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Nothing More Nothing Less
When Brandon finds that his mother committed suicide, he blames himself for her decision. His guilt drives his young life into a downward spiral of drugs, drug dealing, and violent repercussions when his ''business partners'' don't get what they want. Haunted by the past memories he often relives. His brothers, who don't always seem to understand him and what he's going through, desperately try to help, but as life becomes further entangled, will Brandon find the escape he so desperately needs before it's too late?
214 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2012
1 person is currently reading
140 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 15, 2013
This book reminded me a lot of Shattered Soul by Jennifer Snyder. I liked it and even though the main character is a ... dare I say loser? I liked him. I think his circumstances spoke for his outlook on life, bleak, dim, dark, nothing! Brandon is a twenty year old who is addicted to drugs. Brandon has issues and you feel really bad for him, even find him likable He drinks, does drugs and has a lot of sex. His older brother, Ace, twenty-seven, is tough with him while his younger brother, Cole tries to be more mellow. It seems like he has this inner demon and although his brothers want to help they keep going about things the wrong way. He sneaks out, they get him and drag him home. He gets high, they get him and drag him home. They go to sleep, he sneaks out!
Aside from the brothers pulling for him to be good and ride the straight and narrow, here comes Bret. If Bret is not around to drag him back to the demon side there is Vince. Vince lives in a something like "animal house" and has nothing to do but drag guys down and entice them. When Bret and Vince get Brandon to try heroin I was screaming! Every time you think "not in my house" believe me it is very common.
Brandon has been an addict for a long time and there is a part about his Mother that you have to read. I am not giving it away, but it explains his ways. Kristine comes in and maybe she is the ONE to get him back? Can she save him? Can he be redeemed? Mostly, I will say it is a shocking scene, some tough subject matter, but it has to read. I think this is a great first book from someone who I know will have many more.
Aside from the brothers pulling for him to be good and ride the straight and narrow, here comes Bret. If Bret is not around to drag him back to the demon side there is Vince. Vince lives in a something like "animal house" and has nothing to do but drag guys down and entice them. When Bret and Vince get Brandon to try heroin I was screaming! Every time you think "not in my house" believe me it is very common.
Brandon has been an addict for a long time and there is a part about his Mother that you have to read. I am not giving it away, but it explains his ways. Kristine comes in and maybe she is the ONE to get him back? Can she save him? Can he be redeemed? Mostly, I will say it is a shocking scene, some tough subject matter, but it has to read. I think this is a great first book from someone who I know will have many more.
December 7, 2012
Addict Brandon lives with brothers, Ace and Cole. The family is torn apart by Brandon’s terrible need to be high. Brandon tests everyone patience as he delves deeper into his addiction, stealing and lying to get what he wants. With little regard for himself or his brothers, Brandon sells drugs to help aid in his costly addictions as well as faces perilous situations with shady individuals. Even the threat of jail doesn’t sway him. With his emotional scars, Brandon spirals out of control, experimenting and increasing his dosages. When pretty ex-girlfriend Kristine reenters the scene, Brandon finds a glimmer of hope. But just what price will Brandon and his friends have to pay for the illicit lives they seek?
NOTHING MORE, NOTHING LESS by Ashley Dukart is a novel about drug addiction and the toll it takes on family and friends. When an addict is in the family, his or her life affects everyone else around them – making them part of the addiction. An enabler is someone who unwillingly aids the addict by taking care of their basic needs, housing, food, etc. They do this out of love, but never really help the addict hit the rock bottom they need to find in order to change. Ashley Dukart has written a pointed look at the hellish life of an addict. The sad truth is Brandon’s life is all too familiar across America. Well written.
May 11, 2013
Read my full review here!
Nothing More, Nothing Less is a story that lets the reader get into the head of Brandon, a young drug user. He's overwhelmed by guilt, anger,and depression, due to family tragedies. He copes with his past by numbing himself with drugs and alcohol.
This story really revolves around the life choices that Brandon has made (and continues to make) and their miserable consequences. Brandon's character was well-written, with personal growth despite his addiction. He eventually realized that he needed to quit his current lifestyle, but he was drawn back into the world of drugs numerous times.
This story teaches excellent lessons about the ever-lingering results of using addictive drugs, and how it not only affects the user, but everyone around them.
Nothing More, Nothing Less is a story that lets the reader get into the head of Brandon, a young drug user. He's overwhelmed by guilt, anger,and depression, due to family tragedies. He copes with his past by numbing himself with drugs and alcohol.
This story really revolves around the life choices that Brandon has made (and continues to make) and their miserable consequences. Brandon's character was well-written, with personal growth despite his addiction. He eventually realized that he needed to quit his current lifestyle, but he was drawn back into the world of drugs numerous times.
This story teaches excellent lessons about the ever-lingering results of using addictive drugs, and how it not only affects the user, but everyone around them.
October 30, 2012
Read my full review @ http://bit.ly/SegzD9
My opinion: Although the writing in this short book was good, particularly for a debut novelist, I feel like this storyline is a dime a dozen. I did find it to be a tad predictable as is the case with these storylines. I would say in reading probably about 10 books on this subject just this year, it is one of the better ones that I have read. Reading this as a former addictions counselor, Ms. Dukart has developed the characters, particularly in the downward spiral of addiction, beautifully and realistically. I expect this will even continue to be a strength for this author as she continues to publish.
My opinion: Although the writing in this short book was good, particularly for a debut novelist, I feel like this storyline is a dime a dozen. I did find it to be a tad predictable as is the case with these storylines. I would say in reading probably about 10 books on this subject just this year, it is one of the better ones that I have read. Reading this as a former addictions counselor, Ms. Dukart has developed the characters, particularly in the downward spiral of addiction, beautifully and realistically. I expect this will even continue to be a strength for this author as she continues to publish.
June 5, 2013
In this book the author ask When you can't forget the past how do you forgive the present? we are introduced to Brandon a young man suffering from guilt over his mother's suicide and spiraling out of control. This story sadly is one many people can relate to as it deals with the pain of loss and how if you let it, it can destroy you. Even though the basic story line was was that has been done before I still found myself drawn in and rooting for Brandon that he would be able to get his life together. It was a very well written book for a new author and I really enjoyed it. I would definitely recommend it.
August 19, 2013
I'm going to be completely honest and say that about 80 pages into this book, I was feeling very "meh" about it. I didn't have any emotional investment into any of the characters, and I was struggling to get through it. That being said as soon as Kristine's character came into the book, I started to feel more investment into the story. She made me care for her as well as care for the main character of Brandon, because of her and how he was towards her, it made me find a newfound respect for Brandon.
Drug addiction happens to the best of people, and the worst of people, but ultimately addiction can bring the best of people to the lowest of the low places, and this book certaintly shows that!! This book broke my heart many times over. I'm sure everyone has someone they know that has struggled with drugs or addiction of some sort, and because of that I feel like many people would be able to relate to the pain and suffering that addiction causes to not only the people doing drugs but also for everyone around them.
This book has SOOO many emotional hard hits for a 200 page book. With saying that at first I felt like it felt a bit forced, but by the end it showed me that thats ultimately what addiction does, it takes EVERYTHING for someone, and only until Brandon hit rock bottom did he see that he needed to break free from his addiction. The characters that made this book for me were definitely Kristine and Cole. Cole was Brandon's older brother and his unwavering love and support for Brandon was what made me connect with his character, and I think through them I grew to like Brandon's character more as well. They showed his potentional for who he was underneath the addiction.
If your a fan of addiction books, then this is definitely one you need to check out, this was hands down one of the most emotional addiction books i've read, nothing was sugar-coated, and it showed the pain and suffering of not only the addict but the people around them as well. This was Ashley Dukarts debut novel, and that being said I think this was very strong, and I almost wish It didn't end when it did.
Drug addiction happens to the best of people, and the worst of people, but ultimately addiction can bring the best of people to the lowest of the low places, and this book certaintly shows that!! This book broke my heart many times over. I'm sure everyone has someone they know that has struggled with drugs or addiction of some sort, and because of that I feel like many people would be able to relate to the pain and suffering that addiction causes to not only the people doing drugs but also for everyone around them.
This book has SOOO many emotional hard hits for a 200 page book. With saying that at first I felt like it felt a bit forced, but by the end it showed me that thats ultimately what addiction does, it takes EVERYTHING for someone, and only until Brandon hit rock bottom did he see that he needed to break free from his addiction. The characters that made this book for me were definitely Kristine and Cole. Cole was Brandon's older brother and his unwavering love and support for Brandon was what made me connect with his character, and I think through them I grew to like Brandon's character more as well. They showed his potentional for who he was underneath the addiction.
If your a fan of addiction books, then this is definitely one you need to check out, this was hands down one of the most emotional addiction books i've read, nothing was sugar-coated, and it showed the pain and suffering of not only the addict but the people around them as well. This was Ashley Dukarts debut novel, and that being said I think this was very strong, and I almost wish It didn't end when it did.
August 7, 2013
Brandon blames himself for his father abandoning the family, mother committing suicide, and the loss of the only girl he ever loved. He is caught up in the world of drugs, drinking, dealing, and meaningless sex. His brothers try to help him see that he needs to start being more responsible and kick his drug habits but what they don’t always see is that Brandon immerses himself in the ruthless environment to dull his pain, guilt, and anger that he carries with him all the time. Just when Brandon starts to turn things around his choices lead him down a darker road than ever and all we can ask ourselves is will one last catastrophic event cause him to go off into the void or finally kick his butt in gear to get clean?
From page one we are immersed into the harsh realities of addiction and the effects on not just the user/addict but on the people around them. Brandon is wallowing in self-loathing and guilt and feels that the drug lifestyle is the only way that he can cope with the pain. Out of both of Brandons brothers Cole is by far my favorite. He is always there to help Brandon out, lend a sympathetic ear, and to instill some sense into him. That relationship is what holds their dysfunctional family together.
The story is full of “what ifs” and “ifs” from Brandon looking back on his short life and all the things he has gone through. At some points in the story Brandon has these rare moments of clarity where he acknowledges that he has a problem and that his behavior is bad. He wants to change and even admits it to himself that he just really has no idea how or where to start with getting clean. We are taken on a crazy ride in Brandon’s life and even at the end we don’t know is he is going to come out of everything ok.
From page one we are immersed into the harsh realities of addiction and the effects on not just the user/addict but on the people around them. Brandon is wallowing in self-loathing and guilt and feels that the drug lifestyle is the only way that he can cope with the pain. Out of both of Brandons brothers Cole is by far my favorite. He is always there to help Brandon out, lend a sympathetic ear, and to instill some sense into him. That relationship is what holds their dysfunctional family together.
The story is full of “what ifs” and “ifs” from Brandon looking back on his short life and all the things he has gone through. At some points in the story Brandon has these rare moments of clarity where he acknowledges that he has a problem and that his behavior is bad. He wants to change and even admits it to himself that he just really has no idea how or where to start with getting clean. We are taken on a crazy ride in Brandon’s life and even at the end we don’t know is he is going to come out of everything ok.
August 28, 2013
Brandon's father left and his mother committed suicide. He blames himself for what happened and rather than live with the pain, anger, and guilt he turns to drugs and alcohol. His brothers try to help him but Brandon just dives deeper into this way of life. Brandon realizes that this life he's living is not only hurting himself but the people who matter most in his life. But will he be able to stop and get out before it's too late?
This is a very emotional read about drug addiction and how it affects everyone involved. It shows how having a drug addiction can ruin your life and the lives of everyone you love. Drugs and alcohol don't fix your problems they only mask them temporarily and cause even more problems down the road. If you have ever been an addict or loved an addict then you will probably really be able to relate to the pain and suffering it causes in this book. Even if you've never dealt with drug addiction in any way in your life, you will still probably be touched by this story. Check this one out if it sounds like something you would be interested in.
This is a very emotional read about drug addiction and how it affects everyone involved. It shows how having a drug addiction can ruin your life and the lives of everyone you love. Drugs and alcohol don't fix your problems they only mask them temporarily and cause even more problems down the road. If you have ever been an addict or loved an addict then you will probably really be able to relate to the pain and suffering it causes in this book. Even if you've never dealt with drug addiction in any way in your life, you will still probably be touched by this story. Check this one out if it sounds like something you would be interested in.
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