What do you think?
Rate this book
Pretty Wrecked: Confessions of a Teenage Addict and Her Road to Recovery
***AUTOGRAPHED PAPERBACK AVAILABLE ON MY WEBSITE @ PRETTY WRECKED - FREE SHIPPING***
A brutally honest (and surprisingly funny) vignette-style memoir about abuse, addiction, recovery, and turning a wreck of a teenage life into something badass. From the Philadelphia streets to the Ivy League, Tracy Viola proves it’s not about where you start—it’s about how hard you fight to finish.
This is not your typical recovery story. It's raw, real, R-rated, and full of 80s/90s vibes. No sugarcoating. No hand-holding. Just true stories, hard-earned wisdom, and lessons you'll want to incorporate for yourself immediately.
For teens (16+), families, people in recovery—or anyone who loves a comeback story with bite.
“A tale of grit told with brutal honesty and a hefty dose of humor by the woman who lived it.”
— Angela Duckworth, author of Grit, Professor of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania
Get ready to laugh, cry, cringe, and cheer. Then get to work sorting out your own shit.
Pretty Wrecked: Because you don’t have to stay broken.
***AUTOGRAPHED PAPERBACK AVAILABLE ON MY WEBSITE @ PRETTY WRECKED - FREE SHIPPING ***
A brutally honest (and surprisingly funny) vignette-style memoir about abuse, addiction, recovery, and turning a wreck of a teenage life into something badass. From the Philadelphia streets to the Ivy League, Tracy Viola proves it’s not about where you start—it’s about how hard you fight to finish.
This is not your typical recovery story. It's raw, real, R-rated, and full of 80s/90s vibes. No sugarcoating. No hand-holding. Just true stories, hard-earned wisdom, and lessons you'll want to incorporate for yourself immediately.
For teens (16+), families, people in recovery—or anyone who loves a comeback story with bite.
“A tale of grit told with brutal honesty and a hefty dose of humor by the woman who lived it.”
— Angela Duckworth, author of Grit, Professor of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania
Get ready to laugh, cry, cringe, and cheer. Then get to work sorting out your own shit.
Pretty Wrecked: Because you don’t have to stay broken.
***AUTOGRAPHED PAPERBACK AVAILABLE ON MY WEBSITE @ PRETTY WRECKED - FREE SHIPPING ***
- GenresAudiobook
324 pages, Paperback
Published April 6, 2024
20 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Viola
2 books3 followersMy name is Tracy, and I am a recovering addict and alcoholic.
This is not something I am embarrassed about – quite the opposite. I am extremely proud to be part of the few percent of people that claw their way back out of the trenches of addiction and maintain years of recovery.
Addiction doesn't care. It doesn't care if you are wealthy or poor. It doesn't care about gender or race or educational status. Nope. If addiction or alcoholism comes knocking on your door and you let it in, it will wreak havoc on your life and the lives around you. And that's what happened to me. I opened the door and that little devil slipped in, grabbing a hold of me, and whispered more, more, more... until it took everything.
Until. Until I had a moment. Until I made a choice. Until I fought back minute by minute, day by day to reclaim my life. This choice I made over 28 years ago has defined my story ever since.
"In order to keep it, you have to give it away," is a saying I learned in recovery. And so here we are… Through tears and laughter, losses and wins, pain and pride. I hope my experience and lessons shed some light on addiction and recovery, and I hope Pretty Wrecked helps you or a loved one in some small way.
Follow Tracy on Instagram and Facebook at @tracyviolaauthor
Tracy Viola was born on Philadelphia’s Main Line where she still resides with her husband, two daughters and her calico cat, Olivia. She holds a BA from Villanova University and a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Temple University. Tracy has been continuously sober since February of 1996, and has been a sought-after speaker by schools and recovery centers.
Pretty Wrecked is her first book.
This is not something I am embarrassed about – quite the opposite. I am extremely proud to be part of the few percent of people that claw their way back out of the trenches of addiction and maintain years of recovery.
Addiction doesn't care. It doesn't care if you are wealthy or poor. It doesn't care about gender or race or educational status. Nope. If addiction or alcoholism comes knocking on your door and you let it in, it will wreak havoc on your life and the lives around you. And that's what happened to me. I opened the door and that little devil slipped in, grabbing a hold of me, and whispered more, more, more... until it took everything.
Until. Until I had a moment. Until I made a choice. Until I fought back minute by minute, day by day to reclaim my life. This choice I made over 28 years ago has defined my story ever since.
"In order to keep it, you have to give it away," is a saying I learned in recovery. And so here we are… Through tears and laughter, losses and wins, pain and pride. I hope my experience and lessons shed some light on addiction and recovery, and I hope Pretty Wrecked helps you or a loved one in some small way.
Follow Tracy on Instagram and Facebook at @tracyviolaauthor
Tracy Viola was born on Philadelphia’s Main Line where she still resides with her husband, two daughters and her calico cat, Olivia. She holds a BA from Villanova University and a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Temple University. Tracy has been continuously sober since February of 1996, and has been a sought-after speaker by schools and recovery centers.
Pretty Wrecked is her first book.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 9, 2024
Wow. What an inspirational read.
Now, please forgive me this, normally accounts of surviving and recovering from addiction’s are a bit self centred or looking to cast blame, no judgement, in my experience it’s the nature of the beast. It’s a selfish disease, addiction. Aswell as that I’ve read very few accounts that I’d wish to share with an addict, there are lots of “quit lit” type books out there, the majority of them are terrifyingly bad. This genuinely belongs in the self help category. The main takeaway for me, I see real recovery, real work done, over and over, day after day, and a woman who needs to be damned proud of not only surviving but achieving success with a real desire to make others lives better.
The scary part is, I related to much to teen Tracy, we had so many similarities so many similar situation’s that I kept thinking, god that could’ve been me so easily. I doubt I’d have made it the way Tracy did.
Warm, funny, obviously distressing but above all, utterly inspiring.
There are a few little wobbles with sound on the audio but there’s really no other option to 5 🌟
Congratulations Tracy.
All the stars 🌟
#Jorecommends
My thanks to BooksGoSocial Audio via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this title 🎧
Now, please forgive me this, normally accounts of surviving and recovering from addiction’s are a bit self centred or looking to cast blame, no judgement, in my experience it’s the nature of the beast. It’s a selfish disease, addiction. Aswell as that I’ve read very few accounts that I’d wish to share with an addict, there are lots of “quit lit” type books out there, the majority of them are terrifyingly bad. This genuinely belongs in the self help category. The main takeaway for me, I see real recovery, real work done, over and over, day after day, and a woman who needs to be damned proud of not only surviving but achieving success with a real desire to make others lives better.
The scary part is, I related to much to teen Tracy, we had so many similarities so many similar situation’s that I kept thinking, god that could’ve been me so easily. I doubt I’d have made it the way Tracy did.
Warm, funny, obviously distressing but above all, utterly inspiring.
There are a few little wobbles with sound on the audio but there’s really no other option to 5 🌟
Congratulations Tracy.
All the stars 🌟
#Jorecommends
My thanks to BooksGoSocial Audio via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this title 🎧
December 9, 2024
Tracy Viola’s Pretty Wrecked is a profoundly moving and thought-provoking novel that transcends its focus on addiction to deliver a universal message about self-care, mental health, and living in the moment. While the story delves deeply into the struggles of addiction, its themes resonate far beyond, offering insight and inspiration to readers regardless of their personal experiences.
The narrative is both raw and relatable, capturing the challenges of addiction while highlighting the resilience and courage needed to face them. Viola doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities, but she also emphasizes hope and the power of personal growth. The book’s exploration of mental health and self-improvement is particularly compelling, reminding readers of the importance of prioritizing their own well-being in a world that often demands constant outward focus.
One of the standout elements of the novel is its sharp critique of societal pressures, especially as seen through the subplot involving parents obsessing over their children’s futures. Viola deftly challenges this mindset, urging readers to embrace the present rather than being consumed by fears of what’s to come. It’s a refreshing perspective that feels especially relevant in today’s fast-paced, achievement-driven culture.
Pretty Wrecked is more than just a story about addiction—it’s a call to reflect, heal, and prioritize what truly matters. Tracy Viola has crafted a powerful narrative that inspires empathy, self-awareness, and a renewed focus on mental health. This is a must-read for anyone seeking a story with heart, purpose, and an enduring message of hope.
The narrative is both raw and relatable, capturing the challenges of addiction while highlighting the resilience and courage needed to face them. Viola doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities, but she also emphasizes hope and the power of personal growth. The book’s exploration of mental health and self-improvement is particularly compelling, reminding readers of the importance of prioritizing their own well-being in a world that often demands constant outward focus.
One of the standout elements of the novel is its sharp critique of societal pressures, especially as seen through the subplot involving parents obsessing over their children’s futures. Viola deftly challenges this mindset, urging readers to embrace the present rather than being consumed by fears of what’s to come. It’s a refreshing perspective that feels especially relevant in today’s fast-paced, achievement-driven culture.
Pretty Wrecked is more than just a story about addiction—it’s a call to reflect, heal, and prioritize what truly matters. Tracy Viola has crafted a powerful narrative that inspires empathy, self-awareness, and a renewed focus on mental health. This is a must-read for anyone seeking a story with heart, purpose, and an enduring message of hope.
December 21, 2024
It’s hard to imagine that someone so young can so quickly turn into an addict. One moment doing something so simply being a teenage girl to quickly relying on a substance to numb everything.
At first I was throw off by the authors voice and didn’t know it I would be able to listen to it. Thankfully, once she relaxed it became an easy flowing gentle cadence. You could tell some of the moments which had more of an impact, the inflection that she uses is honest and genuine. Sometimes I just want to hug her teenage self while at others I’m like we could be friends…I’m always down for cruising 😂.
There were moments that it felt like Richard the prick (originally I was going to go with Richard the dickard, but you never know your audience), was someone she could use to blame things on. Or her father. The going back to them as main sources of her becoming what she did. Toward the end though the author shares the realization she had that, yes they were catalysts but she was the problem. She had the responsibility of the actions she took to deal with. From there she was able to grow, heal and change. She was finally able to address some of the things she had swept under the wayside before or as she says put in the trash can and covered.
Her college experience was at times heartbreaking but man do I hope some way or some how she is able to finally link up with Ashley. I hope that she is doing amazing and succeeding in life also.
In the end, this is a raw unfettered look at how addiction is for people. Specifically young people. The book levels out how marijuana is an addictive drug, no matter how much society wants to deny it. It has an impact on the decisions and actions that the person who is addicted makes. This novel offers a clear look at how the friends and family of the individual are impacted and the lengths someone will go for something they believe they HAVE to have. I found this to be an enjoyable read, on line with some other books written about growing up in these time periods but still unique because it shared the ability to get out of it. The love and support the author had from those around her was amazing. The counselors in her second recovery place were truly blessings.
I think the only thing I have left is to ask to see pictures of ruffles…him passing brought out all the feels.
And to disclose that I was provided a free copy of this for my honest, unbiased review and that’s what you are getting. I would recommend this book to those who are looking for an easy yet insightful read. Thank you for the opportunity to review.
At first I was throw off by the authors voice and didn’t know it I would be able to listen to it. Thankfully, once she relaxed it became an easy flowing gentle cadence. You could tell some of the moments which had more of an impact, the inflection that she uses is honest and genuine. Sometimes I just want to hug her teenage self while at others I’m like we could be friends…I’m always down for cruising 😂.
There were moments that it felt like Richard the prick (originally I was going to go with Richard the dickard, but you never know your audience), was someone she could use to blame things on. Or her father. The going back to them as main sources of her becoming what she did. Toward the end though the author shares the realization she had that, yes they were catalysts but she was the problem. She had the responsibility of the actions she took to deal with. From there she was able to grow, heal and change. She was finally able to address some of the things she had swept under the wayside before or as she says put in the trash can and covered.
Her college experience was at times heartbreaking but man do I hope some way or some how she is able to finally link up with Ashley. I hope that she is doing amazing and succeeding in life also.
In the end, this is a raw unfettered look at how addiction is for people. Specifically young people. The book levels out how marijuana is an addictive drug, no matter how much society wants to deny it. It has an impact on the decisions and actions that the person who is addicted makes. This novel offers a clear look at how the friends and family of the individual are impacted and the lengths someone will go for something they believe they HAVE to have. I found this to be an enjoyable read, on line with some other books written about growing up in these time periods but still unique because it shared the ability to get out of it. The love and support the author had from those around her was amazing. The counselors in her second recovery place were truly blessings.
I think the only thing I have left is to ask to see pictures of ruffles…him passing brought out all the feels.
And to disclose that I was provided a free copy of this for my honest, unbiased review and that’s what you are getting. I would recommend this book to those who are looking for an easy yet insightful read. Thank you for the opportunity to review.
December 24, 2024
I have to be really careful with addiction stories. I find "greatest hits packages" (e.g., "I remember the time I did all these drugs/drank so much and got so wasted and did all this stuff") to be triggering. This is more so the younger the memoirist was at the time. For this reason, I passed on Pretty Wrecked: Confessions of a Teenage Addict and Her Road to Recovery the first time. The last thing I needed was to be reminded of... how to put this gently... how much I was not an it girl.
And, yeah, Tracy Viola was all the things I worried about: my age, much prettier (competed in a beauty pageant), popular, cool friends, access to experiences as a teen that I still haven't had at 46. The funny thing is, instead of making me feel bad, she just kept me feeling positive about my own journey. It was especially nice of her to allow her friend to speak about his own passive suicide via alcohol due to a dark personality. It's good to know that you aren't the only one. Not every kid who tokes at a party ends up in a fistfight over a crack rock, but some do. Recovery is work, and Tracy Viola makes that perfectly clear. She shows that it can be so worth it, though.
I really hope that Pretty Wrecked: Confessions of a Teenage Addict and Her Road to Recovery gets the widespread readership that it deserves. I would especially recommend the audiobook, as it meant so much more hearing Tracy Viola herself tell her story. I would like to thank BooksGoSocial Audio for allowing me to experience this NetGalley audiobook.
And, yeah, Tracy Viola was all the things I worried about: my age, much prettier (competed in a beauty pageant), popular, cool friends, access to experiences as a teen that I still haven't had at 46. The funny thing is, instead of making me feel bad, she just kept me feeling positive about my own journey. It was especially nice of her to allow her friend to speak about his own passive suicide via alcohol due to a dark personality. It's good to know that you aren't the only one. Not every kid who tokes at a party ends up in a fistfight over a crack rock, but some do. Recovery is work, and Tracy Viola makes that perfectly clear. She shows that it can be so worth it, though.
I really hope that Pretty Wrecked: Confessions of a Teenage Addict and Her Road to Recovery gets the widespread readership that it deserves. I would especially recommend the audiobook, as it meant so much more hearing Tracy Viola herself tell her story. I would like to thank BooksGoSocial Audio for allowing me to experience this NetGalley audiobook.
January 26, 2025
Drugs are powerful much more so than you. It’s hard to imagine that someone so young can so quickly turn into an addict. One moment doing something so simple ad being a teenage girl to quickly relying on a substance to numb everything. She felt going numb was her only choice at least the drugs told her that.
You will find this to be A captivating memoir, as this woman's journey unfolds. Read from the darkest depths of teenage abuse and addiction to the heights of personal and professional success. As she narrates her own story, she skillfully blends laughter and tears, and the enduring beauty that can be found in life's darkest moments.
Yes, Viola has gifted readers with a front-row seat to the wrenching realities of addiction, then moving on into a window of hope and recovery.
Viola grew up in a wealthy Philadelphia suburb, Her childhood took a toxic turn when she was ONLY 12 years old, thanks to her abusive stepfather. Then at age 19, Viola hit rock bottom! Here she embarked on a different journey to rebuild her life and learn how to “love and respect myself.”
Viola’s reveals it all with stark honesty as she recounts the painful side effects of her addiction, sexual assault, homelessness, and strained family relationships which are just some of her tragic experiences. Viola doesn’t paint an easy road to recovery. Rather, she emphasize how difficult it was but the recovery paid off. She endured a failed stint at Hazelton institution in Minnesota, which remarkably led to a successful sobriety journey, with the assistance of local rehab and many many AA meetings. She went on to earn a bachelor and master’s degrees, Viola went on and established her own thriving consultant business and achieved a solid, amazing marriage. Today, Viola and her husband, Mike, have two daughters who, she writes, are learning “the value of grit and working towards success.”
Twenty seven years sober, she shares an incredible success story for those facing similar struggles. For this reason, no one should ever give up.
It seems quite harmless to just try a little coke at a party. Please don’t start.
I very much recommend this engrossing and unexpectedly funny memoir, Tracy Viola proves it doesn’t matter where you start, only where you finish.
You will find this to be A captivating memoir, as this woman's journey unfolds. Read from the darkest depths of teenage abuse and addiction to the heights of personal and professional success. As she narrates her own story, she skillfully blends laughter and tears, and the enduring beauty that can be found in life's darkest moments.
Yes, Viola has gifted readers with a front-row seat to the wrenching realities of addiction, then moving on into a window of hope and recovery.
Viola grew up in a wealthy Philadelphia suburb, Her childhood took a toxic turn when she was ONLY 12 years old, thanks to her abusive stepfather. Then at age 19, Viola hit rock bottom! Here she embarked on a different journey to rebuild her life and learn how to “love and respect myself.”
Viola’s reveals it all with stark honesty as she recounts the painful side effects of her addiction, sexual assault, homelessness, and strained family relationships which are just some of her tragic experiences. Viola doesn’t paint an easy road to recovery. Rather, she emphasize how difficult it was but the recovery paid off. She endured a failed stint at Hazelton institution in Minnesota, which remarkably led to a successful sobriety journey, with the assistance of local rehab and many many AA meetings. She went on to earn a bachelor and master’s degrees, Viola went on and established her own thriving consultant business and achieved a solid, amazing marriage. Today, Viola and her husband, Mike, have two daughters who, she writes, are learning “the value of grit and working towards success.”
Twenty seven years sober, she shares an incredible success story for those facing similar struggles. For this reason, no one should ever give up.
It seems quite harmless to just try a little coke at a party. Please don’t start.
I very much recommend this engrossing and unexpectedly funny memoir, Tracy Viola proves it doesn’t matter where you start, only where you finish.
December 14, 2024
Wow, what an absolutely fantasticly written and well narrated memoir by someone who has experienced various hurdles in life. Tracy goes into vast detail explaining her childhood, which led to her journey of addiction and tragically also further pain of events that happened throughout this time frame. This is by no means a book of over sharing but giving enough detail for the listener/ reader to comprehend the whys and wherefores that lead Tracy on the path she was on.
The fact that this is narrated personally just really adds to the authenticaticy of this memoir where it feels like you can truly understand and feel the words you're hearing. It takes a great deal of courage to share your life, raw authentic and vulnerable, and to also do so in narrating yourself is a real credit to this woman!
Although this journey is based alot on addiction, trauma and of course the fight back in various ways for her life it simply cannot be denied this book has humour which I believe would make it relatable to anyone but especially younger generation who may be experiencing difficulties with any of these areas in life.
Absolutely fantastic, listen to hear how someone overcame so much. Whilst being able to become the best version of herself in her healing journey and personal growth against all odds, Tracy shows how it can be done. For anyone out there listening to this possibily on this journey of recovery or feels close to it, I hope you also find your peace and healing in this book and in your life.
With thanks to Netgalley & BookGoSocial Audio for this audiobook.
The fact that this is narrated personally just really adds to the authenticaticy of this memoir where it feels like you can truly understand and feel the words you're hearing. It takes a great deal of courage to share your life, raw authentic and vulnerable, and to also do so in narrating yourself is a real credit to this woman!
Although this journey is based alot on addiction, trauma and of course the fight back in various ways for her life it simply cannot be denied this book has humour which I believe would make it relatable to anyone but especially younger generation who may be experiencing difficulties with any of these areas in life.
Absolutely fantastic, listen to hear how someone overcame so much. Whilst being able to become the best version of herself in her healing journey and personal growth against all odds, Tracy shows how it can be done. For anyone out there listening to this possibily on this journey of recovery or feels close to it, I hope you also find your peace and healing in this book and in your life.
With thanks to Netgalley & BookGoSocial Audio for this audiobook.
January 8, 2025
Mesmerizing Memoir
Audiobook Narration:
Tracy Viola- Author and Phenomenal Narrator. Listening to Tracy tell her story felt like sitting in the living room listening to your lifelong best friend flawless deliver their most crucial stories with grace, raw honesty and authenticity in her tone.
Pretty Wrecked: Confessions of a Teen Addict and Her Road to Recovery
As an avid fan of quotes and food for thoughts I could not stop myself from pausing this memoir, I was mesmerized.
Tracy cracked her heart open, owned the ugly truth and shined the light on her tragedies. I heard a woman of action with intention build a life she loves. The titles of each chapter kept me reeled in and laughing. She kept it real when it comes to the substances she had used, cautionary takes and what she was thinking in those moments.
I think Tracy’s story is a great cautionary tale for teenagers to stay clear of substances and an inspiration for those who may be struggling or living a sober life.
To Tracy,
Thank you for being unapologetically honest and vulnerable in sharing your story. It was an honor to hear your story so far with much more to come.
I received a free copy of this book from Tracy Viola and BooksGoSocial Audio. I am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.
Audiobook Narration:
Tracy Viola- Author and Phenomenal Narrator. Listening to Tracy tell her story felt like sitting in the living room listening to your lifelong best friend flawless deliver their most crucial stories with grace, raw honesty and authenticity in her tone.
Pretty Wrecked: Confessions of a Teen Addict and Her Road to Recovery
As an avid fan of quotes and food for thoughts I could not stop myself from pausing this memoir, I was mesmerized.
Tracy cracked her heart open, owned the ugly truth and shined the light on her tragedies. I heard a woman of action with intention build a life she loves. The titles of each chapter kept me reeled in and laughing. She kept it real when it comes to the substances she had used, cautionary takes and what she was thinking in those moments.
I think Tracy’s story is a great cautionary tale for teenagers to stay clear of substances and an inspiration for those who may be struggling or living a sober life.
To Tracy,
Thank you for being unapologetically honest and vulnerable in sharing your story. It was an honor to hear your story so far with much more to come.
I received a free copy of this book from Tracy Viola and BooksGoSocial Audio. I am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.
April 5, 2024
Tracy's story of addiction, recovery, determination, and grit is inspiring and so real you feel that if you don't know the author personally, you know someone who is struggling with similar circumstances.
Tracy offers a raw look at her downward spiral into addiction and as the reader, I found myself cheering for her as she took each step out of addiction and into recovery. Her mantra "make the next best decision," stuck with me as something I can use in my daily life when faced with a dilemma.
While there is a lot of darkness in Tracy's experience, there's a lot of humor and light too. I especially like how she, now as an adult, offers reflections at the end of each chapter from the perspective of someone who has been sober for more than half of her life.
The pacing of the book is quick with bite sized chapters. I especially enjoyed learning about how Tracy has created a successful life, family, and business in her adult sober life.
Tracy Viola, as someone with 28 years of continuous sobriety, has a lot to offer those still struggling with addiction, struggling with sobriety, and the people who love them.
Tracy offers a raw look at her downward spiral into addiction and as the reader, I found myself cheering for her as she took each step out of addiction and into recovery. Her mantra "make the next best decision," stuck with me as something I can use in my daily life when faced with a dilemma.
While there is a lot of darkness in Tracy's experience, there's a lot of humor and light too. I especially like how she, now as an adult, offers reflections at the end of each chapter from the perspective of someone who has been sober for more than half of her life.
The pacing of the book is quick with bite sized chapters. I especially enjoyed learning about how Tracy has created a successful life, family, and business in her adult sober life.
Tracy Viola, as someone with 28 years of continuous sobriety, has a lot to offer those still struggling with addiction, struggling with sobriety, and the people who love them.
April 4, 2024
What I love about Pretty Wrecked is the relatable and beautiful way Tracy was able to convey the very painful details that led up to her addiction, the dumpster fire that followed while she was in the throes of her addiction and the redemptive story of her recovery and lessons learned. I think relatability is so important with works about addiction because you want people to read and think, "wow, this could so easily happen to me or my child" and not distance themselves as if it is an issue that only affects others. The way Tracy writes her story within the context of the 80s and 90s decades with cultural references and the backdrop of the music of that time bring one back to a time that feels extremely familiar. There were times reading the book when I would think, "I feel like I was in her shoes, why wouldn't it have been me?" Because of this empathy and connection the book inspires, regardless of your experience with addiction, I hope Tracy can get her story into the hands of as many people as she can as I truly do think Pretty Wrecked can changes lives.
January 12, 2025
Tracy shares her raw and honest story of being an addict as a teenager and her road to recovery.
It shocked me to hear such a story, especially of someone at such a young age and the really important message for me as a parent, was to be mindful of who we allow in our children’s lives, as just one toxic person can cause such damage and I’m sad that this happened for Tracy.
While it was shocking and heartbreaking, it was also uplifting and lighthearted at times and I really liked how Tracy looked back on her past and shared stories where not everything was bad and something to be ashamed of, she was still able to see the fun and joy in moments passed in her life.
This book serves as great insight and inspiration for anyone going through a similar situation or if you have a young teen battling with an addiction, this can help in gaining a better understanding and be a guide and support.
Thank-you @netgalley @booksgosocialgroup and Tracy for the Audio Advanced Readers Copy, in exchange for an honest review.
It shocked me to hear such a story, especially of someone at such a young age and the really important message for me as a parent, was to be mindful of who we allow in our children’s lives, as just one toxic person can cause such damage and I’m sad that this happened for Tracy.
While it was shocking and heartbreaking, it was also uplifting and lighthearted at times and I really liked how Tracy looked back on her past and shared stories where not everything was bad and something to be ashamed of, she was still able to see the fun and joy in moments passed in her life.
This book serves as great insight and inspiration for anyone going through a similar situation or if you have a young teen battling with an addiction, this can help in gaining a better understanding and be a guide and support.
Thank-you @netgalley @booksgosocialgroup and Tracy for the Audio Advanced Readers Copy, in exchange for an honest review.
June 29, 2024
As the daughter, granddaughter, sister, and friend of addicts, Tracy Viola’s autobiography was simultaneously revealing and 100% relatable. Written with charisma and candor, Viola gives a voice to the demons that are hard for outside-looking in loved ones to fully grasp. This book is just as much for addicts looking for encouragement/inspiration and family members/friends of addicts seeking to understand addiction as it is for those who are new to understanding the disease. I plan to use this book to help my own children understand addiction and how to better love, support, appreciate, and cheer on in every way possible their present and future loved ones’ sobriety.
“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” - Aristotle
“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” - Aristotle
April 5, 2025
Many thanks to NetGalley and Books Go Social Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of this memoir by Tracy Viola, narrated by the author. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!
This was a brutally honest account of the author’s addiction story. It’s told with clarity and humor, allowing the reader to really feel the impact of drugs and alcohol on a person’s life. I loved the quotes she used throughout the book, and she remarked on one truth that most people only learn with age – that everyone is too self-absorbed to really pay attention to other people, so live your life under your terms and stop worrying so much about what other people think. Congrats to the author for her sobriety and kudos to her for sharing her important story!
This was a brutally honest account of the author’s addiction story. It’s told with clarity and humor, allowing the reader to really feel the impact of drugs and alcohol on a person’s life. I loved the quotes she used throughout the book, and she remarked on one truth that most people only learn with age – that everyone is too self-absorbed to really pay attention to other people, so live your life under your terms and stop worrying so much about what other people think. Congrats to the author for her sobriety and kudos to her for sharing her important story!
April 17, 2024
Immensely enjoyed reading this true story of a young teen, her addictions and her road to recovery. The book is written in a real, conversational manner....you really feel like the author is telling you her story, which makes for a more pleasant, engaging reading experience. Tracy Viola is raw and honest and pulls no punches in telling her flaws and her strengths. The book also has great 80s throwbacks. This book is perfect for anyone who has been addicted, who is currently addicted or just knows someone with an addiction. Tracy writes with a realistic tone, humor and cold hard truths about growing up.....highly recommend!!!
December 11, 2024
As someone fortunate enough to have limited experience with addiction, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from Pretty Wrecked. What I experienced (emphasis on experienced) was a faced paced, engaging and inspiring book. It’s rare to find a book that stays on my mind throughout the day while I am reading it. I truly felt as if I was on this journey with Tracy. The reflections interspersed throughout are a brilliant addition - offering ‘sober Tracy’s’ takeaway written in her pragmatic, humorous style. I walked away thinking about ways I could grow and knowing I could do anything if I focus on the “making the next best decision” and “Sit. The. F*. Down”.
January 9, 2025
A well written documentation of one teens drug and alcohol use, her consequences, and her road to recovery. This is a funny, poignant and sad memoir, but man did it hit home. I’m thankful for her brutal honesty of her recovery. As someone who’s husband just celebrated his 35th sober anniversary all while started my own alcoholic addiction during Covid and just celebrating my 2 years of sobriety, and am now fighting my potato chip addiction that I developed after giving up alcohol, this really stuck with me. I will be forever changed having listed to this audiobook.
#PrettyWrecked
#TracyViola
#NetGalley
#PrettyWrecked
#TracyViola
#NetGalley
January 12, 2025
I hate to rate someone else’s story, so I usually don’t do stars for memoirs, but Tracy’s book is SO excellently done! At first I worried she wouldn’t take accountability or she’d become too preachy (I read a lot of ED memoirs), but she didn’t. This audio book had me on the verge of tears often and rooting for Tracy. I loved all her quotes and thought her antidotes in the throws of addiction were hard to swallow - and I caught myself thinking how easily I personally couldn’t have slipped into some of her toxic situations - I thought her determination to recover and do better for herself was so admirable. She makes it seem easy while constantly reminding the reader of the hard work required.
April 4, 2024
Tracy Viola’s Pretty Wrecked is an incredible story of addiction, resilience and recovery and had me laughing, crying and cheering! The vignette format that she used to transport us into her life as a teen addict made this book a quick, easy read. The honest and gritty accounts of her childhood traumas through her recovery are intertwined with her witty sense of humor. This book will not only help those who struggle with addiction, but also those friends and family members who will get a glimpse into the mind of an addict.
May 26, 2024
Compelling, raw, and vulnerable memoire of a recovered addict. Tracy adds humor to her road to recovery story, making it relatable and convincing that yes, this too could happen to anyone, and yes, this is how it happened to me. But the real gift of Tracy's story is what she chose to do after her recovery. A successful, educated, mother of two who made - and stayed - the choice to live a life of sobriety. A must read for everyone, especially for teenagers and their parents. You will not be able to put it down.
August 19, 2024
I didn’t think I was going to *feel* this much reading this book. Boy was I wrong. I’m not sure if it is because I can identify with Tracy’s upbringing (Philly main line, generally “good girl”)- or just bc she is a great writer. In any case- I’m usually not a biography kind of person. I just finished Class and hated it. But this one was different. It was funny- I found myself smiling reading parts. It was relatable. And maybe bc it has a happy (I think!) ending…I loved it. Tracy- well done. Thank you for this book
January 12, 2025
I listened to this on audiobook and it was an amazing experience. To hear the author tell her story, I was ENRAPTURED. I never wanted to stop listening and would sneak snippets as often as possible.
Tracy Viola was able to share a difficult life story in an appropriate length, with strong details without overexplaining. While listening, I could envision her stories and feel her emotions. The added edits to various scenarios were also incredibly raw and honest.
A wonderful memoir that I have been recommending since I started it.
Tracy Viola was able to share a difficult life story in an appropriate length, with strong details without overexplaining. While listening, I could envision her stories and feel her emotions. The added edits to various scenarios were also incredibly raw and honest.
A wonderful memoir that I have been recommending since I started it.
January 20, 2025
Tracy's memoir is an emotional and inspiring story. She shares her experience of growing up with an abusive stepfather who constantly put her down. Struggling with drugs and alcohol at a young age, her journey is one of pain, resilience, and growth. Hearing her narrate the audiobook made it even more impactful, the emotion in her voice brought her story to life. I highly recommend experiencing this memoir in audiobook format. Thank you for sharing your story, Tracy.
Thank you for this ALC provided by BooksGoSocial Audio and Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you for this ALC provided by BooksGoSocial Audio and Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
April 29, 2024
This book isn’t a story it’s a feeling. The ways I connected with it were painful, taking me back to my own experiences and forcing me to reflect on my own decisions and the roots from which they all came. To feel so proud of someone else for sharing their story and let go of my unspoken shame was healing. Tracy makes you laugh, cry and totally connect, even though she was totally wrecked! Much love to Tracy for her fearless journey sharing her story that so many young women need to hear.
May 28, 2024
I just finished this true story that read like a novel that I could not put down.. Tracy’s story is filled with sadness and trauma but also so much hope.. I felt so inspired by her drive to change things in her life. Most of us are all talk but she actually follows through… and I love her quotes and little insights.. mainly saying that just because something is simple does not mean that it is easy. This is a must read for every parent and also every person with addiction in their family!
June 18, 2025
Great story about overcoming horrible odds and situations. Sometimes you don't know why someone becomes who they become or why they start something. This enlightening book takes you behind the scenes to discover and understand what led our writer to become an addict. It examines the internal and external struggles she faced to get sober and those that she still faces. It is a moving and inspiring story of heartache and triumph.
April 23, 2024
The book gives hope and motivation regardless of the type of struggle. After finishing the book, I felt like I had been on a weird emotional rollercoaster ride that ended safely and full of positivity. Thank you for sharing your story! Tracy Viola
July 19, 2024
Well-told story of a young woman battling alcohol and drugs before she was old enough to drink. Tracy Viola tells her tale with humility and humor, depicting her plummet to rock bottom, and painstaking climb back into a healthy life. She notes the pain her addiction has caused family members, and works hard to live a life those who love her can be proud of.
July 20, 2024
Great Tool to Learn About Addictio.
This is a great book for addicts and their families. The author takes us on her journey through addiction to sobriety. She provides lessons and explanations to help people get and stay sober. I pray that the people that need this information read this book and apply it in their lives.
This is a great book for addicts and their families. The author takes us on her journey through addiction to sobriety. She provides lessons and explanations to help people get and stay sober. I pray that the people that need this information read this book and apply it in their lives.
September 25, 2024
We are proud to announce that PRETTY WRECKED: Confessions of a Teenage Addict and Her Road to Recovery by Tracy Viola has been honored with the B.R.A.G. Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG. This award is a testament to this book's quality and the impact it has had on readers.
January 6, 2025
This was amazing
Very detailed experience with heart and the narration was great
Very down to earth and I can really appreciate how the author did not hold back
Amazing work and such a great life story
Very detailed experience with heart and the narration was great
Very down to earth and I can really appreciate how the author did not hold back
Amazing work and such a great life story
May 16, 2024
Heartfelt
Tracy writes with emotion—anger, sadness, and happiness. She is very open about her life’s failures and accomplishments. I recommend this book.
Tracy writes with emotion—anger, sadness, and happiness. She is very open about her life’s failures and accomplishments. I recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews