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For the Love of a Son: A Memoir of Addiction, Loss, and Hope
#1 National Bestseller
From Hockey Night in Canada’s Scott Oake, a raw and honest memoir about his son’s struggle with opioid use and how he turned a father’s worst nightmare into a second chance for others battling addiction.
A father’s love. A devastating drug crisis. A stirring call to action.
When veteran broadcaster Scott Oake first held his infant son, Bruce, in his arms, he never imagined that Bruce would become a statistic in the losing battle to opioid abuse.
In those early days, Scott, a new father, watched Bruce with awe, marveling at the potential of his funny, charismatic boy. As Bruce got older, though, he struggled to fit in at school and began showing signs of having ADHD, including a streak of impulsiveness that often got him into trouble. Scott and his wife, Anne, did their best to support him, and for a time, he found community and belonging in boxing and local rap battles. But when Bruce was pulled into a world of drugs and gangs, Scott and Anne experienced a crash course in the reality of loving someone battling substance use disorder.
Then one quiet day in 2011, Scott got the phone call that every parent Bruce had accidentally overdosed. At just twenty-five, Scott’s vibrant, creative, first-born son was gone forever.
It was a loss that could have broken a man, a marriage, a family—but Scott, Anne, and their younger son, Darcy, instead turned the worst day of their lives into a way to help the thousands of Canadians struggling with addiction. After nearly a decade of fundraising and battling red tape and political machinations they launched the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre, a free, revolutionary treatment centre staffed by addicts and alcoholics in recovery.
For the Love of a Son is the story of a father’s unconditional love for his son. Above all, it’s the story of a young man who never got to grow up and a family who gives others the chance to find their way home.
From Hockey Night in Canada’s Scott Oake, a raw and honest memoir about his son’s struggle with opioid use and how he turned a father’s worst nightmare into a second chance for others battling addiction.
A father’s love. A devastating drug crisis. A stirring call to action.
When veteran broadcaster Scott Oake first held his infant son, Bruce, in his arms, he never imagined that Bruce would become a statistic in the losing battle to opioid abuse.
In those early days, Scott, a new father, watched Bruce with awe, marveling at the potential of his funny, charismatic boy. As Bruce got older, though, he struggled to fit in at school and began showing signs of having ADHD, including a streak of impulsiveness that often got him into trouble. Scott and his wife, Anne, did their best to support him, and for a time, he found community and belonging in boxing and local rap battles. But when Bruce was pulled into a world of drugs and gangs, Scott and Anne experienced a crash course in the reality of loving someone battling substance use disorder.
Then one quiet day in 2011, Scott got the phone call that every parent Bruce had accidentally overdosed. At just twenty-five, Scott’s vibrant, creative, first-born son was gone forever.
It was a loss that could have broken a man, a marriage, a family—but Scott, Anne, and their younger son, Darcy, instead turned the worst day of their lives into a way to help the thousands of Canadians struggling with addiction. After nearly a decade of fundraising and battling red tape and political machinations they launched the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre, a free, revolutionary treatment centre staffed by addicts and alcoholics in recovery.
For the Love of a Son is the story of a father’s unconditional love for his son. Above all, it’s the story of a young man who never got to grow up and a family who gives others the chance to find their way home.
255 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 21, 2025
56 people are currently reading
1298 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
March 30, 2025
4.5 stars ⭐️
Memoirs are always so hard to rate - because how can you rate someone else’s story when you have never walked in their shoes?
Scott Oake, a familiar Canadian sports anchor details the life of his son Bruce, who was addicted to several drugs, which ultimately led to his untimely death in his 20s. Clearly this is a parent’s worst nightmare, and yet these were parents who tried everything and sadly they couldn’t save him. From Bruce’s death they had a vision. They petitioned, and downright begged for support to build The Bruce Oake Recovery Centre in Winnipeg. The dream came into fruition when it opened its door in 2021. A 50 patient intake drug rehabilitation centre that is free for men who are suffering from addiction. Now, Scott’s wife has passed on and he is hoping to build the Anne Oake Recovery Centre in her memory. For the women who also suffer from this terrible disease.
Enlightening and harrowing. This book brings hard truths to the surface. An important read.
I love the cover of this book. It feels peaceful.
“ …you don’t have to shake any family tree too hard before an addict or alcoholic fall out.”
Memoirs are always so hard to rate - because how can you rate someone else’s story when you have never walked in their shoes?
Scott Oake, a familiar Canadian sports anchor details the life of his son Bruce, who was addicted to several drugs, which ultimately led to his untimely death in his 20s. Clearly this is a parent’s worst nightmare, and yet these were parents who tried everything and sadly they couldn’t save him. From Bruce’s death they had a vision. They petitioned, and downright begged for support to build The Bruce Oake Recovery Centre in Winnipeg. The dream came into fruition when it opened its door in 2021. A 50 patient intake drug rehabilitation centre that is free for men who are suffering from addiction. Now, Scott’s wife has passed on and he is hoping to build the Anne Oake Recovery Centre in her memory. For the women who also suffer from this terrible disease.
Enlightening and harrowing. This book brings hard truths to the surface. An important read.
I love the cover of this book. It feels peaceful.
“ …you don’t have to shake any family tree too hard before an addict or alcoholic fall out.”
February 10, 2025
This book. Please read this book. It’s not a perfect book. But in reading it , I thought, addiction can
Happen to anyone. If it can happen to the son of a well known CBC sports journalist, a son who was well supported both emotionally and financially, it can happen to anyone. I think of my own kids, only 5 and 8, and wonder, could it happen to them? I’m
So grateful Scott Oake shared his story with us. The story of a family who had a good life yet still lost one of their own to addiction. The Oakes took their grief and their loss and turned it into a drive to make sure that people had a chance before it was too late to get help and make a change. In conclusion, please read this book. And please support initiatives that help to support those with mental health and addictions issues make a change for themselves.
Happen to anyone. If it can happen to the son of a well known CBC sports journalist, a son who was well supported both emotionally and financially, it can happen to anyone. I think of my own kids, only 5 and 8, and wonder, could it happen to them? I’m
So grateful Scott Oake shared his story with us. The story of a family who had a good life yet still lost one of their own to addiction. The Oakes took their grief and their loss and turned it into a drive to make sure that people had a chance before it was too late to get help and make a change. In conclusion, please read this book. And please support initiatives that help to support those with mental health and addictions issues make a change for themselves.
February 2, 2025
Hockey Night In Canada's Scott Oake gives us a raw and honest memoir about his first born son Bruce's struggle with drug use and how he turned a father's worst nightmare into a second chance for others battling addiction.
Scott and his wife Anne's reality for many years was supporting and loving someone battling substance abuse. At 25, Bruce had accidentally overdosed and was gone forever.
Amidst unbearable grief, Scott, Anne and their younger son Darcy spent the next decade fundraising, battling many hurdles and were able to finally launch the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre.
"Treatment for addiction exists"
A Must Read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Scott and his wife Anne's reality for many years was supporting and loving someone battling substance abuse. At 25, Bruce had accidentally overdosed and was gone forever.
Amidst unbearable grief, Scott, Anne and their younger son Darcy spent the next decade fundraising, battling many hurdles and were able to finally launch the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre.
"Treatment for addiction exists"
A Must Read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
March 9, 2025
I work in addiction & recovery. Books like these are needed. Being an NHL fan for years, I know who Scott Oake is. However, I had no idea of his story about his son, Bruce. He offers a close look into his son’s tragic journey with drug addiction. Places like the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre are very much needed in every province in the country.
January 14, 2025
Title:
For the Love of a Son: A Memoir of Addiction, Loss, and Hope
Author: Scott Oake
Genre: Memoir
Rating: 5.00
Pub Date: January 21, 2025
I received a complimentary eARC from Simon & Schuster Canada via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted
T H R E E • W O R D S
Tragic • Raw • Compassionate
📖 S Y N O P S I S
A father’s love. A devastating drug crisis. A stirring call to action.
When veteran broadcaster Scott Oake first held his infant son, Bruce, in his arms, he never imagined that Bruce would become a statistic in the losing battle to opioid abuse.
In those early days, Scott, a new father, watched Bruce with awe, marveling at the potential of his funny, charismatic boy. As Bruce got older, though, he struggled to fit in at school and began showing signs of having ADHD, including a streak of impulsiveness that often got him into trouble. Scott and his wife, Anne, did their best to support him, and for a time, he found community and belonging in boxing and local rap battles. But when Bruce was pulled into a world of drugs and gangs, Scott and Anne experienced a crash course in the reality of loving someone battling substance use disorder.
Then one quiet day in 2011, Scott got the phone call that every parent dreads: Bruce had accidentally overdosed. At just twenty-five, Scott’s vibrant, creative, first-born son was gone forever.
It was a loss that could have broken a man, a marriage, a family—but Scott, Anne, and their younger son, Darcy, instead turned the worst day of their lives into a way to help the thousands of Canadians struggling with addiction. After nearly a decade of fundraising and battling red tape and political machinations they launched the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre, a free, revolutionary treatment centre staffed by addicts and alcoholics in recovery.
💭 T H O U G H T S
Scott Oake is a broadcasting legend here in Canada, and while many will know him for his time on Hockey Night in Canada and the Olympics, I suspect only a small number will know this deeply personal and heartbreaking story about his son, Bruce. I became aware of Bruce's story and the Bruce Oak Recovery Centre in February 2021 while researching places to donate in memory of my partner, Geoff, who like Bruce, died from an overdose in February 2020. My personal connection to the overdose epidemic made For the Love of a Son my most anticipated non-fiction release of 2025.
In a compassionate and empathetic voice, Scott tells Bruce's story, and by doing so, honours his life and his memory. It's a story of heartbreak and frustration, of helplessness and unconditional love, and of awareness and advocacy. From the very first page, I had tears streaming down my face, as I know what it is like to bare witnessed to the unrelenting grip addiction takes on a person.
While the memoir paints a picture of Bruce's life from birth to death, the final third of the book details Scott and Anne's work and dedication in making their dream of opening a recovery centre a reality. They have been left with a hole in their hearts that will never heal, yet remain committed to commemorating Bruce's life and making a difference in the lives of others so that some good can come from his death.
While it is clear one of the main goals of this book is to advocate for better, it never came across as preachy. Rather Scott seeks compassion and understanding in a society where stigma still persists. Oake reiterates how addiction does not discriminate and knows no boundaries, while encouraging readers to help change the narrative about addiction in general. Every penny of profit from the sale of this book goes to the Bruce & Anne Oake Foundation - meaning you're supporting men and women in their pursuit of recovery and the sober, healthy lives that go with it.
For the Love of a Son is a deeply tragic and human memoir that captures the helplessness of loving someone with addiction very well. Scott tells it like it is and doesn't shy away from the pain. As someone who has loved someone who has died from an overdose, I know the pain will never go away, but like Scott and Anne, it is my hope that I can help change the narrative and save lives. With that said, if you're able, I would ask you to make a donation to the Bruce & Anne Oake foundation.
📚 R E A D • I F • Y O U • L I K E
• learning about the lives of public figures
• addiction advocacy
• emotional memoirs
⚠️ CW: drug use, drug abuse, addiction, overdose, mental illness, chronic illness, death, child death, grief, alcohol, violence, injury/injury detail, medical trauma, pandemic/epidemic, cursing
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"Like my son, this graduate comes from a well-off family, and enjoyed the kind of privilege growing up that some people think protects them from the dangers of addiction. Unfortunately, they're wrong. Addiction knows no boundaries, not even socioeconomic ones, and it can come for anyone."
"Most Canadians understand, by now, that addiction is a disease. And yet individual addicts are still blamed for it, as if it was simply a matter of making better life choices. But who grows up dreaming of being a drug addict? Who would choose to live a life full of such pain and desperation. Nobody. Bruce certainly didn't. But he fell victim to it anyway."
"Addiction is a nasty, ugly disease, no doubt about it. But it affects so many people in this country, many of whom suffer in silence. Anne and I made a point of talking about it, because we didn’t see any shame and what happened to our son. Sadness, yes. But not shame."
"We want the public to recognize that addiction is a medical condition. More specifically, addiction is a chronic brain disease - and a fucking awful one at that. It's got to be one of the only diseases that tells you you don't have a disease."
Author: Scott Oake
Genre: Memoir
Rating: 5.00
Pub Date: January 21, 2025
I received a complimentary eARC from Simon & Schuster Canada via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted
T H R E E • W O R D S
Tragic • Raw • Compassionate
📖 S Y N O P S I S
A father’s love. A devastating drug crisis. A stirring call to action.
When veteran broadcaster Scott Oake first held his infant son, Bruce, in his arms, he never imagined that Bruce would become a statistic in the losing battle to opioid abuse.
In those early days, Scott, a new father, watched Bruce with awe, marveling at the potential of his funny, charismatic boy. As Bruce got older, though, he struggled to fit in at school and began showing signs of having ADHD, including a streak of impulsiveness that often got him into trouble. Scott and his wife, Anne, did their best to support him, and for a time, he found community and belonging in boxing and local rap battles. But when Bruce was pulled into a world of drugs and gangs, Scott and Anne experienced a crash course in the reality of loving someone battling substance use disorder.
Then one quiet day in 2011, Scott got the phone call that every parent dreads: Bruce had accidentally overdosed. At just twenty-five, Scott’s vibrant, creative, first-born son was gone forever.
It was a loss that could have broken a man, a marriage, a family—but Scott, Anne, and their younger son, Darcy, instead turned the worst day of their lives into a way to help the thousands of Canadians struggling with addiction. After nearly a decade of fundraising and battling red tape and political machinations they launched the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre, a free, revolutionary treatment centre staffed by addicts and alcoholics in recovery.
💭 T H O U G H T S
Scott Oake is a broadcasting legend here in Canada, and while many will know him for his time on Hockey Night in Canada and the Olympics, I suspect only a small number will know this deeply personal and heartbreaking story about his son, Bruce. I became aware of Bruce's story and the Bruce Oak Recovery Centre in February 2021 while researching places to donate in memory of my partner, Geoff, who like Bruce, died from an overdose in February 2020. My personal connection to the overdose epidemic made For the Love of a Son my most anticipated non-fiction release of 2025.
In a compassionate and empathetic voice, Scott tells Bruce's story, and by doing so, honours his life and his memory. It's a story of heartbreak and frustration, of helplessness and unconditional love, and of awareness and advocacy. From the very first page, I had tears streaming down my face, as I know what it is like to bare witnessed to the unrelenting grip addiction takes on a person.
While the memoir paints a picture of Bruce's life from birth to death, the final third of the book details Scott and Anne's work and dedication in making their dream of opening a recovery centre a reality. They have been left with a hole in their hearts that will never heal, yet remain committed to commemorating Bruce's life and making a difference in the lives of others so that some good can come from his death.
While it is clear one of the main goals of this book is to advocate for better, it never came across as preachy. Rather Scott seeks compassion and understanding in a society where stigma still persists. Oake reiterates how addiction does not discriminate and knows no boundaries, while encouraging readers to help change the narrative about addiction in general. Every penny of profit from the sale of this book goes to the Bruce & Anne Oake Foundation - meaning you're supporting men and women in their pursuit of recovery and the sober, healthy lives that go with it.
For the Love of a Son is a deeply tragic and human memoir that captures the helplessness of loving someone with addiction very well. Scott tells it like it is and doesn't shy away from the pain. As someone who has loved someone who has died from an overdose, I know the pain will never go away, but like Scott and Anne, it is my hope that I can help change the narrative and save lives. With that said, if you're able, I would ask you to make a donation to the Bruce & Anne Oake foundation.
📚 R E A D • I F • Y O U • L I K E
• learning about the lives of public figures
• addiction advocacy
• emotional memoirs
⚠️ CW: drug use, drug abuse, addiction, overdose, mental illness, chronic illness, death, child death, grief, alcohol, violence, injury/injury detail, medical trauma, pandemic/epidemic, cursing
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"Like my son, this graduate comes from a well-off family, and enjoyed the kind of privilege growing up that some people think protects them from the dangers of addiction. Unfortunately, they're wrong. Addiction knows no boundaries, not even socioeconomic ones, and it can come for anyone."
"Most Canadians understand, by now, that addiction is a disease. And yet individual addicts are still blamed for it, as if it was simply a matter of making better life choices. But who grows up dreaming of being a drug addict? Who would choose to live a life full of such pain and desperation. Nobody. Bruce certainly didn't. But he fell victim to it anyway."
"Addiction is a nasty, ugly disease, no doubt about it. But it affects so many people in this country, many of whom suffer in silence. Anne and I made a point of talking about it, because we didn’t see any shame and what happened to our son. Sadness, yes. But not shame."
"We want the public to recognize that addiction is a medical condition. More specifically, addiction is a chronic brain disease - and a fucking awful one at that. It's got to be one of the only diseases that tells you you don't have a disease."
July 16, 2025
A story that details the devastating disease of addiction, inspires you to go out and make positive change in the world, and just makes you really want to give Scott Oake a hug.
Set aside a few hours to read this and be ready to sob.
Set aside a few hours to read this and be ready to sob.
December 12, 2024
Thank you Simon & Schuster Canada for the ARC copy of this memoir.
For the love of a son is the memoir of Scott Oake about his son Bruce’s battle with addiction. Respectfully and empathetic, Oake humanizes addiction and shows the reader that it isn’t just something that is seen on the news, but something real people (probably someone you know) deals with.
For the love of a son is the memoir of Scott Oake about his son Bruce’s battle with addiction. Respectfully and empathetic, Oake humanizes addiction and shows the reader that it isn’t just something that is seen on the news, but something real people (probably someone you know) deals with.
Read
January 13, 2025Scott Oake is no stranger to the spotlight. As a host to the much loved program “Hockey night in Canada”, his face is known within the sports world. But behind that banter and smile, there is a hole in his heart that is the size of his first born son Bruce.
This is Scott’s spotlight on Bruce.
And the legacy he hopes to leave with the facility centre he opened in his son’s name. Alongside the new one for women that he hopes holds the heart of his life’s name: Anne Oake.
The book is a short one.
With glimpses of life with Bruce as a child. Issues that before the drug use.
It holds the desperation of two parents who were fighting with love and support but hitting that brick wall of addiction every single time.
You can see the fall coming: knowing as the years go by that it’s not going to get better. But the fight Scott and Anne had, was as much to save their son as it was to battle against a disease that throttles instead of easing up.
I didn’t know his story.
But I do love its spotlight.
Scott’s intentions are clear:
1. Peeling back the curtain without giving too much personal emotional grief
2. A legacy & voice of his son Bruce. That he was more than the disease.
3. A spotlight on his beloved wife Anne & the gift she was to their family.
4. Raising money for the facilities /treatment centres they’ve built.
𝘗𝘴𝘴𝘴𝘵. 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘨𝘰 𝘥𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘴.
And THIS right here is why I love memoirs. Learning about people’s struggles and seeing how they found resilience or rose after the worst happened to them.
“ ..addiction is a nasty, ugly disease, no doubt about it. But it affects so many people in this country, many of whom suffer in silence. Anne and I made a point of talking about it, because we didn’t see any shame and what happened to our son. Sadness, yes. But not shame.”
This is Scott’s spotlight on Bruce.
And the legacy he hopes to leave with the facility centre he opened in his son’s name. Alongside the new one for women that he hopes holds the heart of his life’s name: Anne Oake.
The book is a short one.
With glimpses of life with Bruce as a child. Issues that before the drug use.
It holds the desperation of two parents who were fighting with love and support but hitting that brick wall of addiction every single time.
You can see the fall coming: knowing as the years go by that it’s not going to get better. But the fight Scott and Anne had, was as much to save their son as it was to battle against a disease that throttles instead of easing up.
I didn’t know his story.
But I do love its spotlight.
Scott’s intentions are clear:
1. Peeling back the curtain without giving too much personal emotional grief
2. A legacy & voice of his son Bruce. That he was more than the disease.
3. A spotlight on his beloved wife Anne & the gift she was to their family.
4. Raising money for the facilities /treatment centres they’ve built.
𝘗𝘴𝘴𝘴𝘵. 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘨𝘰 𝘥𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘴.
And THIS right here is why I love memoirs. Learning about people’s struggles and seeing how they found resilience or rose after the worst happened to them.
“ ..addiction is a nasty, ugly disease, no doubt about it. But it affects so many people in this country, many of whom suffer in silence. Anne and I made a point of talking about it, because we didn’t see any shame and what happened to our son. Sadness, yes. But not shame.”
February 28, 2025
4.5* I enjoyed this book. I have a lot of empathy for people who struggle with substance abuse. This memoir paints a clear picture of the struggle of loving someone with that disease. Inspiring story and ultimately a humbling one. Addiction knows no barriers. A relief to know that there's a place in Canada that is free and accessible for recovery. Bravo to the author in completing his vision of providing hope, safety and love.
April 3, 2025
A powerful read. This memoir was written with such grace that it has the ability to change someone’s perspective on addiction and recovery.
January 2, 2026
This is a very powerful book shedding light not only on the Oake family and the Addiction centre they built but on addiction itself. Craft-fully constructed and incredibly emotional.
January 6, 2026
I have listened to his voice and watched him on tv for as long as I can remember… this is the story of his son’s battle with addiction and their journey as a family.
August 29, 2025
I stayed up all night to finish this- I haven’t done that since I was a teenager.
EVERYONE should read this book. I’ll never be able to accurately describe how important this book is. Just read it.
EVERYONE should read this book. I’ll never be able to accurately describe how important this book is. Just read it.
February 2, 2025
Loved this book! As someone who has lost a child to addiction I could relate to many aspects of this well written book. Scott Oake did a wonderful job!
November 18, 2024
I was graciously sent an advanced copy of Scott Oake’s upcoming memoir, For the Love of a Son, a beautifully tragic recounting of the short and complicated life of his son Bruce. Bruce, just 25 at the time of his death, died alone in a bathroom after overdosing. With brutal honesty, Oake chronicles the heartbreaking and often frustrating experience of parenting a child struggling with addiction. After Bruce’s death, Scott and his wife Anne worked tirelessly to open the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre, a cost-free facility for men recovering from addiction. Tragically, Anne would pass away just ten years after their son, but in her honour, Scott continues their advocacy. The Anne Oake Family Recovery Centre is set to open soon, furthering their mission to support those battling addiction.
While reading, I couldn’t help but think of my own father, who passed away in November 2022 from a methamphetamine overdose. There were so many parallels between Bruce and my father, and I couldn’t help but wonder if a place like @bruceoakerecovery could have helped save his life, too. Addiction truly doesn’t discriminate.
In honor of my father, Bruce, and all those who have lost their battle with addiction, I’ll be making a donation to both the Bruce and Anne Oake Recovery Centres.
Thank you to @simonschusterca for providing the ARC!
This beautifully tragic memoir will be available on January 21, 2025. Highly recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2025
I had heard about this book through the media. I have always enjoyed Scott Oake as a sports broadcaster and the topic intrigued me. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this memoir. It is a poignant and moving story that brings to life the struggles associated with addiction. I thought that Scott shared openly and honestly about the struggles, joys and love of a family in the face of drug addiction. I think that he and Anne turned their grief into action and through their many contacts, were able to accomplish an incredible monument to their son - The Bruce Oake Treatment Centre. I also think Scott’s honest account and reflections shed new light on the complications and impacts associated drug addition. I especially like that all proceeds of this book are being donated to the treatment centre. Thank you Scott for your courage in sharing your family story. May Bruce rest in peace, united with the love of his mother.
February 24, 2025
Riveting and immensely sad to read of Bruce Oake’s attempts to beat a drug addiction that ultimately took his life, and the many ways his family tried to help him. Kudos to Scott Oake for his honesty in writing about the ugliness that addiction brings to a family. After the heartache of witnessing the devastation of their son’s life, the Oake family chose to help men in their efforts to overcome addiction, by building a recovery centre where they are well-cared for. A remarkable tribute to their son!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2025
What a story. This is such an important book. As someone who often works with people who use substances this was a great reminder & reflection on the disease of addiction & how we can show up for people who are struggling. Also as substance use skyrockets it is now more important than ever that we educate ourselves on addiction and options for recovery. While I wish that Bruce could have had a different outcome it is amazing to see his legacy have such a positive impact on the world.
February 24, 2025
Amazing emotional journey! This book was written with raw emotions, I thank Scott Oake for sharing their story. It is a beautiful story of a family's struggles and journey through their sons addiction! Beautiful, heartfelt and sad.
However everyone should read this book it does give you a different picture of addiction. ❤️
However everyone should read this book it does give you a different picture of addiction. ❤️
March 26, 2025
Such an incredible story. Extremely tragic and even more so knowing that there are thousands of other families with similar experiences. Addiction is a terrible thing 😢 The Oake family has shown incredible compassion and tenacity in opening two treatment centres since losing their son to addiction and then tragically Anne, the matriarch of the first centre, to an autoimmune disease.
May 20, 2025
A lovely read about a family dealing with their son's addictions and their own struggles. It is a memoir so isn't bogged down with all the scientific jargon some books about addiction can be. Highly recommend if you've ever had a loved one with addiction as you will likely relate to Scott Oake and his family
February 25, 2025
An amazing book about love, loss and hope. Keep up the great work being done in Bruce and Anne’s memory.
July 18, 2025
powerful story of Bruce Oake and the journey of addiction and recovery.
Read
October 11, 2025Thank you to Scott Oake for being so vulnerable and for sharing the story of Bruce and the recovery centre that holds his name. Growing up you didn’t need to be a sports fan to know the name Scott Oake, and I was surprised to discover that he and his family live(d) in Winnipeg. A beautiful but sometimes difficult story of addiction, loss, and hope. I also appreciated Terrance Morin’s story in the epilogue.
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October 14, 2025Honest, scary, funny, informative and with a very strong Winnipeg flavor. Scott's son Bruce was born at the same hospital as me, and I believe had the same pediatrician as a kid.
The book also serves as a bracing reminder that some roads are much easier to get on than get off. It's amazing how quickly things spiral out of anyone's (easy) control.
It's inspiring to see the sheer willpower of the Oake family and everyone associated with the Bruce Oake Center fighting against the massive forces of addiction, ignorance and bureaucracy. By striving despite the odds on paper, they cultivate hope for many. Thank you for your efforts!
The book also serves as a bracing reminder that some roads are much easier to get on than get off. It's amazing how quickly things spiral out of anyone's (easy) control.
It's inspiring to see the sheer willpower of the Oake family and everyone associated with the Bruce Oake Center fighting against the massive forces of addiction, ignorance and bureaucracy. By striving despite the odds on paper, they cultivate hope for many. Thank you for your efforts!
October 26, 2025
highly recommend!
January 6, 2026
extremely heartbreaking and emotional story, but great read.
April 5, 2025
It was hard to read, not easy subject matter. Important information and perspective. Deeply personal and powerful. I will remember this for a while…..lots of tears shed…
April 11, 2025
A raw memoir about the loss of a son to opioid addiction. Addiction happens across generations, class, and wealth levels. In this case, Bruce was in a family of two parents, and wanting for nothing, however, he had the disease. In parts, this story is heartbreaking, because Scott and his wife chose not to give up on their son - it’s also an inspiration for the centre that they built in memory of Bruce, to help other men and the second one that is being built. for women.
March 16, 2025
I devoured this book. A very raw look into addiction, recovery, relapse and the gaps in care for people who struggle with addiction. Have Kleenex. You’ll need them more than once. Everyone should read this book. Thank you Scott Oake for sharing your pain.
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