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Unraveled: A Mother and Son Story of Addiction and Redemption
With intense courage and candor, mother and son coauthors, Laura and Tom Boldt, share the raw accounting of Tom's journey into alcohol and drug addiction and how that trauma reverberated throughout their circle of family, friends, and extended family. The book also charts Laura, who has a backstory. She is more than a mother standing by watching the life of her promising young son come undone. She has struggled with alcohol addiction firsthand but remains emotionally and physically sober and present for her son during his collision course with disaster. The Boldt family's love and compassion is palpable as they work their way through deep fear, sleepless nights, and crushing setbacks.
This is a riveting portrayal of the agonies of addiction and how one family faced their issues and found a stronger, more sustainable path forward. Many readers will undoubtedly see themselves in these stories and will come away with an abiding sense of hope-not just for Tommy and Laura, but for themselves, too.
The writing in Unraveled is brilliant and fresh, and the two voices working together and against each other makes Unraveled even more memorable. Tommy's gift for zingy one-liners energizes the story and contrasts cleverly with Laura's witty yet measured and concerned maternal tone.
Unraveled is a tale of chaos and near-death experiences that shares personal and private moments and the intense challenges and grueling work it takes to get sober and remain sober. It's a unique story of a mother and son's journey that ends with on-your-knees epiphanies that leave both parent and child asking for help. This tandem narrative is a compelling testimony of bravery and honesty that, with edgy and surprising humor, charts a family's slow climb out of the abyss of pain into the full power of faith, redemption, and healing.
This is a riveting portrayal of the agonies of addiction and how one family faced their issues and found a stronger, more sustainable path forward. Many readers will undoubtedly see themselves in these stories and will come away with an abiding sense of hope-not just for Tommy and Laura, but for themselves, too.
The writing in Unraveled is brilliant and fresh, and the two voices working together and against each other makes Unraveled even more memorable. Tommy's gift for zingy one-liners energizes the story and contrasts cleverly with Laura's witty yet measured and concerned maternal tone.
Unraveled is a tale of chaos and near-death experiences that shares personal and private moments and the intense challenges and grueling work it takes to get sober and remain sober. It's a unique story of a mother and son's journey that ends with on-your-knees epiphanies that leave both parent and child asking for help. This tandem narrative is a compelling testimony of bravery and honesty that, with edgy and surprising humor, charts a family's slow climb out of the abyss of pain into the full power of faith, redemption, and healing.
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First published November 10, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
November 28, 2020
I won the Kindle edition of this book in a Goodreads giveaway and for that I thank the authors and the publisher.
This book is told in two viewpoints: the son who is quickly headed towards disaster due to alcoholism and drug addition, and the mother who helps him through having battled - and won - her own war against addiction many years earlier.
Both of the viewpoints are critical and neither would mean as much alone. Because they both battled the same disease, it becomes clearer to the reader how addiction of one family member affects everyone close to them.
I thank both mother and son for the bravery it took to tell the story without shying away from the details of what addiction is and how difficult it is to overcome, literally, one day at a time.
This book is told in two viewpoints: the son who is quickly headed towards disaster due to alcoholism and drug addition, and the mother who helps him through having battled - and won - her own war against addiction many years earlier.
Both of the viewpoints are critical and neither would mean as much alone. Because they both battled the same disease, it becomes clearer to the reader how addiction of one family member affects everyone close to them.
I thank both mother and son for the bravery it took to tell the story without shying away from the details of what addiction is and how difficult it is to overcome, literally, one day at a time.
February 19, 2021
This is a dual perspective on addiction from a mother and son. It explores how they unraveled and how they found their way to recovery. It talks about both their experiences, from relationships to travel to life occurrence and how they handled them all and what led to their desire to be sober and clean.
It’s easy to listen to despite the strong subject matter and I enjoyed it being told from their own voices and how they looked to their faith to give them strength.
It’s a great cautionary tale of truth and bravery.
Thanks to netgalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
It’s easy to listen to despite the strong subject matter and I enjoyed it being told from their own voices and how they looked to their faith to give them strength.
It’s a great cautionary tale of truth and bravery.
Thanks to netgalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
December 9, 2020
I found “Unraveled” to be captivating, scary, and emotional. I thought the authors did a wonderful job of tackling a difficult and sensitive subject extremely well, openly and honestly.. Addiction is often alluded to in societal issues, but rarely can someone who’s not addicted, understand what would drive anyone to such obviously destructive behavior.
Over the years, a couple of very dear friends have confessed to me that they are or have been addicted. While I could empathize and try to give them support, it didn’t help my understanding of how addiction happens in the first place.
“Unravelled” gets us hooked, then drags us through the depths and difficulties of addiction . . . it’s riveting! It’s a must read for anyone interested in trying to understand this disease.
Over the years, a couple of very dear friends have confessed to me that they are or have been addicted. While I could empathize and try to give them support, it didn’t help my understanding of how addiction happens in the first place.
“Unravelled” gets us hooked, then drags us through the depths and difficulties of addiction . . . it’s riveting! It’s a must read for anyone interested in trying to understand this disease.
July 29, 2021
Straightforward narrative of addiction and recovery. I liked how this was told both from the point of view of the mother and son, but the resolution seemed a bit too easy and pat. The storytelling was good, but at times the attempt to frame themselves as a typical midwestern St Louis family felt off (annual skiing trips to Colorado are what every family did growing up, right? Along with resources to hire a former pro Canadian snowboarding coach?). It probably didn't help much that the book starts off with the son's low point, where he acts so much like an evil jerk to his friends and to strangers that it was hard to be sympathetic to him for the rest of the book! The son did suffer some really awful bullying and abuse at school, and it was interesting to see the mom connect her addiction issues to her son's, but this felt like more of a well-polished story (with the rough edges of both addiction and recovery filed off) than an eyes wide open story of addiction and redemption.
**Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
**Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 19, 2021
This is a dual perspective on addiction from a mother and son. It explores how they unraveled and how they found their way to recovery. It talks about both their experiences, from relationships to travel to life occurrence and how they handled them all and what led to their desire to be sober and clean.
It’s easy to listen to despite the strong subject matter and I enjoyed it being told from their own voices and how they looked to their faith to give them strength.
It’s a great cautionary tale of truth and bravery.
Thanks to netgalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
It’s easy to listen to despite the strong subject matter and I enjoyed it being told from their own voices and how they looked to their faith to give them strength.
It’s a great cautionary tale of truth and bravery.
Thanks to netgalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
March 10, 2021
This is a memoir that happens to also address issues of addiction. I was expecting more time and focus on the recovery process. Only about 20% is about recovery. That said, I found the unacknowledged privilege of the authors to be off putting. Lengthy chapters about skiing, snow boarding, and private schools. Anyone of any socioeconomic status can struggle with addiction, but I’m guess it’s easier when you can pay cash for a hand picked top notch rehab, rather than struggling to get insurance to pay for the help you need. I listened to the audiobook and I wonder how much the tone of voice of the narrators played into this. I was provided a free copy of the audiobook by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 22, 2021
Thomas Henry Boldt is a son, brother, athlete, and business owner. He has travelled the path to addiction and returned to sobriety. His mother Laura Cook Boldt has been down the same path. Unraveled is their story.
Tom was born into a life of privilege – loving two-parent household, prep school, debutante balls, family ski trips, competitive skiing and snowboarding. It looks great from the outside, but from Tom’s daily humiliation at the hands of prep school bullies to his spiraling drug addiction, life only gets more difficult.
Tom tells the harrowing – and riveting – story of his abuse at prep school with feeling, and he does the same when describing the transcendence of skiing and snowboarding. When detailing his long litany of drug-influenced exploits, he sounds like he’s in a confessional. Maybe that’s what Tom needed to do – just get it out – and it’s not a bad narrative; just flat. It still works. Laura’s voice, interspersed throughout, provides perspective and insight into Tom’s behavior as she shares her concern and love for Tom. She also wonders aloud what actions of hers might have contributed to Tom’s addiction, in an expression of parental guilt and self-doubt that rings true.
Although this book is not a dialogue between two people, the alternating first-person narrators use their mother-son dynamic effectively. Each narrator’s role evolves as Tom’s independence grows; Laura’s maternal role naturally and gradually shifts from in-charge caretaker to steadfast supporter and advocate.
Then toward the end of the book, something beautiful happens: the two narratives are so in tune with each other that adult, sober Tom is sharing on the same level as his mother as each discusses their personal understanding of redemption, gratitude, and God.
Some thoughts on narration of this audiobook: Linda Jones is the perfect choice to be the voice of Laura. Her voice is that of a concerned mother. Will Tulin as Tom – not so much. It was difficult to get past the fact that a snowboarder is speaking with the voice of a newscaster who sounds like he’s twenty years older. Oddly, as the ‘voices’ of Tom and Laura converge, the narrator’s voice seems to work toward the end of the story as well. I wonder if that’s because now, Tom is no longer thirteen – or if I just got used to it.
Mothers everywhere and readers of James Frey’s notorious memoir/novel A Million Little Pieces will appreciate this story.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an Advance Reader Copy, given in exchange for my honest review.
Tom was born into a life of privilege – loving two-parent household, prep school, debutante balls, family ski trips, competitive skiing and snowboarding. It looks great from the outside, but from Tom’s daily humiliation at the hands of prep school bullies to his spiraling drug addiction, life only gets more difficult.
Tom tells the harrowing – and riveting – story of his abuse at prep school with feeling, and he does the same when describing the transcendence of skiing and snowboarding. When detailing his long litany of drug-influenced exploits, he sounds like he’s in a confessional. Maybe that’s what Tom needed to do – just get it out – and it’s not a bad narrative; just flat. It still works. Laura’s voice, interspersed throughout, provides perspective and insight into Tom’s behavior as she shares her concern and love for Tom. She also wonders aloud what actions of hers might have contributed to Tom’s addiction, in an expression of parental guilt and self-doubt that rings true.
Although this book is not a dialogue between two people, the alternating first-person narrators use their mother-son dynamic effectively. Each narrator’s role evolves as Tom’s independence grows; Laura’s maternal role naturally and gradually shifts from in-charge caretaker to steadfast supporter and advocate.
Then toward the end of the book, something beautiful happens: the two narratives are so in tune with each other that adult, sober Tom is sharing on the same level as his mother as each discusses their personal understanding of redemption, gratitude, and God.
Some thoughts on narration of this audiobook: Linda Jones is the perfect choice to be the voice of Laura. Her voice is that of a concerned mother. Will Tulin as Tom – not so much. It was difficult to get past the fact that a snowboarder is speaking with the voice of a newscaster who sounds like he’s twenty years older. Oddly, as the ‘voices’ of Tom and Laura converge, the narrator’s voice seems to work toward the end of the story as well. I wonder if that’s because now, Tom is no longer thirteen – or if I just got used to it.
Mothers everywhere and readers of James Frey’s notorious memoir/novel A Million Little Pieces will appreciate this story.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an Advance Reader Copy, given in exchange for my honest review.
December 15, 2020
I love the dynamic of Tom and Laura. Tom's telling his story as the addict and his journey to recovery and Laura is that mother figure who's telling you what she did and didn't see in his addiction at that point in time but also she's that addict who's now sober and giving you more information. As a person who hasn't lost close family because of addiction but I've seen friends fall down the drug hole or had friends of friends .
For me as a reader it was a good experience to get the other sides perspective so that I can learn the possible tools to help someone else get help when they need/want it.
I received a free copy to review and this review is my own opinion.
#Unraveled
For me as a reader it was a good experience to get the other sides perspective so that I can learn the possible tools to help someone else get help when they need/want it.
I received a free copy to review and this review is my own opinion.
#Unraveled
December 9, 2020
Unraveled is the story of two addicts, mother and child, and how they managed to beat their addictions.
It also explores his variety of hobbies including snowboarding and how drugs and alcohol interfered in those pursuits. Tom opens up about failed relationships and the shenanigans that get him and his friends hurt. Laura chimes in periodically, describing what it was like as the adult of a child with addiction. She also describes her struggle with addiction.
Boldt focuses on the worst that he did and made rehab seem magically fast ( I am sure he doesn't feel that way; it's just a writing issue with the book). This works more as a cautionary tale as opposed to one that follows recovery and that inspirational power that if one person can, you can. This isn't necessarily a problem with a book. More an observation of the themes the author chose.
The dual perspective is interesting and helps expound on the other behavior as too often addiction is a family disease. But Laura's addiction is seems short-lived in the book and seemed incredibly easy. And while she added a parent's perspective, her words beg for absolution, to be forgiven in the role for making her child an addict. But the reader can not give this; only her son can. Hopefully, writing this book opened the discussion for mother and son.
It was easy to writing-wise and will be easily understood by the targeted population. Boldt doesn't get fancy with his writing and uses basic vocabulary. He doesn't pretend to be some scholar instead he writes for the normal reader. For people like him.
In the end, it's a tale of caution and less inspirational. But this is a brave story none the less. Boldt is honest and open and lets the reader truly know what the consequences of addiction are.
I received a copy for review from the publisher; all opinions are my own.
It also explores his variety of hobbies including snowboarding and how drugs and alcohol interfered in those pursuits. Tom opens up about failed relationships and the shenanigans that get him and his friends hurt. Laura chimes in periodically, describing what it was like as the adult of a child with addiction. She also describes her struggle with addiction.
Boldt focuses on the worst that he did and made rehab seem magically fast ( I am sure he doesn't feel that way; it's just a writing issue with the book). This works more as a cautionary tale as opposed to one that follows recovery and that inspirational power that if one person can, you can. This isn't necessarily a problem with a book. More an observation of the themes the author chose.
The dual perspective is interesting and helps expound on the other behavior as too often addiction is a family disease. But Laura's addiction is seems short-lived in the book and seemed incredibly easy. And while she added a parent's perspective, her words beg for absolution, to be forgiven in the role for making her child an addict. But the reader can not give this; only her son can. Hopefully, writing this book opened the discussion for mother and son.
It was easy to writing-wise and will be easily understood by the targeted population. Boldt doesn't get fancy with his writing and uses basic vocabulary. He doesn't pretend to be some scholar instead he writes for the normal reader. For people like him.
In the end, it's a tale of caution and less inspirational. But this is a brave story none the less. Boldt is honest and open and lets the reader truly know what the consequences of addiction are.
I received a copy for review from the publisher; all opinions are my own.
July 13, 2021
"Unraveled"was a look at two sides of addiction, one of the son with drug habit and one of his mother. With her own experience with alcohol addiction, Laura is a woman juggling her parenting responsibilities and her own personal needs. That she clearly recognizes that she must draw a line between her son's needs and her own, that she approaches her own sobriety as a non-negotiable and takes care of herself even in the face of a crisis with her child is a brave decision. She supports her son without taking responsibility for him, as she should since he is at the cusp of adulthood. Tom is honest about some of the details that paint him in a less than positive light. He accepts responsibility for his bad behavior and shows empathy in hindsight with those he wrongs, from his girlfriend, to his friend whom he physically hurt, to his family. He is right to note how lucky he is, how priviledged to be able to go to these amazing programs and to have so much family support. That this made a big difference in his outcome is no secret. He worked hard at sobriety, at moving forward, but he does recognize areas where he is helped along this journey. I found this book to be engaging and the back and forth between Laura's and Tom's points of view was a different spin on telling this type of narrative. I do notice that the ugly sides of addiction are not covered here, not really. They get a little attention, but the rabbit hole is largely unexplored, you peer into it a little, but never go down there. I would recommend this book as an honest, interesting account of one family's experience with addiction and recovery. With its positive spin, it's an inspiring tale of family and support and the message that you can turn your life around.
March 21, 2021
Unraveled is a memoir about overcoming addiction from the parallel view points of a mother, Laura and son, Tommy. Its clear that Tommy grows up in a privileged home with two parents, prep school education and nice family vacations where Tommy finds his love of snowboarding. He loves it so much that he aims to become a professional snow boarder.
Throughout the story we learn that Tommy begins his drug use at an early age. He was able to hide it for many years until he began to spiral out of control. He starts stealing from his family, getting into accidents and rejecting rehab opportunities. Meanwhile his mother was in the dark about the excessive drug use her son was engaging in. After many failed attempts of sobriety Tommy was able to get the help he needed to overcome his addiction.
Let me just say standing by an addict and overcoming addiction is extremely difficult. I understand the difficult situations families are put in when dealing with a loved one that refuses to acknowledge they have a problem. However, I did not feel sympathy for this family. I felt the majority of the story was them boasting about their lifestyle. To be a memoir about such a difficult topic I found the story was kept very surface level. It did not hit me very deep in any way. The mother/son duo were not relatable to me nor very likable.
Trigger Warnings:
-Alcoholism
-Bullying
-Depression
-Drugs
-Emotional Abuse
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity for an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review.
Throughout the story we learn that Tommy begins his drug use at an early age. He was able to hide it for many years until he began to spiral out of control. He starts stealing from his family, getting into accidents and rejecting rehab opportunities. Meanwhile his mother was in the dark about the excessive drug use her son was engaging in. After many failed attempts of sobriety Tommy was able to get the help he needed to overcome his addiction.
Let me just say standing by an addict and overcoming addiction is extremely difficult. I understand the difficult situations families are put in when dealing with a loved one that refuses to acknowledge they have a problem. However, I did not feel sympathy for this family. I felt the majority of the story was them boasting about their lifestyle. To be a memoir about such a difficult topic I found the story was kept very surface level. It did not hit me very deep in any way. The mother/son duo were not relatable to me nor very likable.
Trigger Warnings:
-Alcoholism
-Bullying
-Depression
-Drugs
-Emotional Abuse
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity for an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review.
November 12, 2020
This felt like such an honest book.... the good ... the bad, the authors recount a tale of addiction and finally redemption. The first chapter just sucks you in and his road to rock bottom is surprisingly blunt and full of hard truths.
What did I like? I’ll be honest and say I don’t usually read books of this nature but this one was full of some interesting stories. A victim of some intense bullying, Tom’s childhood had some serious issues but weren’t the entire focus. This is one person’s story of his moments that led to his addiction, and what finally compelled him to get help.
Would I recommend or buy? I don’t normally read books like this but after that first chapter I was hooked. This is not a self help book rather just one person’s story with his mother’s input. It’s clear though that the author tells his story in a unique way, and obviously a talented person. The mother adds her maternal monologue and just shares her personal thoughts of what was going on at the time Tom hits rock bottom. I would recommend it to people who like a story of redemption. I would recommend anyone unsure of buying ...to buy the sample because that first chapter will hook you!
I received a copy from Greenleaf Book Group to read and offer an opinion. Outstanding story! Five stars to this mans recovery.
What did I like? I’ll be honest and say I don’t usually read books of this nature but this one was full of some interesting stories. A victim of some intense bullying, Tom’s childhood had some serious issues but weren’t the entire focus. This is one person’s story of his moments that led to his addiction, and what finally compelled him to get help.
Would I recommend or buy? I don’t normally read books like this but after that first chapter I was hooked. This is not a self help book rather just one person’s story with his mother’s input. It’s clear though that the author tells his story in a unique way, and obviously a talented person. The mother adds her maternal monologue and just shares her personal thoughts of what was going on at the time Tom hits rock bottom. I would recommend it to people who like a story of redemption. I would recommend anyone unsure of buying ...to buy the sample because that first chapter will hook you!
I received a copy from Greenleaf Book Group to read and offer an opinion. Outstanding story! Five stars to this mans recovery.
November 22, 2020
Addiction is a terrible disease that can tear a family apart. Laura and Tom do a wonderful job of sharing their family's experience. As Laura sets out on the road to recovery for her alcoholism, Tom quickly gets absorbed into the world of hard drug use.
This story is honest and at times difficult to read, due to the subject matter. The viewpoint switches between Laura and Tom, so you get both perspectives, although Tom admits that due to his drug use, he may not reliably remember all events.
This story is honest and at times difficult to read, due to the subject matter. The viewpoint switches between Laura and Tom, so you get both perspectives, although Tom admits that due to his drug use, he may not reliably remember all events.
December 5, 2020
This is a unique example of experience with addiction: a mother and son who both deal with their own and each other's life with addiction. Laura is a recovering alcoholic, and her son Tommy is in the throes of an opiod addiction. We see them as individuals and as a family unit trying to deal with a family problem. Great read!
January 4, 2021
More about skying and snowboarding, than addiction.
The beginning, was good. The middle, excruciating, all about their ski and snowboard adventures. The end, a pat on the back. A waste of five evenings.
The beginning, was good. The middle, excruciating, all about their ski and snowboard adventures. The end, a pat on the back. A waste of five evenings.
February 20, 2021
I liked this book, but I didn't love it.
Though I think it is a very interesting story, I found myself not drawn into it, and got very distracted during the narration. It's probably been just my experience since I see it has very good ratings.
Though I think it is a very interesting story, I found myself not drawn into it, and got very distracted during the narration. It's probably been just my experience since I see it has very good ratings.
November 9, 2020
i could not put this book down! it was honest and sincere. so well written! i laughed and cried.
May 8, 2021
What an incredible story of honesty and humility. Thank you for sharing to help others.
December 5, 2020
Addiction is a family disease and the authors give us a glimpse of how it impacted both their lives and how they worked through their demons and came out the other side. I admire their rigorous honesty and courage to share their story.
If you or someone you love has been affected by this horrendous disease, then Unraveled is a must read for you. I’m looking forward to reading and listening to interviews from Laura and Tom in the future.
Congratulations on a job well done and I know your story will inspire others.
If you or someone you love has been affected by this horrendous disease, then Unraveled is a must read for you. I’m looking forward to reading and listening to interviews from Laura and Tom in the future.
Congratulations on a job well done and I know your story will inspire others.
November 29, 2020
( Please note : I did receive a complementary copy in exchange for a review. )
This was a book which, I didn't enjoy. Now let me explain .. for me, this book was a very dark, raw and truthful read. Exactly what I needed at this time in my life, for a few reasons. While I cringed here and there, I knew while reading, and even more so now, that there is hope. I pray that all who need to find this book do so, and that they come away with exactly what they need.
This was a book which, I didn't enjoy. Now let me explain .. for me, this book was a very dark, raw and truthful read. Exactly what I needed at this time in my life, for a few reasons. While I cringed here and there, I knew while reading, and even more so now, that there is hope. I pray that all who need to find this book do so, and that they come away with exactly what they need.
November 11, 2020
The authors were so open and honest about the havoc that addiction brought to their world and of how they worked together to get past it. Having a mother that also struggled with addiction issues was such a huge piece of Tom's recovery and I admire the strength that it took for Laura to not only stay sober for herself, but to be present for her son when he needed her the most. This book is such an inspirational read.
November 22, 2020
The timing couldn’t be more perfect to release this evergreen memoir of Tom and Laura Boldt’s, Mother and Son, journey through bullying and addiction into the safe arms of recovery. Not only because it is Thanksgiving week and definitely a story to be thankful for, but how Covid 19 has taken a devastating toll on the recovery and mental illness health of our nation and the world for that matter.
I always admire an author’s, or in this case two author’s, courage to tell of their difficult journey and their own personal destruction, realizing family and friends may not want the memoir to be released but resist the temptation to shelve the book and instead move full steam ahead and tell their story in order to help others.
An amazing inspirational story that has a little something for every reader. I truly hope that Tom and Laura revisit this platform for telling their stories years from now and tell of their successes for there are sure to be many.
Hats off to a job well done and well received.
I always admire an author’s, or in this case two author’s, courage to tell of their difficult journey and their own personal destruction, realizing family and friends may not want the memoir to be released but resist the temptation to shelve the book and instead move full steam ahead and tell their story in order to help others.
An amazing inspirational story that has a little something for every reader. I truly hope that Tom and Laura revisit this platform for telling their stories years from now and tell of their successes for there are sure to be many.
Hats off to a job well done and well received.
November 25, 2020
One of the most authentic books I've read, detailing real life events and the intense impact of addiction. Written from both the perspective of mother and son, the reader gets a full picture of both sides of the story and the struggles from each point of view. The book builds on key events in the lives of the two authors, and takes the reader along on the journey of the disease. This is a story about addiction, but also one of coming of age, and the power of family and support. Despite the intesnity of the subject, there is a lightness to the writing that makes you feel like you are sitting with the authors in the room. This is a page turning, "can't put it down" kind of read. Highly recommend to non-fiction fans and anyone who has a connection to addicition. Bravo!
April 4, 2021
Great Read! Having had family members with addiction issues, I found this book very informative and compelling. I was able to identify with the hardships and trauma caused by addiction, both from Laura’s and Tommy’s point of view. I also admired how both Laura and Tommy overcame this huge hurdle, by admitting there was a problem and ultimately had to be solved by themselves. The authors do a great job of mixing humor into the story which made the book really enjoyable to read! This is a great read for anyone!
Gregg S
Gregg S
November 22, 2020
This book is absolutely captivating...I devoured it in less than 24 hours and I"m now re-reading it, because...yes...it's THAT GOOD!
Always Authentic...brilliantly brave and bold...at times heart breaking...at times hilarious...at times harrowing, but ultimately triumphant and inspiring, this is a story that showcases a mother and a son who break the cycle of addiction. There is a beauty and depth to this story that will stick with you long after the last page has been turned.
The juxtaposition of mother and son who go back and forth, each sharing their unique battle with addiction/alcoholism is mesmerizing. You won't find another story or movie out there like this. This one is groundbreaking. Thank you Laura and Tom for sharing your experience, strength and hope.
This is your beautiful gift to the world.
Always Authentic...brilliantly brave and bold...at times heart breaking...at times hilarious...at times harrowing, but ultimately triumphant and inspiring, this is a story that showcases a mother and a son who break the cycle of addiction. There is a beauty and depth to this story that will stick with you long after the last page has been turned.
The juxtaposition of mother and son who go back and forth, each sharing their unique battle with addiction/alcoholism is mesmerizing. You won't find another story or movie out there like this. This one is groundbreaking. Thank you Laura and Tom for sharing your experience, strength and hope.
This is your beautiful gift to the world.
November 10, 2020
Laura and Tommy weave their unique experiences with addiction and their strength in recovery with honesty and wit throughout this very readable book. That combined with the love and compassion of the entire Boldt family makes it even more relatable and enjoyable. Their warmth and humor are reminders that there is beauty in the struggle and hope for those still struggling.
November 21, 2020
Gut wrenching, frightening, poignant, affirming and so much more. A “page turner” - the despair and fear and consequences of addiction, and the redemption of grace and faith through sobriety. Told in the first person from both Laura and Tommy, I could feel their every emotion. It is a book that will be shared and read by so many and potentially save lives. Thank you both for opening your souls and sharing your story and your sobriety.
November 23, 2020
AMAZING READ!
I loved everything about this book! The eagerness for both Laura and Tommy to get and more importantly, remain sober was gut-wrenching, but at the same time, so rewarding for both of them. Laura and Tommy face addiction head on and overcome their demons with so much gratitude, love and care for others, their families and themselves. This book is a must read, especially those that have dealt with any addiction problems in their life.
Margee Niemann
I loved everything about this book! The eagerness for both Laura and Tommy to get and more importantly, remain sober was gut-wrenching, but at the same time, so rewarding for both of them. Laura and Tommy face addiction head on and overcome their demons with so much gratitude, love and care for others, their families and themselves. This book is a must read, especially those that have dealt with any addiction problems in their life.
Margee Niemann
February 21, 2021
What is the most memorable experience you’ve shared with a family member? For most of us, battling the grips of addiction may not be one of them. For Laura Cook Boldt and her son Tom, overcoming respective addictions has been woven into their family story.
In their debut memoir, Unraveled: A Mother and Son Story of Addiction and Redemption, Laura and Tom recount their journey to become sober and lead fulfilling lives. I was captivated by the unique premise of generational addiction and appreciated their courage in the face of a relentless disease. Told in alternating viewpoints, readers get a raw picture of life with an addict through unique lenses of a mother and son. The audiobook had separate narrators for Laura and Tom which made for an easy distinction between their stories.
Laura, a mother of four boys, battled alcoholism which took a toll on her young family. After a disastrous accident, Laura vowed to become sober. She did not know that her son’s journey would later parallel her own struggles with addition. Years later, Tommy faced relentless bullying and shame at the hands of his middle school classmates. Fearing for his mental health and safety, Tommy’s parents grappled with how to help their son who had become crippled with anxiety. Ultimately, Tommy became addicted to drugs and alcohol which damaged relationships with family and impacted his passion for snowboarding.
Throughout Unraveled, Laura’s abiding love and concern for her son was so evident. As a mother of boys, I felt heartbroken for Laura as she wrestled with the shame of potentially enabling her son’s addiction and the helplessness she felt in the midst of her son’s battle. While we hear Tommy’s story in great detail, readers don’t learn much of Laura’s experience with her own addiction. A single disastrous incident is discussed, but how her addiction began and her path to recovery was not explored. Her battle was briefly alluded to, but reading more about how her personal battle informed her parenting and decision-making would have made for a more well-rounded narrative.
Undoubtedly, Laura and Tom have written a compelling story that took grit and courage. Readers who have family members battling addiction, or a personal history of addiction will find this memoir raw but hopeful.
A big thank you to netgalley for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
In their debut memoir, Unraveled: A Mother and Son Story of Addiction and Redemption, Laura and Tom recount their journey to become sober and lead fulfilling lives. I was captivated by the unique premise of generational addiction and appreciated their courage in the face of a relentless disease. Told in alternating viewpoints, readers get a raw picture of life with an addict through unique lenses of a mother and son. The audiobook had separate narrators for Laura and Tom which made for an easy distinction between their stories.
Laura, a mother of four boys, battled alcoholism which took a toll on her young family. After a disastrous accident, Laura vowed to become sober. She did not know that her son’s journey would later parallel her own struggles with addition. Years later, Tommy faced relentless bullying and shame at the hands of his middle school classmates. Fearing for his mental health and safety, Tommy’s parents grappled with how to help their son who had become crippled with anxiety. Ultimately, Tommy became addicted to drugs and alcohol which damaged relationships with family and impacted his passion for snowboarding.
Throughout Unraveled, Laura’s abiding love and concern for her son was so evident. As a mother of boys, I felt heartbroken for Laura as she wrestled with the shame of potentially enabling her son’s addiction and the helplessness she felt in the midst of her son’s battle. While we hear Tommy’s story in great detail, readers don’t learn much of Laura’s experience with her own addiction. A single disastrous incident is discussed, but how her addiction began and her path to recovery was not explored. Her battle was briefly alluded to, but reading more about how her personal battle informed her parenting and decision-making would have made for a more well-rounded narrative.
Undoubtedly, Laura and Tom have written a compelling story that took grit and courage. Readers who have family members battling addiction, or a personal history of addiction will find this memoir raw but hopeful.
A big thank you to netgalley for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2021
What is the most memorable experience you’ve shared with a family member? For most of us, battling the grips of addiction may not be one of them. For Laura Cook Boldt and her son Tom, overcoming respective addictions has been woven into their family story.
In their debut memoir, Unraveled: A Mother and Son Story of Addiction and Redemption, Laura and Tom recount their journey to become sober and lead fulfilling lives. I was captivated by the unique premise of generational addiction and appreciated their courage in the face of a relentless disease. Told in alternating viewpoints, readers get a raw picture of life with an addict through unique lenses of a mother and son. The audiobook had separate narrators for Laura and Tom which made for an easy distinction between their stories.
Laura, a mother of four boys, battled alcoholism which took a toll on her young family. After a disastrous accident, Laura vowed to become sober. She did not know that her son’s journey would later parallel her own struggles with addition. Years later, Tommy faced relentless bullying and shame at the hands of his middle school classmates. Fearing for his mental health and safety, Tommy’s parents grappled with how to help their son who had become crippled with anxiety. Ultimately, Tommy became addicted to drugs and alcohol which damaged relationships with family and impacted his passion for snowboarding.
Throughout Unraveled, Laura’s abiding love and concern for her son was so evident. As a mother of boys, I felt heartbroken for Laura as she wrestled with the shame of potentially enabling her son’s addiction and the helplessness she felt in the midst of her son’s battle. While we hear Tommy’s story in great detail, readers don’t learn much of Laura’s experience with her own addiction. A single disastrous incident is discussed, but how her addiction began and her path to recovery was not explored. Her battle was briefly alluded to, but reading more about how her personal battle informed her parenting and decision-making would have made for a more well-rounded narrative.
Undoubtedly, Laura and Tom have written a compelling story that took grit and courage. Readers who have family members battling addiction, or a personal history of addiction will find this memoir raw but hopeful.
A big thank you to netgalley for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
In their debut memoir, Unraveled: A Mother and Son Story of Addiction and Redemption, Laura and Tom recount their journey to become sober and lead fulfilling lives. I was captivated by the unique premise of generational addiction and appreciated their courage in the face of a relentless disease. Told in alternating viewpoints, readers get a raw picture of life with an addict through unique lenses of a mother and son. The audiobook had separate narrators for Laura and Tom which made for an easy distinction between their stories.
Laura, a mother of four boys, battled alcoholism which took a toll on her young family. After a disastrous accident, Laura vowed to become sober. She did not know that her son’s journey would later parallel her own struggles with addition. Years later, Tommy faced relentless bullying and shame at the hands of his middle school classmates. Fearing for his mental health and safety, Tommy’s parents grappled with how to help their son who had become crippled with anxiety. Ultimately, Tommy became addicted to drugs and alcohol which damaged relationships with family and impacted his passion for snowboarding.
Throughout Unraveled, Laura’s abiding love and concern for her son was so evident. As a mother of boys, I felt heartbroken for Laura as she wrestled with the shame of potentially enabling her son’s addiction and the helplessness she felt in the midst of her son’s battle. While we hear Tommy’s story in great detail, readers don’t learn much of Laura’s experience with her own addiction. A single disastrous incident is discussed, but how her addiction began and her path to recovery was not explored. Her battle was briefly alluded to, but reading more about how her personal battle informed her parenting and decision-making would have made for a more well-rounded narrative.
Undoubtedly, Laura and Tom have written a compelling story that took grit and courage. Readers who have family members battling addiction, or a personal history of addiction will find this memoir raw but hopeful.
A big thank you to netgalley for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
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