Bottles in the Basement: Surviving an Alcoholic - A Memoir

by Paula Ganzi McGloin

The author's husband was a high-functioning alcoholic, a clinical term that belied drinking Scotch for breakfast. Robert kept his addiction a secret. Suspecting something was amiss, she became a kissing for the sake of sniffing, discovering trash bags full of empties, flasks in his briefcase and eventually over $60,000 in credit card debt. Her pleas to get help were ignored, her support and encouragement spurned. Each day brought fresh worries - will he get fired, get into a car crash, get killed?

Their lives were spiraling out of control, forcing her into a front row seat to rock bottom. Then, a devastating diagnosis.
Paula Ganzi McGloin's story will resonate deeply with partners and loved ones who find themselves dragged down into a scary, out-of-control underworld - addiction, adultery, gambling, financial infidelity - and wondering, What happened to my life?

215 pages, Paperback

Published October 10, 2023

Reviews

[Nicole DeFazio · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "Bottles in the Basement," Paula Ganzi McGloin delivers a poignant memoir that beautifully captures the tumultuous journey of love and loss intertwined with the struggle of living alongside an alcoholic. With a blend of humor and heart, McGloin’s writing draws readers into her world, making it impossible to put the book down.

From the first chapter, McGloin’s candid storytelling and sharp wit create an engaging narrative. She shares the early days of her marriage, filled with laughter and dreams, before gradually unveiling the shadows cast by her husband’s addiction. Her ability to infuse humor into heart-wrenching moments is a testament to her resilience and perspective, providing a relatable balance that makes her story all the more impactful.

What sets "Bottles in the Basement" apart is McGloin’s authenticity. She doesn’t shy away from the raw emotions—her anger, confusion, and heartbreak are laid bare with an honesty that is both refreshing and courageous. Through her journey, we witness not only the impact of addiction but also the profound lessons about forgiveness and self-discovery.

As the memoir progresses, McGloin’s path towards healing becomes a central theme. Her journey is marked by moments of clarity and strength, revealing her growth in the face of adversity. The poignant conclusion serves as a reminder that while loss can be devastating, it can also lead to new beginnings and a deeper understanding of oneself. It’s a touching tribute to the resilience of the human spirit and a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, hope can be found.

[Howard A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bottles in the Basement proves that superior writing and disciplined narrative can elevate a tragic true story of pain and loss until it is transformed into a celebration of courage, commitment and confidence.

McGloin’s journey through and after her husband’s decline and death offers opportunity after opportunity to slide into maudlin and cliched emotional story telling. Every opportunity is declined. The writing is tight; you’ll not find any fat in the prose. Every opportunity to indulge in a sentimental or angry tangent is left unexploited. Instead, McGloin succeeds in the difficult task of describing the conflicting and often unresolved emotions triggered by her situation with detachment and clarity. She is simultaneously hip deep in the story and totally objective in her reactions to her plight. The line of the story is measured and straight. This is a no frills writer.

It's a well told story of grace under extreme pressure. McGloin’s commitment to building a rich life as a young widow shines through her often hilarious anecdotes about dating successes and disappointments. Her recounting of finally finding a world class partner is uplifting and believable. My only disappointment in the book? It’s too short. I would have relished another 100 pages of writing as good as this stuff.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this incredible book down. Captivating from page one, this memoir is a must-read for anyone who seeks to understand what it's like to live with a "secret" alcoholic, for anyone who loves or has loved someone in the depths of this disease, for anyone who has felt helplessness when trying to help a loved one, and for anyone who has felt deep love for their spouse but also great despair.

Paula Ganzi McGloin, an extremely skilled and sensitive writer, brings us directly into her suburban world, as she watches her beloved husband spiral. Her tormented, conflicted feelings about staying married to a man who is in denial about his condition, all the while desperately trying to figure out how to get him to acknowledge he's in trouble and then seek help, are highly relatable.

There is much anguish in these beautifully written pages, but also much hope. This is an important, brave and moving story.

[Randall Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-written but tough-to-read memoir about living with an alcoholic. The author is unsparing in her portrayal of all the disappointment, frustration, deception, withdrawal and pulling away that she experienced as her husband descended into the depths of alcoholism. This makes up the first half of the book, and it's tough reading, but after he dies about 1/2 way through, the book takes a sharp turn as the author gets control of her life and starts to be able to live a more normal life. After grieving her husband's death, she starts dating, has some amusing and interesting adventrues, and eventually finds love and remarries, so there is a happy ending. I'd recommend this book as a gripping insight into what is probably an all-too-frequent situation, as well as a sharply written and to-the-point example of what a good memoir should be.

[Jackie Tootchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bottles In The Basement is a brave, impressive and emotional rendering of life through the eyes of an alcoholic’s wife. Paula McGloin’s memoir takes you on a roller coaster journey- an absorbing, if tragic, love story, a devastating life event and eventually to the point where she can resolve the dualities of it all.

Achingly honest, the memoir sometimes reads like a novel and at others as a beacon to anyone who has dealt with a loved one’s addiction or inability to change. It’s a story worth reading. The author has earned my admiration for her poignant, true to life writing style and story.

[Barry Dougherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

McGloin has offered up her personal struggles living and dealing with an alcoholic in this riveting story that reads like a gripping novel yet, sadly, was her true-life drama. To all those who think they are alone in their own plight, this author proves otherwise. McGloin’s book is a roadmap to not just coping but surviving the storms one encounters on this torturous journey. McGloin is an incredibly gifted writer whose carefully crafted sentences are a gift to readers and should give solace to anyone who has ever dealt with a loved one tumbling toward rock bottom.

[Linda Kraft · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a real page turner
A truly honest memoir written beautifully, you really felt her love for the life she had with her highly functioning alcoholic husband. The book was not about a poor me women, it was real life struggles and trying to figure out how to live life everyday.
This a great book for anyone struggling with a spouse/friend or family member that has an addiction problem,
It’s comforting knowing you are not alone and that you can find love and happiness again
Can’t wait to read her next book

[Steve Feigenbaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Bottles in the Basement” is a superb look at the subject of alcohol addiction from someone with a close-up view. Paula Ganzi McGloin captures, with poignancy mixed with hope and at times even humor, the difficulties and anguish she endured for years as she learned of and then tried desperately to remedy her husband’s alcoholism. This book is a heart-wrenching yet heart-warming memoir about a subject that afflicts all too many people, a memoir that offers them – and all of us – guidance and hope.

[Iyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s an odd position to be writing about a book in which I’m a minor “character.” I don’t think knowing how events unfolded clouds my opinion of this beautifully rendered memoir. It was wrenching in a million new ways. That’s down to Paula McGloin’s powers of observation and rich prose. This story of love, heartbreak, deception and reinvention is all so vivid and immediate.

[Ellen A · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great memoir told with brutal honesty and vulnerability. Paula’s not afraid to talk about the terrible times she lived through during her husband’s alcoholic demise. Unfortunately he didn’t survive. Fortunately she did and truly thrived! I’m sure this will speak to and help many people going through similar circumstances.

[Joni · Rating 5 out of 5]

McGloin shares the ups and downs, fear and love, of discovering her husband’s alcoholism and how she got up each day to face the world. From laughing with her on one page, to crying on the next, this memoir gives hope to anyone in this sad situation. Despite the daily fears, secrets, what to do next, McGloin comes out a survivor, and tells this story beautifully.

[Mary Ellen Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gut-wrenching memoir of a woman’s struggle with living with a husband suffering from alcoholism. Paula openly writes about everything: feelings, about her husband’s hidden behavior, the destruction of her marriage. Paula is an excellent writer, sharing the awful parts of her story and her husband’s spiral downward into severe alcoholism. Excellent memoir.

[Nancy]

Bottles in the Basement is an extraordinary and powerful memoir. The heartache of living with an addict was portrayed in an honest and sometimes humorous fashion. The author is a brave woman who overcame the heartbreaking addiction of a loved one and moved forward. Very well written and a beautiful read

[Jemathomp · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this because it was a selection for our book group and because the author lives in our community. Sometimes book group selections feel like homework but I had a difficult time putting this down. It engaged me from the very first page. How do you describe a book written as if you are hearing the author’s voice and innermost thoughts? The Goodreads summary doesn’t really do it justice.

[Gail LIEBMAN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paula’s happy ending

Paula, this book was so beautifully written. Writing books is definitely your calling. You are such an amazing writer. I’m so sorry that you had to go through all you did. I’m so happy you found Billy. He sounds like such an amazing man. I’m so happy you found happiness & your true love💕.

Love,
Gail

[Wendy LaBree · Rating 5 out of 5]

This heart wrenching and amazingly true story stayed in my head for days after I finished it! Paula McGloin shares her life of love, deception, loss and finding love again with honesty and courage. A truly inspiring read!! I can't wait for her next book!!