What's Left of Us: A Memoir of Addiction

barbara

truly gripping! highly recommend

deeply moving memoir!

Richard Farrel writes about his tragic addiction and difficult recovery of heroin. He tells the story as it is and doesn't leave out any details no matter what. Whether he is talking about his detox or describing his need to get high, you won't want to put the book down. Its not like any other book where you have to keep reading to find the hook, from the first chapter you will want to continue on and not put the book down. he doesn't sugar coat his addiction and sometimes leaves you with a nightmarish vision of something that can happen to anyone. "Most addicts don't carry sterile cotton balls or Q-tips in their back pocket. If you're lucky you have access to a clean filtered cigarette. But most of the time you have to find a cigarette butt on the ground, in an ashtray, or a garbage barrel. "Cotton shot rush" is perfect example of life as a heroin addict. You live for the moment" (Farrell 5). This book is real and i would recommend this to anyone who is willing to explore the world of an addict. if you are looking for a real heart-pounding story, this is the book for you. This book covers all levels of shock so i wouldn't recomened this book for younger readers in case they aren't familiar with certain words and corcumstances. This book isn't just to inform you on one person's struggle through addiction. i recomend this book to anyone who is struggling with any form of addiction, this book will help you and give a person hope for happier endings.

A Must Read

I starting reading this book on Fri. night and did not put it down untill I was done reading. I found myself taking it with me everywhere so I would be able to finish it.

LOST?

I STILL HAVE NOT RECEIVED THIS ORDER! WHAT HAPPENED TO THE 8 DAY TRACE? AS A LONG TIME CUSTOMER OF B&N I'M DISAPPOINTED IN THE RESPONSE TO THIS PROBLEM.

awesome

If your an addict or no someone who is read this book. Im a mom of a recovering addict and if she is recovering she's not showing me. but She really liked this book and said Richard Farrell wrote exactly what its like to be a heroin addict and be in detox/rehab the Real WAY!!

Unlike any memoir I have ever read. Awesome

Richard Farrell caught my attention when he was on the news one morning promoting this book. Really liked listening to him on news and couldn't wait to read book. I got the book, read it in one day and am so glad I did. The author held nothing back, talk about real, nothing better than real people and real life stories.
Addiction touches so many people and can ruin so many lives. This book puts it in black and white.

Left me speechless...

Richard Farrell bares his soul. For him to tell his darkest secret is not only astonishing, it took courage. This story left me speechless. I can't wait for the sequel!

Haunting....Humerous....Everyone has deamons...This might make you see yours...a cover to cover read!

A cover to cover read.I would be horrified to think of anything he held back on......

This is total B.S.

I can't believe this book is sold as non-fiction. I don't believe half of it. The author must have been inspired by "A Million Little Pieces".

Real Deal!!!

I have firsthand knowledge of Richie Farrell. I was on the streets with him and after I got clean, even tried to help him get clean. If anything Farrell left out some real bad stuff. This guy was dangerous. My only complaint is that he seems to have forgotten where he came from and gone Hollywood. But I read this book yesterday in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. It's raw, graphic, and I felt as if I was right there. I don't write reviews, but the 2 star review got me mad. I haven't seen Farrell in over 20 years, but if you've been were Richie Farrell and I have been, I can't see how you cannot recommend this book to anybody who knows anybody that is currently struggling with addiction. I don't care if you don't like Farrell or know people he talked about in the book, you're doing harm to those of us who might read this book and walk away from the hell of addiction.

Awesome read for anyone who themselves or knows someone who has gone through withdrawal.

Richard Farrell writes in a bold style and does not hold back anything. His writing gives an accurate depiction of withdrawal, therefore parts of the book will be difficult to read. Don't be afraid of the book, it will definitely help anyone understand addiction especially if they have some in their life dealing withdrawal.

Not Much Left to brag about

This is a very well written book. Hats off to Richie's ability to capture the stlyings of Jack Kerouac. He even mentions him in the book.
There is an overabundant amount of unecessary profanity. It is a captivating story. His use of flashbacks and rabbit trails that somehow find their way back to the main story is remakable and well paced.
However, I find it much on the same lines as "Forrest Gump." It is based on actual events but the incessant boasting and underlying theme of I am "all that" wreaks of pride and distorts the truth. Typical of the "war-Stories" addicts like to tell. Strangley, we find the author participating in one of the things he so aptly condemns. I believe this is an amazing work of literature, but it should be found in the fiction section.
I also feel there were a few cheap shots at "Beaver" and "Louise" that did not contribute to the tale.
It is an interesting story and well written by a talented writer, but I cannot in all good conscience recommend it to anyone.

Compelling, raw, graphic

From his heart, Richie Farrell shares his experience of being an addict. He exposes himself to the world, and invites us to relive his journey of addiction. While the story unravels, the reader can only imagine the pain he has endured from his family and the heroin addiction. In the end, the reader will realize how family traditions and dreams can negatively affect other family members. I'm amazed he is able to share such a painful story, and am touched by the strength he offers to addicts.

The Best I've read yet

This is truely a great read! I takes you on a rollercoaster ride. It's a journey through an addicts hell and back! It's well written. It's all true. I enjoyed reading it. I recommend this book to anyone that doesn't like fiction! Its truely a great read that you will enjoy!

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