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UNPRINCIPLED: A Principal's Story of Addiction, Downfall, and Recovery
Is redemption possible after complete self-destruction?
A High School Principal’s Story of Addiction, Downfall, and Recovery is a raw and unflinching memoir of one man’s descent into the grip of alcoholism and his hard-won fight to reclaim his life.
Patrick V. Farley had a successful career in education, a family he loved, and a reputation built on leadership and grit. But beneath the surface lay a growing dependence that slowly dismantled his identity, his marriage, and his calling. With unvarnished honesty, Farley takes readers inside the fractured world of the secrecy, the spirals, and the desperate attempts to hold it all together.
What follows is not just a story of downfall, but of resilience. Through shame, loss, and the unrelenting weight of “the Black Dog,” Farley discovers what it means to rebuild, brick by brick, through treatment, faith, psychological self-study, and the unwavering devotion of those who refused to give up on him.
At once heartbreaking and inspiring, Unprincipled is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder that recovery is not only possible, but profoundly transformative.
Find hope, healing, and hard truth in these pages.
A High School Principal’s Story of Addiction, Downfall, and Recovery is a raw and unflinching memoir of one man’s descent into the grip of alcoholism and his hard-won fight to reclaim his life.
Patrick V. Farley had a successful career in education, a family he loved, and a reputation built on leadership and grit. But beneath the surface lay a growing dependence that slowly dismantled his identity, his marriage, and his calling. With unvarnished honesty, Farley takes readers inside the fractured world of the secrecy, the spirals, and the desperate attempts to hold it all together.
What follows is not just a story of downfall, but of resilience. Through shame, loss, and the unrelenting weight of “the Black Dog,” Farley discovers what it means to rebuild, brick by brick, through treatment, faith, psychological self-study, and the unwavering devotion of those who refused to give up on him.
At once heartbreaking and inspiring, Unprincipled is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder that recovery is not only possible, but profoundly transformative.
Find hope, healing, and hard truth in these pages.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 24, 2025
14 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 1, 2026
Unprincipled is a powerful, honest story about healing and choosing growth in the face of pain. As the daughter of an alcoholic, this book deeply resonated with me. It reminded me how much addiction impacts families and how meaningful it is when someone chooses a different path. More than a story about addiction, it’s about facing our dark corners, releasing shame, and doing the work of healing.
This book shows that healing takes honesty, courage, and commitment and that sometimes we have to go back in order to move forward. Unprincipled encourages readers to face pain, release shame, and believe that change is possible. A moving, inspiring read for anyone on a journey of growth and self-discovery.
December 26, 2025
Five Stars- For Absolutely Everyone
My husband and I bought this book the minute it was released, and we both finished it within 24 hours. Neither of us are alcoholics or addicts, yet we were truly amazed by how much we learned. Psychology has always fascinated me, and this book is full of it in the best way. Pat is truly one of a kind, and that authenticity shines through every page. This is a must-read for everyone—regardless of background or life experience.
My husband and I bought this book the minute it was released, and we both finished it within 24 hours. Neither of us are alcoholics or addicts, yet we were truly amazed by how much we learned. Psychology has always fascinated me, and this book is full of it in the best way. Pat is truly one of a kind, and that authenticity shines through every page. This is a must-read for everyone—regardless of background or life experience.
January 9, 2026
Deep, raw, and an excellent read
I love when someone can take a horrible situation, dig deep, honestly reflect, and come out on top! This book shows just that! This book holds so much hope for others as well! Great read!
I love when someone can take a horrible situation, dig deep, honestly reflect, and come out on top! This book shows just that! This book holds so much hope for others as well! Great read!
March 13, 2026
Raw, real life story. An easy read that will keep you captivated, hoping for the happy ending.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews