2010, Book 12: Whiskey's Children

I think the best way to start an explanation and review of this book is to start by saying that I absolutely loved reading it. I have said before, and I will likely say again, that I truly enjoy reading books about addiction. I particularly enjoy memoirs written by addicts. It makes sense considering that I am the child of two addicts that I would be able to relate to addiction themed works so easily.

Whiskey's Children is the story of Jack Erdmann (one o f the co-authors) who is a recovering alcoholic. It starts out when he is a young child,in the early 1930s, with his recollections of his life with his father who was an alcoholic as well. He talks about being afraid of his father and trying to gauge his moods based on his behaviors. He also talks about the fact that both his father's father and his father's grandfather were alcoholics.

Young Jack starts drinking alcohol very early in life and his descent into alcoholism occurs fairly quickly. He remains an alcoholic for a great many years and he recounts his experiences with booze vividly and honestly. He never really delves into reasoning or theories about alcoholism, he merely tells his story. He doesn't spare the reader the details of what kind of a person he became amidst his addiction.

Jack Erdmann was a salesman, a husband, a pilot, a son, a brother, and a father. But above all else, Jack Erdmann was an alcoholic. He recounts his life story with detail, honesty, and a very respectable sense of openness. As the product of an addicted home, I felt a very strong connection to his story. Some of the events were very familiar and I found myself understanding him very well. I think that this book would make for an excellent read for any addict, child of an addict, or really anyone looking to get some insight into the mind of an addict.

I cannot praise and recommend this book enough. I can hardly think of anyone who would not enjoy reading it and who would not gain something from the experience.