What do you think?
Rate this book
Hammered: Memoir of an Addict
Geoff Brown led a life of addiction and slow decay.
Drugs, crime and ennui pervaded every part of his day-to-day alienation.
He dragged his way out of the pit without resorting to God or alcohol or any of the other crutches people commonly use.
Here is his story. Pray your children don't make the same mistakes.
~ ~ ~
This is the 2019 expanded edition of the 2012 bestselling memoir Hammered, telling the true story of the author's twenty years plus of drug dependency and the resultant lifestyle as experienced in Australia.
This new edition contains more than 20,000 extra words and gives a better insight into the emotional impact of the journey and more detail on the recovery.
~ ~ ~
"Fascinating, and very easy reading."
~Joe Lansdale, author of the Hap & Leonard series
~ ~ ~
"This is a hard journey well shared and a book that risks real sadness to tell its human truth."
~Kris Saknussemm, cult novelist and multimedia artist
~ ~ ~
"This book is to Australia what Trainspotting is to Scotland."
~R.B. Clague, author
Drugs, crime and ennui pervaded every part of his day-to-day alienation.
He dragged his way out of the pit without resorting to God or alcohol or any of the other crutches people commonly use.
Here is his story. Pray your children don't make the same mistakes.
~ ~ ~
This is the 2019 expanded edition of the 2012 bestselling memoir Hammered, telling the true story of the author's twenty years plus of drug dependency and the resultant lifestyle as experienced in Australia.
This new edition contains more than 20,000 extra words and gives a better insight into the emotional impact of the journey and more detail on the recovery.
~ ~ ~
"Fascinating, and very easy reading."
~Joe Lansdale, author of the Hap & Leonard series
~ ~ ~
"This is a hard journey well shared and a book that risks real sadness to tell its human truth."
~Kris Saknussemm, cult novelist and multimedia artist
~ ~ ~
"This book is to Australia what Trainspotting is to Scotland."
~R.B. Clague, author
- GenresNonfictionMemoir
180 pages, Paperback
First published February 8, 2012
132 people are currently reading
421 people want to read
About the author
Geoff Brown
49 books129 followersGeoff Brown aka G.N. Braun is an Australian writer and twice Australian Shadows Award finalist-editor raised in Melbourne’s gritty Western Suburbs.
He is a trained nurse, and holds a Cert. IV in Professional Writing and Editing, as well as a Dip. Arts (Professional Writing and Editing).
At graduation, Brown was awarded ‘Vocational Student of the Year’ and ‘2012 Student of the Year’ by his college.
He writes fiction across various genres, and is the author of many published short stories. He has had numerous articles published in newspapers, both regional and metropolitan. He is the past president of the Australian Horror Writers Association (2011-2013), as well as the past director of the Australian Shadows Awards. He was an editor and columnist for UK site This is Horror, and the guest editor for Midnight Echo #9.
His memoir, Hammered, was released in early 2012 by Legumeman Books and has been extensively reviewed. It has been expanded on for rerelease in 2019.
He is the co-founder/director of Cohesion Press and Asylum Ghost Tours.
He is a trained nurse, and holds a Cert. IV in Professional Writing and Editing, as well as a Dip. Arts (Professional Writing and Editing).
At graduation, Brown was awarded ‘Vocational Student of the Year’ and ‘2012 Student of the Year’ by his college.
He writes fiction across various genres, and is the author of many published short stories. He has had numerous articles published in newspapers, both regional and metropolitan. He is the past president of the Australian Horror Writers Association (2011-2013), as well as the past director of the Australian Shadows Awards. He was an editor and columnist for UK site This is Horror, and the guest editor for Midnight Echo #9.
His memoir, Hammered, was released in early 2012 by Legumeman Books and has been extensively reviewed. It has been expanded on for rerelease in 2019.
He is the co-founder/director of Cohesion Press and Asylum Ghost Tours.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
March 18, 2012
A moving and at times disturbing tale of the insidious and destructive nature of drug addiction. In addition to the clear message of how destructive drug addiction can be is a message of hope, that if at first you don't succeed, try, try again, in this case the struggle to get clean and break free from the vicious cycle.
December 12, 2012
Hammered is an extraordinary book, possibly due to its very ordinariness, if that makes any sense whatsoever. GN Braun has laid himself bare and raw in this memoir, and doesn't gloss over any of the facts. It's completely nonjudgmental and unsentimental, just a straightforward laying out of the facts, one after the other in a clinical yet conversational style that just highlights the reality of what happened. It's an engrossing read; I devoured it in less than 24 hours and found it fascinating. I've never actually read any Irvine Welsh (having only seen Danny Boyle's brilliant movie version of his most famous book) but calling this an Australian Trainspotting would be a relatively fair comparison, I'd think, in its unflinching examination of the day to day minutiae, good and bad, of serious drug addiction and its ramifications. It's definitely a very worthwhile read, so get your hands on a copy today!
June 3, 2013
I have come know Mr. Braun as a personal friend over the last couple of years. Having said that I wouldn't provide a positive review if I didn't believe that his work was worth it.
To say that Hammered: Memoir of an Addict, is a compelling book is a gross understatement. It's a novel that many readers will find uncomfortable with its warts-and-all portrayal of addiction and the consequent lifestyle. So it should. It doesn't paint the author as an angel, nor does it demonize him. It just simply paints - a gritty and realistic portrait of desperation and of one man's struggle to get through each day. This book is to Australia, what Trainspotting is to Scotland. My sincere congratulations to the author for having the courage to pen such a wonderful work. I have a feeling that if Joe's dad is looking down from wherever he is, he's glad that Joe made it through the journey and lived to tell other people that it's possible to escape the abyss.
To say that Hammered: Memoir of an Addict, is a compelling book is a gross understatement. It's a novel that many readers will find uncomfortable with its warts-and-all portrayal of addiction and the consequent lifestyle. So it should. It doesn't paint the author as an angel, nor does it demonize him. It just simply paints - a gritty and realistic portrait of desperation and of one man's struggle to get through each day. This book is to Australia, what Trainspotting is to Scotland. My sincere congratulations to the author for having the courage to pen such a wonderful work. I have a feeling that if Joe's dad is looking down from wherever he is, he's glad that Joe made it through the journey and lived to tell other people that it's possible to escape the abyss.
January 22, 2013
Harrowing, brutal, honest and heartbreaking, this is a raw account of one man's battle against his demons aided by any fucking drug he could get his hand on. The writing is economical while being anything but dry, and it sets a cracking pace that your eyes struggle to keep up with. Each chapter makes you feel like Mike Tyson’s punching bag.
I actually put aside another book I was very much enjoying because I simply had to know more of this confronting journey. I believe that's the biggest compliment I can give any work.
‘Hammered’ should be required reading in every single school on the planet as both a character study and the best bloody anti-drug campaign you could hope for.
Do yourself a favour.
I actually put aside another book I was very much enjoying because I simply had to know more of this confronting journey. I believe that's the biggest compliment I can give any work.
‘Hammered’ should be required reading in every single school on the planet as both a character study and the best bloody anti-drug campaign you could hope for.
Do yourself a favour.
August 10, 2016
Hammered: Memoir of an Addict is a book that pulls no punches and takes no soft steps in recounting a tough life. Braun takes his life and puts it all on the page for you, letting you take from it what you will. This writing style takes you straight past any pretence and straight into the heart of matters. The 'heart' is often devastating and doesn't let you go until the last page. I found myself crying for Braun during the traumatic times, fascinated by his descriptions of drug culture and society, as well as cheering him on every time he wanted to give up the drugs.
Hammered is an excellent read that will leave you feeling changed for having read it.
Hammered is an excellent read that will leave you feeling changed for having read it.
March 8, 2012
A good insight into a life of drugs and the difficulties in getting clean. Well written, not over-sensationalised - this book makes you stop and think about how lucky some of us are and how the easiest choices are not always the best choices.
April 30, 2023
Aside from Beautiful Boy and Tweak this memoir is probably one of the best written accounts of drug addiction as far as the details and in depth information written. I couldn’t put it down.
August 22, 2014
You know when you watch a movie or read a book and it stays with you, like the Titanic, or Once Were Warriors? Well for me, Hammered is going to be one of those books. To the tune of Candy (a movie I’ll never forget) with a male protagonist who happens to be sharing his true story, Hammered is revealing, raw, and filled with the stuffing of a mother’s nightmare.
It begins with Joe’s trip into childhood, the early abuse, and how drugs saved him. Isn’t it always the way? Drugs and alcohol help push the pain deep down, so what’s left on the surface is a human being who can function rather than fall apart, live rather than die – for now.
What I love about Hammered is not just the grit, or the heartache, but the honesty. GN Braun doesn’t hold back; he tells it all, the theft, the lies, everything. And that’s just the story line.
Braun’s writing is another thing. It’s to the point, visual, and extremely well-edited. Kudos to LegumeMan Books.
Kids get passed Go Ask Alice when they hit around 12 – I was one of them. I’d consider Hammered instead, as long as you don’t mind some serious Ps and Qs. It covers all the drugs, it’s a real account, and it leaves enough to the imagination, rather than delving into the dank and dirty (think Trainspotting) that will scar them for life.
Thanks to GN Braun for putting it out there. Hammered is a very highly recommended read for all Aussies.
It begins with Joe’s trip into childhood, the early abuse, and how drugs saved him. Isn’t it always the way? Drugs and alcohol help push the pain deep down, so what’s left on the surface is a human being who can function rather than fall apart, live rather than die – for now.
What I love about Hammered is not just the grit, or the heartache, but the honesty. GN Braun doesn’t hold back; he tells it all, the theft, the lies, everything. And that’s just the story line.
Braun’s writing is another thing. It’s to the point, visual, and extremely well-edited. Kudos to LegumeMan Books.
Kids get passed Go Ask Alice when they hit around 12 – I was one of them. I’d consider Hammered instead, as long as you don’t mind some serious Ps and Qs. It covers all the drugs, it’s a real account, and it leaves enough to the imagination, rather than delving into the dank and dirty (think Trainspotting) that will scar them for life.
Thanks to GN Braun for putting it out there. Hammered is a very highly recommended read for all Aussies.
June 2, 2015
This is a very honest, gritty book. The author does not leave out any details, and for this I am thankful. To understand the life of an addict their story must be told from an honest perspective. All truth, no matter how difficult it might be to confess, is laid bare for the reader to dissect and take in. Because of this, we find a very human story. We can understand that there is a conscience within the heart of an addict, although they are powerless to overcome the evil voice that tells them to use. An addict is a prisoner of their own base needs, and any morality that they might have takes a back seat when all you want to do is feel "normal" again. It's easy to feel the guilt later, after you've acquired your "fix". I believe that each addict at one point or another comes to a place where they are just sick and tired of being sick and tired. When that happens it is only then that the addict is truly on their path to recovery. It has to come from within the heart of the addict, not thrust upon them and demanded of them.
Glad to know the author is doing so much better in his life now!
Glad to know the author is doing so much better in his life now!
May 22, 2014
To say that Hammered took courage to write is an understatement. To open up in the way that G.N. Braun has in this tell-all memoir is something that most of us simply could not do. He has travelled to the darkest places, both literally and mentally, and miraculously survived. Not only that, it seems that he has now found his way toward true happiness.
The sobering truth of the matter is how easily one falls prey to addiction as it slowly creeps up and takes hold. This not only happened to Braun, but he was able to overcome and defeat the powerful control that drugs had on his life.
In a tale that is both gut-wrenching and heartfelt, Hammered delivers right from the start. A compelling story that was hard to put down.
A cautionary account, but one with a very positive ending.
And a book that should be read by all.
The sobering truth of the matter is how easily one falls prey to addiction as it slowly creeps up and takes hold. This not only happened to Braun, but he was able to overcome and defeat the powerful control that drugs had on his life.
In a tale that is both gut-wrenching and heartfelt, Hammered delivers right from the start. A compelling story that was hard to put down.
A cautionary account, but one with a very positive ending.
And a book that should be read by all.
August 12, 2013
Braun's memoir Hammered is one of those pieces of non-fiction that is so engrossing, time just seems to slip away. The frankness with which Braun reveals his descent into - and rise from - heroin addiction is simultaneously disturbing and engaging. What fascinated me the most about his memoir was the fact that despite all the people he knew throughout his 20 years of drug addiction, the only true companion he had was the heroin. In the end it was sheer willpower and the desire not to end up like all the "other" drug addicts that urged him to change his life. Kudos to him for making that very hard, but very worthy choice. I strongly believe that this book should be available in school libraries around the world. It would be a valuable tool - and a warning - to young people on the dangers of using illicit drugs.
November 17, 2014
I found this account of addiction uncompromising in the telling. Once I started, I found it impossible to put down. The non fiction account was straightforward and steered well clear of sensationalising, or even preaching. And that is what made this book so much more powerful. I was reminded of the discomfort I felt when I read Candy, the brutality of the honesty and reality of addiction is what will ensure this book remains with me. It is the story. Pure and simple... Any change to this narrative would detract from the 'oomph' of the story... And indeed, from the strength of the author. This is a brave story to recount. Full credit to the author.
May 13, 2013
If you are looking for a book that sensationalizes drugs this is not the book for you.
This book speaks matter of factually about life on drugs from the authors viewpoint.It is not sugar coated but rather a bleak matter of fact account of how Braun remembers the days of first trying drugs to finding himself dependent on them.The reader has gone along for a ride looking into a mirror of the life Braun lived.
In my opinion Hammered is up there with H Christiane F and is definitely a book worth reading.
This book speaks matter of factually about life on drugs from the authors viewpoint.It is not sugar coated but rather a bleak matter of fact account of how Braun remembers the days of first trying drugs to finding himself dependent on them.The reader has gone along for a ride looking into a mirror of the life Braun lived.
In my opinion Hammered is up there with H Christiane F and is definitely a book worth reading.
November 22, 2014
I love the junkie memoir genre and especially when set in Australia, as is Hammered.
Five stars for the straight talking, no bullshit style of the narrator, as well as the lack of recovery speak.
As anyone who reads these memoirs knows, the NA dogma gets very tedious.
The narrator also gives some hope at the end, managing to wrangle himself free of his addiction and find a good life for himself, a good thing, as I found this guy very likable.
Five stars for the straight talking, no bullshit style of the narrator, as well as the lack of recovery speak.
As anyone who reads these memoirs knows, the NA dogma gets very tedious.
The narrator also gives some hope at the end, managing to wrangle himself free of his addiction and find a good life for himself, a good thing, as I found this guy very likable.
January 10, 2016
Thoroughly honest and brutally fascinating, this is a short book and it's clear that there's so much more to the story than that conveyed here. This account is a like a stone skipping along the surface of a life while all the real depth and detail is hidden under the surface. It's clearly catharsis for the author. But the short, read-it-in-a-night account is an enthralling peek into dark and complicated life. And it's a message of hope.
April 1, 2012
A very realistic look at just how insidious addiction and the accompanying self justification can be. Very gratified that the author was successful in his efforts to get clean. Such a brutally honest and moving account, very well written. Should be required reading for anyone who thinks drugs are "cool".
June 26, 2013
Although this was a poorly edited book, the story itself is captivating and I read it all in one sitting. Joe's life and eventual recovery really gives me hope that maybe there will come a point when the "Joe" in my life will finally realize that there is more to life than drugs and will get clean. Thank you for sharing your story.
May 16, 2014
Having led a rather milquetoast life, I found Mr. Braun's account quite disturbing; but I'm glad I pushed through to the end of the story...or should I say THE BEGINNING of a life of purpose and strength. I would recommend this book to all teens, young adults and mature adults who face life's challenges and temptations.
July 16, 2022
This book really hits home with me, as I have a family member struggling with addiction. Geoff Brown tells his story honestly and without reservation. It really helped me understand what my family member is going through and gives me hope that one day she, too, will find her way out of the black hole that is addiction.
February 14, 2013
G.N. Braun gives us an unvarnished look at the circumstances that drove him to drug addiction and his long battle to get clean and get his life back together. He makes no excuses and no apologies; he just tells us what happened, what he did, and what it was like.
Harrowing.
Harrowing.
March 23, 2013
A book you are un likely to ever forget. I finished it last night, and dreamed about it. I feel it has got under my skin. Honest, sad, sympathetic and yet infuriating. This book should be recommemnded reading in every high school. Thankyou Mr. Braun for sharing your gripping story.
May 29, 2012
A brilliant book.
July 12, 2012
An easy, straightforward read. Insightful and heartbreaking. The dark and nasty world of drugs is life wrecking and I'm glad to see Mr Braun come out the other side a survivor! Thank you!
July 24, 2013
Powerful, open, and brutally honest. Braun holds up a mirror to himself and unflinchingly reports what he sees. Tough stuff, but it results in a rewarding read.
July 3, 2013
Don't recommend it. Dry and not enough of how he turned his life around. Repetitive.
January 13, 2023
Extremely raw and transparent.
This was a wild ride of memoir, and the author Geoff has an amazing way with words. It is interesting to me to see the point of view of addiction in Australia. Compared to my normal point of view of addiction in the United States. Geoff begins smoking marijuana and then tries speed for the first time. He has a fling with speed but then moves onto smack being his drug of choice. We watch him lie, con, and steal to support his extensive habit. He gets arrested and checks into multiple detoxes. It isn't until a final detox and then rehab stay that he achieves staying clean. The version I read of this was the expanded edition. We learned more about Geoff and his now successful life. Bravo Geoff, I'd totally read more by you if you decide to write more.
"It seemed I had reached the level of addict. Achievement unlocked." -Geoff Brown.
This was a wild ride of memoir, and the author Geoff has an amazing way with words. It is interesting to me to see the point of view of addiction in Australia. Compared to my normal point of view of addiction in the United States. Geoff begins smoking marijuana and then tries speed for the first time. He has a fling with speed but then moves onto smack being his drug of choice. We watch him lie, con, and steal to support his extensive habit. He gets arrested and checks into multiple detoxes. It isn't until a final detox and then rehab stay that he achieves staying clean. The version I read of this was the expanded edition. We learned more about Geoff and his now successful life. Bravo Geoff, I'd totally read more by you if you decide to write more.
"It seemed I had reached the level of addict. Achievement unlocked." -Geoff Brown.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2022
Outstanding read!!
Well done for becoming clean Geoff, also for maintaining it. I can totally relate to the horrors of addiction. Your book is a powerful and articulated script of the nightmares which addiction brings to anyone who is unfortunate to experience it. I'm glad you came out the other end, and hope you manage to continue your sobriety and happiness that comes with being clean.
Well done for becoming clean Geoff, also for maintaining it. I can totally relate to the horrors of addiction. Your book is a powerful and articulated script of the nightmares which addiction brings to anyone who is unfortunate to experience it. I'm glad you came out the other end, and hope you manage to continue your sobriety and happiness that comes with being clean.
April 23, 2019
Can't believe I hadn't reviewed this already! I read it 7 years ago.
Fantastic story, shocking, darker than I was expecting, but not as dark as I heard much later... A few printing errors, but otherwise, a damn fine, shocking read with a good ending. Scary to think I know the guy too, and goes to show we never know what someone may have been through.
Fantastic story, shocking, darker than I was expecting, but not as dark as I heard much later... A few printing errors, but otherwise, a damn fine, shocking read with a good ending. Scary to think I know the guy too, and goes to show we never know what someone may have been through.
April 5, 2020
Ok read - Candy was more in depth
It was a very easy to read book, not much emphasis on certain events that I feel could grasp readers more. Also I get that it’s writing in the authors opinion as to events that happened during his H addiction - I feel some paragraphs didn’t really make semse. 2.5 to 3 stars CHECK OUT CANDY THE BOOK that’s gripping
It was a very easy to read book, not much emphasis on certain events that I feel could grasp readers more. Also I get that it’s writing in the authors opinion as to events that happened during his H addiction - I feel some paragraphs didn’t really make semse. 2.5 to 3 stars CHECK OUT CANDY THE BOOK that’s gripping
August 24, 2020
I could understand this book on a personal level & I loved the fact that it is based in Melbourne in alot of the areas that still have huge drug problems, also in alot of places I've been or know of, this book should b for anyone who is concerned about family or friends who may b headed or already half way or all the way down the same path.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews