructive behavior as he bottoms out, Winder is still truly a likable character. He doesn't try to maintain a "tough guy" facade (which for me ruined Frey's credibility as someone that has remorse for his actions).
3) The author's account can be verified. I think it angers some that James Frey's experience was at best grossly exaggerated and at worst completely untrue. Winder has the documents to prove the validity of his experience beginning with the acceptance to West Point and including reports from hospitals and institutions.
Winder's character is someone that was too smart for his own good. He used his intelligence to break the rules and beat the system but he doesn't blame the military for his affliction. His attitude and self-destruction took a toll on his family and his body. Winder has a good sense of humor as he tells this (at times really sad) story with remorse.
-
I thought it was fantastic! Mar 20, 2008 (12 of 15 found this helpful)
OK, I thought that this book was flat-out fantastic. Of course, I'm a little biased: the author is my brother. I suppose I could've posted my comments anonymously...but instead of just gushing and shilling, I wanted to say something personal and public.
I'm obviously a part of this story...I lived through it. I was there the day that Mike was born, I was there when Michael finally snapped, and I've been there ever since. It really was a hell of a thing. So although I'm not an addict, I have experienced first-hand the damage that addicts can inflict on friends and family. It's powerful stuff, and deeply unpleasant. I can't imagine something harder than watching a loved one implode. And the psychosis thing...all I can say is 'wow'. Honestly, this ordeal with my brother was one of the most frightening experiences ever. I think that the book does an admirable job in showing the horror of addiction...the story is pretty freaking gripping.
One thing that perhaps amazes me the most is how completely misguided the national dialog on addiction really is. Mike never blames anyone or anything in his book, other than himself, however the fact remains that there's really a serious problem in how we handle addiction. It's treated like a crime, instead of an illness, and that's a shame. (And even if you don't agree that addiction is a bona-fide "illness", the point remains that addicts need help and support, not condemnation.) Also, the culture of alcohol abuse is still rampant in the Armed Forces, in our high schools and colleges, and in our workplaces...and that's a shame too. I have nothing against having a few drinks, and there's nothing wrong with celebration...however there's really something unwholesome about the idea of getting completely obliterated on a weekly (or nightly!) basis. Especially when it's kids getting liquored up (or worse). We should all probably try to do something about that.
Anyway, the bottom line is that I'm really proud of you, Mike. You made some horrible decisions, and you took a big hit. However you definitely win the award for distance travelled: you completely rejected your former life, and literally started from scratch. That's pretty fierce. And I admire the fact that you never blamed your problems on the Academy, or your family, or anyone or anything other than your own choices. I hope other people learn from your mistakes, and of course I know that you will continue to thrive, in that jazzy way that makes Mikey special.
And yeah, the book rocks. You done good.
Love,
Jason
-
A Must Read For Teens & For Families With Mentally Ill Loved Ones Mar 21, 2008 (11 of 14 found this helpful)
I too am guessing that reader 101 is a West Point grad or someone with an ax to grind. How many people would actually admit to doing time in a psych ward? How is that attractive? I saw not one hole, not one discrepancy in the story line (and one of my brothers is a West Point grad).
I applaud Mike for having the guts to tell this tale... I come at this from a different perspective, as the sister of a boy, who like the author, abused Adderal, Paxil and other drugs and snapped. There is not much more in life that's scarier (or sadder) than watching the boy you played tag with as a kid tell you he is being followed everywhere, that there is a mob hit out on him and that he believes he is a secret agent with special powers.... having to call 911 on your own brother and ride in the back of ambulance to an ER psych ward comes close.
I loved this book and could not put it down. I read it in two days.
I found not only the whole story fascinating but I think the author is a terrific writer who keeps the reader engaged and entertained. His personality comes through, especially his wonderful sense of humor.
This books speaks to a topic that not much info is available on - and that's the extreme easy access to pharmaceuticals - whether from the Internet or physicians -- and how abuse of these pharmaceuticals can trigger mental illness in some people. If my brother had known this - would he have done so many drugs? This book can save lives and should be put in front of EVERY high school and college student in the country. Before it's too late.
I also think any parent of a child with schizophrenia or bipolar disorders will want to read this book. The descriptions of the voices and the hallucinations give one a window into the mind of loved ones struggling with these disorders.
Kudos on a job well-done and book that will hopefully save lives.
-
An amazing book Mar 20, 2008 (13 of 17 found this helpful)
My guess in reading the above review, Reader101 may be either an alumni or employee of WP Academy since he openly challenges the facts of the book.
That aside, I found this book to be a refreshing honest change. It's a page turner and a hard look at the life of an addict. I read it in one day. Yes, I'm sure it will be compared to James Frey - but the story is much, much different. James Frey's claims in the book were disputed & disproved, while Winder humbly reveals his own personal documentation of the struggle that nearly claimed his life. You can NOT disprove that. His story reminds everyone that it can happen to you. Even if you come from a wealthy town, or the sticks in the south. He does not blame the military or anyone else.
The life of an addict is full of guilt and shame and no one comes out unscathed.
A truly great story from someone who is very lucky to be alive.
-
A good story, but more fiction than fact Jun 24, 2008 (4 of 5 found this helpful)
I was at USMA with the author. The number of "liberties" he takes to describe his time there leads me to highly doubt the entire story -- either that, or *I* was on drugs the entire time and am not remembering it accurately.
I'm sure there's some truth sprinkled in with what he writes, but I don't believe the whole package -- not for one second.