Review of Dear Heroin

[Kelsey Fulton]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Dear Heroin" by Linda Morrison.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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It is said in recovery communities that addiction is a family disease, not just because there is a genetic factor, but also because one person's addiction affects the whole family. Most recovery meetings observe moments of silence for the still sick and suffering, and some also observe these moments for those "caught in the crossfire" of another's addiction. Linda Morrison is one such person, desperately fighting for her son's life as he sought relief both through and from heroin.

Aptly titled, Dear Heroin: A Memoir of Goodbyes chronicles the devastating addiction of Morrison's son Mike. The book begins at the end of Mike's journey, with news from a police officer that no parent wants to hear: "I'm sorry to inform you of the death of your son." From there, Morrison takes us through the final years of her son's life, with vivid accounts of sweet everyday memories and the distressing tensions between them. Mike was charming and well-liked, came from a loving family of five, and had bright eyes that those closest to him will always remember. He made friends everywhere he went, including at the multiple rehabs he attended. Mike could remain sober for a while, passionate about recovery, but always slipped into heartbreaking relapses. This cycle repeated over and over for four harrowing years. All the while, he fought, and his family fought alongside him.

Morrison recounts her son's life with such deep love that readers cannot help but feel each hope and heartbreak with her. Even through hurt and disappointment, Morrison's dedication to Mike never wavered. Furthermore, the degree of detail of events and conversations that she articulates is astounding. Writing a book about such a profound loss can both reopen and help heal the wound; Morrison's courage in doing so is commendable. She writes that this book is an act of love, and it shows on every page. There was absolutely nothing to dislike about this memoir. It is raw, authentic, and captivating. Additionally, the editing is exceptional, as I did not find a single error. I happily rate Morrison's memoir 5 out of 5 stars.

I recommend this book to the tender-hearted and the thick-skinned, the lover and the fighter, the grateful and the bitter. All of the above are susceptible to experiencing or witnessing addiction. Dear Heroin is not a light read, and by nature it covers heavy topics such as suicide and drug use. For those who want a glimpse of pure love and loss, however, I encourage you to follow Mike's journey and Linda Morrison's heart.

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Dear Heroin
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Amy Luman]

I'm not really a fan of memoirs as they usually seem to come off with a theme of, "Why me?" This one seems different, though. Mike's struggle reminds me of everyone's in some way. Thanks!

[MercyNdungu]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Dear Heroin" by Linda Morrison.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Share This Review

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It is said in recovery communities that addiction is a family disease, not just because there is a genetic factor, but also because one person's addiction affects the whole family. Most recovery meetings observe moments of silence for the still sick and suffering, and some also observe these moments for those "caught in the crossfire" of another's addiction. Linda Morrison is one such person, desperately fighting for her son's life as he sought relief both through and from heroin.

Aptly titled, Dear Heroin: A Memoir of Goodbyes chronicles the devastating addiction of Morrison's son Mike. The book begins at the end of Mike's journey, with news from a police officer that no parent wants to hear: "I'm sorry to inform you of the death of your son." From there, Morrison takes us through the final years of her son's life, with vivid accounts of sweet everyday memories and the distressing tensions between them. Mike was charming and well-liked, came from a loving family of five, and had bright eyes that those closest to him will always remember. He made friends everywhere he went, including at the multiple rehabs he attended. Mike could remain sober for a while, passionate about recovery, but always slipped into heartbreaking relapses. This cycle repeated over and over for four harrowing years. All the while, he fought, and his family fought alongside him.

Morrison recounts her son's life with such deep love that readers cannot help but feel each hope and heartbreak with her. Even through hurt and disappointment, Morrison's dedication to Mike never wavered. Furthermore, the degree of detail of events and conversations that she articulates is astounding. Writing a book about such a profound loss can both reopen and help heal the wound; Morrison's courage in doing so is commendable. She writes that this book is an act of love, and it shows on every page. There was absolutely nothing to dislike about this memoir. It is raw, authentic, and captivating. Additionally, the editing is exceptional, as I did not find a single error. I happily rate Morrison's memoir 5 out of 5 stars.

I recommend this book to the tender-hearted and the thick-skinned, the lover and the fighter, the grateful and the bitter. All of the above are susceptible to experiencing or witnessing addiction. Dear Heroin is not a light read, and by nature it covers heavy topics such as suicide and drug use. For those who want a glimpse of pure love and loss, however, I encourage you to follow Mike's journey and Linda Morrison's heart.

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Dear Heroin
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Thank you for sharing your heartfelt review of "Dear Heroin: A Memoir of Goodbyes" by Linda Morrison. Your eloquent and compassionate commentary provides a powerful insight into the book's emotional depth and impact.

It's clear that this memoir touched you deeply, as you conveyed the profound and heartbreaking journey of Linda Morrison and her son, Mike. The book's exploration of addiction as a family disease, and the toll it takes not just on the individual but on their loved ones, is a poignant theme that many can relate to. Your mention of moments of silence in recovery meetings for those "caught in the crossfire" highlights the ripple effect of addiction on families, a theme that the book appears to capture poignantly.

Your praise for Morrison's storytelling, her vivid descriptions of everyday moments, and her ability to convey the complexities of love and hope in the face of addiction is compelling. It's evident that the book's authenticity and Morrison's unwavering dedication to her son deeply resonated with you.

Your acknowledgment of the book's editing quality adds to its overall appeal, and your 5-star rating reflects your high regard for this memoir. Your recommendation to a diverse audience, from the tender-hearted to the thick-skinned, demonstrates the universal themes and emotional impact of the book.

Thank you for sharing your review, which not only honors the author's courage in sharing this deeply personal story but also encourages others to explore the profound themes of love and loss that are at the heart of "Dear Heroin: A Memoir of Goodbyes." Your review is a testament to the power of literature to evoke empathy and understanding in readers.

[Kelvinna]

I appreciate the well-structured review. The author's excellent book and its intriguing title have piqued my interest, prompting me to add it to my bookshelf without a doubt.

[Anu Anand]

This book seems like a powerful reminder of how devastating addiction can be, not only for those struggling with it but also for their loved ones. The author’s honest storytelling captures the intense heartbreak, hope, and strength that families experience. A deeply moving read for anyone who wants to understand the impact of addiction on families.

[Kizito Lawrence]

Dear Heroin: A Memoir of Goodbyes, by Linda Morrison, is a wrenching testament to both the love and heartbreak of a mother as she watches her son Mike go through heroin addiction. It chronicles their hopes and disappointment in circles of hope and relapse, as Morrison paints in words what addiction does to families. Congrats BOTD

[Ilda Ebong Bochoboto]

Wow, I couldn’t have put it better myself! You truly captured the heart of Dear Heroin—the way addiction impacts not just the individual but their entire family. Your review highlights how Linda Morrison’s courage and love shine through even in her darkest moments, and it’s clear you really connected with her story. I especially loved how you mentioned this book’s audience, from the tender-hearted to the thick-skinned—it shows that anyone, regardless of experience, can take something valuable from her memoir. Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt review; it’s convinced me this is a must-read.

[Olga Markova]

Your review resonates with me, Kelsey. Sampling, I felt Linda's love for Mike in every word. I agree that this book is a courageous act of love by Linda to make Mike's life-ending addiction story help those who are going through like ordeals. No doubt it is an all-star read.

[Rebecca De Figueiredo]

Linda Morrison went through absolute hell, and my heart goes out to her. It must be dreadful to try so hard, to see your child suffer and succumb. The reviewer did a fine job of discussing this book, thank you.

[Corinna Borsato]

Addiction spreads his tentacles and reaps victims both among the drug users and among the families, the survivors. As a matter of fact, the dire consequences of a dependency on substances and loss of oneself are reflected in the torturous experiences of the close loved ones who have to watch helplessly the self-destructive show. They are victims too, maybe even more as they feel powerless to give a meaningful and life-saving contribution to having the other get clean. As the battle against addiction must, eventually, come from within, sometimes parents and siblings, friends and lovers have to be undergo the excruciating pain of seeing the sight of victory fade in the horizon.

[Seetha E]

The review shines with clarity and emotion, articulating the profound depth of the subject matter. It captures the essence of the struggle, while simultaneously celebrating the resilience needed to not only gather oneself after the loss but lend a helping hand to those struggling in similar situations. Added this to my reading list.

[Bertha Jackson]

I admire the author's courage in writing this book about her son, Mike, because addictions and suicides affect the entire family. Thank you for your informative review.

[Gerry Steen]

Thanks to the author, Linda Morrison, and her memoir "Dear Heroin" I will be made privy to the effects of heroin addiction on the user and the ones who love them. Addiction can sneak up on any of our loved ones or us at any time. This story will prepare us for the consequences of addiction.

[Princess Prudence]

I haven't found memoirs particularly interesting in the past, but this one stands out. It powerfully addresses the dangers of addiction and its impact on our loved ones, making it a highly recommended book. I truly recommend it. Congratulations to the Book of the Day!

[Brienna Cooper]

Great review! I already had an idea of what this book was about based on the title alone, but finding out it was a recounting of one’s life and tragic demise from their mother’s perspective was all the more heartbreaking. This is a solid and shattering reminder that addiction NEVER just affects one person. This is one where I’d definitely have to mentally prep myself before reading because it will likely have me in a puddle of tears.