Needle

by Craig Jordan Goodman

NEEDLE is a true story. Sometimes, I wish it wasn't. Regardless, in many ways I still can't believe it actually happened. After all, I’d graduated from a prestigious university, was reared in an affluent home and knew that drugs were for losers. In fact, I’m not even sure when the metamorphosis occurred—when I made the official leap from struggling musician to struggling junky—but it was definitely before I first stuck myself with a needle and began selling liquor camouflaged in fruit juice to underage children of the rich and famous. Of course, that was merely the tip of the illicit iceberg as so much remains hidden in that shadowy world where dope dealers pose as sales associates in drug fronts disguised as clothing boutiques, and chemically dependent cabbies provide shuttle services to junkies on a quest for the perfect fix. But certainly, the veil of deception would eventually be torn away when I was banished to that awful place, that asylum for the wretched, where another horrific decision would seal my fate with the watery wreckage of an international tragedy.***Profits from NEEDLE will be used to eliminate animal cruelty and improve the lives of homeless pets.

Genres: Nonfiction, Addiction, Memoir, Drugs, Autobiography

355 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 12, 2012

Reviews

[Nancy Bevilaqua · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly didn't expect much when I picked up Craig Goodman's memoir, Needle. There are a lot of books out there that revel in describing in shocking and horrific detail the lives of addicts, but many rely on shock value alone, and are not particularly well-written or engaging. They don't give the reader a chance to see the characters as more than one-dimensional junkies with no history, no relationships with other people, and no inner lives.

There are plenty of "shocking", and graphic, moments in Needle, but they are not gratuitous--Goodman is simply relating his first-hand experiences with drugs, jail, etc., with vivid accuracy. What makes Needle so wonderful and unique, in my opinion, is that Goodman describes even the darkest moments with a wicked, intelligent humor that had me laughing out loud on nearly every page. One doesn't come away from Needle feeling that there's anything "funny" about being an addict (it certainly reinforced my own gratitude that I never managed to become one), but the humor makes the important parts of the story more human, and more "real", and therefore more accessible to people who might otherwise shy away from the subject matter. Goodman and his friends come across as multi-dimensional and unique and, in most cases, likable and oddly loyal to one another.

I haven't enjoyed a book so much in quite a while, and I'm looking forward to Craig Goodman's next one.

[Heather Doughty · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was not the book I was hoping to read. I chose it because I thought it would be an in-depth personal reveal about the hows and whys of drug addiction, the struggle to live, and the power of drugs over ones mind and body. I was particularly interested in the road to recovery and escaping death. This is not that book.

The first 60% of the book is denial and stories that are intended to be funny, shocking, and name dropping so the author's friends can see their names in print. I don't need to know about the dog that he had for one week that went to the bathroom on the mayor's lawn. It really wasn't funny nor did it fit with the story. I don't need to know the names of every person the author encountered because they are insignificant to the big picture story. These people that he met for a blink of time never came back into his life. They contribute nothing to his addiction or his overall life. The name dropping of celebrities who happened to eat at the establishments where the author worked is unnecessary. He didn't meet them all, and they have nothing to do with his story. They were not inspirational to get clean. I don't want to be impressed or shocked by his stories (which, I wasn't) - I want to LEARN from his stories (which I didn't). The cigarette but in the casserole story is an excellent example of something unimportant, not funny, and unnecessary.

As a reader, the font and size and bold changes to emphasize things is a gimmick and unnecessary. Readers are smart enough to detect the important stuff without blatantly pointing it out for us.

At some point the author claims that most of the 1990s was a fog for you. Then how am I to believe the stories and details he gives in his accounting to be true? How is he giving specific dates and times? Some of the details are just unbelievable, like that his friend had the title of the car with him in his pocket to sign over. I don't think so.

The most important part of this book happens about 60% of the way in when the author finally discusses serious heroin addiction. Only, it's in a footnote. Really? This is the crux of the book and is super important to the overall message of the power of heroin addiction, and it's in a footnote?

It's clear that this book is written for the author's friends and fans. He includes as many names as he possibly can, talks about songs his band is recording as if the reader should know them, and is very much seeking attention.

This is not a book about the whys of addiction. If you begin reading about 60% in, then you can get the whats and dangers. However, you will not get the road to recovery. Nope, you have to buy book two for that. It took a lot for me to stick with this book and when I read the ending, I just about threw my kindle across the room. I get that the author wants to document his life journey for his friend and fans and he wants to make money. I was just so angry that I got suckered into it. Because I thought this book would be real and truly a memoir of importance. My bad.

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

It bugs me that people might read this and think it applies to every addict. It doesn't. It's one person's story of his experience using drugs. I was irritated with the author's opinions-stated-as-fact regarding some kinds of drug treatment--especially since he never actually participated in the forms of treatment he demonized with misinformation. Those same attitudes can keep addicts from seeking treatment that might be beneficial. Some things in this book did not ring true at all. And there were lots and lots of typos, spelling errors, etc. That said, I did find the book somewhat entertaining, and I would have given it a better rating if I weren't so put off by the author's attitude.

[Sunshine Hoover · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an alright read. I kept getting frustrated with Craig for calling methadone "meth". Methadone and Meth are two COMPLETELY different substances! As someone who successfully got off drugs using methadone treatment, his views were very skewed on the program. Of course, he wasn't trying to do it the right way either. I also didn't like the way it abruptly ended. I purchased the second book because I believe in the cause of helping the animals!

[Tori · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two stars is being generous, but I did keep reading it so I will give it two. I think it would have been a much better book if it was 100 pages shorter. It seemed like an odd place to end the story. Some of the parts on methadone did not appear to be accurate, and that made me doubt whether other parts were truthful.

[HillbillyMystic · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this sordid, vivid autobiographical tale of dereliction, depravity, and depression. I set aside the zombie apocalypse genre and apparently am now stuck on junky literature. I was not planning on it but I reckon I will have to read Needle Too soon just to figure out what happened to this fella. Apparently he is one of the few junkies that lived through it all.

[Sherri Bauman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could seriously relate to this, it was great.bhe told about the gritty and sad worl of heroin addiction and somehow made it so funny at tims i laughed out loud.

[Kimberly Bender · Rating 2 out of 5]

Little disappointed

I hate the way the first book ended. I know there is a second book but it could have ended a little better than what it did

[RSavoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Craig gave a true understanding of the mindset of one in active addiction. It’s hard for someone to understand how the disease & yes I said “DISEASE” of addiction can suddenly creep up on some one totally unexpectedly. Craig does an excellent job of portraying just how matter of factly that can & does happen. He also shows through the characters how some people are just predispositioned to be naturally be addicts & others are just not. Again addiction is a disease just as alcoholism. Some people may have a glass of wine with dinner & no big deal, where others that one glass only leads to a disastrous train wreck of events. To say that Craig got his ticket to the train of all train wrecks would be an understatement. He had a lifetime pass & kept getting back on. There were so many times reading this book it was gut wrenching as a Mother of an addict trying to understand WHY? I was seeing or picturing my son in those same desperate situations ( knowing very well this was the same life he was living only a current times) was heart wrenching. However, when you better understand the grasp & what’s going on it’s so much easier to talk to them, offer help, not be scammed but still love them & more than ever refuse to give up. Craig also offers hope. But geez the things those boys did & the depths they sunk to just shows how sad & lonely addiction is in the end & everyone has a story so always Humble & Kind. Craig I hope you are doing well.

[nicola jamieson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soothes my soul

I had to give this book too marks,I love reading,all genres, as an addict myself, reading is also a true'positive,' habit, it's such a truthful,heart crushing, , as I find it so very difficult at times to be honest with who I am, but this book really portrayed the sliding life of any person with a habit, the lows become so much more frequent as the highs just feel so much more difficult to reach. It made me laugh out loud , it also made me cry and at times I had to put down as my own embarrassments came to surface, thank you for writing this, your music career may not have took off but what a talent you have for writing , I'm not in the aa ,even though I should maybe be but I do believe that was your true calling, to help and show all is fellow addicts that we care not alone ,Nicola jamieson

[Kelly Hine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shocking!

A truly fascinating journey of a man stumbling upon what would turn out to be a lifelong addiction/ love. Depraved at times, beautiful at others - I can’t wait to read the sequel

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read!!!

Craig has such a great way of writing. It's like you're there for the extreme ride with him!! I've never read an addiction book that was so real and raw!! You can feel his emotions as you're reading. There's apparently a Needle part 2, but I'm not 100% sure about that. I could be wrong. I really hope there is!!! I highly recommend this book to all walks of life. I will definitely be reading this book more than once!!!
UPDATE: I FOUND CRAIG'S SECOND BOOK. it's called Needle Too. Can't wait to get my hands on it!!

[Kailin · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit too much like a nod... pretty boring for a drug book.

[Kelly Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Couldn’t stop reading! An insight into how drugs can wrap themselves around you and squeeze the life out of you!

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Synopsis:

Being born and raised in New York, Craig Jordan Goodman had an advantage on all those dreamers who flocked to the city during the 1990s and early 2000s to make their dreams of stardom come true. He had the musical talent to make his music career dream a definitely reality until he began down the path of becoming heroin junky. Alongside his good friend, Perry, Goodman follows the dope-bricked road as it leads him further and further into a world of desperation, sacrifice and near-deadly consequences. In his honest and brashly descriptive memoir, he admits his faults, insecurities, and poor decisions. As it was his friend who introduced him to the drug, Perry also helped to lead him away from an almost certain death.

Review:

I fined memoirs to be interesting, moving and often times, truly inspiring. This book fulfilled those qualities and then some as I dove into the world of a city and drug that I had absolutely no idea about. To me, the most refreshing quality of the book was the brash honesty that Goodman puts forth as he writes about everything in his life from his own hypocrisy in drug use, the rise and downfall of his music career and the levels at which he went in order to obtain his fix. Although there were moments of clarity and amusement, the overall journey with heroin was an intensely dark one for the author. Most disturbing to me was the level of detachment that I felt the author had toward the end of the book. He was not only detached from the severity of his situation in any regard, but he appeared to be detached from any and all human interaction unless it was absolutely necessary. This was a complete 180 degree turn from the beginning of the book where he was closely tied to a wide circle of people. A harrowing portrait of how isolating drug use can become, the story of the author's life serves as a wake-up call to those who are ready to listen.

While I couldn't relate to much of what the author had been through in terms of the drug use and related consequences, the emotions stemming from the isolation and despair came across in such a way that anyone could have empathized with him. It's truly a remarkable turnaround to see that the author is now living the type of life is meant to life and doing something positive with his time and energy by giving abused and abandoned dogs a second chance. The proceeds from his book sales go to help fund programs to help eliminate animal cruelty and homelessness among animals. If you're looking for an honest depiction of life in the midst of addiction, this book gives a truly honest portrayal.

[Susie Hargis · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Needle, I feel as though I fully understand the drug market in Manhattan and I suppose by extension, pretty much everywhere else. The story was an in-depth look at addiction, selling, cops, arrest, and really just about everything associated with drugs.

I nearly put it down countless times out of tedium, but something kept me turning the page until the end.

I wouldn’t want to live the life, but I am glad to have finished it and understand it better than I ever thought I would.

[Geoff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read. Some things made me query whether this guy actually did go through this or whether he just researched and wrote it from that.
The main thing that struck me as false is that Methadone does NOT get rid of opiate habits, as is claimed in the book. Also, the withdrawal period for heroin is much different to what I understand, but maybe the heroin is different in the US.
Entertaining enough read, I guess.

[Virginia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Metamorphosis into a druf addick. This is a true story. It reveals one human's thought processes into addiction. This was not an enjoyable story but rather a cold, hard story about reality surrounding one persons' addition. Many who read this can be grateful we didn't go through this particular hell. Hopefully, some readers will learn from it. I didn't give it more stars because it lagged in some parts. Overall, it was true to life.

[Barbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read and as many others have stated, this isn't just another book about a junkie. The character development exposes the reader to the human element of addictive life and those that surround him. I found myself wanting to ask the author about a dozen questions at the end and look forward to the sequel in November.

[Jesse Bettencourt · Rating 5 out of 5]

An eye-opener, and one of the most harrowing books I've ever read. Craig Goodman tells his story with such brutal honesty, never romanticizing his memories, that it becomes impossible to put down. To learn that people live like this is shocking, and knowing that thousands will never live past their addictions is truly terrifying.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Totally engrossing, well written (even if not well edited), and although the author was able to make his experiences almost funny with his dark humoresque way of writing, make no mistake, there was never a moment where one thinks "I want to experience this pathetic existence."

[Mary Ann Starr]

Pretty Good Read

Drags on a little in the middle - score, get high, work, lather, rinse, repeat. The band stuff was boring. Very abrupt ending; I would have liked to know what really happened to Craig.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting look into the life of a junkie. A little repetitive and definitely a rushed ending.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sad

[Rose East · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still reading and utterly gripped.

[Aubrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodman doesn't pretend to be portraying every addict out there. His writing is intelligent and honest. Can't wait for sequel!

[Ann]

I read this book on Kindle. Was a nice way to pass the weekend

[Cchelles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish it told how he got clean. you have to wait for a second part.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wellll...it is quite French with all their neurosis and dry humor. People change as they wear the hat...they also learn something about themselves. It is entertaining. Too much detail on drug use for my taste

[Alessandra C · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75