Sheer Madness: From Federal Prosecutor to Federal Prisoner

by Andrew McKenna

“It will change you. You will never be the same.” At just 16 years of age, when a grizzled Californian drug dealer spoke those words of warning, there was no way Andrew McKenna could know that a few decades later, while embroiled in a losing custody battle, heroin would become the most seductive and destructive force in his life. Raised in Schenectady, New York, Andrew’s upbringing sounds familiar—Little League baseball, scraps with boys from the neighborhood, parties, road trips. But below the surface, Andrew always felt different—detached, somehow, and constantly wondering how he fit in the bigger picture, always just steps from the mire of existential crisis. Then, at the urging of one of his older brothers, he joins the military. Next is law school, followed by training with the Marines, and before he knows what’s hit him, this once aimless boy from modest roots is rapidly rising through the ranks as an attorney for the U.S. Justice Department. But years of untreated emotional distress, combined with the physical toll of the military, eventually lead him down a dark path, one riddled with prescription medication, alcohol, divorce, the loss of contact with his sons, and, ultimately, crime. Sheer Madness is a reflection and a reminder. A reflection on Andrew’s multi-faceted life, one of great ambition and success, but also great tragedy—and a reminder that regardless of one’s personal background, life can be a slippery slope, and while the ride down can be exhilarating, it’s the climb back up that truly defines us.

Genres: Memoir

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 2, 2014

Reviews

[Jeanne Marklin · Rating 1 out of 5]

couldn't get into this book.

Lots of very raw language, disrespect of women and shallow writing. There was nothing to make me think the writer had any talent for writing or, more importantly, introspection. I will return it.

[Mike Harrigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

I wanted to read this because I grew up in the same place at the same time as the author. I remember reading about his arrest and then heard him speak about his recovery. This gives a really realistic and funny portrait of the hell of addiction. I would recommend this book.

[Brendan Drury · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has a gift for translating his thoughts, feelings, emotions, and suffering into words on a page. It is difficult to do. He also owns up to his serious personal transgressions openly and without blaming others--well, just a tiny bit on one person.

I stayed up 'til 2:30 in the morning reading a full half of this book the day I received it. This chronicle of Mr. McKenna's journey should be read as a warning not to follow in his footsteps. It may also afford some degree of understanding to family members involved unwillingly in the menace of physical addiction. Of course, social workers and students may benefit from this trove of inside information. Buy this book, read it, and pass it on to another.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Madness

I have been a substance/mental health counselor for 20+ years. The last 13 years in Drug Court.
While this book accurately portrays the lifestyle and thinking of most Heroin addicts, I am disappointed that he did not include his feelings and experiences while he was in Federal Prison.
I feel he glorified his use. Some of his descriptions of his use were "war stories."
The writing was good. I couldn't put it down.
I sincerely hope he does well.
I hope he attends self help meetings.

[Valerie Schermerhorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book. I heard the author interviewed on NPR and was intrigued with his story. A little rocky start in the story telling but as he went on it got smoother. This book was self published. I think an editor could have helped him creat a better book. It would have been longer or do what many people who write memoir do, write more than one. Each phase of his life is worth a book all on it's own. I felt cheated of details. I think they would have fleshed this story out better. At least there is more I want to know not less. I was able to get past his praise of himself because of hearing him on NPR, he seem far more humble and self deprecating off the page. He likes dwelling on his sexual prowess A LOT. That made me like him less. But his story is amazing and when they say truth is stranger than fiction...this is what they mean.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andrew describes in detail his downward spiral into opiate addiction. Desperation to 'feel normal' and 'not be sick' leads one to lies, theft, doctor shopping and more.

Recently, I attended an event where Andrew was the keynote speaker. He did just as great of a job telling his story as he did writing it.

Opiod addiction is a crisis in our great nation. Young adults are losing their lives every single day. Young adults are going to jail or prison every day...this is not a character flaw it is absolutely a disease. Incarceration is not an answer, rehabilitation is!

I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning how quickly opiod addiction gets ahold of a life. Congratulations to Andrew for finding his way out of that darkness..one day at a time.

[Judy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bought the book from author at event where he spoke. Better speaker than writer. I was hoping to better understand addiction, but only came away with description of getting high and the desperation of withdrawal and trying to next fix. He wasn’t a sympathetic character to begin with - he was a tough, aggressive angry kid who turned into a touch, aggressive angry addict. The book jumped through time - no cohesive sequence. Would have liked to read more about his perspective as a lawyer turned felon. What was it like in federal prison? How are you supporting your family now? How do you stay sober?

[Judith Heffernan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most accurate description of addiction since Basketball Diaries

Must read book for anyone affected by the heroin epidemic plaguing this country
Deadly serious description of the pitfalls of addiction with a humorous twist. I actually literally laughed out loud.
Best book I've read in twenty years and if you or someone you love is addicted you will identify
---Mr. Robert Heffernan

[John L · Rating 3 out of 5]

An OK cautionary tale of drug addiction

It would have been more interesting if the author shared his experiences in federal prison or if he shared what made him finally quit using drugs.

[Adrienna · Rating 3 out of 5]

His memoir can be a bit too raw or gritty for my tastes, but it is Andrew McKenna's truth. The opening chapter(s) started off great to where I even considered it as a book club read. Yet, once I read a bit further, no way could the book club members handle this material and discuss it openly. There were some parts I even said things aloud while reading and shook my head.

I did learn what it took for him to work for FBI; he believed he was Jesus; God complex; as he quotes in the read and skilled at prosecuting in the courtroom in comparison to a Yale-genius whom was a nervous wreck at best. I do understand some are book worms but unable to obtain their cool in the actual scene of being in a court room. On the other hand, Andrew claims he got this, even under pressure, and last minute prep. (I believe I would have both but nerves would be on high in the courtroom even as a constituent to pay a traffic ticket. Jokes, I actually helped and went with my mom once when I was in my early 20s and reduced her points and didn't have to pay.)


I wondered most of all what drove him to his pain-killing or drug addiction to lose sight of everything.