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About Natalie: A Daughter's Addiction. A Mother's Love. Finding Their Way Back to Each Other.
A mother traces her daughter's years-long battle with addiction in this compelling memoir that opens a raw and honest dialogue about substance abuse.
A mother’s first, most basic instinct is to protect her child. Christine Naman’s daughter Natalie was the light of her life. She was a spirited child with sparkling eyes who was growing up and finding her way in the world. But by adolescence, she had ended up on the wrong road, meeting the wrong kind of people. Natalie was a full-blown addict, caught in a self-destructive spiral that was destroying her life and taking her family along for the nightmarish journey. Christine wondered how she could have missed the warning signs. Was there anything she could do to save Natalie from herself?
About Natalie tells one woman’s heartbreaking story, one that is played out in homes across the country, and reveals the rollercoaster of emotions that loving an addict unearths. There is despair and joy; denial and acceptance; rage and tranquility. Christine’s reflections as she traces her daughter’s life are interspersed with Natalie’s compelling poems that tell the unvarnished truth of her side of this “I have handcuffs on/And no one can see them/My screams are so loud /Yet no one can hear ‘em”.
By sharing the difficult days of isolation, pain, and humiliation that being the parent of an addict can bring, Naman offers comfort and consolation to others in similar circumstances. Ultimately, About Natalie is a story of loving no matter what, keeping the faith, battling hard, and getting back on the right road.
A mother’s first, most basic instinct is to protect her child. Christine Naman’s daughter Natalie was the light of her life. She was a spirited child with sparkling eyes who was growing up and finding her way in the world. But by adolescence, she had ended up on the wrong road, meeting the wrong kind of people. Natalie was a full-blown addict, caught in a self-destructive spiral that was destroying her life and taking her family along for the nightmarish journey. Christine wondered how she could have missed the warning signs. Was there anything she could do to save Natalie from herself?
About Natalie tells one woman’s heartbreaking story, one that is played out in homes across the country, and reveals the rollercoaster of emotions that loving an addict unearths. There is despair and joy; denial and acceptance; rage and tranquility. Christine’s reflections as she traces her daughter’s life are interspersed with Natalie’s compelling poems that tell the unvarnished truth of her side of this “I have handcuffs on/And no one can see them/My screams are so loud /Yet no one can hear ‘em”.
By sharing the difficult days of isolation, pain, and humiliation that being the parent of an addict can bring, Naman offers comfort and consolation to others in similar circumstances. Ultimately, About Natalie is a story of loving no matter what, keeping the faith, battling hard, and getting back on the right road.
- GenresMemoir
368 pages, Paperback
Published May 4, 2021
2 people are currently reading
876 people want to read
About the author
Christine Pisera Naman
10 books9 followersBestselling author Christine Pisera Naman is a wife to a beautiful man named Peter and a mother to three fantastic kids named Jason, Natalie and Trevor. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, which she does poorly; painting, again poorly; and volunteering at her local hospital, which she hopes she does well. She is the author of the Faces of Hope series of books that are now housed in the 9/11 Memorial Museum in New York City. Her other works include Caterpillar Kisses, Christmas Lights, The Novena and The Believers. About Natalie is her heart poured onto paper
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 13, 2021
“About Natalie, A Daughter’s Addiction: A Mother’s Love, Finding Their Way Back To Each Other” (2021) is written by Christine Pisera Naman is an engrossing memoir of truth, motherhood, and the healing certainty of support and unconditional love. Natalie Naman was raised in a loving nurturing home in a good neighborhood, the best schools and offered every opportunity for enrichment activities, lessons, and hobbies throughout her young life. Peter, husband/father is a Lebanese American physician, besides Natalie, he and Christine have two other sons.
It was utterly shocking for Natalie’s parents to understand and accept the fact that their beloved daughter had a serious drug problem. When they found a ladder outside her bedroom window, they realized Natalie had been sneaking out of the house, she had stolen Christine’s ATM card while she was showering to steal funds from her parent’s account. In addition, her valuables and jewelry were stolen along with various other small easy to pawn items. With the thievery, constant lying, off the chart mood swings, stepping on pills and needles left on the floor in Natalie’s room, her sudden disappearing acts, and worse things. Christine recalls her family story of addiction, guilt, and heartbreak-- each chapter ends with Natalie sharing in a confessional poetry verse style.
With the new fentanyl laced synthetic drugs, the possibility of overdose fatalities has escalated. Addiction specialists are now questioning the older “Tough Love” ideology and how “hitting rock bottom” will never happen if an addict dies. Christine observed that “cuddles and kisses do not work, but neither does cruelty and abandonment.” Each family must process how they will handle and cope with an addicted family member, with each admission to rehab that may or may not be successful. This is a story that needed to be told, each and every one is of value and importance. **With thanks to HCI Books (Health Communications Inc.) via NetGalley for the DDC for the purpose of review.
It was utterly shocking for Natalie’s parents to understand and accept the fact that their beloved daughter had a serious drug problem. When they found a ladder outside her bedroom window, they realized Natalie had been sneaking out of the house, she had stolen Christine’s ATM card while she was showering to steal funds from her parent’s account. In addition, her valuables and jewelry were stolen along with various other small easy to pawn items. With the thievery, constant lying, off the chart mood swings, stepping on pills and needles left on the floor in Natalie’s room, her sudden disappearing acts, and worse things. Christine recalls her family story of addiction, guilt, and heartbreak-- each chapter ends with Natalie sharing in a confessional poetry verse style.
With the new fentanyl laced synthetic drugs, the possibility of overdose fatalities has escalated. Addiction specialists are now questioning the older “Tough Love” ideology and how “hitting rock bottom” will never happen if an addict dies. Christine observed that “cuddles and kisses do not work, but neither does cruelty and abandonment.” Each family must process how they will handle and cope with an addicted family member, with each admission to rehab that may or may not be successful. This is a story that needed to be told, each and every one is of value and importance. **With thanks to HCI Books (Health Communications Inc.) via NetGalley for the DDC for the purpose of review.
February 28, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
At first I was reluctant to read this book because I was afraid it would bash legitimate pain medication patients who are not abusing their meds. (I also don't like it when heroin use is lumped in with opioid use because it is not the same as the legitimate pain medication patients). But this book really was not about blaming anyone.
The author really shows how the whole family is affected by one member's addiction. While reading the first half or so, I was really beginning to wonder what was being done about the addiction and how Natalie was scraping enough money together to support her habit and why she wasn't in rehab. So I did get more out of the second half of the book after rehab was discussed.
I can't imagine how difficult it is to watch a loved one, especially a daughter, live with addiction and not know what to do to help them.
At first I was reluctant to read this book because I was afraid it would bash legitimate pain medication patients who are not abusing their meds. (I also don't like it when heroin use is lumped in with opioid use because it is not the same as the legitimate pain medication patients). But this book really was not about blaming anyone.
The author really shows how the whole family is affected by one member's addiction. While reading the first half or so, I was really beginning to wonder what was being done about the addiction and how Natalie was scraping enough money together to support her habit and why she wasn't in rehab. So I did get more out of the second half of the book after rehab was discussed.
I can't imagine how difficult it is to watch a loved one, especially a daughter, live with addiction and not know what to do to help them.
December 5, 2021
3.5-4 stars. A book about a mother experience with her daughter’s addiction. Every parents worst nightmare, I thought she aptly navigated the shock of finding out and ‘coming to terms’ with her daughter’s addiction. I did find the structure of the book perhaps less engaging than an account such as A Beautiful Boy, as it seemed to jump back and forth, to childhood stories and then to different parts of the present, without navigating the journey into addiction in a clear path, so at times, I felt a bit lost.
September 1, 2022
Read my full review here: https://www.between-bookends.com/2021...
About Natalie is a tough story comprised of a mother’s anecdotes dealing with her daughter’s addiction, interspersed with poems written by her daughter. Also having a family member who struggles with substance abuse disorder, I was intrigued by this book as I always am with this topic. Although I do not share the parent perspective, I can relate to much of what Christine Naman writes.
At first, I was taken back by how unorganized everything felt. We get short stories seemingly in random order with very little theme connecting them to each other. It felt like we were all over the place, moving erratically from one episode to the next.
Once I settled into the pattern, the shock wore off and I was able to admit that I really do like Naman’s writing. Her voice is so authentic and genuine and she does not hold back. She is extremely likable and relatable and I truly enjoyed reading her stories.
What I love about this book is that it creates so much compassion for people and families that are affected by substance abuse disorder. There is no way you could read this and not think twice before you judge someone who you may have previously labeled as a “junkie”. I am very passionate about treating addiction as a disease and having empathy for people who suffer from that disease, and I think this book is very powerful in that regard.
On the other hand, it was also hard for me to read. I have found a lot of peace and serenity thanks to the group program, Nar-Anon, and my heart really goes out to this family for being caught in the vicious, chaotic cycle. I appreciate that Naman stands by her daughter no matter what and continues to love her, which is exactly what I believe too. But I also know how almost impossible it can be to live with someone in active addiction and it is easy to see the toll it takes on the family. To be clear, this book does not offer advice in how to deal with this disease, but I highly recommend looking up a Nar-Anon group if you are also struggling with a loved one’s addiction. Naman mentions that she and her husband are not “group” people, and it was very hard to hear about all they have had to deal with on their own. I understand that specific groups may not be for everyone and there are parts of it that I can’t always grip myself. But otherwise how do you deal with this? It was hard to read this and not feel hopeless.
Despite the heaviness of this story, I found it a great book. I was inspired by this mother’s endless love for her daughter and only wish that this family can eventually seek serenity in their own way.
Thank you NetGalley and Health Communications Inc. for an ARC of this book.
About Natalie is a tough story comprised of a mother’s anecdotes dealing with her daughter’s addiction, interspersed with poems written by her daughter. Also having a family member who struggles with substance abuse disorder, I was intrigued by this book as I always am with this topic. Although I do not share the parent perspective, I can relate to much of what Christine Naman writes.
At first, I was taken back by how unorganized everything felt. We get short stories seemingly in random order with very little theme connecting them to each other. It felt like we were all over the place, moving erratically from one episode to the next.
Once I settled into the pattern, the shock wore off and I was able to admit that I really do like Naman’s writing. Her voice is so authentic and genuine and she does not hold back. She is extremely likable and relatable and I truly enjoyed reading her stories.
What I love about this book is that it creates so much compassion for people and families that are affected by substance abuse disorder. There is no way you could read this and not think twice before you judge someone who you may have previously labeled as a “junkie”. I am very passionate about treating addiction as a disease and having empathy for people who suffer from that disease, and I think this book is very powerful in that regard.
On the other hand, it was also hard for me to read. I have found a lot of peace and serenity thanks to the group program, Nar-Anon, and my heart really goes out to this family for being caught in the vicious, chaotic cycle. I appreciate that Naman stands by her daughter no matter what and continues to love her, which is exactly what I believe too. But I also know how almost impossible it can be to live with someone in active addiction and it is easy to see the toll it takes on the family. To be clear, this book does not offer advice in how to deal with this disease, but I highly recommend looking up a Nar-Anon group if you are also struggling with a loved one’s addiction. Naman mentions that she and her husband are not “group” people, and it was very hard to hear about all they have had to deal with on their own. I understand that specific groups may not be for everyone and there are parts of it that I can’t always grip myself. But otherwise how do you deal with this? It was hard to read this and not feel hopeless.
Despite the heaviness of this story, I found it a great book. I was inspired by this mother’s endless love for her daughter and only wish that this family can eventually seek serenity in their own way.
Thank you NetGalley and Health Communications Inc. for an ARC of this book.
December 6, 2021
I truly enjoyed reading every page of this book; and sharing the story of About Natalie with anyone that would hear it. The struggles of a human being are so real and the struggles of a mother are the hardest. This book opened my eyes to a world that I never saw and never knew of - a world that I now come to understand is as challenging as any other disease - a very strong physical and emotional disease. The strength that an addict and the loved ones of an addict must have is undeniable and so admirable. As for Christine, this amazingly witty of a writer and human being. She made us feel every emotion and made us go through every one of her dilemmas. Her stories and sometimes anecdotes, were heartfelt and the way that we jump from one story to another, from one time to another makes it so difficult to put the book down. Her transparency and sincerity are truly incredible and it must have been so hard to be able to share these stories with an audience, in all their vulnerabilities. She makes you understand what a parent goes through - and how heroic they are every day. Finally, Natalie's poems are on point. Simple. Well written. Emotional. And sooo powerful.
February 22, 2021
The emotional heartbreaking journey Christine goes through with her daughter Natalie.
You can feel the pain Christine and her family go through once they discovered Natalie is an addict.
Christine shares they struggle and anxiety any good mother goes through. Is she coming back, what time, is she safe, will this be the last time we see her.
The heartbreaking part is seeing Natalie struggle and knowing you cannot help her. Until she has hit rock bottom. Then as a family you and doctors do and try anything to help your loved one.
Thank you Christine and Natalie for sharing your painful journey with us all. We all just need to take it a day at a time and keep our faith.
You can feel the pain Christine and her family go through once they discovered Natalie is an addict.
Christine shares they struggle and anxiety any good mother goes through. Is she coming back, what time, is she safe, will this be the last time we see her.
The heartbreaking part is seeing Natalie struggle and knowing you cannot help her. Until she has hit rock bottom. Then as a family you and doctors do and try anything to help your loved one.
Thank you Christine and Natalie for sharing your painful journey with us all. We all just need to take it a day at a time and keep our faith.
August 17, 2021
This book tells the heart wrenching story of a mother’s journey of raising a young adult who suffers with addiction. The author holds nothing back as she tells the story of her family, both the good times and the hardships. I appreciate the book and am glad I had the opportunity to read it (thanks to NetGalley and the publisher!). While I have very little criticism for this book, I did feel the story jumped around a lot which was hard to follow, and was a bit long and repetitive at times, but for the most part it was a very interesting and engaging read, and at times very hard to put down!
November 22, 2021
This is one mothers raw journey dealing with her daughters drug addiction. Christine (the mother) shares her & her daughter Natalie's journey. Christine goes through the emotions dealing with drugs- seeking- lying- stealing-overdosing- treatment. Christine also wants to still remember the good her daughter once was and knows she can still get back to one day. Natalie is a gifted poetry writer. Dealing with ongoing active drug addiction & recovery & back again helps them to form a special bond. This book touches on one families struggle with drugs...
November 12, 2021
I won this book on a Goodreads giveaway. I absolutely LOVED it! It is written from the parent point of view, dealing with a heavily addicted teenager. The author has me laughing, crying, and understanding there are no easy answers in trying to help anyone who faces addiction. I would to see a follow up to this book. It left me wondering if Natalie (daughter) was able to continue her recovery.
April 19, 2021
I received a complimentary copy.
Powerful words and a story that will break hearts while opening minds to a problem that is so rampant in the world today.
Powerful words and a story that will break hearts while opening minds to a problem that is so rampant in the world today.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews