This is Not a Self-Help Book

by Mark Mehigan

Much of Mark Mehigan's twenties read like a how-to How to get very drunk without raising people's suspicions you might be an alcoholic. Outwardly successful, inside he was drowning.
Nearing 30, he was hurtling towards a nervous breakdown and using payday loans to fund a burgeoning cocaine habit. His only choice was to finally relinquish control and ask for help. In doing so he discovered a life beyond his wildest dreams.
This new way of life embraced letting stuff go. Giving things up. He discovered the power of rigorous honesty, how to live without relying on destructive behavioural patterns and the joy of letting people in instead of keeping them out.
Mark's story is one of recovery and sobriety. It brilliantly articulates the societal pressures that can leave people feeling isolated and lost, and offers a path to finding your own sense of 'good enough'. Perhaps Mark's story can be the spark that ignites that journey for you, or at the very least a guide on how not to mess up your life. Either way, it's definitely not a self-help book.

Genres: Audiobook

314 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 14, 2024

Reviews

[Luiza · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the introduction and I share the same sentiment towards self-help books with swear words on the cover. It is deep and honest and you get to laugh even when the author is describing its lows. I overall enjoyed listening to this audiobook!

[Luke Judge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must say, using Marks cynicism against him, I didn't have high expectations for this. The depth and the honesty with which he details his story is unbelievable. I can't help but feel that most people who are navigating their ways in the world could relate to this and take something from it. Thanks Mark for sharing your story. (Tldr would recommend)

[Ercus Finn-Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark does a great job of balancing a serious subject matter with humour.

[Anna Winifred Conway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to this on audiobook and was almost disappointed I didn’t read it on a page just to soak it in more. The author said were many, many profound things and made them so easy to understand.
I think the perspective of the sober alcoholic is something that will resonate with many people post intense mental illness also.
The author speaks with such honesty and humour, it’s a must read for anyone.

[Aoife · Rating 3 out of 5]

*If nothing changes, nothing changes.

I didn’t know Mark before he was romantically linked with Doireann Garrihy, so missed out on all his roasts, videos and sketches. This came up on the kindle deals so I picked it up.

He declared that this isn’t a self-help book, nor a biography as he’s simply not that famous yet.

He details of what led him to becoming sober in his thirties; the blackouts, the comedowns and the bad decisions. As he’s quite a funny narrator of his journey thus far, you can be forgiven for laughing at his tragic tale.

As I knew how the story ended or how it is now, I guess it was the affirmation that this story will improve, whilst if you read it not knowing his story, you honestly wouldn’t know how it was going to go.

[Shane Colton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting easy to digest read. Interesting reflection and one gains a good understanding into the world and thought process of someone who is (was) an alcoholic/heavy drug user and how they turned the ship and the myths vs reality in doing so.

[John McPhee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting idea about how author started drinking then became consumed by it then struggled to stop it and eventually did. Repeatedly he says this is not a guide for you … it is just my story. I think that is true. (Randomly found this on book shelf on hostel here in Seville!’)

[Caroline Croezen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this. Bought it yesterday and am already finished. Mark comes across so funny, honest and humble. A great read.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book, I couldn't put it down.

[Gemma Brophy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is really well written, funny, and motivating. Just gets a little lost every now and then.

[Eleana Skelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good read. Puts into perspective how quickly vices can take over, coupled with some wit

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very frank and honest account of his addiction to alcohol and cocaine, interspersed with light comedy that Mark does so well.

[Conor Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good read. I think it tackles the “bad” better than the good, but that’s because it’s easier to funnily describe the rough than poetically (but not overly so) run through the good.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!
Honest, real and a MUST READ
If this doesn’t impact you, make you consider your life and laugh your ass off…. Nothing will!

[Eoin O Doherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was hard to put down. Not a self-help book remained humorous and well structured throughout while delivering some great insight.