As a recovering alcoholic-slash-addict, I've read 89 books on the subject of alcoholism and addiction, and I can say without reservation that Dirk Hanson's THE CHEMICAL CAROUSEL is one of my top five favorites. It is well researched. It is exceedingly well written. It is unbiased, yet empathetic to the plight of the addict/alcoholic, and the sections on overeating and tobacco add further dimension to the text, citing scientific parallels between all forms of obsession. An outstanding book. I highly recommend it to anyone suffering from addiction, for those in the process of recovery, to family members of addicts and alcoholics, and all professionals in the field of addiction studies and counseling. This one has a special place in my library.
James Brown
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Nice to see the blog updated again, just dropping in - thanks for the book recommendation, I will definitely read it - the book I'm currently reading is by a British writer "Through a Glass Brightly: The Fall and Rise of an Alcoholic" by Nick Charles and as it states 'brings compassion and insight to an often misunderstood disease'.
Hope all is well and best wishes for your new book.
It's been a long time since we corresponded, so it's good to hear from you. I read Nick Charles' book and think very highly of it. Should have some confirmed news on my new work inside of 60 days.
Jim
Read your review of Hanson's book THE CHEMICAL CAROUSEL on Amazon. I am reading the book now and it's really enlightening! I can clearly understand why this is one of your favorites on the subject. I also read Dirk Hanson's review of THE LOS ANGELES DIARIES on his blog. Hanson said it in a nutshell about your first memoir: "I've never read a better true story about addiction. It's also one of the best modern autobiographies I have ever read, addiction notwithstanding."
Have you read "Cracked" by Dr. Drew Pinski, from Loveline? That is one of my favorite books. I love "Los Angeles Diaries" and read your book after the good doctor's.
Yes, I have read CRACKED, and enjoyed it. Hanson's book offers a different take on addiction, mostly from a scientific point-of-view, but it's written for the layman in good, sharp prose. Thanks for responding to my blog.
Jim