Abuse Books

Not only discusses the symptoms, but also walks you through some steps to stop it, and to work through it. A wonderful book. I keep it on my bedside and consult it frequently even though I have read it cover to cover.

I initially bought this book because I wondered if being in love was just an addiction. But I learned so much more than that. This book should be helpful for practically everyone. It talks about how our love relationships are related to unmet needs from childhood. It described my parents relationship almost exactly and I see how it affected me. It was amazing that anyone knew all this stuff.

simple, concise book that takes you through the subject in an interesting way.

I recommend it

Well written, explains the reasons behind the toxic codependent dynamics, how to recognise them, and how to heal. A MUST HAVE!

I can't believe I am the first one to review this book! After struggling with addictions of all sorts for years (including alcohol, drugs, sex, and love addiction), I finally determined why I kept sabotaging my relationships with women. My compulsive search for something to help me feel less pain came from my childhood, and this book was the stepping stone that helped me see that there was hope to overcome this tricky addiction, seek help, and learn to love myself and others with authenticity.

I highly recommend this book to any alcoholic, chemically dependent or sexually addicted person. There is hope for a relationship without painful addictive behaviors, and this book will help you find that hope!

I WAS VERY IMPRESSED WITH THE PROMPTNESS OF HOW MY ORDER WAS TAKEN CARE OF, PROSSESSED QUICKLY, AND DELIVERED TO ME WITHIN A FEW DAYS OF THE ORDER. THANK YOU

I am a teenager and read this book because a friend recommended it to me. She had read about it in Seventeen magazine and knew that it related to some things I've been through. The exercises made me think about the past in a good way - a way that helped me see that I can be a good person no matter what I've been through. The psychologist who wrote this book knows teenagers. I felt like he knew me and knew just what I needed to work through my issues. Also, I loved the quotes from teenagers that were scattered through the book. If you need help working through sexual abuse, It Happened To Me can help you too.

This workbook is a MUST. It is a workbook related to abuse and can help anyone who has been through trauma and going through the healing process. I have done some of the exercises by myself and some in a small group. I strongly recommend this workbook. I have a hard time putting the book down between exercises, because I truely feel that this book is helping me cope.

This workbook is just excellent! I have trouble putting it down! It manages to be relevant to a wide variety of teens, without being too technical, too cutesy, or too preachy. Each exercise is short (2-3 pages) but challenging. There are also quotes from teen survivors and sidebars that point out problem behaviors common in abuse survivors without being judgmental. As a college student, I'm a little too old to be the intended audience of this book (all the teens mentioned in here are between the ages of 13-18), but as someone who still has to deal with her parents on a regular basis, I appreciated that lots of the exercises here dealt with family matters under the assumption that you're still living and dealing with your family, something that's not in many of the adult books. Guys might not like that pretty much all the pronouns are "she" and "her", but otherwise it's still a very relevant book for every teen survivor. It can be completed by yourself, in a group, or as part of therapy. Topics covered include emotions and emotional manipulation, keeping secrets, impulsive behaviors, how to get along with other people, sex, suicide, and commitment to recovery. The emphasis is not on "name your disorder" but on returning to emotional health. Even if you have to make a secret trip to the bookstore and hide this book in the back of your closet, it's worth it.

This is a wonderful tool to use when working with teens who are ready to deal with their experience of sexual abuse (abuse of other kinds also). Not only is this useful for clinicians, it can be modified and used by other providers, too. It seems that it is important for the client to be ready to do the work, however...

"James" is a most inspiring novel, it captured me and held me a very willing prisoner from the first page through the last. The phrase "sins of the fathers" resounded through me during the entire time I was reading the book: I don't believe I've ever seen a better, more effective illustration of the fact that abuse, be it to children, to women, to any one of us, is a terrible gift that just keeps on giving, and giving, and giving. The bruises and the broken bones will eventually heal, but the emotional injuries live on and are passed down through the generations, perpetuating the horror and poisoning the essence of everyone they touch. We are corrupted by the scars we inherit; their curse directs the flow of our lives and those of everyone around us.

James Sheppard is the victim of such a legacy. During the course of his story, author L. Diane Wolfe shows us that while the wounds comprising James' birthright can never be entirely healed and forgotten, the dark momentum of physical and mental abuse may be slowed and brought to a halt through force of will and strength of spirit. This is not a triumph that will likely be accomplished alone. We share James' anguish as angry, sometimes violent tendencies rise to the top in spite of his best intentions, but we also grow with him through the ongoing love and devotion of a wife whom circumstances have thrown into a premature marriage, and who must wrestle with the demons of her own upbringing. We evolve along with James through the unwavering kindness of a stepmother whose love for her deeply flawed husband overcomes all obstacles. Perhaps most importantly, James is bolstered by his inner circle of friends both old and new, who prop him up and motivate him to fight off the influence of his scared, lonely past, to do what's right without question through mutual support and unhesitating aid during the times of need that inevitably crop up in their lives, and by extension in ours as well.

I invite you to enter James Sheppard's world and spend some time in his shoes. Ms. Wolfe never preaches or talks down to her characters or her readers. Instead, she makes us feel as if we've known James, his wife Maria, and their multifaceted circle of friends throughout our lives, that we grew up next door to these strong young people, that we're an important part of their existence, that we can feel their love and the reassuring warmth of their arms wrapped around us during the good times and the bad. Be inspired as I was, I promise that you won't regret the experience.

Wolfe does it again as she continues with the group of friends by introducing the readers to a more in depth look at James. James has a terrible past of abuse and must learn to get past what happened so he can focus on his life changing events. Wolfe does a wonderful job of taking a real life situation, writing it into a story line and breathing a life into that makes it seem so real that you the reader are actually involved in the story!!

This is a great read. Ms. Wolfe's new novel "James" is a powerful story of a young man trying to overcome an abusive past and find peace and happiness in his life. The novel deals realistically and intelligently with abuse and its emotional effects. But "James" is not a depressing read. Ms. Wolfe manages to fill the story with hope that a person can overcome an abusive past and find peace.

James is a young man who is lost within himself.

Growing up with an abusive father, James doesn't let too many people into his life. In order not to think about the past, he focuses on other things diligently: school, work. But, though lost, he longs of having someone love him; of giving someone his heart and receiving theirs in return.

When his current girlfriend cheats on him, James despairs of ever finding someone who is honest, down to earth and caring. His friend Lori sets him up with a shy girl named Maria and the two hit it off instantly. Both being photographers, they find common ground and their relationship begins to blossom.

Other relationships not well, however. James father Ben informs him that if James does not come to collect his belongings, he will throw them out. James goes to collect his things, marvelling at his step mother's willingness to stay with his abusive father. Lynn has always loved James like her own son and has been a real mother to him. He can't stand the idea of Ben hurting her.

James knows that if he didn't have Maria's love, life would be unbearable. Despite all the secrets of his past, Maria is a light in the darkness for him. James strives to do well for himself and Maria inspires him to do even better.

But when something life changing happens, will Maria and James survive? Will their relationship crumble around them or will they face their problems head on and come out stronger in the end?

My meagre plot summary doesn't even come close to recounting the gripping plot of this amazing novel. While James is essentially the story of one young man, it is also a study of relationships: mother and son, father and son, boyfriend and girlfriend. It is a study of the depth of the human heart and the choices we make in our lives.

What makes this novel so incredible is its realism. Wolfe deftly manages to draw you into the story and makes you care for these characters. You ache for James and Maria. You want James' father to love him. You will fall in love with these characters and never want the book to end. I guarantee it.

Also interwoven with the incredible story is an important message: Never give up on your dreams. Everyone holds the power to succeed at whatever they dream as long as they believe in themselves. Normally I find inspirational fiction to be preachy, but James is far from it. James is a life changing novel that will have you examining your life with new eyes and reaching out to those you love to let them know how much they mean to you.

Thankfully, the story continues in Mike: Circle of Friends Book Four. Though these novels are all part of a series, you can read them on your own. You will want to read the rest of them though, again and again. James is, by far, one of the best books I have ever read. It made me laugh; cry, cheer and the ending left me spellbound.

If you read this incredible novel, L. Diane Wolfe will become your new favourite author. Trust me on this. Become part of The Circle of Friends. You'll never want to leave.


Jamieson Wolf

James's past was brutal. After his birth mother left him and his dad behind, James's father became abusive, especially while drinking. James wouldn't even know when he's going to strike. Apart from a rough life at home, James has a great work ethic, is a hard worker, and is a very motivated person. While in college, James was glad that he was finally away from his father, but he dearly missed his stepmother, Lynn, who Ben (his father) married after a couple of years in the dating life. James loves her so much; his father harasses them both but he tries to save his mother's life instead of his own.

Finally, in his third year of college, James has been keeping up his hard work and a GPA of 4.0. Though last year was a rough one for him, James has been happy so far. His spirits have dampened drastically, though. Sherry, his former girlfriend, has come back to James after making the biggest mistake in their relationship to say that she's sorry and to try to get back together. After forgiving her, James and Sherry are starting over. After taking her to the dance club one night, Sherry says she isn't feeling well, so he takes her back to the dorm. James, in high spirits, returns to his own home.

The very next day things change, though, when James sees Lori (who by the way was once James's crush) and she tells him that she and her friend Sarah had seen Sherry with another guy. Trying to take the anger out, James just wants to hit something, but he restrains himself.

But Lori has another idea for how James can get over Sherry. She wants him to meet Maria, one of her other best friends who was there at Lori's wedding last year. He would be able to meet her at Lori's next swim meet at Florida State. There he sees Maria, the quiet and very shy girl, staring at her camera. It takes him awhile to make Maria open up, but when she does James finds himself falling in love with her.

Will Maria be the right girl for James, or someone who turns out to be just like Sherry?

Months later, James will have to make the biggest decision of his life! Will this change the whole aspect of James's life? Will this be the worst possible thing that could happen to him and Maria?

This book is very motivating and inspiring! This just tells you how much someone is willing to go for the best in his or her life!! There are so many twists and turns and it can teach you how far you would be willing to go to have the perfect moment! I give this book 5 stars and a Gold Award. A very good book!

Reviewed by: Spreeha

A fascinating book with great characters! Well written and a very fast read! I couldn't put it down!

Jerk, CaliforniaJerk, California tells the fascinating story of high school senior Sam Carrier's search for the truth about his life. Rejected by his stepfather after being diagnosed with Tourette's as a child, Sam has endured plenty of bad treatment at home and school has been worse. His best, and only release from the constant betrayal of his body's constant movement is in running.
A mistake and a fortunate fall introduce the lovely Naomi into his life of chaos and the beginning of a most memorable year for Sam.
After graduation, the surprises continue as Sam discovers a job, a new home, a friend and mentor and a different identity all in the form of George, the town "coot" (who also has a connection to Naomi). The more Sam learns about his past the more he feels an undeniable desire to separate the lies he's always believed from the truth of his past.
As he and Naomi follow a mysterious map across the nation Sam literally drives into his father's history. Following a trail of windmills, small towns and unforgettable characters eventually winds them up in the seaside town of Jerk, California and a long lost family member.
My favorite part of Jerk, CA, was the beautifully written characters. They were real and honest and had you rooting for them all the time. I also loved the unexpected twists and turns of the plot as it took me from Minnesota to California. At the end of the book, I find my self reflecting on the character of Sam. His determination to live his life on his own terms unafraid to be who he really is reflected that he "may have Tourette's, but Tourette's doesn't have him".

Jerk is the story of a young man who is freed from a cruel prison. I'm not talking about Tourette's but everything and everyone around him who beat him down with it, including himself. I found myself cheering for Jack (Sam), balling up my fists and wanting to fight for him and alongside him. As Jack becomes free from his prison, he frees others with him. His grandma. His mom. Naomi. Lane. And in a very real sense, baby Jess.

It is the story of a beaten down boy who learns to stand tall and stright. A boy who quietly joins the ranks of men who have earned the title Hero. Not because of some glorious moment in a sporting event, but because of his choices, his character, the man he becomes. This was the most enjoyable read I've had in a long, long time.

I expect this book will be one that becomes required or recommended reading in high school classrooms all across the U.S. And it ought to be.

Jerk, California is the story of Sam Carrier, the kid who can't sit still. He jerks and twitches, in near constant motion. The only time he feels in control of his limbs is when he runs. High school is a nightmare. No friends, nothing. Then he meets beautiful Naomi, the girl who makes him feel like he can't remember which way is up.

But everything changes after his embarrassing graduation. New job, new name-- well, not new. Suddenly he finds himself on a cross-country trip with only his questions and Naomi for company.

I loved this book. Seriously. I read it in about 24 hours. I even read parts out loud to my husband-- the butter scene is hilarious!!

By the end of the first chapter, I was hooked on Sam. He's funny and his struggles were so real and heartfelt. In reading the story, I felt like I could understand how it would feel to have Tourette's. It's definitely worth reading. I'm sure I'll read it again!

I received my copy of Jerk, California, on Sunday and finished it in three days! I couldn't put it down. Thrilling twists and turns. Gritty. Heart-wrenching. I absolutely loved the book. Each character drew me in. I felt Sam/Jack grew to be a good friend--felt myself pulling hard for him and wanting him to win! I didn't want the story to end. Great truths and life lessons all the way through. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who can relate with pain--looking for a powerful, uplifting story! This book reminded me that healing truly can be found!

What a powerful and real tool this book immediately became for me. I don't know who Michael Picucci is, but when reading the book I feel like he is whispering in my ear. A tickle goes down my spine because he is saying things I've been needing and wanting to hear. Things I somehow knew to be true but didn't have the words for. What a rich feeling it has been, and is, to connect so deeply with a book, and at the same time have it offering me gifts, one after another. These invaluable gifts, like the "living map", the "fruits of the tree", the "four powers" of emotional healing, and the promise of a sexual/spiritual epiphany, among many others, will be the new guiding lights on my life journey. I am grateful to Dr. Picucci for sharing his wisdom and his life in such a bountiful way. If you care about recovery, if you care about life, read this book! Carolyn Kern

I will let a paragraph from a letter of thanks I wrote to Dr. Picucci serve as my review of his wonderful book:

Today I started reading The Journey Toward Complete Recovery. I sobbed through the introduction and the first two chapters - great big tears of recognition, validation and hope. I've read plenty of books that have struck a chord with me, but this one resonates particularly. This probably doesn't surprise you, as in my telling you my story, I related my sense of incompleteness after my years of healing work. It was just that sense of incompleteness, I think, that propelled you in developing the concept of Stage Two Recovery. I feel certain that your 'living map' will be a useful tool for me as I proceed on my healing journey, and I will ask my therapist to read your book (if she hasn't already).
*****************************************************************
After having devoured "The Journey Toward Complete Recovery", I can only say that from the first page to the last, it said exactly what I needed to hear after some 20 years of therapy and inner work. I will return to this book again and again for reminders that complete healing from significant trauma is possible. This man knows the terrain.

After we begin our recovery from alcohol and drug addiction, just when we thout the world would be ours, many of us feel an emptiness within ourselves. Here Dr. Picucci not only provides the roadmap to guide our way along the steps to recovery, but also helps us recognize the way to our emotional and spiritual awakening. I found this book to be an invaluable self-help resource for the tools and techniques we can use to discover and reclaim our whole, true selves.

For those who have been in long-term psychotherapy/personal growth/recovery or those who are contemplating making positive changes in their lives, Picucci's book offers an overview,supported by his personal experiences of a professional healer who "walks the walk", of what to expect, what to look forward to, and how to get where you want to go.

With the 'Journey Toward Complete Recovery,' Dr. Michael Picucci has written one of the most useful books on recovery we've ever seen. Its insights and exercises make it invaluable for anyone wishing to heal deep traumas that remain even after sobriety.

Even more helpful for those of us who use books as part of our support group, Michael Picucci makes himself available to us. He's open in a way that makes readers relate to him like an old friend - and a guide through even the later, more complex stages of recovery.

This is as good as bibiotherapy gets, so if you can only afford a few books on recovery, be sure this one is on your list!

Chilling, cold, truthful and numbing.
This is fiction but it gave me nightmares even after the book was long finished.
Looking out of the window on a warm breezy sunny day did not help to dull the frightening images created by the author. It felt real like it happened somewhere, sometime or it might just happen in your own backyard.
Flowers is talented. No doubt. He gave me such an adernalin rush.
I was sweating profusely.My heart pounded. I could scream. This book had such an effect for such a small price. I recommend it highly even for the faint heart.

The media has latched on to a new feeding frenzy, the Vigilante Killer targeting abusive males who escaped punishment due to plea-bargains, frightened hung juries, or bogus legal wiggles. Detective Sergeant Ray Barkley and Detective Nina Preston lead the investigation that has two other links besides the so-called victims being abusive male predators. All the dead men walked free after their assault case was heard in the courtroom of Criminal Court Judge Carole Cranston and their female victims recovered at the Rose City Women's Shelter; coincidentally or vigilante Judge Cranston donates plenty of money to the facility.

Nina believes the circumstantial evidence enhanced by the Judge's attitude towards male abusers make her, the guilty party. On the other hand Ray likes the Judge and is convinced she is innocent. Nina assumes he is thinking with the wrong head. Is Carole a frustrated judge who has crossed the line or just the foci of an avenging angel?

The magic behind R. Barri Flowers' terrific suspense thriller is that the serial killer is in plain sight as the clues are laid out for the audience to determine whether Carole is the Vigilante or not. The story line is action-packed as the two cops follow leads that each interprets differently as Ray wants Her Honor innocent while Nina is totally convinced otherwise. Fans of police procedural serial killer thrillers will want to read this fine tale while anxiously waiting to follow the next investigation, the opening tickler being the abduction of the Mayor's daughter.

Harriet Klausner

Portland detectives, Ray Barkley and Nina Parker, are faced with a serial murderer that is going against all odds. This killer is wiping out men who have abused and beaten their wives or girlfriends, yet have gotten no punishment in the judicial system. Four men have been brutally slain with baseball bats and the count is rising. The killer beats them until they are unrecognizable. Not only is this criminal smart, the person appears to be a woman, which is a bit outside the profile for serial killers. To further complicate issues, Ray and Nina had an affair in the past and Nina becomes just a touch jealous when Ray falls hard for the judge involved in the case. Meanwhile, the judge's former lover, a defense lawyer who appears frequently in her court, has married and wants the judge to counsel his wife Vivien, on whether or not to have an abortion. The judge, Carole Cranston, is not sure whether to trust the friendliness of the wife or not. Maybe Vivien is the murderer; however, Nina is sure the judge is the guilty party.

R. Barri Flowers has created a superb mystery. Every time you think you know who did it, another monkey wrench is tossed into the mix. Some characters seem so guilty but then you find yourself praying that they didn't do it because although they have good reasons for killing, it would just break your heart. There's just enough romance and romantic triangles to keep the interest going. It's a great book that any mystery lover will adore.

Reviewed by alice Holman
of the RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

Criminal Court Judge Carole Cranston hates the battered-women cases the most. She chose her career in hopes of putting the abusive men in prison and off the streets. Yet far too often Carole can do nothing but watch as the guilty men go free due to a plea-bargain, hung jury, or some sort of small technicality. But that did not make her resort to becoming a vigilante. Or did it?

Detective Sergeant Ray Barkley and his partner, Detective Nina Preston, are the ones on the Vigilante Killer case that is getting so much media coverage. Seems that there is a serial killer, possibly female, on the loose. She targets abusive men who escape the justice system. As bodies pile up, the few clues they have point the finger at Judge Carole Cranston. All the murdered men had been in her court room. They all walked free. And the women abused had all spent some time in the Rose City Women's Shelter, where Carole donates a lot of money. Nina has no doubt that Carole is guilty and is doing all she can to prove it. That is hard to do without hurting Ray, who is very attracted to Her Honor. It causes tension between the two partners as well, because Ray is just as positive that Carole is innocent. In fact, Ray and Carole begin seeing each other, even though it is NOT a good idea.

**** I am lucky enough to be able to state that in my personal life almost half the people I know are black, almost half are white, and there are a few numbers of other races. So I am used to hearing titles such as "brother, sister, dude, amigo, man, guy" and the likes every day. When I read a book where most, if not all, the characters are African-American it does not surprise me to read "brother" or "sister" in it. It seldom even registers to my brain. However, in my opinion, those two titles are use far too frequently. I felt as if they were being used on every second or third page. It seemed unrealistic and became frustrating.

As for the story plot, characters, and suspense, R. Barri Flowers proves, once again, that he chose the right career. This author weaves a magical web, as well as, a tangled one. The clues are all there, but even toward the end I could not be positive that I had tagged the right culprit. I will be recommending this title to many! One last thing, if you hate to be left hanging do NOT read the last page or two. This is a stand alone story. The author wraps up the mystery thriller beautifully. But the last couple of pages begins with the killer of the next novel kidnapping his first victim. I was left feeling incomplete. ****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

I have read most of Barri's books and I will continue to buy them. I waited a very long time for Justice Served to be released and it was well worth the wait. From the time I opened the book and read the first page, it was difficult to put down. I recommend Justice Service highly and I also recommend you look for the name R. Barri Flowers wherever you buy books. He's a keeper.

Hello....I have yet to read the book...but i am lucky...becasue J.Todd Wilsons father (Mr. Jon Wilson) is my american history teacher at my highschool and he had a copy today and i read the first few pages and i told him that i had to get a copy of my own! its wonderful...ima also getting it signed by the author....hopefully :)

I really like this book. Even though a im not a person who gets bullyed around myself, I can see where many of these situations could of taken place. I belive this book really captivates the true reality of getting bullied at school.

This is an awesome book. It captivates you takes you places you never want to go. I can't wait for more books from this exciting author.

Wilson's tale of a bullied young man is powerful, moving, and intense. Never before have I read such a riveting portrayal of the brutal torture some high school kids experience today. This book is choc-full of hardened reality, a story that never once lets go of you...not even after the last page! Kick is gripping, powerful, and a journey everyone should encounter! Wilson's main character, Evan, has quite a story to tell. You've never heard or read anything quite like this!

I recently obtained an advanced copy of Wilson's KICK and I must say I was floored! The book totally rocked! The unique thing about the book is that it not only deals with an adolescent who has struggles with bullies, teachers, and his family, but it's a fascinating, true-to-life tale of what verbally and physically brutalized young people experience. It's not some watered down parable that makes everything all rosy and happy. This book is real! It made me feel angry, upset, angered, and at time sad! But all in all it made me think, step outside the box and evaluate the main character's struggles and decsions, but some of what I have experienced in my own life as well.

I love this book! It gives you a daily inspiration, but also leaves room for you to jot down some of your own thoughts. It is nice to have space in the book to write down your thoughts about the day.

I received the book very promptly and it is just what I need in my recovery.

This book on co-dependency is a real eye opener for anyone who struggles in this area. It was a catalyst for me; I have let go of the responsibility of overseer of the lives of those within my family. It is an essential tool in order to gain freedom from co-dependency.

I don't think we as human beings actually recognize the power of daily reading, meditation, and reflecting. Practicing these powerful principles allows us to remain mindful of the moment and reflect upon the deeper question in our lives. To devote ourself to a daily meditation and to journal on these quiet times is priceless and will certainly aid in the evolution of our soul. For me this practice has allowed an awakening to take place and opens my life up to all the opportunities that are available in this universe. Please give this practice a try! This book will help you in your journey of living and cultivating an active consciousness in your daily life.

Richard A. Singer Jr. Author Your Daily Walk with the Great Minds of the Past and Present.

I just started using this book as a recomendation made by one of my college teachers last semester. By reading the daily pages, and journaling a little bit about each topic for each day I have been able to make some very profound discoveries about myself. It is helping me to not only better understand myself, and my situation, but it is allowing me to become more tolerant of others, and is helping me to understand that I am allowed to feel some of the emotions in which we are conditioned to discount. I would recomend this book to not only people that feel they have issues they need to work out, but to anyone that is interested in learning a little more about themselves.

Although this book is about addiction, I believe anyone can relate to the story. Anyone who's suffering from drug/chemical dependency, anyone who's a codependent or anyone who's going through a rough time in life. Great story!

Dr. Davis's discovery of his brother's poetry unexpectedly provides him with insight into his own past. What was once a shared existence, Dr. Davis's loss of his twin brother to HIV/AIDS reveals how much their lives have diverged on the surface, only to converge again in after his brother's passing - a realization that comes to him only after sharing his experiences to others during his own recovery process. Now, Davis is continuing the legacy of his brother by sharing his poetry and his life story.

This book is a very fluid read, and it comes across as very honest without sacrificing its sentiment. Davis is describes the hidden aspects about a professional living with an addiction. It is an encouraging message to those of us who are facing hardships and have succumbed to addiction as a result. His life course has led him to a better place, and vividly documents how he has made that journey.

Dr. Davis's extremely honest and genuine account of his twin brother's death and his own spiral into addiction provides readers from all different experiences a solid introduction to addiction and the hope that comes with treatment. I would recommend this book to anyone who has a family member or friend dealing with addiction, anyone who wants to know more about a disease that is often misunderstood or misdiagnosed, and any healthcare professional who realizes the extent to which addiction pervades every patient population and the often inadequate help these patients receive. The appendices provide the reader with a great resource manual of different treatment programs and facilities nationwide as well as several screening tools for someone who suspects an individual may be abusing or addicted to alcohol or drugs.

Dr. Davis conveys an important message in a gripping and honest book: that addiction can affect anyone, even physicians, and that recovery is possible by facing one's fears and deepest emotions. As an identical twin myself, I could relate to much of the description of the relationship between Scott and Jonathan; there's just a bond between twins that is unique and unbreakable.

This book is also a great resource for those interested in finding or referring help. There is a lengthy appendix addressing issues surrounding addiction and abuse as well as intervention and recovery. I highly recommend it!

Dr. Davis's book gives an intimate and insightful perspective on addiction and its effects not only on the addicted, but on the family. By telling his story honestly and without any flair, Dr. Davis shows us that even the best of us can become victim of addiction, and despite the horrible nature of the disease, that there is hope. As a medical student, it is a jarring view of a problem that we see all across the US all too often, and being able to understand it through Dr. Davis's account, gives us better insight through which to understand our patients.

MARVELOUS! A MUST READ FOR ALL THOSE AFFECTED BY SUBSTANCE ABUSE! GREAT WORK TONI.

Toni Marie's debut novel depicts a raw path through drug addiction, relationships, motherhood, and self-realization. The author takes you on a romp through the dark underworld of the San Francisco drug scene, and outlines the hardships of marriage and parenting, the difficulties of post-marrital relationships, and the courage of over-seas military service with truthful and uncensored detail. Written in a first person auto-biographical format Toni Marie tells her story through a series of flash backs which keeps the reader in a whirlwind of surrealistic images, and demands non-stop page turning as the details of one brave woman's life unfold dramatically.

This work is highly recommended for people plagued by drug or alcohol addiction, friends and family of addicts, and all women who seek empowerment in facing everyday hardships at home and in the workplace and should be read as a manual of success, a textbook of life, and a meditation for strength and hope.

Thanks to Ms. Marie for writing a down to Earth, no holds barred book. The frank and bluntly honest manner in which the information is presented is a breath of fresh air in a sea of self-help publications. The stories hit strangely close to home. The highs and lows of this book were reassuring that the issues of my family and I are not isolated. Recovery, sobriety and the positive sides of life are indeed possible after all. Great reading for all adult members of the affected family. Terrific work!

Lost At Home, Abroad, a painfully honest account of addiction and recovery, is well worth the readers time and energy. For those in recovery, still addicted to drugs, or with family/friends who are struggling with a drug or alcohol problem, Lost At Home, Abroad is a book of hope for recovery.

Toni Marie takes the reader on a wild international romp, covering all the bases of womanhood from drug addiction, single parenting, friendship, relationships, and the workplace. This from the heart tale describes the harsh realities of a woman's life from a first-person perspective told in a series of flashbacks. The author paints a vivid and painful world, including the 1980's drug subculture in San Francisco, to upper-class family life in the Gion District of Kyoto, to lonely military service in Germany. Throughout, the challenges of living life clean and sober are honestly and realistically portrayed and offer hope for addicts in recovery.

This book comes highly recommended for friends and family of addicts, for people struggling through recovery, for women facing everyday hardships at home and in the workplace, and for professionals working with a difficult and challenging population. _Lost at Home, Abroad_ is a handbook for life, a sourcebook for spiritual awakening, and a story of triumph, hope, and empowerment.