The Street to Recovery

by Kevin Kennedy

From Amazon: Curly Watts is a TV icon for twenty years appearing on millions of TV screens around the country in Coronation Street. Kevin Kennedy is one of the UK's most successful soap actors, although behind the scenes and high-profile appearances, he faced a painful personal battle.

Kevin shares his experiences of alcoholism, rehab and IVF as well stories from the set and stars he worked with during some of the brightest, and darkest moments of his life, through to his music career and current roles.

This brutally honest autobiography provides a rare glimpse into life behind the scenes, the power of addiction, and his battle with recovery.

304 pages, Hardcover

First published October 31, 2013

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

a book given to me by netgalley... An open and interesting book looking at the life of kevin kennedy aka curly watts of coronation street fame and his battles with alcoholism and his journey from drinking to being sober.

[Mrs J M Ancsell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartening story

This was clearly written by Kevin Kennedy and I would think with little outside influence. It’s a good story but isa little shambolic in places. Some stories don’t seem to have an end, they just drift off which is a shame because Kevin clearly has lots of anecdotes and stories to tell. I feel some professional help would have made a big difference in the telling of his story. It’s good to read he turned his life around though and is to be congratulated for accepting his alcoholism and then doing something about it. That shows strength of character.

[David Atherton]

Interesting

Although not a coronation street fan I thought I would give this book a go due the fact that Kevin was brought up in and around the same neighbourhood as myself at the same time ,the story is very deep and personal about the trails and tribulations of a very popular alcoholic .Kevin pulls no punches and tells his true feelings about his life ,so without further ado read and enjoy this uplifting story of a top lad .

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest and Hilarious

Kevin is a brilliant writer, straight from the heart he tells of his truly heart breaking battle with the bottle. His journey is a rocky one indeed. Thanks to love and family he finds peace and happiness. Kevin’s sense of humour is infection and will have you rocking with laughter. This book will stay with you for a long time to come.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an alcoholic in recovery, I could particularly identify with the opening chapter. The book goes over Kevin Kennedy's alcoholism and especially his recovery; and how it fit in with his career and family life (or vice versa). A good read with a message of hope in 'normality'.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Coronation Street book, author Kevin Kennedy played the popular Curly Watts for over 20 years, including a break during which he was in rehab for severe alcoholism. This book tells his story. It's not bad but I kept getting the feeling that while he knows he can't drink or it will kill him, he doesn't really know why he became an alcoholic in the first place. He talks about being afraid and insecure yet as he describes it, he had a very good childhood with a very supportive family, got into drama school easily and has had a successful career. He also comes across at times as shallow and thoughtless and sometimes he does admit it, though others, he doesn't seem to "get it". It was interesting nonetheless.

[Debrun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for giving me an ARC copy. I enjoyed reading this bio as someone who grew up in the 80's Curly Watt's, Kevin's character in Coronation street was an ever present face in our house. He comes across as a very honest man when he talks about his problems with drink and how it effected him, As a dry alcoholic I understand some of the things he went through. I recommend this book to anyone who want's to hear an open and frank take on one man's struggle with his demons

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I salute Kevin for this very frank and thought provoking book. going through alcoholism can't have been easy. a very open and honest book well worth a read.
Thank You Net Galley