All Drinking Aside: The Destruction, Deconstruction and Reconstruction of an Alcoholic Animal

by Jim Anders

Denial, anger, fear, depression, self-pity, doubt: a toxic cocktail of emotions enflamed by alcohol, narcotics and prescription drugs. Where does one begin? Where will it all end? In this 90-piece orchestration of autobiographical flashbacks, the author describes his descent into alcoholism while three fictional alter egos (unnoticed by him) discuss his prospects for recovery. This intense, introspective and illuminating fiction looks at alcoholism and addiction from the inside out and back again. In three parts, the Destruction, the Deconstruction and the Reconstruction, the alcoholic beast is revealed. The vicious cycles of alcoholic addiction: hospitals, detoxes, rehabs and relapse. Repeat, repeat, repeat. A textbook case of chronic chemical dependency, "All Drinking Aside" will provoke, deceive, disturb and annoy you while it entertains and informs. "All Drinking Aside" is "Everybody's Autobiography," if you're an alcoholic and "Someone You Know," if you are not.

286 pages, Paperback

First published September 10, 2013

Reviews

[Carole Mckee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed some really serious reading. Every page was gripping, one way or another. Some of the pages were sad, some were funny, some were frenzied, and some were melancholy. Following the author along on his journey through his own private Hell was enlightening. I learned a lot about the mental and emotional state of an alcoholic. It gave me a lot of insight. Anyone who has someone who suffers from alcoholism would get a lot out of reading this book. And of course, someone who suffers like this author did should consider reading this, just to know you are not alone. The book is very well-written and the author is brilliant. Bravo! Well done!

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A journey taken by a circuitous route.

This is an autobiographical novel of one man's journey through every circle of hell, guided by his sole companion Alcohol. Jim's story is far from unique. The uniqueness comes from his presentation of Alcohol becoming the driving force in his life. A very clever plot device is the addition of the three commentators, which function as a Greek Chorus. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raw truth

Phenomenal read. The raw truth of this book is inspiring. To put yourself out there like he did is commendable and beautiful. It’s not easy to show your scars to the world, and by doing so I hope he has helped a lot of people in the same situation. It takes so much to bare the most ugly parts of yourself. Baring those ugly parts is the definition of beauty.