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Charlie and Me
A captivating autobiographical account of Catherine's life as she tries, and ultimately succeeds in escaping the clutches of alcoholism. She 'lands in Alcoholics Anonymous' and meets Charlie Gallagher who becomes her sponsor and mentor. He steers her through a sequence of challenges and setbacks and even a suicide attempt, always guided by his wisdom and sense of humour, characteristics that don't leave him to his dying moments. This is a captivating book about recovery and hope. Charlie and Me has a good healthy dose of humour that carries it along and will also appeal to those in the addiction professions, i.e. doctors, nurses, facilitators, those who work with addicts, anyone involved with alcoholism
160 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
December 1, 2018
Fantastic book, about faith, friendship, love, hope and respect for each other. This is about Cathy who when she had hit a low in her life, and had given up hope, met Charlie at an AA meeting, and he reminded her of who she really was, and that this was just a trial in life, to make her stronger, and that is what she became in the end, she saw herself again for the fantastic woman she always was, Charlie was her Angel on earth. He may now have passed but he left enough of his spirit to sustain Cathy, and remind her that all she ever needs is to remember to keep the faith in herself, and what she can accomplish and survive.
June 16, 2016
Charlie & me.
Written by Catherine Barry.
This is the book that I bought when I was in Dublin. Walking around in the city and I saw the old and ancient bookstore that seemed about to close for ever.
I grabbed one as a souvenir and it took me two seasons to start reading it. Overall, I think this book has moderate plot but i agree to say it contains a valuable lesson to can be pondered upon.
Cathy, who was alcoholic, depressed and mother of 3 children (if I am not mistaken) met an old man named Charlie. She was almost giving up her life since everything was messed up. But since she found Charlie, he gave her a light to guide her way out from the difficulties of life that she suffered since back then. Charlie was always there for her every time she needed someone to talk to, to refer to and to give her some advices whenever she felt low. Cathy was about to commit a suicide one day, but Charlie came over and mocked her to just do it. The way Charlie handled her was manly and wise that made her think twice before doing something.
I fall in love with Charlie’s character. After he had gone through the bad times in his life, he tried to save Cathy from repeating his wrongdoings. Charlie always believed when life gave you a lemon, it would turn out okay soon. The burden that we lifted on our shoulder wouldn’t last forever. Our self-worth might not be seen, hence we are responsible to uplift our life’s value and cherish every moment that we have. The past is past. We won’t be able to change it to the way that we want, instead the future is still in our hands. That is more important for us to be focused on.
I view this book as a motivational book since it is my fav genre. After all, no matter what religion you are, we subconsciously know despite all the hardship in our life, God (Allah) is always there to help us going through them, even though it is not sane to possibly happen. I believe they (obstacles, challenges) come not to let you down, instead it strengthens you more than you can imagine.
Charlie spoke this when he was about to die ;
‘ My body is just a carcass. A vessel for the soul. It’s nothing more, and you must believe it. This dies but I do not. This is nothing but a shell. God gave it to me for a loan while I was on this earth. Now He wants to take it back. But my spirit, my soul - me, Charlie, he goes on.
Remember me for what I did, and not what i said. That was all I ever wanted"
Written by Catherine Barry.
This is the book that I bought when I was in Dublin. Walking around in the city and I saw the old and ancient bookstore that seemed about to close for ever.
I grabbed one as a souvenir and it took me two seasons to start reading it. Overall, I think this book has moderate plot but i agree to say it contains a valuable lesson to can be pondered upon.
Cathy, who was alcoholic, depressed and mother of 3 children (if I am not mistaken) met an old man named Charlie. She was almost giving up her life since everything was messed up. But since she found Charlie, he gave her a light to guide her way out from the difficulties of life that she suffered since back then. Charlie was always there for her every time she needed someone to talk to, to refer to and to give her some advices whenever she felt low. Cathy was about to commit a suicide one day, but Charlie came over and mocked her to just do it. The way Charlie handled her was manly and wise that made her think twice before doing something.
I fall in love with Charlie’s character. After he had gone through the bad times in his life, he tried to save Cathy from repeating his wrongdoings. Charlie always believed when life gave you a lemon, it would turn out okay soon. The burden that we lifted on our shoulder wouldn’t last forever. Our self-worth might not be seen, hence we are responsible to uplift our life’s value and cherish every moment that we have. The past is past. We won’t be able to change it to the way that we want, instead the future is still in our hands. That is more important for us to be focused on.
I view this book as a motivational book since it is my fav genre. After all, no matter what religion you are, we subconsciously know despite all the hardship in our life, God (Allah) is always there to help us going through them, even though it is not sane to possibly happen. I believe they (obstacles, challenges) come not to let you down, instead it strengthens you more than you can imagine.
Charlie spoke this when he was about to die ;
‘ My body is just a carcass. A vessel for the soul. It’s nothing more, and you must believe it. This dies but I do not. This is nothing but a shell. God gave it to me for a loan while I was on this earth. Now He wants to take it back. But my spirit, my soul - me, Charlie, he goes on.
Remember me for what I did, and not what i said. That was all I ever wanted"
March 12, 2014
While I was in Dublin, I saw a really excellent play, "Charley and Me," at the Viking Theatre in Clontarf, based on this book. It's a true, very moving story. The two actors, a man and a woman, were superb. I bought the book, on the way out of the theatre and read it in two sittings.
At the beginning of the story, Catherine meets Charley, an older man, at her first AA meeting. Charley becomes her sponsor and through the years, proceeds -- through kindness, understanding, and friendship -- to literally save her life. Many years later, after Charley is gone, Catherine wrote this book to tell the story of how this wonderful man help propel her into a new, ultimately successful, life.
If the opportunity ever arises, don't miss seeing the play starring Maeve Fitzgerald and Steve Blount. It's a real gem!
At the beginning of the story, Catherine meets Charley, an older man, at her first AA meeting. Charley becomes her sponsor and through the years, proceeds -- through kindness, understanding, and friendship -- to literally save her life. Many years later, after Charley is gone, Catherine wrote this book to tell the story of how this wonderful man help propel her into a new, ultimately successful, life.
If the opportunity ever arises, don't miss seeing the play starring Maeve Fitzgerald and Steve Blount. It's a real gem!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews