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Some Are Sicker Than Others
In this gripping debut novel by Andrew Seaward, the lives of three utterly hopeless addicts converge following an accidental and horrific death.
Monty Miller, a self-destructive, codependent alcoholic, is wracked by an obsession to drink himself to death as punishment for a fatal car accident he didn’t cause.
Dave Bell, a former all-American track star turned washed-up high school volleyball coach, routinely chauffeurs his bus full of teens on a belly full of liquor and head full of crack.
Angie Mallard, a recently divorced housewife with three estranged children, is willing to go to any lengths to restore the family she lost to crystal meth.
All three are court-mandated to a drug & alcohol rehab high in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
There, they learn the universal truth among alcoholics and addicts:
Though they may all be sick…SOME ARE SICKER THAN OTHERS.
Based on the author's own personal experience with substance abuse and twelve-step programs, Some Are Sicker Than Others, transcends the clichés of the typical recovery story by exploring the insidiousness of addiction and the thin, blurred line between true love and codependence.
With the harsh realism of Brett Easton Ellis and the dark, confrontational humor of Chuck Palahniuk, Mr. Seaward takes the reader deep inside the psyche of the addict and portrays, in very explicit details, the psychological and physiological effects of withdrawal and the various stages of recovery.
Monty Miller, a self-destructive, codependent alcoholic, is wracked by an obsession to drink himself to death as punishment for a fatal car accident he didn’t cause.
Dave Bell, a former all-American track star turned washed-up high school volleyball coach, routinely chauffeurs his bus full of teens on a belly full of liquor and head full of crack.
Angie Mallard, a recently divorced housewife with three estranged children, is willing to go to any lengths to restore the family she lost to crystal meth.
All three are court-mandated to a drug & alcohol rehab high in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
There, they learn the universal truth among alcoholics and addicts:
Though they may all be sick…SOME ARE SICKER THAN OTHERS.
Based on the author's own personal experience with substance abuse and twelve-step programs, Some Are Sicker Than Others, transcends the clichés of the typical recovery story by exploring the insidiousness of addiction and the thin, blurred line between true love and codependence.
With the harsh realism of Brett Easton Ellis and the dark, confrontational humor of Chuck Palahniuk, Mr. Seaward takes the reader deep inside the psyche of the addict and portrays, in very explicit details, the psychological and physiological effects of withdrawal and the various stages of recovery.
380 pages, Paperback
First published February 19, 2012
50 people are currently reading
4563 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Seaward
4 books532 followersAndrew Seaward is the author of "Some Are Sicker Than Others". Although he makes his living as a chemical engineer in the Oil & Gas industry, his true passion is telling great stories through both acting and writing. He is a member and contributor of Benjy Dobrin Studios, the Cinematic Arts of Colorado, and the Denver Lighthouse Writers Workshop. He has written and acted in several short and feature length films, including "Drowning" which won an Award of Merit at the 2010 Indie Fest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
July 29, 2014
A profound and terrifying look into the disease of addiction. This book weaves together the lives of three addicts who's lives become connected in a very powerful and unexpected way. This is truly a look at the sickest of the sick. While I was hoping for stories of recovery, this shows what happens when help is refused, when the disease becomes more powerful than life itself. A truly sobering and downright anguishing story, one I will not soon forget.
April 22, 2012
Probably the Most Informed Source of Information about Substance Abuse
Andrew Seaward, in his mesmerizing novel SOME ARE SICKER THAN OTHERS ,not only weaves an exceptionally well-constructed story with wholly credible characters, managing to open our hearts to create a group of people who seem without the ability to gain our concern, but even more importantly he offers deeper insights and relates more factual information about the disease of addiction than any other writer to date. Yes, there is a plethora of books that clinically describe the genesis and the process and the sequelae of substance abuse from alcohol to methamphetamine to crack cocaine to heroin to prescription drugs and combinations of these. There are also novels that incorporate addicted personages in the cast of characters, using that person or those persons to elucidate the effect on families and friends and the public in general from their addiction. But Seaward takes us a startling leap forward: he not only understands the socioeconomic and psychological and, yes, criminal impact these people create, but he also displays such a profound understanding of the physiological/medical aspects of addiction that we are left tot wonder if he hasn't been down the path of his characters himself - or at least in close enough proximity to discover the details he weaves into this book!
What we know about Andrew Seaward is that he is a chemical engineer, a participant in screenwriting and an actor (no surprise, given his magnetically handsome looks). Now we know that he is a writer of exceptional gifts, one poised at the beginning of a major new career.
Seaward jumps right into the world of addiction from page one when he introduces Monty and his fiancé Vicky in the room of an AA meeting. In rapid sequences there is a hit and run accident and Monty as driver survives but Vicky dies. Having established this portion of the story we then meet Dave, a has-been track star whose family suffers from his addiction to crack and that effect extends to his career as the coach of a girls' volleyball team whom he endangers. Seaward brings back Monty into the picture, some time after the accident that has made him so depressed that he is intentionally killing himself with alcohol poisoning. The two men - Monty and Dave- are thrust together in an isolated rehab center and all the secrets of their backgrounds surface with tsunamic force. How Seaward resolves their collision brings a sound conclusion to the book.
The story is strong and well related and would make a fine film. But what sets Andrew Seaward's talent above the rest is his understanding of the physicochemical aspects of substance abuse/addition. Example, as Monty is attempting to drink himself to death he relates the following: `He bent his head forward and started rubbing his eyelids, digging away the mucus that was crusted in the corners of his eyes. As he brought his hands down, he caught a whiff of something strong and chemical, fanning from his fingertips and out beneath his nose. He knew what it was. It was the acetaldehyde, a byproduct of the dehydrogenation of alcohol in the blood. For a normal drinker, it hung out for only a matter of minutes before being broken down by a substance in the liver called glutathione. But for alcoholics, the chemical hung around almost indefinitely, because there wasn't enough glutathione to combat the massive amounts of alcohol entering the blood. The result was a stench not unlike that of vinegar or nail polish remover, emanating from the sweat pores like a bad case of B.O. It was so strong that other people would often comment on it, but Monty usually just told them that he was trying out a new cologne.'
Intensive knowledge such as this is rare in current writing and this is only one example of how keenly each of the characters and their substance abuses are observed and defined. This is a masterful touch to an already exceptional story. Writers of this caliber don't come around frequently, but when they do we need to be alerted to the potential their initial offering suggests. Andrew Seaward is a uniquely talented writer. He should go far.
Grady Harp
Andrew Seaward, in his mesmerizing novel SOME ARE SICKER THAN OTHERS ,not only weaves an exceptionally well-constructed story with wholly credible characters, managing to open our hearts to create a group of people who seem without the ability to gain our concern, but even more importantly he offers deeper insights and relates more factual information about the disease of addiction than any other writer to date. Yes, there is a plethora of books that clinically describe the genesis and the process and the sequelae of substance abuse from alcohol to methamphetamine to crack cocaine to heroin to prescription drugs and combinations of these. There are also novels that incorporate addicted personages in the cast of characters, using that person or those persons to elucidate the effect on families and friends and the public in general from their addiction. But Seaward takes us a startling leap forward: he not only understands the socioeconomic and psychological and, yes, criminal impact these people create, but he also displays such a profound understanding of the physiological/medical aspects of addiction that we are left tot wonder if he hasn't been down the path of his characters himself - or at least in close enough proximity to discover the details he weaves into this book!
What we know about Andrew Seaward is that he is a chemical engineer, a participant in screenwriting and an actor (no surprise, given his magnetically handsome looks). Now we know that he is a writer of exceptional gifts, one poised at the beginning of a major new career.
Seaward jumps right into the world of addiction from page one when he introduces Monty and his fiancé Vicky in the room of an AA meeting. In rapid sequences there is a hit and run accident and Monty as driver survives but Vicky dies. Having established this portion of the story we then meet Dave, a has-been track star whose family suffers from his addiction to crack and that effect extends to his career as the coach of a girls' volleyball team whom he endangers. Seaward brings back Monty into the picture, some time after the accident that has made him so depressed that he is intentionally killing himself with alcohol poisoning. The two men - Monty and Dave- are thrust together in an isolated rehab center and all the secrets of their backgrounds surface with tsunamic force. How Seaward resolves their collision brings a sound conclusion to the book.
The story is strong and well related and would make a fine film. But what sets Andrew Seaward's talent above the rest is his understanding of the physicochemical aspects of substance abuse/addition. Example, as Monty is attempting to drink himself to death he relates the following: `He bent his head forward and started rubbing his eyelids, digging away the mucus that was crusted in the corners of his eyes. As he brought his hands down, he caught a whiff of something strong and chemical, fanning from his fingertips and out beneath his nose. He knew what it was. It was the acetaldehyde, a byproduct of the dehydrogenation of alcohol in the blood. For a normal drinker, it hung out for only a matter of minutes before being broken down by a substance in the liver called glutathione. But for alcoholics, the chemical hung around almost indefinitely, because there wasn't enough glutathione to combat the massive amounts of alcohol entering the blood. The result was a stench not unlike that of vinegar or nail polish remover, emanating from the sweat pores like a bad case of B.O. It was so strong that other people would often comment on it, but Monty usually just told them that he was trying out a new cologne.'
Intensive knowledge such as this is rare in current writing and this is only one example of how keenly each of the characters and their substance abuses are observed and defined. This is a masterful touch to an already exceptional story. Writers of this caliber don't come around frequently, but when they do we need to be alerted to the potential their initial offering suggests. Andrew Seaward is a uniquely talented writer. He should go far.
Grady Harp
June 1, 2012
I didn't think a book could be described as "compelling", but compelling it was. The author did a great job intertwining the stories of these addicts. He did an amazing job of telling two stories at once... from the addicts' points of view, and also what was really happening. The stories about the addictions felt real.
This was a great read. Once I picked up the book I didn't want to put it down.
*disclaimer* I won this book through the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway, but my review is 100% honest.
This was a great read. Once I picked up the book I didn't want to put it down.
*disclaimer* I won this book through the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway, but my review is 100% honest.
January 26, 2014
I think everyone should read this book. It will make you think, it will pull on your emotions, and will open up your eyes. I could have read this in a day because you wanted to know what would happen to these people who are so sick with disease and have made some really poor choices. What would it take for you to be saved? Sometimes the answer is not what you would think.
April 12, 2016
I almost put down this book after the first chapter, but I’m glad I kept going. The book is very obviously based on the author’s struggles with addiction, but it started out reading like I was going to an AA meeting in real-time. In other words, it didn’t seem like a page-turning, scintillating, plot-driven book. The good news is, it got much better by chapter three or four, and it ended well, with nice twists.
It’s hard to read about someone behaving terribly. In this case, three someones who behave terribly: Monty, a well-educated alcoholic who has destroyed his life with alcohol but at least understands that he has a problem. Dave, who is in complete denial not just about his addiction and how he’s harming his family, but really about every aspect of his life; and Angie, who is also in denial about her addiction and how it’s destroyed her life and relationships with her family. The three are forced into a rehab clinic in the mountains of Colorado in many feet of snow during a cold January winter.
The book needed an editor to polish things up (for example, the author uses the word “somewhat” way too much, as in, “she felt somewhat nervous”). Despite the small flaws, if you know someone close to you who battles addiction, you may find this an intriguing novel.
It’s hard to read about someone behaving terribly. In this case, three someones who behave terribly: Monty, a well-educated alcoholic who has destroyed his life with alcohol but at least understands that he has a problem. Dave, who is in complete denial not just about his addiction and how he’s harming his family, but really about every aspect of his life; and Angie, who is also in denial about her addiction and how it’s destroyed her life and relationships with her family. The three are forced into a rehab clinic in the mountains of Colorado in many feet of snow during a cold January winter.
The book needed an editor to polish things up (for example, the author uses the word “somewhat” way too much, as in, “she felt somewhat nervous”). Despite the small flaws, if you know someone close to you who battles addiction, you may find this an intriguing novel.
May 21, 2013
THE LIVES OF THREE UTTERLY HOPELESS ADDICTS CONVERGE FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENTAL AND HORRIFIC DEATH.
Monty Miller, a self-destructive, codependent alcoholic, is wracked by an obsession to drink himself to death as punishment for a fatal car accident he didn't cause.
Dave Bell, a former all-American track star turned washed-up high school volleyball coach, routinely chauffeurs his bus full of teens on a belly full of liquor and head full of crack.
Angie Mallard, a recently divorced housewife with three estranged children, is willing to go to any lengths to restore the family she lost to crystal meth.
All three are court-mandated to a drug & alcohol rehab high in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. There, they learn the universal truth among alcoholics and addicts:
Though they may all be sick..."Some Are Sicker Than Others."
As the story unfolds, one character at a time, the reader is pulled right into the darkness and intensity of the sickness known as addiction. In many ways, I could hardly keep reading, as each one spiraled downward into the illness, full of denial and caught up in the delusions that control was just around the corner. Like an accident you are watching, you want to see, but you also want to look away. The horror was almost too much.
The author obviously knows his subject matter and portrays the cycle of addiction in an honest manner. His characters are composites of his own experiences and those of others he has known. This quality brings an authenticity to the story. Some punctuation errors were distracting, but the story itself kept me reading.
Recommended for those who want to understand addiction and its consequences, as well as the hope of recovery. 3.5 stars.
Monty Miller, a self-destructive, codependent alcoholic, is wracked by an obsession to drink himself to death as punishment for a fatal car accident he didn't cause.
Dave Bell, a former all-American track star turned washed-up high school volleyball coach, routinely chauffeurs his bus full of teens on a belly full of liquor and head full of crack.
Angie Mallard, a recently divorced housewife with three estranged children, is willing to go to any lengths to restore the family she lost to crystal meth.
All three are court-mandated to a drug & alcohol rehab high in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. There, they learn the universal truth among alcoholics and addicts:
Though they may all be sick..."Some Are Sicker Than Others."
As the story unfolds, one character at a time, the reader is pulled right into the darkness and intensity of the sickness known as addiction. In many ways, I could hardly keep reading, as each one spiraled downward into the illness, full of denial and caught up in the delusions that control was just around the corner. Like an accident you are watching, you want to see, but you also want to look away. The horror was almost too much.
The author obviously knows his subject matter and portrays the cycle of addiction in an honest manner. His characters are composites of his own experiences and those of others he has known. This quality brings an authenticity to the story. Some punctuation errors were distracting, but the story itself kept me reading.
Recommended for those who want to understand addiction and its consequences, as well as the hope of recovery. 3.5 stars.
September 6, 2012
Originally posted at Bookluvrs Haven...
http://www.bookluvrshaven.blogspot.ca...
I was searching through a site called Book Blogs and came across this book. Once I read the description I asked author Andrew Seaward for a copy, which he very kindly gave me in exchange for this review.
When I first picked up this book I admit I wasn't all that invested, Monty's story didn't really grasp me the way I thought it would...though when all the other characters were introduces I was completely sucked into the stories of all the addicts, I always find addictions fascinating...kind of ties into how the human brain works, and what causes a person to do this stuff to themselves.
My favorite character by far is Dave, his story before being forced into rehab was so interesting, and likely the way a lot of addicts view themselves. "Ah, there's nothing wrong with me....it's everyone else." There were parts in Dave's story that I found myself actually gasping out loud about. A very well told story!!
I found the way that Seaward intertwined the lives of all of the addicts great! As a reader we really got to know them as individuals and then we got to know them even more when they were brought together....brilliant writing!!
It saddens me to know that this exists everyday and everywhere...drug and alcohol addictions are a very unfortunate part of our society.
Needless to say if you enjoy a book about drug addicts / alcoholics and their stories through life and rehabilitation then this book is definitely for you! Pick it up you wont be disappointed.
http://www.bookluvrshaven.blogspot.ca...
I was searching through a site called Book Blogs and came across this book. Once I read the description I asked author Andrew Seaward for a copy, which he very kindly gave me in exchange for this review.
When I first picked up this book I admit I wasn't all that invested, Monty's story didn't really grasp me the way I thought it would...though when all the other characters were introduces I was completely sucked into the stories of all the addicts, I always find addictions fascinating...kind of ties into how the human brain works, and what causes a person to do this stuff to themselves.
My favorite character by far is Dave, his story before being forced into rehab was so interesting, and likely the way a lot of addicts view themselves. "Ah, there's nothing wrong with me....it's everyone else." There were parts in Dave's story that I found myself actually gasping out loud about. A very well told story!!
I found the way that Seaward intertwined the lives of all of the addicts great! As a reader we really got to know them as individuals and then we got to know them even more when they were brought together....brilliant writing!!
It saddens me to know that this exists everyday and everywhere...drug and alcohol addictions are a very unfortunate part of our society.
Needless to say if you enjoy a book about drug addicts / alcoholics and their stories through life and rehabilitation then this book is definitely for you! Pick it up you wont be disappointed.
June 9, 2012
Some are Sicker than Others features some characters who are heavily weighed down by their addictions. I knew from the book descriptions they would end up in rehab together. I endured the first several horrifying chapters involving their appalling bad choices and addiction-clouded thinking partly because I wanted to see what would happen later on in the book and partly because the writing was so compelling. This book reminds me of a roller coaster, where the rides begins with the vehicle being dragged up, up, up to a terrifying height, then careens down and around in an even scarier manner. As I continued through the chapters I wondered if some or all of these troubled people would be able to find a way to turn their lives around.
I've had some experience with attending AA meetings with friends who had addictions, so I understand the basic principles of AA and recovery. This book, in addition to being tremendously well written, does a great job of educating the reader about issues related to addiction and recovery. I can imagine people buying it not only for the quality of the writing but also for the way the story grabs you and shakes sense into you.
I was reading this book via the Kindle reader at my PC with my teenage daughter next to me at her laptop, and about halfway through I came to a particularly emotional part of the story, and tears started rolling down my cheeks. I had to leave my PC for a few minutes so that I could recover. Reader be warned, this story is not for the faint of heart!
I've had some experience with attending AA meetings with friends who had addictions, so I understand the basic principles of AA and recovery. This book, in addition to being tremendously well written, does a great job of educating the reader about issues related to addiction and recovery. I can imagine people buying it not only for the quality of the writing but also for the way the story grabs you and shakes sense into you.
I was reading this book via the Kindle reader at my PC with my teenage daughter next to me at her laptop, and about halfway through I came to a particularly emotional part of the story, and tears started rolling down my cheeks. I had to leave my PC for a few minutes so that I could recover. Reader be warned, this story is not for the faint of heart!
September 26, 2012
**I received this book through a First Reads Giveaway.
I loved this book. It was a great read with a whirlwind of emotion and raw reality. The dialogue was impeccable. It was like I could hear the conversations as well as see the body language each character evoked. At one point, I began casting the movie, imagining who would play each part. The characters were multidimensional, displaying all the insanity, hubris, and duplicity that can come with the disease of addiction, while still allowing their humanity to shine through so that the reader wants them to succeed at recovery. No matter how much I shook my head at some outlandish incident, I still wanted wholeheartedly for each of them be and do better.
My favorite part of this novel is Seaward's descriptive writing style. Not once did I have to wonder about what he was trying to portray. I could see every aspect of the story through his straightforward prose. Especially the physical illness suffered by the characters...I wanted to turn away at times, but I simply could not miss a word.
For lack of a less cliche description, the story was REAL. Right now, somewhere, there are families going through the types of problems that the main characters faced. I truly believe that Andrew Seaward was party to this type of anguish and despair, and hopefully, received some measure of redemption, stability, and peace. Whatever his actual experience with addiction, it has allowed him to tell a geniune, believable story.
I look forward to a sequel (HINT, HINT!!) and definitely other works by Mr. Seaward.
I loved this book. It was a great read with a whirlwind of emotion and raw reality. The dialogue was impeccable. It was like I could hear the conversations as well as see the body language each character evoked. At one point, I began casting the movie, imagining who would play each part. The characters were multidimensional, displaying all the insanity, hubris, and duplicity that can come with the disease of addiction, while still allowing their humanity to shine through so that the reader wants them to succeed at recovery. No matter how much I shook my head at some outlandish incident, I still wanted wholeheartedly for each of them be and do better.
My favorite part of this novel is Seaward's descriptive writing style. Not once did I have to wonder about what he was trying to portray. I could see every aspect of the story through his straightforward prose. Especially the physical illness suffered by the characters...I wanted to turn away at times, but I simply could not miss a word.
For lack of a less cliche description, the story was REAL. Right now, somewhere, there are families going through the types of problems that the main characters faced. I truly believe that Andrew Seaward was party to this type of anguish and despair, and hopefully, received some measure of redemption, stability, and peace. Whatever his actual experience with addiction, it has allowed him to tell a geniune, believable story.
I look forward to a sequel (HINT, HINT!!) and definitely other works by Mr. Seaward.
May 20, 2013
SOME ARE SICKER THAN OTHERS is a novel of addiction and the consequences. Three intertwined stories are told of people that end up at a clinic called Sanctuary.
Monty Miller is an alcoholic trying to drink himself to death, blaming himself for the death of a woman he met at an AA meeting. Not his fault, a hit and run accident, but he doesn't see it that way. Angie Mallard is a meth head who wants to get her family back together. Dave Bell is a high school girls volleyball coach who remembers his track star days. He soothes those memories with crack and a lot of drinking.
It takes extreme actions to get them all to Sanctuary: Monty an involuntary commitment by his parents, Angie the death of her daughter's ex-boyfriend, who she'd seduced, in a meth deal gone bad, and Dave barreling down the highway with a busload of volleyball players and his son with a bellyful of liquor and a head full of crack.
We see all the lies, to others and themselves most of all, the denials. Andrew Seaward writes convincingly and well as he tells his story. No convenient happy endings. Just truth about an addiction and what it can do to people.
This is a good read.
Monty Miller is an alcoholic trying to drink himself to death, blaming himself for the death of a woman he met at an AA meeting. Not his fault, a hit and run accident, but he doesn't see it that way. Angie Mallard is a meth head who wants to get her family back together. Dave Bell is a high school girls volleyball coach who remembers his track star days. He soothes those memories with crack and a lot of drinking.
It takes extreme actions to get them all to Sanctuary: Monty an involuntary commitment by his parents, Angie the death of her daughter's ex-boyfriend, who she'd seduced, in a meth deal gone bad, and Dave barreling down the highway with a busload of volleyball players and his son with a bellyful of liquor and a head full of crack.
We see all the lies, to others and themselves most of all, the denials. Andrew Seaward writes convincingly and well as he tells his story. No convenient happy endings. Just truth about an addiction and what it can do to people.
This is a good read.
January 14, 2013
Some Are Sicker Than Others – Andrew Seaward
After their lives reach rock bottom, three ‘addictive personalities’ – Monty, Dave and Angie coincide at a rehabilitation centre called Sanctuary in the scenic Colorado mountains. Their lives are inter-connected by tragedy but just how much remains one of the driving forces of the novel.
This is a hard-hitting and extremely well-written account of the reality of living with a drug or alcohol. Life is grim for people with serious addictions and Seaward isn’t afraid to tell it like it is in his acerbic style. His writing is punchy, fresh and cliché-free with a thread of dark humour running through it. The micro details would suggest either first-hand experience or very heightened powers of observation – or perhaps both. His characterization and dialogue are spot on – I’m sure we’ve all met people like Dexter, and Nick is instantly memorable. Highly recommended though not for the faint-hearted or those who prefer a happy-ever-after ending.
After their lives reach rock bottom, three ‘addictive personalities’ – Monty, Dave and Angie coincide at a rehabilitation centre called Sanctuary in the scenic Colorado mountains. Their lives are inter-connected by tragedy but just how much remains one of the driving forces of the novel.
This is a hard-hitting and extremely well-written account of the reality of living with a drug or alcohol. Life is grim for people with serious addictions and Seaward isn’t afraid to tell it like it is in his acerbic style. His writing is punchy, fresh and cliché-free with a thread of dark humour running through it. The micro details would suggest either first-hand experience or very heightened powers of observation – or perhaps both. His characterization and dialogue are spot on – I’m sure we’ve all met people like Dexter, and Nick is instantly memorable. Highly recommended though not for the faint-hearted or those who prefer a happy-ever-after ending.
May 14, 2013
Frightening, lying, pretending, hurtful, selfish, inconsiderate are just a few words used to describe these very real characters in Mr. Sewards book.
The story revolves around three main characters, Monty an electrical engineer and an alcoholic who can’t get past step 4 of 12 steps in the in the AA program.
Dave a family man who was injured in a freak accident, and now is a volleyball coach who drives the team around while using meth and alcohol and endangering the lives of innocent children.
Angie, a woman divorced who had a terrible childhood and has now turned to crystal meth to help her out.
These three people are all sent to a rehab center in the Rocky Mountains and we will see how the characters actually know and are involved with each others problems.
It is very graphic and detailed but not sugar coated and goes thru the horrors and things that these diseased people will do to get what they need. A scary, but realistic look at the lives of these people who could be your next-door neighbors.
The story revolves around three main characters, Monty an electrical engineer and an alcoholic who can’t get past step 4 of 12 steps in the in the AA program.
Dave a family man who was injured in a freak accident, and now is a volleyball coach who drives the team around while using meth and alcohol and endangering the lives of innocent children.
Angie, a woman divorced who had a terrible childhood and has now turned to crystal meth to help her out.
These three people are all sent to a rehab center in the Rocky Mountains and we will see how the characters actually know and are involved with each others problems.
It is very graphic and detailed but not sugar coated and goes thru the horrors and things that these diseased people will do to get what they need. A scary, but realistic look at the lives of these people who could be your next-door neighbors.
July 1, 2012
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway. Mr. Seaward does a brilliant job of showing you the inside of an addicts mind and the hell they go through when experiencing withdrawals and trying to stay sober. This book intertwines the lives of three people and they're addictions and they all finally end up at a rehab facility together. This story is tragic and feels real and intense. Interesting, very interesting.
January 26, 2014
I wish it was a little longer since it felt like some of the characters where just starting their journeys towards the end and I would like to know what comes next but it was still a really good book with great characters. It is definitely character driven and I fully enjoyed getting into the heads of some pretty sick people, even if it was a bit depressing at times.
May 2, 2012
Please give this book a read. It is only available through Kindle (or nook?). My friend self published this and it is his first novel. Really a good read and I'm trying to get him some readership.
I promise, it is an intriguing tale and it is worth it!
I promise, it is an intriguing tale and it is worth it!
March 6, 2013
Really takes you the thought process of the addict. Their denial and finally admitting the problem. I expected a real ending, but the more I think about it, I realize there never really is an end. Addiction is a never ending battle until you die.
June 6, 2012
I won this book in a giveaway and am thankful for it. My boyfriend is recovering as well. We actually read it together. I really enjoyed the book. We couldn't put it down.
January 15, 2013
What a great book! I really want to know what happened to them! Sequel please???
February 15, 2013
Revealing about the ways of an addict. A good read.
October 16, 2024
The title for this book is brilliant.
“Some Are Sicker Than Others”.
That couldn’t be more true.
Addiction touches what you touch, and destroys you and everyone in its path. It’s an ugly, raw, and heartbreaking disease.
This book is about three addicts whose lives intertwined with each other in an unexpected way. Their individual stores are told with such raw emotion, and the author captivates you with his attention to detail, when reading about what goes on in the mind of an addict. This book was depressing and true to the subject, with a very realistic ending. Very eye-opening.
I’ll be thinking about the ending of this book for a while..
“Some Are Sicker Than Others”.
That couldn’t be more true.
Addiction touches what you touch, and destroys you and everyone in its path. It’s an ugly, raw, and heartbreaking disease.
This book is about three addicts whose lives intertwined with each other in an unexpected way. Their individual stores are told with such raw emotion, and the author captivates you with his attention to detail, when reading about what goes on in the mind of an addict. This book was depressing and true to the subject, with a very realistic ending. Very eye-opening.
I’ll be thinking about the ending of this book for a while..
August 3, 2013
Great story interrupted with bad editing
I can see where this book would appeal to those who are recovering or folks who know someone who has lived this hell. It is an engrossing read, detailing the lives of addicts. However, this book needs to be sent to a professional editor.
Angie, Sarah, (Angie’s daughter), Dave, and Monty are the main characters. Angie, Dave and Monty all wind up in rehab. It appears they were admitted against their will. Enter Jerry Springer. Angie is dating Sarah’s (17) ex-boyfriend Rick (28) a meth head and distributor. Really? Mom and dad didn’t have a problem with this?
Pro’s: There is a hard hitting story about addicts who are constantly living in denial and blaming everyone for their ills. Now that’s a good story line from an author who admits to being an addict. My hats off.
Con’s: Too many to list. Face tags are in extreme overabundance. When only two people are talking, we don’t need to see their names every sentence. The word “got” is a glaring irritation. Surely the author could have spent a little more time with these sentences.
I also lost count of the run-on compound sentences. I found thirty-four instances in the first thirty-six pages. After a while, like his characters, I didn’t care. Come on man, do your work the justice it deserves.
Sentence structure: It’s very unusual and convoluted. Now, this being a book on addiction, perhaps it was deliberate. Once a point is made, why is it followed with extraneous and unnecessary descriptions? And then there are the ones where I was scratching my head. Here are some examples:
1) “he said, in barley a whisper, as is if didn’t have the strength to use his vocal chords.”
We get it, move on.
2) “in one fluid motion, pushed it into the swirling red ambulance.” The ambulance is swirling?
3) “The table just looked at him, like he was crazy.” Really? The table looked at him? How about, “the group at the table looked at him…” I mean, many other events are detailed down to the last iota. Why stop here?
There’s a host of others, but you get the idea.
Operations of cars: This became maddening. I lost count how many times we were told how to start a car and scrape the ice off windows. Really?
The rehab center: Sanctuary. I really had a difficult time believe this scenario. Why? Okay, those who are in the detox trailer, (where all the drugs are stored) is only manned by one nurse and seventy-five percent of the time, no ones watching the store so the patients have easy access to all the pills they can steal? And for a highly recommended institution, there’s only two other people in the complex: Jordan, the head councilor/owner and Nick, a recovering meth head? Seriously? I kept wondering, where’s everyone else? Guess they’re all on coffee breaks or something.
I’m sure this review is going to receive a flurry of down votes. Look, it’s a promising story, but if the author would take the time to tighten it up, it’s definitely a blockbuster. Yes, it currently has 108 reviews, but why settle for mediocrity when it could easily garner 300+?
Content is a five. Editing is a two.
I can see where this book would appeal to those who are recovering or folks who know someone who has lived this hell. It is an engrossing read, detailing the lives of addicts. However, this book needs to be sent to a professional editor.
Angie, Sarah, (Angie’s daughter), Dave, and Monty are the main characters. Angie, Dave and Monty all wind up in rehab. It appears they were admitted against their will. Enter Jerry Springer. Angie is dating Sarah’s (17) ex-boyfriend Rick (28) a meth head and distributor. Really? Mom and dad didn’t have a problem with this?
Pro’s: There is a hard hitting story about addicts who are constantly living in denial and blaming everyone for their ills. Now that’s a good story line from an author who admits to being an addict. My hats off.
Con’s: Too many to list. Face tags are in extreme overabundance. When only two people are talking, we don’t need to see their names every sentence. The word “got” is a glaring irritation. Surely the author could have spent a little more time with these sentences.
I also lost count of the run-on compound sentences. I found thirty-four instances in the first thirty-six pages. After a while, like his characters, I didn’t care. Come on man, do your work the justice it deserves.
Sentence structure: It’s very unusual and convoluted. Now, this being a book on addiction, perhaps it was deliberate. Once a point is made, why is it followed with extraneous and unnecessary descriptions? And then there are the ones where I was scratching my head. Here are some examples:
1) “he said, in barley a whisper, as is if didn’t have the strength to use his vocal chords.”
We get it, move on.
2) “in one fluid motion, pushed it into the swirling red ambulance.” The ambulance is swirling?
3) “The table just looked at him, like he was crazy.” Really? The table looked at him? How about, “the group at the table looked at him…” I mean, many other events are detailed down to the last iota. Why stop here?
There’s a host of others, but you get the idea.
Operations of cars: This became maddening. I lost count how many times we were told how to start a car and scrape the ice off windows. Really?
The rehab center: Sanctuary. I really had a difficult time believe this scenario. Why? Okay, those who are in the detox trailer, (where all the drugs are stored) is only manned by one nurse and seventy-five percent of the time, no ones watching the store so the patients have easy access to all the pills they can steal? And for a highly recommended institution, there’s only two other people in the complex: Jordan, the head councilor/owner and Nick, a recovering meth head? Seriously? I kept wondering, where’s everyone else? Guess they’re all on coffee breaks or something.
I’m sure this review is going to receive a flurry of down votes. Look, it’s a promising story, but if the author would take the time to tighten it up, it’s definitely a blockbuster. Yes, it currently has 108 reviews, but why settle for mediocrity when it could easily garner 300+?
Content is a five. Editing is a two.
July 7, 2012
Okay, I'm going to do this fast, so don't mind if I make mistakes.
Some are sicker than others.
The name of the book says it all.
But I didn't know that till I read it.
I think this book is not for kids but for adults.
There's drugs, sexual stuff, and disgusting stuff.
Disgusting as in... throwing up.
I liked the story and how it goes to another character on some chapters.
Monty, Dave, and Angie. They all had problems and not one had a happy ending.
That is how real life is and that is why I liked it.
I also like the way he connected the characters and the story into one.
In the first part I did not like Dave at all. But at the end I liked him.
Sooooo.... glad that he told Monty when he found out. Dave was crazy!! Crazy I tell ya. I'm kidding lol. But he does have attitude problems and I didn't like him all throughout the book. But I like what he did in the end. That took a lot of courage. Courage.... if that is the right word. I hope it is.
I have a lot to say about this book but I have to go now.
Thanks Andrew!
Found some mistakes in the novel but I don't mind. I'm going to hide this entire review because I think I spoiled some parts of the story.
Some are sicker than others.
The name of the book says it all.
But I didn't know that till I read it.
I think this book is not for kids but for adults.
There's drugs, sexual stuff, and disgusting stuff.
Disgusting as in... throwing up.
I liked the story and how it goes to another character on some chapters.
Monty, Dave, and Angie. They all had problems and not one had a happy ending.
That is how real life is and that is why I liked it.
I also like the way he connected the characters and the story into one.
In the first part I did not like Dave at all. But at the end I liked him.
Sooooo.... glad that he told Monty when he found out. Dave was crazy!! Crazy I tell ya. I'm kidding lol. But he does have attitude problems and I didn't like him all throughout the book. But I like what he did in the end. That took a lot of courage. Courage.... if that is the right word. I hope it is.
I have a lot to say about this book but I have to go now.
Thanks Andrew!
Found some mistakes in the novel but I don't mind. I'm going to hide this entire review because I think I spoiled some parts of the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2013
Well, well, well....
This book was.....educational?
I don't really know what to say. About 30% of the book had me skeeved out. Don't get me wrong, I was totally curious about these psychological issues, and although I haven't been to AA, I could imagine it was something similar to what was told to us in the book.
I just...didn't relate to anyone. I didn't connect with it? My apologies, I'm still trying to figure out what it was that just didn't "click" for me.
I'm hanging on to the plot, but let me explain about the writing style.
There were times when it was well written, and there were times when it wasn't so smooth. I wasn't in love with the style, but it wasn't terrible. I'm not going to shit on it because we all have our opinions, and it wasn't anything striking to me.
That being said, until I figure out further how I feel about this book, I'm leaving this review alone.
3 stars.
Try it out.
This book was.....educational?
I don't really know what to say. About 30% of the book had me skeeved out. Don't get me wrong, I was totally curious about these psychological issues, and although I haven't been to AA, I could imagine it was something similar to what was told to us in the book.
I just...didn't relate to anyone. I didn't connect with it? My apologies, I'm still trying to figure out what it was that just didn't "click" for me.
I'm hanging on to the plot, but let me explain about the writing style.
There were times when it was well written, and there were times when it wasn't so smooth. I wasn't in love with the style, but it wasn't terrible. I'm not going to shit on it because we all have our opinions, and it wasn't anything striking to me.
That being said, until I figure out further how I feel about this book, I'm leaving this review alone.
3 stars.
Try it out.
May 19, 2013
"Some Are Sicker Than Others" is a very real and accurate portrayal of the behavior and thought patterns of people addicted to chemical substances. The author does an excellent job of going behind the drug use of his characters and allowing the reader into their private, often delusional worlds to see up close and personal the devastating effects of their individual addictions. The story is brutal and intense, but it is also incredibly honest. It is also very well-written and flows seamlessly to its ending with a few really good twists. I would recommend this to anyone who can handle a dose of stark reality and who would like to take a look into the darkness of addiction. You'll probably feel anger, sadness, fear, frustration - all of which are a wonderful tribute to the talent of the author and are consistent with the experience of being a part of an addict's life.
June 7, 2013
Some Are Sicker than Others is a very real and accurate portrayal of the behavior of people addicted to drug and deal with Alcoholism. It gave me insight into understanding the denial that is such a big part of drug addiction. Also, it describes the differences in types of drug/alcohol addiction while weaving it into a believable story that held my interest.
The story is brutal and intense, but it is also incredibly honest. It tells the story of three addicts, Dave, Angie & Monty. Each with their own tale of desperation but connected all the same.
Andrews Seaward’s writing put me right there in the middle of everything. I could see, touch, and feel the environment and the characters emotions.
I would recommend this to anyone who can handle a dose of stark reality and who would like to take a look into the darkness of addiction.
The story is brutal and intense, but it is also incredibly honest. It tells the story of three addicts, Dave, Angie & Monty. Each with their own tale of desperation but connected all the same.
Andrews Seaward’s writing put me right there in the middle of everything. I could see, touch, and feel the environment and the characters emotions.
I would recommend this to anyone who can handle a dose of stark reality and who would like to take a look into the darkness of addiction.
July 4, 2012
This was a first reads book that I received free. I really liked this book. It drew me in right fron the first and I wanted to see what was going to happen to the characters. It was interesting how each of the characters interesected in their lives and came to rehab. It was also interesting to hear their different stories and then how they thought they weren't addicted and how someone or something else was the problem not them. It opened my eyes to the problems these people were facing and how they made problems out of things that weren't problems and they justified what they were doing. I was glad that it wasn't a predictable ending and that not everyone can be saved from themselves. I would definitely read another of this author's books. Thank you!!
February 19, 2013
Well written and full of wonderful in descriptive language, Some Are Sicker Than Others, takes a snap shot look into the pathetic lives of three addicts. It's is raw and opens the reader's eyes to the horrors of addiction for both the addict and their families. No one, who isn't an addict, can begin to understand the cycles and the battles, both internal and external that they face but this book cracks the door into the world of an addict and the lives they struggle to love through each day. (I actually narrated the audio book version and was not asked to review it but as I did read it, several times, I felt my option was worth two cents.)
June 10, 2013
I really loved this book. It was a captivating story of three people who struggle with addiction. The level of detail in the story really magnifies the seriousness of the illness of addiction. The author does not shy away from describing horrifying situations. The stories are so sad and so real. And the best part for me was that the book ended the way it should end. The author stayed true to the characters, their stories, and didn't sugar coat anything. I was captivated and moved through the entire book.
Update: It's been several weeks since I finished this book. I cannot stop thinking about it and how good it was. I rarely reread books, but I think I will reread this one.
Update: It's been several weeks since I finished this book. I cannot stop thinking about it and how good it was. I rarely reread books, but I think I will reread this one.
May 27, 2013
Best book I've read in a long time. It completely engrossed me and took over my life! I'm glad all books aren't that good or I'd never get anything done! BUT, it's FULL of bad curse words and gross stuff. It's all about addiction and goes into detail on a lot of their binges. There's a crack addict, an alcoholic and a meth addict. They all end up crossing paths at the same rehab facility in the end. Obviously, it's very sad. But wow, that guy is a great writer. I might like him as much as my favorite, Wally Lamb (who never writes enough books!).
November 17, 2013
A book only a once been an addict can understand. Be it any kind of addiction. This book is all about- that no one can save you from your own fate. Monty's journey to Dave's and Angie's failure everything made sense... as why to people do things they do to themselves. This would be a pity to people who have lead a simple sorted out life but only an addict can understand this. Was sure that the author himself would have been an addict coz it's impossible to feel like an addict unless you have been one before. Beautiful/ terribly truthful and sincerely painful in its own way.
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