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Glorious Rock Bottom
In Glorious Rock Bottom Bryony opens up about a toxic twenty-year relationship with alcohol and drugs and explains exactly why hitting rock bottom - for her, a traumatic event and the abrupt realisation that she was putting herself in danger, time and again - saved her life. Known for her trademark honesty, Bryony re-lives the darkest and most terrifying moments of her addiction, never shying away from the fact that alcoholism robs you of your ability to focus on your family, your work, your health, your children, yourself. And then, a chink of light as the hard work begins - rehab; AA meetings; endless, tedious, painful self-reflection - a rollercoaster ride through self-acceptance, friendship, love and hope, to a joy and pride in staying sober that her younger self could never have imagined.
Shining a light on the deep connection between addiction and mental health issues, Glorious Rock Bottom is in turn, shocking, brutal, dark, funny, hopeful and uplifting. It is a sobriety memoir like no other.
Shining a light on the deep connection between addiction and mental health issues, Glorious Rock Bottom is in turn, shocking, brutal, dark, funny, hopeful and uplifting. It is a sobriety memoir like no other.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published May 14, 2020
360 people are currently reading
2878 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
August 8, 2020
I read this book in one day. I cried my way through much of it. Alcoholism is such a misunderstood illness and I just wish this book could be read by those people who seek to punish addiction instead of getting to the root cause and offering the best treatment.
April 22, 2022
Wow… this book hit me hard. I’m a recovering alcoholic, currently 7 months sober. I was not prepared for how much I would see myself in this book. It’s funny because even now I still find ways my brain is in denial. It shocked me at first just how much I related to the thoughts and emotions Bryony talks about… and I had to take a step back and say to myself ‘well of course you do, you’re an alcoholic too.’ I found a lot of comfort in this book. Not just in her recovery, but also in her illness. I found comfort in the good and bad. Knowing these thoughts and emotions and behaviours and cravings and outbursts I get are things other addicts experience too. I’m not alone. This book was hard to read at times being so close to home, and I had to take a few breaks, but it is such a powerful and much needed book!! I highly recommend reading it.
August 24, 2020
What a book!!!! 10/10.
Does exactly what is says on the tin, 'razor sharp honesty'.
I am 5 weeks into my sobriety and it felt like I was reading about myself at times, scary but true.
She is brutally open and honest and it is so refreshing. Reading this book has helped me enormously with my journey and I will revert back to it for help and guidance.
Bryony is so inspiring and if anyone is at the beginning of their sobriety, pick this up and give it a whirl. You are not alone, going mad or worthless, there is hope and a guaranteed better life without alcohol.
Thank you Bryony Gordon! x
Does exactly what is says on the tin, 'razor sharp honesty'.
I am 5 weeks into my sobriety and it felt like I was reading about myself at times, scary but true.
She is brutally open and honest and it is so refreshing. Reading this book has helped me enormously with my journey and I will revert back to it for help and guidance.
Bryony is so inspiring and if anyone is at the beginning of their sobriety, pick this up and give it a whirl. You are not alone, going mad or worthless, there is hope and a guaranteed better life without alcohol.
Thank you Bryony Gordon! x
March 28, 2022
I have loved Bryony Gordon’s writing ever since ‘Mad Girl’ - the first time I’d ever seen the symptoms of Pure OCD put into mainstream public consciousness.
In Glorious Rock Bottom, Bryony gives a similarly candid account of alcoholism. No details are spared and it makes for very tough reading at times. However, this is what makes Bryony’s books so effective. They really dig deep and leave no stone unturned to convey the grim realities of these conditions.
The term “mental health awareness” is bandied about in such a facile way to the point where it’s lost all meaning, but Bryony genuinely does raise awareness of incredibly debilitating and life changing conditions.
The key? She’s not afraid to delve into topics of shame, pain or disgust which plague most people with mental illnesses and addiction. Until mainstream society realises that “mental health awareness” cannot be sanitised and palatable, no real awareness will ever be achieved.
We need to be more comfortable talking about incredibly uncomfortable behaviours and symptoms.Bryony does a fantastic job of extending out a hand and saying ‘I’ve been there.’
The book also shows how covert and insidious these conditions can be. I was surprised to learn that Bryony was suffering at the height of her success - when she’d written best-selling books, ran a marathon and became widely revered as a mental health advocate. It highlights how suffering can be hiding in plain sight and the old lesson of “don’t believe everything you see on Instagram”. Demons don’t take a holiday, even for commercial success.
I could not put this book down and read it within 24 hours. I’d recommend it to anyone who has found themselves at a tremendous low point or feel alienated by the ‘rainbow and sparkle’ lives that people share on social media, or indeed in real life.
This book, warts and all, is a beacon of hope and is a testament to the human ability to persist and endure. 5 stars.
In Glorious Rock Bottom, Bryony gives a similarly candid account of alcoholism. No details are spared and it makes for very tough reading at times. However, this is what makes Bryony’s books so effective. They really dig deep and leave no stone unturned to convey the grim realities of these conditions.
The term “mental health awareness” is bandied about in such a facile way to the point where it’s lost all meaning, but Bryony genuinely does raise awareness of incredibly debilitating and life changing conditions.
The key? She’s not afraid to delve into topics of shame, pain or disgust which plague most people with mental illnesses and addiction. Until mainstream society realises that “mental health awareness” cannot be sanitised and palatable, no real awareness will ever be achieved.
We need to be more comfortable talking about incredibly uncomfortable behaviours and symptoms.Bryony does a fantastic job of extending out a hand and saying ‘I’ve been there.’
The book also shows how covert and insidious these conditions can be. I was surprised to learn that Bryony was suffering at the height of her success - when she’d written best-selling books, ran a marathon and became widely revered as a mental health advocate. It highlights how suffering can be hiding in plain sight and the old lesson of “don’t believe everything you see on Instagram”. Demons don’t take a holiday, even for commercial success.
I could not put this book down and read it within 24 hours. I’d recommend it to anyone who has found themselves at a tremendous low point or feel alienated by the ‘rainbow and sparkle’ lives that people share on social media, or indeed in real life.
This book, warts and all, is a beacon of hope and is a testament to the human ability to persist and endure. 5 stars.
December 26, 2020
Very readable, full of striking honesty about the impact alcohol dependency has had on Briony Gordon’s life and loved ones.
However, it felt to me like a collection of magazine articles stretched out into a book. I loved the idea of alcohol as “a depressant masquerading remarkably well as a relaxant, an Oscar-winning actor”, but including it twice felt like sloppy editing.
I'm glad I read this one, but I'm not rushing to read her others.
However, it felt to me like a collection of magazine articles stretched out into a book. I loved the idea of alcohol as “a depressant masquerading remarkably well as a relaxant, an Oscar-winning actor”, but including it twice felt like sloppy editing.
I'm glad I read this one, but I'm not rushing to read her others.
August 14, 2020
I don’t normally write reviews but this book was so beautifully raw and had such an effect on me, I felt the need to.
I’ve always loved Bryony Gordon’s books and have previously thoroughly enjoyed Mad Girl, The Wrong Knickers & Eat, Drink, Run so I couldn’t wait to read this!
Her open, honest stories of the takeover and hold that alcohol and drugs had on her are really eye opening and at times uncomfortable, and I found myself crying reading her words on more than one occasion. I also found myself highlighting paragraphs of the hope she felt to send to other people. This is one of the best books I’ve read this year, and I would recommend it to anyone!
I’ve always loved Bryony Gordon’s books and have previously thoroughly enjoyed Mad Girl, The Wrong Knickers & Eat, Drink, Run so I couldn’t wait to read this!
Her open, honest stories of the takeover and hold that alcohol and drugs had on her are really eye opening and at times uncomfortable, and I found myself crying reading her words on more than one occasion. I also found myself highlighting paragraphs of the hope she felt to send to other people. This is one of the best books I’ve read this year, and I would recommend it to anyone!
January 19, 2021
Entertaining and emotive in parts, but it got a bit repetitive and I found the author/narrator incredibly self absorbed, spoilt and almost looking for sympathy/empathy from the reader.
May 15, 2022
Absolutely love Bryony's honesty and rawness, as well as her self-deprecating humour, no matter what topic she covers. Having lost people to alcoholism, I could find some familiar behaviours in her stories, but even more so, reading about the inner turmoil of an alcoholic was quite revealing and helpful in a sense. I really hope she continues to thrive in her sobriety. If you're new to her writing - I really recommend reading Mad Girl first.
December 4, 2022
This is the second book I have read on the power of going sober and reality of alcohol addiction. The way Bryony writes about the reality, shame and self-loathing that comes with alcohol addiction without us realising from her own experiences, really hit home. I’m grateful for her honesty, and grateful for this book is all I can say 🤍
November 2, 2024
One of the better addiction memoirs I’ve read. She was already a great writer so I’m sure that helps :)
July 16, 2023
"This is how my brain works: a thought is not just a thought but an absolute command, and as soon as it comes into my head I have to action it or risk broiling my brain alive in its own toxic juices."
I've never encountered any of Bryony Gordon's writing before but I liked it. And even though I've read a few memoirs like this I was gobsmacked by Gordon's bravery in admitting the extent of her addiction, including cheating and the times she put her child second not because I'm shocked it happened, but that she'd say so. We still judge mothers so harshly and that shame around parenting and addiction hurts far more than it helps. I'm glad this book exists.
I've never encountered any of Bryony Gordon's writing before but I liked it. And even though I've read a few memoirs like this I was gobsmacked by Gordon's bravery in admitting the extent of her addiction, including cheating and the times she put her child second not because I'm shocked it happened, but that she'd say so. We still judge mothers so harshly and that shame around parenting and addiction hurts far more than it helps. I'm glad this book exists.
July 14, 2024
Found this incredibly difficult to read, since its subject matter is very close to my heart. I had to take breaks whilst reading it.
I read this primarily to understand my father better, and I think it accomplished that. So, thank you Bryony.
I read this primarily to understand my father better, and I think it accomplished that. So, thank you Bryony.
January 13, 2023
So bravely honest and horrifying. First Bryony Gordon faced her demons, then she fought them (and is still fighting-you’re always an addict and she’s thankfully in recovery now), and then she wrote it all down and revealed everything to the public. Such an incredible hero and a talented writer.
August 7, 2020
Basically I will read whatever books Bryony writes. I came across her by accident a few years ago with her book about running and expected fluff and then got entertaining depth. This is I think the darkest of her books as she tackles her alcoholism with brutal honesty including the impact on her family. This is her story through this and what I appreciate about her writing is that you go on this journey with her especially as she unpacks the layers of bullshit and denial she had surrounded herself with. The writing is witty, smart and so very very real. I can imagine how helpful this would be for people with similar struggles. It takes courage to be this honest and it does deserve 5 stars.
August 14, 2020
Disclaimer: Bryony is an acquaintance.
Today is 4 months since I quit drinking. When I wrote a piece about it for You Magazine, Bryony reached out to offer support and suggested AA. Reading this searingly honest memoir is hard going— it’s super readable— but hard to digest, especially as I am at the beginning of my own similar journey. Her sober anniversary is my birthday, and later this month when I celebrate, I will raise a glass of non-alcoholic something to her.
Today is 4 months since I quit drinking. When I wrote a piece about it for You Magazine, Bryony reached out to offer support and suggested AA. Reading this searingly honest memoir is hard going— it’s super readable— but hard to digest, especially as I am at the beginning of my own similar journey. Her sober anniversary is my birthday, and later this month when I celebrate, I will raise a glass of non-alcoholic something to her.
September 10, 2021
Reflections and lessons learned:
“I wanted to shake everyone, ‘DRINK’ I wanted to shout, “you’re allowed to drink so why aren’t you drinking properly!’”
I chose to read this book straight after a book on letting go in in shame free hook ups, where letting go, and following physical instincts for an escape, as a bad thing, and the day before an anniversary where I planned to drink champagne for breakfast and indulge in food and multiple other drinks to celebrate. Go hard or go home is an oft repeated mantra in our fairly tame living house - when you get the opportunity isn’t life organised and tough enough not to want to break free every now and again? Life is short and it’s only the experience that we make it for ourselves, but I completely see how this got out of hand for Gordon - where the darker moments in life have sent me reflecting that I maybe should control a few more of the elements of letting go, it’s usually been the guilt in retelling an anecdote that has driven me to add an act to the ‘maybe not to be repeated’ list. Why should everyone be that dull though?
I found this quite a frustrating read on first reflection, as the simple ‘pour me, pour me’ bandwagon is always too easy to jump on and she was a mother with multiple vices - as a fellow mother my set life perspective screamed how could she do this? After my own day of anniversary planned excess and fun though I’ve changed my rating - she’s human and was trying to deal with life by living it - surely that’s always better than trying to deal with life by not experiencing and pushing the boundaries? Ok, so she hid behind excess and those naughty non taxable drugs rather than prescribed numbing medication but still deserves the sympathy. I think that this tale will be relatable to many as the 80s kids reach their more analysing 40s decade. I only wished that I would have read the full back catalogue first though rather than jumping to this one, as wider pre marriage/family context was what I spent a lot of time wondering about for Gordon - a few more for my to be read list
“I wanted to shake everyone, ‘DRINK’ I wanted to shout, “you’re allowed to drink so why aren’t you drinking properly!’”
I chose to read this book straight after a book on letting go in in shame free hook ups, where letting go, and following physical instincts for an escape, as a bad thing, and the day before an anniversary where I planned to drink champagne for breakfast and indulge in food and multiple other drinks to celebrate. Go hard or go home is an oft repeated mantra in our fairly tame living house - when you get the opportunity isn’t life organised and tough enough not to want to break free every now and again? Life is short and it’s only the experience that we make it for ourselves, but I completely see how this got out of hand for Gordon - where the darker moments in life have sent me reflecting that I maybe should control a few more of the elements of letting go, it’s usually been the guilt in retelling an anecdote that has driven me to add an act to the ‘maybe not to be repeated’ list. Why should everyone be that dull though?
I found this quite a frustrating read on first reflection, as the simple ‘pour me, pour me’ bandwagon is always too easy to jump on and she was a mother with multiple vices - as a fellow mother my set life perspective screamed how could she do this? After my own day of anniversary planned excess and fun though I’ve changed my rating - she’s human and was trying to deal with life by living it - surely that’s always better than trying to deal with life by not experiencing and pushing the boundaries? Ok, so she hid behind excess and those naughty non taxable drugs rather than prescribed numbing medication but still deserves the sympathy. I think that this tale will be relatable to many as the 80s kids reach their more analysing 40s decade. I only wished that I would have read the full back catalogue first though rather than jumping to this one, as wider pre marriage/family context was what I spent a lot of time wondering about for Gordon - a few more for my to be read list
December 27, 2021
I bought Bryony Gordon's Glorious Rock Bottom on a complete whim months ago because I loved the cover and the title intrigued me, and it turned out to be an incredible yet utterly sobering - pun intended - read.
Billed a "sobriety memoir like no other" - and rightly so - in Glorious Rock Bottom, Gordon opens up about two decades of alcohol and drug abuse, and the way her "party girl" life nearly ruined her life and her family.
"Alcohol is a depressant masquerading remarkably well as a relaxant, an Oscar-winning actor that had me fooled for years."
In soul-baring flashes to the past, to recovery and to life after getting sober, Gordon paints the reader a picture of the height of her addiction, and echoes so many messages we've heard so often - I'm not an alcoholic, *I* couldn't possibly quit drinking, going to rehab only happens to OTHER people...
"The thing is, addiction is a lift going down. You can choose to get off at whatever floor you want, but if you get back on, you will go lower. It will get worse."
It's not an easy read, and there were times the author's self-doubt really wore on me, but it's SO REAL. And so relatable, whether you're an addict or not. It's not a story of never drinking again and life being magically perfect. It's a story of an addict's struggles and triumphs, and how the wins often look like absolutely ordinary moments.
"The shame attached to alcoholism is what kept me in it so long."
This memoir isn't reflective of my story, but like most books about alcohol prove, it could easily have been. Reading it reaffirmed my decision to go alcohol-free (16 months and counting! ✨) and whether you're sober, sober curious or think you'll never be THAT person who needs to give up the sauce forever, I urge you to read this book.
"So when people ask me why, I tell them this: 'I stopped drinking because I wanted to start living'."
Billed a "sobriety memoir like no other" - and rightly so - in Glorious Rock Bottom, Gordon opens up about two decades of alcohol and drug abuse, and the way her "party girl" life nearly ruined her life and her family.
"Alcohol is a depressant masquerading remarkably well as a relaxant, an Oscar-winning actor that had me fooled for years."
In soul-baring flashes to the past, to recovery and to life after getting sober, Gordon paints the reader a picture of the height of her addiction, and echoes so many messages we've heard so often - I'm not an alcoholic, *I* couldn't possibly quit drinking, going to rehab only happens to OTHER people...
"The thing is, addiction is a lift going down. You can choose to get off at whatever floor you want, but if you get back on, you will go lower. It will get worse."
It's not an easy read, and there were times the author's self-doubt really wore on me, but it's SO REAL. And so relatable, whether you're an addict or not. It's not a story of never drinking again and life being magically perfect. It's a story of an addict's struggles and triumphs, and how the wins often look like absolutely ordinary moments.
"The shame attached to alcoholism is what kept me in it so long."
This memoir isn't reflective of my story, but like most books about alcohol prove, it could easily have been. Reading it reaffirmed my decision to go alcohol-free (16 months and counting! ✨) and whether you're sober, sober curious or think you'll never be THAT person who needs to give up the sauce forever, I urge you to read this book.
"So when people ask me why, I tell them this: 'I stopped drinking because I wanted to start living'."
July 9, 2021
4.5⭐️
March 14, 2022
The most compelling, relatable and realistic sobriety memoir i’ve read. Bryony Gordon manages to make even the most serious of topics funny, without diluting the poignancy of the message. ♥️
June 17, 2024
Very personal and insightful and also very readable. I liked the choppy narrative and how things fitted together.
July 28, 2024
An inspiring, truthful and honest account of addiction and the rollercoaster of recovery.
November 14, 2023
Meh - gets a bit samey
December 16, 2020
This is a good book for anybody with an addiction, overcoming an addiction, or having been involved with someone with an addiction.
Being in a relationship with a person with an addiction can feel soul destroying, as the destructive behaviour can erode the trust in a relationship and cause long-lasting damage, I am pleased that Bryony was able to overcome it and turn things around between her and her partner.
I also find many of those who have been able to overcome an addiction go on to live happier and more fulfilled lives than many of those who never experienced such challenges. They are often people who are more self aware, and have more gratitude for the profound beauty in the simplicity of daily life.
Bryony says "life will always be full of new things to learn." I feel that this book paralleled some of my own struggle, when I suffered depression, I never thought it possible to enjoy the simple things in life, nor that I would find genuine interests, nor find contentment, as I gradually overcame it and started to heal, I discovered the beauty in the ordinary, daily life - I'm so thankful I held on. Much like Bryony, I now love baking and cooking, bird song and learning. There is so much to enjoy in life.
I appreciate books written by people who are authentic and honest, with life experience, Bryony is an earnest writer, I could hear it in the emotion of her voice when she was narrating her book on Audible.
In some other ways this book made me feel a little sad though, as Bryony was honest about her ability to overcome her addiction thanks to a lot of the privileges and support she had, I reflect on those who are not able to secure the help they need because of lack of access to finances and practical support, I think of how our country could better support those in need.
Being in a relationship with a person with an addiction can feel soul destroying, as the destructive behaviour can erode the trust in a relationship and cause long-lasting damage, I am pleased that Bryony was able to overcome it and turn things around between her and her partner.
I also find many of those who have been able to overcome an addiction go on to live happier and more fulfilled lives than many of those who never experienced such challenges. They are often people who are more self aware, and have more gratitude for the profound beauty in the simplicity of daily life.
Bryony says "life will always be full of new things to learn." I feel that this book paralleled some of my own struggle, when I suffered depression, I never thought it possible to enjoy the simple things in life, nor that I would find genuine interests, nor find contentment, as I gradually overcame it and started to heal, I discovered the beauty in the ordinary, daily life - I'm so thankful I held on. Much like Bryony, I now love baking and cooking, bird song and learning. There is so much to enjoy in life.
I appreciate books written by people who are authentic and honest, with life experience, Bryony is an earnest writer, I could hear it in the emotion of her voice when she was narrating her book on Audible.
In some other ways this book made me feel a little sad though, as Bryony was honest about her ability to overcome her addiction thanks to a lot of the privileges and support she had, I reflect on those who are not able to secure the help they need because of lack of access to finances and practical support, I think of how our country could better support those in need.
February 6, 2021
“One day we had to lie down on a giant piece of paper and let someone draw an outline around our bodies with a marker. Then we had an hour to fill in said outline, in a way that represented how we were feeling. As I painted my body with glitter, purely because it looked nice, I wondered if I was taking part in an elaborate con. But nothing was as it seemed on the surface in rehab. There was a deeper reason for everything. I was told that the glitter perhaps showed a person who was keen to hide their true self behind a sparkly front. ‘That’s way too obvious,’ I laughed, secretly annoyed that I was so obvious.”
Raw. Honest. Charming.
Never did I think I’d describe a book about alcoholism as “charming” but Gordon has such a way with words that I often found myself pulled into her life and her story in much the same way I assume booze pulled her in: with drama and a bit of a gamble. I felt deep sympathy and optimism while reading this book— and it’s definitely changed my understanding of addiction (for the better!). Would recommend for anyone wanting to educate themselves on addiction (especially from a female POV), or seeking help with growth and wellness. Pretty graphic in places with some triggers.
Raw. Honest. Charming.
Never did I think I’d describe a book about alcoholism as “charming” but Gordon has such a way with words that I often found myself pulled into her life and her story in much the same way I assume booze pulled her in: with drama and a bit of a gamble. I felt deep sympathy and optimism while reading this book— and it’s definitely changed my understanding of addiction (for the better!). Would recommend for anyone wanting to educate themselves on addiction (especially from a female POV), or seeking help with growth and wellness. Pretty graphic in places with some triggers.
February 13, 2021
Incredibly honest and moving account of Bryony's realisation that she was an alcoholic, and her journey into sobriety. This book would be excellent for anyone trying to understand more about alcoholism/addiction, or for someone undergoing a similar journey.
For me one of the most memorable parts is when she's sober for the first time at Christmas, and is able to observe how other people handle alcohol - sipping it slowly, just having one glass, choosing not to drink because they need to get up early etc, and the understanding that it's been a totally different experience for her, she could never have behaved in a reasonable, "sensible" way around alcohol. And how, also, the "addictive" personality will always seek something to blot out reality with - she then begins to struggle with food, and overworking. Support, understanding and compassion are crucial - particularly from people who have also been through it.
For me one of the most memorable parts is when she's sober for the first time at Christmas, and is able to observe how other people handle alcohol - sipping it slowly, just having one glass, choosing not to drink because they need to get up early etc, and the understanding that it's been a totally different experience for her, she could never have behaved in a reasonable, "sensible" way around alcohol. And how, also, the "addictive" personality will always seek something to blot out reality with - she then begins to struggle with food, and overworking. Support, understanding and compassion are crucial - particularly from people who have also been through it.
December 27, 2020
Heart breaking and honest
Writing this review as someone with an intimate knowledge of the disease of addiction, I can say that this is written by a lady who certainly knows her stuff, I identify with you, Byrony, all the way, I just wish I had your gift with words. The candid honesty is brave and breathtaking, as indeed we are only as sick as our secrets. I admire her dedication to achieving sobriety, you have to want it, knowing you need it it is not enough and so many die a agonising, slowest through failure. No, it is not easy but no matter how much pain you have to put yourself through to get it, it is by far the most wonderful thing one can possibly do. Even when those pesky emotions DO come back. Finally, if her story rings bells with you and your drinking or using please, please get help, before it's too late
Writing this review as someone with an intimate knowledge of the disease of addiction, I can say that this is written by a lady who certainly knows her stuff, I identify with you, Byrony, all the way, I just wish I had your gift with words. The candid honesty is brave and breathtaking, as indeed we are only as sick as our secrets. I admire her dedication to achieving sobriety, you have to want it, knowing you need it it is not enough and so many die a agonising, slowest through failure. No, it is not easy but no matter how much pain you have to put yourself through to get it, it is by far the most wonderful thing one can possibly do. Even when those pesky emotions DO come back. Finally, if her story rings bells with you and your drinking or using please, please get help, before it's too late
October 18, 2020
I already adore this lady (I once ran past her during a 10k event and was so starstruck after following her for years, all I did was just shout "Bryony, I love you!" at her) so when she released a new book, it was ordered straight away. I've only just got round to reading it and its taken me longer than I expected to be honest.
It. Is. Intense. This entire book documents Bryony's struggles, warts and all. There are parts that I found insanely difficult to read (there's a bit with her little girl and a hand drier that broke my heart) but, Bryony is very clear early on in the book that she isn't going to sugarcoat anything and my god she doesn't.
If possible, my respect for Bryony has just rocketed. Incredible read. Incredible woman. Incredible journey.
It. Is. Intense. This entire book documents Bryony's struggles, warts and all. There are parts that I found insanely difficult to read (there's a bit with her little girl and a hand drier that broke my heart) but, Bryony is very clear early on in the book that she isn't going to sugarcoat anything and my god she doesn't.
If possible, my respect for Bryony has just rocketed. Incredible read. Incredible woman. Incredible journey.
December 19, 2020
It’s been 5.5 years since I stopped drinking. This was the first sober memoir I’ve picked up in years. At the time, I had read the lot and scunnered myself of them. I was attracted by Bryony’s writing. Ultimately, I was surprised by how cathartic it was. I’ve been there. All kudos to Bryony for laying her soul bare to help others. Because that’s what books like this do - you’re drinking, you feel like the worst person in the world, but a little spark in you identifies with what she went through and you think maybe you could do it too. You want that prize of LIFE on the other side, as Bryony so painfully and honestly describes. Glad you got here, B. I wouldn’t go back for all the tea in China...and I drink a LOT of tea now!
September 20, 2020
This is an incredibly brave book to write. It's very hard to break through shame, fear and social conditioning to speak about addiction or mental health issues and here Gordon pulls no punches about either. She takes you on her journey to sobriety and it's strong stuff. It's also necessary stuff. She already has a huge readership both in print and through her journalism and social media. Her previous books and campaign work for mental health charities have done brilliant things in terms of opening up the conversation and helping people speak up and get help. I hope this book will do the same for anyone in the grip of addiction.
February 7, 2021
A very honest account of a woman struggling with life from an early age that she blotted out with alcohol and drugs.
I found her honesty shocking, refreshing and sadly relatable. I like Bryony's writing style, it's like she's telling me her story over coffee so some parts/stories are brief. Having read some her other work, this book flowed on from her previous book. I was sad to read that all was not well after her marathon, but glad she sought the help she needed. A brave and admirable woman with a sad, but great story to tell.
I found her honesty shocking, refreshing and sadly relatable. I like Bryony's writing style, it's like she's telling me her story over coffee so some parts/stories are brief. Having read some her other work, this book flowed on from her previous book. I was sad to read that all was not well after her marathon, but glad she sought the help she needed. A brave and admirable woman with a sad, but great story to tell.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews