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Big Dump: A Memoir of Addiction, Weight Loss, and Finding Sobriety at Rock Bottom
This Is Not A Redemption Story Wrapped In A BowJohn Luedke spent years trapped in addiction, anxiety, weight gain, and self-destructive habits. Attempts to change came and went. He kept starting over, convinced the next effort would be different. It never was. Until one moment made it clear that effort was not the problem. Structure was.
Written at the two-year sobriety milestone, Big Dump captures the shift from chaos to consistency. Small, unglamorous choices began to matter more than motivation. Patterns that once fueled addiction were redirected into daily discipline, creating change that finally held.
This is not a polished success story or a motivational performance. It is an honest account of hitting rock bottom and rebuilding without shortcuts, hype, or false optimism.
Inside, you will
A lived account of addiction recovery and major weight loss
What rock bottom actually felt like and what followed
How discipline replaced motivation when willpower failed
A recovery memoir without preaching, fluff, or formulasBig Dump is a raw memoir of addiction recovery, weight loss, and rebuilding a life when motivation, inspiration, and willpower had already failed.
This book does not offer a system to follow. It offers proof that lasting change is possible when life finally demands it.
Written at the two-year sobriety milestone, Big Dump captures the shift from chaos to consistency. Small, unglamorous choices began to matter more than motivation. Patterns that once fueled addiction were redirected into daily discipline, creating change that finally held.
This is not a polished success story or a motivational performance. It is an honest account of hitting rock bottom and rebuilding without shortcuts, hype, or false optimism.
Inside, you will
A lived account of addiction recovery and major weight loss
What rock bottom actually felt like and what followed
How discipline replaced motivation when willpower failed
A recovery memoir without preaching, fluff, or formulasBig Dump is a raw memoir of addiction recovery, weight loss, and rebuilding a life when motivation, inspiration, and willpower had already failed.
This book does not offer a system to follow. It offers proof that lasting change is possible when life finally demands it.
- GenresHealth
100 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 11, 2026
His message is to accept that you are a horrible, ugly, disgusting failure. Perhaps that’s the first step, and he succeeded in taking that leap. But he’s stuck in this step. At some point, self love must follow, and I would’ve loved to read a book when he got there instead. 100 pages of bullying himself doesn’t serve as good evidence of personal success. If it’s for others at rock bottom, telling them their negative self image is true might not be helpful.
In this book, John admits to cheating through his college degree, manipulating people, and putting people’s lives on the line. He exposes a culture inside his college and fraternity, which he names, that he contributed to.
John is enabled by his parents, who are emotionally unavailable and financially supporting his habits. He doesn’t unpack this. When these issues present in childhood, blaming yourself is not always the complete truth.
Nothing in this book is researched, and everything is pure opinion. He’s presenting nutrition information, addiction information, and psychology with no backing. I can’t say the simile-heavy writing style shows more craft.
What’s supposed to be an “I turned my life around” story reveals something scary - a man whose ego grows large enough to write a book less than a few years after beginning the change.
John, I hope you continue on this path of self improvement. This is just the beginning. I hope this book serves as a milestone for how far you go after this, but keep humble, as you don’t have it all figured out yet.
This book was acquired through goodreads giveaway.
In this book, John admits to cheating through his college degree, manipulating people, and putting people’s lives on the line. He exposes a culture inside his college and fraternity, which he names, that he contributed to.
John is enabled by his parents, who are emotionally unavailable and financially supporting his habits. He doesn’t unpack this. When these issues present in childhood, blaming yourself is not always the complete truth.
Nothing in this book is researched, and everything is pure opinion. He’s presenting nutrition information, addiction information, and psychology with no backing. I can’t say the simile-heavy writing style shows more craft.
What’s supposed to be an “I turned my life around” story reveals something scary - a man whose ego grows large enough to write a book less than a few years after beginning the change.
John, I hope you continue on this path of self improvement. This is just the beginning. I hope this book serves as a milestone for how far you go after this, but keep humble, as you don’t have it all figured out yet.
This book was acquired through goodreads giveaway.
April 27, 2026
First of all, I congratulate the author on doing what he once thought impossible: overcoming his destructive behaviors that led to rapidly gaining weight and addiction that were rapidly trying to kill him and spiraling his life out of control.
As many can attest, it is far from easy to overcome one personal hurdle, let alone the number John faced.
Read this to find out what finally hitting "rock bottom" feels like - and it's much worse than the previous times he thought he'd hit the bottom and couldn't fall further. However, he did.
I wish him a lifetime of happiness, sobriety, love and laughter - all that was missing previously.
As many can attest, it is far from easy to overcome one personal hurdle, let alone the number John faced.
Read this to find out what finally hitting "rock bottom" feels like - and it's much worse than the previous times he thought he'd hit the bottom and couldn't fall further. However, he did.
I wish him a lifetime of happiness, sobriety, love and laughter - all that was missing previously.
April 6, 2026
I received this book for free as part of a Goodreads giveaway— thank you!
While the writing style could be honed a bit more, the story of how the author overcame struggles was inspiring and he has clearly done a lot of growing!
I would love to see a book in 5-10 years reflecting on this one, it seems the author is in the early stages of his journey and will likely have more life to share in the future.
While the writing style could be honed a bit more, the story of how the author overcame struggles was inspiring and he has clearly done a lot of growing!
I would love to see a book in 5-10 years reflecting on this one, it seems the author is in the early stages of his journey and will likely have more life to share in the future.
February 6, 2026
John Luedke’s unflinching honesty about his journey through addiction and recovery is inspiring. He shares his internal struggles, spiritual malady, and his path to sobriety without holding anything back. For those in recovery, you’ll recognize yourself in these pages. His vulnerability helps break the stigma and reminds us we’re not alone.
April 28, 2026
Great, in-depth story of a real life example of turning one’s life around. I commend the authors overcoming and am inspired by the process and faith instilled in which got him to where he is today.
January 12, 2026
An incredibly honest and vulnerable share. John Luedke narrates his experience with addiction without an ounce of self-consciousness. He invites the reader into his mind, in what is seemingly a cathartic experience for him, and what he hopes to be inspirational to the reader. I have no doubt in the latter. The book will leave you feeling humbled, empathetic, and forgiving.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews