"Open to any piece in this collection, and the scalding, unflinching, overwhelming truths within will shine light on places most people never look. Anyone who reads this book, be they users or used, will put it down changed. And when they raise their eyes from the very last page, the world they see may be redeemed, as well." --Jerry Stahl, author of Permanent Midnight
"Writers On The Edge is a thoughtful compendium of first-person narratives by writers who have managed to use their despair to create beauty. A must-read for anyone in the recovery field." --Leonard Buschel, Founder, Writers In Treatment
CONTRIBUTORS: Frederick & Steven Barthelme, Kera Bolonik, Margaret Bullitt-Jonas,
Maud Casey, Anna David, Denise Duhamel, B.H. Fairchild, Ruth Fowler, David Huddle Perie Longo, Gregory Orr, Victoria Patterson, Molly Peacock, Scott Russell Sanders,
Stephen Jay Schwartz, Linda Gray Sexton, Sue William Silverman, Chase Twichell, and Rachel Yoder
About the Editors
Diana M. Raab, an award-winning memoirist and poet, is author of six books including Healing With Words and Regina's Closet. She's an advocate of the healing power of writing and teaches nation-wide workshops and in the UCLA Extension Writers' Program.
James Brown, a recovering alcoholic and addict, is the author of the memoirs,
The Los Angeles Diaries and This River. He is Professor of English in the MFA Program in Creative Writing at California State University, San Bernardino.
From the Reflections of America Series
Modern History Press www.ModernHistoryPress.com
SEL006000 Self-Help : Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism
SEL003000 Self-Help : Adult Children of Alcoholics
PSY038000 Psychology : Psychopathology - Addiction
NadiaDW
Posted May 18, 2012
If your interested in learning a little bit of what goes on the minds of those with addictions or mental health issues, Writers On The Edge is a good place to start. It gives you a glimpse of many addictions and mental health afflictions. You hear from the dependent or sick person, instead of from the medical professional's, clinical point of view. Writers On The Edge by Diana M. Raab and James Brown, editors, 2012. Although I'm not a huge fan of excerpts, I really enjoyed the various author's personal stories & poems. Many of the excerpts made me want to go and find the original full story to read and enjoy. The poetry, although just as deep, was a needed relief from the stark reality of the author's sometimes disturbing experiences. I also enjoyed the glimpse of times gone by from many of the storytellers. Many of them growing up in the 50's and 60's with addicted or mentally ill family members. Being able to see the difference in how families and society dealt with addiction, when there really wasn't a word for addiction. I also liked the variances in addiction & dependency. From the well known addiction to alcohol to the over-eater to the mentally ill. And of course some of the many reasons why people become addicted. Whether it is genetics, a way to get some relief from their personal demons or simply just for fun. There were 2 stories that hit home and made me feel as though I wanted to read the stories in their entirety. The first was, A Better Place To Live, by Maud Casey. This excerpt was about Maud Casey and her battle with depression. Part of a line that struck me was "Being depressed felt like living in a corpse", (pg. 117). Perfect in the sense that it was a description that has eluded many people in the past. One sentence tells it all. The second was from the memoir, Instructions On The Use Of Alcohol by James Brown. I loved how he wrote as though he was a third party observer. Instead of as the person who went through the drug addiction. In opinion, it could have been a way for him to write honestly or authentically. Writing as an observer may have been easier than writing and therefore having to relive his addictions again? Great read!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Scalding, unflinching, in-your-face right off the bat, the Foreword of this book is chilling, preparing you for the stories inside. This anthology comes from the minds of truly amazing authors and isn't for the faint of heart. Each one takes a look at the harsh reality of their own addictions, as well as some who deal with a family dependency - living in fear that the next generation will follow the same path.
The compilation shows a world that may be a great deal different than your own, but each piece is told with truth - which is something not often found today. As anyone knows who suffers, or has a family or friend they watch suffer from an addiction, the isolation, depression, and self-loathing is almost impossible to bear. From alcohol to drug abuse, overeating, depression, cutting, as well as the need for love through empty sex, addictions and obsessions are numerous.
Although it's impossible to highlight each story, there are many that stand out. Scott Russell Sanders delves into his childhood, watching his father slip away from the family and into alcohol. He offers the thoughts of a child, who lies in bed awake and scared. Not scared of the abuse (which he doesn't receive on a physical level), but scared because he feels he’s the one responsible for his father’s drinking; if he could be a better son, perhaps his father would be sober. This in-depth look into the detriment of a family, and a man who doesn’t want to become what his father was, is a stunning piece of writing.
Linda Gray Sexton talks about loss and how cutting is a release. Sitting in a car just needing that overwhelming pain to come 'out' no matter what her therapist says, her horrific memories will scare you to death. Sue Silverman delves into the world of love. Romance is told in all forms in this day and age, but when the 'physical' was the entirety of the love you received from your own parent, an addiction can form where the only way to get love from a man is with the body. Yet another writer speaks of overeating - a way to stop depression and feel love - although neither ever happens by eating more food. She speaks of support groups, and how being able to see that others are on 'your side' does wonders for a person on the edge.
The Barthelme brothers tell a very different tale of an addiction that can't hurt - gambling. There's no risk when you have money in the bank, it's simply an entertaining addiction that hurts no one. With the inclusion of this piece and others like it, readers are shown that with every triumph over addiction, there are also those who remain in the deep end of the pool.
These writers are truth-tellers, and they have the words. For the writer out there, this is a lesson in dignity and courage when it comes to putting pen to paper. The scariest prospect for a writer is to lose their words and end up living in a black and white world inside their mind. Listening to their struggles, triumphs and defeats is both heart wrenching and eye-opening.
Quill Says: This isn't frilly or sweet. There are no fantastical characters. Be ready for the truth but, most of all, be willing to listen.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.dwgodbyDG
Posted November 11, 2012
"Writers on the Edge" is a book compiled by stories of 22 different writers and their stories of various addictions and struggles they have encountered within their life. While the purpose of the book is very good, I didn't feel most of the stories were well written. There were a few stories that really were gripping and very helpful as I was allowed into their life to see their story. In these few instances it was as though I felt the pain they felt and was drawn to reach out and try to help them overcome the problems they were facing.
With that being said, I do feel for anyone facing depression, battling alcohol, drugs, pornography, sexual addiction, suicide, etc... This would be a very good book to help you understand that you alone and that you can find strength and courage from the pages of this book. This would be a good resource to use in counseling and addict groups. Many of the stories were very insightful just not written in a way that I found the most helpful. I do appreciate what the editors have tried to accomplish in putting this book together and hope that people from all walks of life receive help from its material.
I received this book from Review the Book for my honest evaluation.
M_MorenoMM
Posted July 23, 2012
In this book, you will read about 22 writers who have either suffered from some sort of addiction or who have been a victim of someone who was fighting an addiction.
So many people, like the writers of this amazing book, have suffered many types of addiction, such as gambling, sexual addiction, alcohol, drugs and even those you may not be aware of such as cutting or food. The results of these struggles not only affect the addict but also those closest to them, leaving emotional scars for years to come.
The stories of this book show that although recovery is possible, it's a long, hard road. A road that many many face over and over again.
Each writer has expressed their experiences in a different way, using poetry or short stories, and each is equally worth reading.
I didn't know what I would think of this book, but I ended up being shocked, sad, hurt, amazed, at the strength behind so many people who have had so much in their lives, so many addictions, some I never even thought about before.
I am always fascinated wit people and their minds and this was a real eye opener. I am very glad to have read this book.
This is a brilliant choice for anybody who is dealing with addiction, whether they are a friend or family member, or the person addicted.
Kimberlys-Thoughts
Posted June 4, 2012
Diana M. Raab picked the perfect title for this book. In this book you will find the stories, or poems of 22 writers, who either fought addiction, or was a victim of somebody who was fighting addiction. Either way it’s a long journey to the end and some scars stick with you for life.
These writers faced addictions in so many different ways, addiction don’t mean only drugs and alcohol, it can be sexual, gambling, cutting, to food and so much more. You would be surprised just what and how easy you can be addicted to something. These writers bear their souls and share their fight or the fight of their loved ones to reach recovery, if they are lucky. Even recovery is a constant battle they have to fight every day, just one slip and it’s back to the start, to do it all over again.
Each writer’s story or poem is a look into their deepest, darkest feelings and emotions, their never talked about inner secrets about how they each fought their own personal demons.
Writers on the Edge was well written with the truth of how addiction can affect the person fighting it and the loved ones watching it. This book is a must read for everybody, regardless if you have never fought addiction. I can’t think of many people who hasn’t known somebody who had an addiction, whether they admit it or not, this is as the most honest look into the effects of addiction and how the road to redemption is a long haul, but worth every single step. After reading this book, it’s like somebody took the blindfold off my eyes and showed me what it’s like to be in their shoes, to feel their pain and to be careful, before I ever think I have the right to judge again.
I think it’s a book that is for everybody to read, you may not know anybody who has an addiction, but you never know when you might meet somebody who has one, or a child living with somebody who has.
TGNE
Posted May 27, 2012
As I started reading the first story, I couldn't believe how much it reminded me of the people in my life that have struggled with addiction. Reading Scott Russell Sanders' story quickly reminded me of my birth father, who was my dad for 14 years until my parents divorced. Then his addiction kept him away from us kids. He came to my high school graduation for approximately 5 minutes and I never saw him again. He died in January 2010 from excessive drinking. The thing he couldn't give up is what killed him. My ex-husband is a drug addict. He was great at hiding it and lead a double life. To the outside world he was "the most genuine guy you'd ever meet". But on the inside he was a raging inferno spinning dangerously out of control due to his addiction to cocaine and crack. Although I never saw him do drugs, I did feel the effects of his addiction, which in turn caused me to be the "saver". It was my mission in life to save him... to cover up for him... to hide his mistakes from everyone, which just made it worse. I had become an enabler. And didn't even know that what I was doing was harmful. This book hit close to home and anyone dealing with addiction, knows someone dealing with addiction, or wants to read the inspiring, insightful stories of addicts or loved ones of addicts must read this book. As an avid creative writer myself, it has inspired me to write my own series on my blog about alcoholism, drug addiction, enabling and co-dependency. This book moved me, more than I ever thought possible and brought back a lot of memories from a past life that is painful yet needs to be remembered so I can teach my children the dangers of addiction and how terribly it can destroy your life in a heartbeat.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 22, 2012
I have been studying addiction for several years now both through occupations and through school. I mainly study substance abuse addiction, but am finding the other areas of addiction (sex, gambling, food, etc.) to be quite intriguing as well! I truly enjoy reading books on addiction.
In all honesty, I struggled with this one a little bit. I think the reason I struggled is because it was different than anything I have ever read before. It is definitely different than any textbook I have read on addiction and it was more raw and truthful than most things you will read about addicts because I have to admit, it is difficult finding something written truthfully by the addict. The opening writing was, in my opinion, very brash. It felt very in your face, but if you can get past that, you are good to go!
It is definitely an interesting read and if you are interested in addictions, I think you will really enjoy reading this book. If addiction isn’t your thing, you’re probably not going to like it. For me personally, being an adult child of an alcoholic, I found that I could relate to some of the writings found in this book. It expanded my knowledge while feeding my interest!
CScarlett
Posted May 7, 2012
At first glance I thought this book was going to be a bit out of my ordinary reading material, however as I began reading it I realized I had read quite a few other books like this one, not all true stories as in this one, but about similar issues.
This book and its numerous stories did catch my attention and draw it in. Some of the stories really pulled me in and I found myself intrigued and yet wondering how addiction really works. How people continue to do these things to themselves, well the fact is, is that it is a disease. A disease no one will quite understand until they are forced to stare it right in the face. I think this compilation of stories helps people understand it maybe just a little bit better. In this book you get too see directly from the addict’s point of view in a lot of stories, most books aren’t like that. That one of the things that I really liked about this book, I also liked that it was a compilation of numerous stories not just one and none of the stories were long and drug out. They were all quick and easy reads, filled with interesting things. A very phenomenal book that was informative, interesting and helpful. I would most definitely recommend this book to anyone who has struggled with an addiction or anyone who knows someone who has.
Writers On The Edge is filled with emotional and eye opening stories from people in first person! First person is when they write about themselves, which is often hard to do, especially when it deals with addictions. As with any addiction, one can never be 100% recovered. There is going to be a little demon or often real life demon people who try to break ones strength. After reading quite a few of the various authors stories, I understand how difficult it was for them to sit down and write. One way I try to get my students to get their emotions out is through writing. We often do 'Fictional' writing, but I am often encountered with stories that are non-fiction and from his/her own life when we are finished. I accept it because it is a way for them to get their thoughts and feelings out when their mouths can not express it. I give great thanks to the authors who used their strength to give others and to provide such a eye-opening read. Often in the world people say 'those addicts' but really they do not understand the background or struggles that are happening on the inside and outside of that person they are calling an 'addict.' For all those people I highly recommend reading this book - get out of your colorful world and realize it does include some darkness.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.In Writers on the Edge, 22 writers speak out about addiction and dependency. Because I do consider myself a writer and I do battle issues with depression and food addiction, I thought this would be a perfect book for me to write a review on. I was anxious to get started reading it. I enjoyed the fact that these were short stories with some poetry mixed in. I’ve been so busy as of late that trying to sit down and read a novel has been impossible (and depressing me at the same time!) It was nice that I could read a story or a poem as time permitted and not lose from the big picture of the overall story.
One of the stories that really stood out for me was the story “Lisa” by Kera Bolonik. Kera tells her story about suicide. Although I do not know anyone personally who has committed suicide, I understand how Kera feels about her own inner thoughts on suicide. Suicidal thoughts are demons I must battle quite frequently. It’s not something I sit around talking to others about, or something I plot doing. I just have these terrible bouts of my extreme depression where I honestly think the world would be better without me. Those thoughts usually quickly fade because I am too chicken to actually even take it any further than thoughts in my head.
The other stories of alcohol and drug addiction - neither of which I battled - were just as eye-opening. I felt so much bravery for these 22 opening up their souls to share their tales. I was actually impressed to see a few stories regarding food addiction, something I have dealt with in my life. Just like drugs and alcohol, no one is 100% fully recovered because every day life is a trigger and relapse can happen at a moment’s notice. The stories inspired me and gave me hope.
KPug
Posted May 2, 2012
I have just completed a book I was asked to review, Writers on the Edge, 22 Writers Speak About Addiction and Dependency, edited and contributed by Diana M. Raab and James Brown. It was filled with short-stories and poems, and although I am not generally a "poetry" person, I most definitely found my favorite, "On the Other Side" by David Hubble (page 126).
This was not a long book and although the subject matter wasn't 'uplifting' it was very eye-opening. I read it in a day. It doesn't just describe drug addiction, but sex addiction, love addition and alcohol addiction/dependency. It describes how each writer started and ended their addiction (with one exception - we never see the end of one addiction), what lead them down the path to begin with and what happened in the midst of it all. Some stories were sadder than others. One made me angry. I never once pitied any of them because even with the girl who was completely taken over by her boyfriend, she made the choice to let him dominate her; how she dressed, what she ate, where she went.
This was quite a fascinating book, and made me look inward and question how I managed to avoid this behavior with all that was going on in my brain. Do I recommend it? Sure do. Easy read, very interesting look into this portion of mental illness and getting through it.
Patty432
Posted April 30, 2012
Writers on the Edge tells 22 real-life stories from addiction to depression. This book shows the struggles these writers had with their inner demons in an organic form that is eye-opening, and heartbreaking at times.
Whether the addiction is love, alcohol, sex, food, or drugs, these stories and poems take you through the highs and lows that these writers felt as they go through the addiction. You read about how they tried to hide the addiction, keeping their dirty secret from everyone they love. That is until everything comes crashing down around them, and they finally hit rock-bottom. At the bottom, most feeling it almost impossible to ever get well, you journey down the path to recovery with these writers.
The stories of depression not only take you through the journey, but shows you how difficult it really is to live with depression especially when the people around you don't understand why. These brave writers fought their way from being depressed, and at times suicidal, to finding their reason to not only live but love the life they have been given.
Personally, I always thought of writers as these perfect people with fabulous lives. But after reading Writers on the Edge, I now know that addiction and depression can happen to anyone no matter who you are. But most importantly, it shows you that you can get help and you can recover, no matter who you are or how bad it may be. Recovery is possible, for anyone.
Addiction and depression can consume anyone, even us writers. From Modern History Press comes a bold new book Writers on the Edge, where 22 writers speak about their own addiction and dependencies. Editors Diana Raab, award-winning memorist and poet, and James Brown, author and Professor of English in the M.F.A. Program in Creative Writing at California State University, San Bernardino, has complied together memories, poetry, and essays by contemporary authors who bring a new truthful edge with the world of addiction.
Writes on the Edge is bravely written from first-person narratives from authors/writers such as Rachel Yoder; Chase Twichell; Sue William Silverman; Linda Gray Sexton; Stephen Jay Schwartz; Scott Russell Sanders; Molly Peacock; Victoria Patterson; Gregory Orr; Perie Longo; David Huddle; Ruth Fowler; B.H Fairchild; Denise Duhamel; Anna David; Maud Casey; Margaret Bullitt-Jonas; Kera Bolonik; and Frederick & Stephen Barthelme. Each segment deals with the author’s addiction, from drugs and alcohol, to sex, gambling, food, etc.
Each author in Writers on the Edge passionately and emotionally wrote their true story. There is heartbreak, honesty, and courage in every written piece. I recommend it to all writers & readers.
Anonymous
Posted March 20, 2012
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted January 1, 2012
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Anonymous
Posted April 25, 2012
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Overview
"Open to any piece in this collection, and the scalding, ...