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Hi, My Name Is Jack: One Man's Story of the Tumultuous Road to Sobriety and a Changed Life
This highly personal, intriguing memoir gives hope and encouragement to those struggling with addiction and the ones who love them.In this grippingly honest narrative about one man’s journey from alcoholism and self-destruction to recovery and a changed life, readers will be dismayed at the hurtful patterns of his two alcoholic parents and how they scarred and shaped the outcome of their three sons forever. Watts openly talks of his multiple failed marriages, strained relationships with his children, overwhelming business losses, and the self-loathing and guilt that plagued him for years. In spite of all of this, Jack held on to the conviction he made more than seventeen years ago never to drink again. Believing that the truth will set him free, Jack sets out to uncover dark secrets from his past that have made his life a wasteland. With nothing to salvage but his name, Jack decides to do the next right thing, regardless of what that might be, leaving the outcome in God’s hands. A story like this is one that continues throughout a lifetime. The glimpses shared in these pages will inspire you to be honest about your own demons and provide hope for a fulfilled and joyful life beyond the shackles of addiction.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2011
7 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Jack Watts
48 books4 followersJack Watts is an award-winning author, having published five books so far, including two with Simon & Schuster. His daily blog about recovering from religious abuse, Pushing Jesus, is read in more than 140 countries. Jack lives in Atlanta, where he broadcasts two weekly radio shows—Jack Watts Live and Jack Watts on Recovery. He has five children and nine grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
June 15, 2012
Jack Watts wrote a candid memoir about his life as an alcoholic. I enjoyed his candidness; his unrestrained approach to storytelling. His ability to tell his story – the good, the bad, and the ugly – in a unsullied way was astounding.
“Hi, my name is Jack, and I am an alcoholic.”
The book, in my opinion, was extremely well written. The chapters were short and to the point, which made stopping and starting the book very easy. I found no grammatical errors, and the book’s content stuck to the story. Often, when writing memoir, it is easy to go into too many minor details; losing sight of the story’s importance; this was not the case with My Name is Jack.
“Now she had my attention. For me, three beers was nothing. I used think of three beers as priming the pump before I started on Jack Daniel’s. I would have anywhere from eight to ten of those and wind up the evening with one or two Grand Marniers. That was a normal evening routine for me.”
My Name is Jack gives the reader insight into the life of an alcoholic. His story takes us through the ups and downs of his addiction, and while some may laugh, his Karma. I often speak of Karma in stories on my blog – my stories. I can frequently be heard saying “I must have had a hell of a good time in a prior life, because there is a permanent bite mark on my behind from Karma coming around and biting me.”
“As part of my AA program, I began to take a complete – painstakingly honest – inventory of my life. In so doing, I asked myself exactly when I became an alcoholic. I decided that it was in 1933 – eleven years before I was born.”
My bite is miniscule compared to the bite on Jack’s behind. If it could go wrong, it did; yet, this man stood tall and jumped right back from the fire into the pan – many times.
“I prayed and asked God why He had allowed all this to happen. I begged Him repeatedly to answer me. Finally, one day a voice – like thunder – seemed to come out of the heavens. “I don’t know, Watts,” the voice said. “Something about you just pisses me off!”
Jack Watts is a man meant for love. His love and devotion for his children and his grandchildren shines through as though the Heavens opened up and pure sunshine came streaming through. While his life is full of the love of a good family, the one love he so desperately seeks has eluded him. I hope he finds that one special person.
The book is full of poignant phrases, as you can see from the above quotes taken from the book. Jack speaks with a wisdom that only someone who has lived life to its fullest, the good, the bad, and the ugly..
This book is a definite must read!
“Hi, my name is Jack, and I am an alcoholic.”
The book, in my opinion, was extremely well written. The chapters were short and to the point, which made stopping and starting the book very easy. I found no grammatical errors, and the book’s content stuck to the story. Often, when writing memoir, it is easy to go into too many minor details; losing sight of the story’s importance; this was not the case with My Name is Jack.
“Now she had my attention. For me, three beers was nothing. I used think of three beers as priming the pump before I started on Jack Daniel’s. I would have anywhere from eight to ten of those and wind up the evening with one or two Grand Marniers. That was a normal evening routine for me.”
My Name is Jack gives the reader insight into the life of an alcoholic. His story takes us through the ups and downs of his addiction, and while some may laugh, his Karma. I often speak of Karma in stories on my blog – my stories. I can frequently be heard saying “I must have had a hell of a good time in a prior life, because there is a permanent bite mark on my behind from Karma coming around and biting me.”
“As part of my AA program, I began to take a complete – painstakingly honest – inventory of my life. In so doing, I asked myself exactly when I became an alcoholic. I decided that it was in 1933 – eleven years before I was born.”
My bite is miniscule compared to the bite on Jack’s behind. If it could go wrong, it did; yet, this man stood tall and jumped right back from the fire into the pan – many times.
“I prayed and asked God why He had allowed all this to happen. I begged Him repeatedly to answer me. Finally, one day a voice – like thunder – seemed to come out of the heavens. “I don’t know, Watts,” the voice said. “Something about you just pisses me off!”
Jack Watts is a man meant for love. His love and devotion for his children and his grandchildren shines through as though the Heavens opened up and pure sunshine came streaming through. While his life is full of the love of a good family, the one love he so desperately seeks has eluded him. I hope he finds that one special person.
The book is full of poignant phrases, as you can see from the above quotes taken from the book. Jack speaks with a wisdom that only someone who has lived life to its fullest, the good, the bad, and the ugly..
This book is a definite must read!
February 22, 2012
Though this is a book of redemption and overcoming alcoholism and destructive behavior, Jack's story is gripping enough to also hold the interest of those who do not struggle with these issues, or share his faith. I found myself reading past my bedtime (just one more chapter...) and was twice late from my lunch break at work because I was that engrossed. I am very stingy with stars and reserve 5 stars for the likes of To Kill a Mockingbird, so my rating of 4 stars places it at the top for this genre. I will be passing my copy along to friends.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews