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Things We Cannot Change: When Addiction Hits Home
105 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
April 15, 2026
This is a short book, but it is well written. It's weird to say this book is interesting, considering the subject matter, but it kept my interest until the end.
I always appreciate reading addiction memoirs that show what families go through when someone they love is addicted.
The one point that bugged me was the fact that McCormack tells the reader, right from the start, that he is an alcoholic in recovery, yet he could not understand why his addict child would lie to him or not meet commitments?
Addicts in full-blown addiction LIE, that's their sole reason to be, to get their next fix, and as the author described his enabling, it made me want to throw my book at the wall.
Yet, this was a compelling read.
I always appreciate reading addiction memoirs that show what families go through when someone they love is addicted.
The one point that bugged me was the fact that McCormack tells the reader, right from the start, that he is an alcoholic in recovery, yet he could not understand why his addict child would lie to him or not meet commitments?
Addicts in full-blown addiction LIE, that's their sole reason to be, to get their next fix, and as the author described his enabling, it made me want to throw my book at the wall.
Yet, this was a compelling read.
March 27, 2026
A deeply honest and compassionate look at what it means to love someone through addiction.
Things We Cannot Change shares a parent’s journey through heartbreak, helplessness, and ultimately, acceptance. What makes this book stand out is its emotional honesty there’s no attempt to oversimplify the pain or offer quick solutions. Instead, Joseph McCormack focuses on what can be controlled: perspective, healing, and self-forgiveness. His experience with support systems like Al-Anon and therapy adds a layer of practical insight that many readers will find valuable. This isn’t just a story about addiction it’s about learning to let go, finding peace in difficult realities, and rediscovering strength through compassion and community.
A meaningful read for anyone navigating similar challenges or seeking understanding and hope.
Things We Cannot Change shares a parent’s journey through heartbreak, helplessness, and ultimately, acceptance. What makes this book stand out is its emotional honesty there’s no attempt to oversimplify the pain or offer quick solutions. Instead, Joseph McCormack focuses on what can be controlled: perspective, healing, and self-forgiveness. His experience with support systems like Al-Anon and therapy adds a layer of practical insight that many readers will find valuable. This isn’t just a story about addiction it’s about learning to let go, finding peace in difficult realities, and rediscovering strength through compassion and community.
A meaningful read for anyone navigating similar challenges or seeking understanding and hope.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews