In this harrowing, astounding memoir, filmmaker Farrell chronicles a life of desperation, violence, and the pure oblivion of heroin. He writes a gr...
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reviews
Oct 19, 2009
Brian
rated it: 
Truly inspirational.
There are only a handful of books that I have ever read that I thought were so encapsulating that I didn't want to put it down until I was done; This is now one of them. The amazing descriptive wording paints a perfect portrait without being left to make assumptions or try to fill in the blanks. I love this. Not enough writers truly embrace this technique. The flow is also remarkable considering that the author moves so quickly from the past to present day and bac More...
There are only a handful of books that I have ever read that I thought were so encapsulating that I didn't want to put it down until I was done; This is now one of them. The amazing descriptive wording paints a perfect portrait without being left to make assumptions or try to fill in the blanks. I love this. Not enough writers truly embrace this technique. The flow is also remarkable considering that the author moves so quickly from the past to present day and bac More...
Dec 06, 2011
Anne
rated it: 
A real life story about drug addiction and recovery in the 1980s Lowell, MA.
In some ways this seems like a real life response to the Million Little Pieces story which blew up on Oprah. However, since I haven't read that book, I can only speculate, but the author does allude to the notion. It's a fast read- I finished on a weekend day and I consider myself to be a slow reader. I read it to gain insights on the New Englander's perception of Lowell- where I live- and what it was that crea More...
In some ways this seems like a real life response to the Million Little Pieces story which blew up on Oprah. However, since I haven't read that book, I can only speculate, but the author does allude to the notion. It's a fast read- I finished on a weekend day and I consider myself to be a slow reader. I read it to gain insights on the New Englander's perception of Lowell- where I live- and what it was that crea More...
Nov 11, 2011
sinta
rated it: 
Pe eR dari Gagasmedia
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Kenangan dapat menjadi sesuatu yang indah, tapi tak pelak juga dapat menyuguhkan trauma yang berujung keterpurukan. Kisah tentang kenangan yang ingin dilupakan, kalimat di sampul depan buku What’s Left of Us ini mengingatkan saya dengan film eternal sunshine, yang bercerita tentang sepasang kekasih yang memotong sekaligus menghapus kenangan satu sama lain. Namun, ternyata di tengah proses penghapusan si laki-laki malah ingin mengembalikan seluruh akan kekas More...
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Kenangan dapat menjadi sesuatu yang indah, tapi tak pelak juga dapat menyuguhkan trauma yang berujung keterpurukan. Kisah tentang kenangan yang ingin dilupakan, kalimat di sampul depan buku What’s Left of Us ini mengingatkan saya dengan film eternal sunshine, yang bercerita tentang sepasang kekasih yang memotong sekaligus menghapus kenangan satu sama lain. Namun, ternyata di tengah proses penghapusan si laki-laki malah ingin mengembalikan seluruh akan kekas More...
Apr 25, 2011
Ian
rated it:
Brutally honest memoir of addiction, but one that reads like a page-turner (which is impressive considering the difficult subject matter). Originally, I picked up the book b/c my family comes from Lowell (the book's setting) and, with The Fighter movie on the horizon, I was interested in the "High on Crack Street" producer (for the Dickie Eklund connection).
Farrell admits that he decided to write this memoir as a response to the James Frey "A Million Little Pieces" More...
Farrell admits that he decided to write this memoir as a response to the James Frey "A Million Little Pieces" More...
Dec 05, 2010
Nicole
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Nov 14, 2011
Leahjoypro
rated it:
I got this book for free from a bookstore "uncorrected proof" sale and didn't expect much from it, but then found that I couldn't put it down. It was definitely a good story, but although the author kept saying how much he despised liars, and said that the book was 100% true at the end, I had to question some of his stories. I didn't really question the abuse stories, but seriously, every woman he met just LOVED performing oral sex?! That I found a little hard to believe. That bein
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Nov 09, 2009
Betsy
rated it: 
This is really an incredible story of how one sexually, physically, and mentally abused boy grew up to be a heroin addict. The book centers on what seems to be his last chance in a rehab clinic (he actually got a decent psychiatrist). You don't know for sure at the end, but apparently, Richard Farrell got over it because he is currently an English prof. at UMass, a screenwriter, and a documentary filmmaker. I never would have guessed he could get beyond the drugs. Don't read it if you are off
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Feb 12, 2010
Scotchneat
rated it:
Richard Farrell got pissed at Frey's "Million Little Pieces" and decided to write his own memoir about drug addiction.
Farrell is a writer by trade, so this is a good read and an honest one. How when you come off the junk your sphincter is an important factor. How you can be simultaneously worry about new boots and plan suicide.
A good read.
Farrell is a writer by trade, so this is a good read and an honest one. How when you come off the junk your sphincter is an important factor. How you can be simultaneously worry about new boots and plan suicide.
A good read.
Feb 09, 2010
Dena
rated it:
This was a good memoir about his climb into and out of heroin addiction. If you enjoyed Frey's MILLION LITTLE PIECES, then you'd probably enjoy this one. This is supposed to be more accurate, but they are similar in story and tone. It kept me interested until the end.
Aug 19, 2009
Julie
rated it:
I really liked this book. I'm always drawn into stories of addiction and those who go through the agonizing journey of breaking the habit. Really good book and I agree with another's review of the novel that it does a good job of not making drug addicts glamorous or cool.
Sep 17, 2009
Suzy
rated it:
Highly disturbing in a can't-put-it-down kind of way. Richard Farrell describes his heroin addiction and detox treatment in Lowell, MA with frequent flashbacks to disturbing events in his childhood / young adult life. Would highly recommend this to anyone who has read and liked "A Million Little Pieces", as this appears to be more of "the real deal".
Aug 01, 2009
Joan
rated it:
Read to non fiction books this week Both of them were really really great. This book is about a guy with everything who unfortunately becomes a drug addict. It is just really compelling. I say this is a must read or listen to.
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Nov 09, 2011
Dion
rated it:
Isinya ttg memoar seorang mantan pecandu, walu ceritanya sangat tebal dan begitu buram, paling tidak--sebagimana kata pelakunya--buku ini adalah memoar yang jujur dari masa lalu yang gelap
Apr 09, 2010
Lori
rated it:
Wow, I really loved this memoir! This guy starts out as a heroin addict about to call it quits. He goes to rehab and we find out the horrors of his life with his father!! Excellent!
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Mar 06, 2011
Cynthia
rated it:
Another telling look into heroin addiction. No, I have never even done heroin, but have a fascination with reading about addiction. This held my interest. I would recommend it.
Sep 22, 2009
Kim
rated it:
I liked this memoir of a recovering herion addict. The story is shocking but the author writes with such humble realism. He helps you walk in his shoes as you read the book.
Aug 03, 2010
Bree
rated it:
Picked this up at random and honestly couldn't put it down. Really compelling and sadly beautiful.
Aug 06, 2010
got this book from my sister and have just started it but it is addicting!!!
Oct 20, 2009
Jaden
rated it:
This is a good memoir of a recovering addict; however, I found myself setting it down about halfway through, only to pick it up when I was finished with a more interesting book. It kind of drags through the middle of the story...
Apr 28, 2011
Mahir
rated it:
I always adore the writing of wrecked people who revived their lives. Their dark pasts always contribute to the depth of their personal journey. Richie Farrell is one of these people. With a witty plot, miraculous storytelling and sufficient dark humor, he turned his burned down messed-up life into a great lesson to everyone who are in struggle fighting alcohol or drugs addiction. An underrated but brilliant piece of work!
Jul 27, 2010
Hilary
rated it:
graphic, sometimes disturbing memories, but told in an intelligent and reflective voice
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