Sober Stick Figure: A Memoir

by Amber Tozer

Sober Stick Figure is a memoir from stand-up comedian Amber Tozer, chronicling her life as an alcoholic and her eventual recovery -- starting with her first drink at the age of seven -- all told with the help of childlike stick figures. Amber writes and illustrates the crazy and harsh truths of being raised by alcoholics, becoming one herself, stagnating in denial for years, and finally getting sober. As a teenager, Amber is an overachieving student athlete who copes with her family's alcoholic tragedies by focusing on her achievements. It quickly takes a funny and dark turn when she starts to experiment with booze and ignores the warning signs of alcoholism. Through blackouts, cringe-worthy embarrassments, and pounding hangovers, she convinces herself that she "just likes to party." She leaves her hometown of Pueblo, Colorado to follow her dreams, and ends up in New York City, spending lots of time binge drinking, passing out on trains, and telling jokes on stage. She then moves to Los Angeles, thinking sunshine and show business will save her. Eventually hitting rock bottom, she has a moment of clarity, and knows she has to stop drinking. It's now been seven years since that last drink, and she's ready to tell her story. Sober Stick Figure is adventurous, hilarious, sad, sweet, tragic -- and ultimately inspiring.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Addiction, Humor, Biography, Alcohol, Comedy

270 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 31, 2016

About the author

Amber Tozer has written for the Cartoon Network’s animated sketch series MAD and Adult Swim’s Moral Orel. Her tweets have been featured by Ellen, Huffington Post, Playboy, and Mandatory. She co-created #nitTWITS, a Twitter-based web series that features writers and performers from SNL, Modern Family, The Office and Conan. She has appeared on Last Comic Standing, performs stand-up comedy across the US, and has written about sobriety for The Fix.com, After Party, and Thought Catalog. She also writes for Shoebox Greeting Cards. She lives in Los Angeles. Follow Amber on Twitter @AmberTozer.

Reviews

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book very much, I'm wavering between 4 or 5 stars. I will write a longer review tomorrow. I do recommend this memoir.

Thought I would add a few more things to my review - I liked the little stick figure drawings that accompanied the author's memories; really cute and clever idea!

I don't know anyone with an addiction to alcohol but I have read similar books and this is well done.

I especially liked the letter she wrote to her father at the end of the book. I had a similar relationship with my dad and this was something that was suggested to me. Maybe I'll still do it.

[Ann Marie (Lit·Wit·Wine·Dine) · Rating 5 out of 5]

To read more of my reviews please go to Lit. Wit. Wine and Dine.

Amber Tozer is super-funny, brutally honest comedian who has bravely chosen to share her story of alcoholism and recovery with the world. If you’re thinking this is another super-heavy memoir that will leave you feeling nothing but depression and pity, just take a look at the cover. That sick figure version of Amber makes frequent appearances throughout the book…

In a very real and funny way, Amber Tozer shares how and why she first began drinking, how her drinking became out of control, her struggles to gain control, and finally, how she was able to get sober. And there are also several funny stories about urine. And a few other funny (funny haha and funny odd) stories that have little or nothing at all to do with urine.

It’s refreshing to hear another human being share their insecurities and worst moments with such candor and humor.There’s no blame game being played here (though the author did have some difficult moments in her childhood). And though I got the sense that she definitely had some regrets about some of the things that occurred while she was drinking, this isn’t a preachy book about redemption or regret and self-loathing. I got the sense that she was sharing her story to make people smile and to help others who may be having a difficult time.

Sober Stick Figure was a quick, page-turning, one-day read for me.

4.5/5 stars

Thanks to Running Press via NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Janette Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a memoir of a young woman's struggle with addiction and recovery.

The book is illustrated with simple stick figures drawn by the author.

This book begins with the following words;
"This is a dark and funny story about alcoholism. I hope it helps anyone who needs it."

I like this book. It informs, enlightens and entertains the reader.

Amber Tozer grew up in a dysfunctional family with an alcoholic father and codependent mother. It is no surprise that she began drinking at a young age.

The problem was, she did not realize that her drinking was a problem until her life was spinning out of control and she was on the verge of despair.

After seven years of binge drinking and destructive relationships, Amber finally admitted that she was an alcoholic and needed help. This decision changed everything.

The stick figure illustrations really cracked me up. Ms. Tozer has the ability to keep the reader laughing even through the most heartbreaking and tragic situations.

I believe this book will be very beneficial to anyone wanting to learn about the devastation that alcohol (or any drug addiction) can have on an individual. This book contains profanity (including some F bombs), so I recommend it for adult readers.

MY RATING: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI - I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

[Alan Peralta · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like it more. The great title, the funny and childish drawings, the interesting preview (a stand-up comedian tackling the bitter subject of getting clean) promised for a lot more.

The problem for me it's that it didn't delivered on the funny side. The narrative feels dull, monotone and tedious. Just an account of things that happened. And when the author puts a funny twist or side note, it feels compelled to comment on it (a constant "see what I did there?"), that makes it feel forced and artificial.

If you're looking for a story on struggling to overcome alcoholism, maybe it will work for you. But if you are looking for the laughs and humor, it falls short.

[Les · Rating 5 out of 5]

i really liked this book.
it was a funny, quick read.
i have always had a fear of drinking or drugs (mostly cause i think ill die) and reading this book kind of solidified my reason; its a scary ass thing!!!

Amber talks about growing up, how she was surrounded by alcohol, how she discovered it, kept at it and hid it very well and essentially how she decided that she'd rather live sober than hate life drinking and drinking to keep at life.
its crazy to think how much your childhood life and surroundings can affect who you become as a person (duh les!) but its true. she was surrounded by her father, her uncle, her job life and friends. alcohol was always around her and she did it. she became a full blown alcoholic and she hid it so well and even though people knew, they never knew the extent of it.

I'd recommend this book because of the journey that it tells. because its not a serious book telling you to get your shit together if you happen to be a drug addict or an alcoholic but because she's telling you her life and what she went through and how she got it back and her writing is good. the cliffhangers that she leaves you with (for example: what happened when she told the dogs owners!?? trust me, no spoilers. there are several dog stories!) and the way she picks it back up. she talks about her life in Pueblo and moving to New York on her own and just figuring shit out while fueling her alcohol addiction.
she moves to LA eventually and she continues her alcoholism until one day she finally has her epiphany (and very ironic i must add) and decided to start her life over.

her writing is good but its not until the end when she starts talking about her sober movement (and her letter at the end) that you can see how beautiful it is.
her parting words put freaking tears in my eyes and it might be because I'm still upset that someone ate my salad and they wont admit to it (and cause i have to replace the Tupperware) but i love her outlook on her addiction and her decision to recapture her life. she picked herself up and she realized that she deserves more than anything alcohol could ever give her and shes been fighting for her sober life 7 years +.

I'd definitely pick this up. if not only for the message and the stories (and she got in to a lot of shit that even i was like how the hell did you not get kidnapped or killed) that she tells but also for her stick figure drawings. those are the best!


http://lovewhatyouread14.blogspot.com...

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was easy to connect with because I understand the subject matter and am familiar with it. Admittedly on some level we have all experienced the effects of addiction whether it is by direct result of our actions or those of others.

I have been very close to alcoholics all my life. My mom tried and tried and still couldn't keep my dead from drowning/chronic ethanol poisoning homeless dad away from the drug and drank. So while I was scared of it, I grew up in a place where alcohol (abuse) was normalized and celebrated (small town Wisconsin) by people very close to me.

Having had an absent, alcoholic father I have always wondered, what does this mean for me? What is it like for other people to go through loss (detached family members as they may be slaves to their addictions (being the detached family member and not knowing it)) is this hereditary? Should I be worried? Binge drinking in college is normal right? Everyone does it, no?

But everyone doesn't end up peeing in plastic take out bags and losing them off the balcony.... winkwink

Overall it was refreshing to read an account by someone with experience on the subject matter about something that is not easy to talk to people about.

Strangers think it's too heavy and your friends...well...sometimes they've heard enough of your worries or they don't see anything wrong with staying on the boat and you're killing the party.

This book is a step in the right direction for anyone who is apprehensive about taking that next step: forcing themselves to keep the discussion going. Pushing through when it's uncomfortable.
Realizing you aren't the only one.

10/10 would read again (less)

[Tricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! Comedian Amber Tozer writes so candidly and honestly about her experiences with alcoholism, and what it took for her to finally become sober. I've followed Amber on Twitter for years, and I am in such awe of her ability to find humor in the dark and twisty moments in life. She has such a unique comedic voice, and the addition of the little stick figure drawings adds a whole other level of humor. They punctuate her stories in such a perfect way that I found myself laughing out loud, and then being like, wait that is heartbreaking why am I laughing? She was able to convey so much heart and humor into this difficult subject matter, in a way that was poignant, and surprisingly not preachy. It’s a quick and easy read, that is super entertaining, and unexpectedly really inspiring. Whether you're an alcoholic, or you have any family or friends who are, this book provides profound insight into alcoholism in such a real and relatable way. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

[Doug Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, read it in one afternoon. It is highly relatable, funny, ridiculous, heartbreaking, feel-good, wise, and unlike a lot of books about sobriety, it is never at all preachy.

She takes you through her entire career as a partier. By simply sharing her experience, I imagine she will help countless others reflect on their own partying careers.

Oh yeah, and the drawings are frickin' hysterical. They are the perfect punctuation to her stories and highlight her original voice. Really well done, I look forward to whatever comes next from this author. Four thumbs up!!!

[Ellis · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's not that I'm not excited by someone's moment of clarity or their process of recovery, it's just that I'm not into the terrible before recovery stuff because been there, done that. This is outside of my usual wheelhouse as well as comfort zone, but it was still pretty okay for all that, and kudos to Amber Tozer. I'm just at my limit for 362.292092 for the year, not matter how good everyone says Blackout is.

[Ed Crasnick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Amber Tozer's book is funny, moving and real. How many things can you say that about? Reading Sober Stick Figure was a sobering experience in the best way. In her writing, she's honest with you and willing to take risks. To me, the book is worth reading for that alone. But there is a lot more. She's not afraid of being human or looking bad. Because of that, she's really funny, especially in the darkest moments. She doesn't hide things, she blows them up. Also, it was very interesting to hear what the draw of alcohol was for her, what it seemed to do for her. I love that she's even confessional about the book writing process itself. Her drawings are hysterical, her writing is sharp and there are moments that made me cry. And the last time I cried was my Bar-Mitzvah; I cried for a year straight. So reading this was an experience that I will remember. Read it and laugh and weep.
I have a feeling we'll be hearing a lot about her.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A memoir of a stand-up comedian who starts drinking at age seven and continuing until it is more than she can handle. This book is about alcoholism and how it causes problems in your life. Amber finally meets someone who is sober. She starts attending AA and becomes sober.

The author draws little stick figures throughout the book. The book is funny at times even though she is also seriously writing about an addiction she lived with for three decades. She is now sober. I hope she continues to stay sober.

Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.1

[Dana · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book, and I liked it while reading most of it, but by the end I barely wanted to give it two stars. I wish the author had spent more time talking about her recovery. Her description of it took up a tiny portion of the book and felt strangely rushed and glossed over. I came away from the book not impressed by her recovery, but put off by how much the author reveled in describing the constant stream of lucky breaks she was granted despite her constant state of drunkenness. The result? A poor-me that does nothing to inspire or admire. I was just tired by the whole thing.

[Brina Sample · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent read. I could not put it down. The drawings and captions are hilarious. I am almost sixty years old and loved it and I know teenagers who also loved it. This book is a true picture of what alcoholics go through. Anyone who is an alcoholic or knows one, or is just starting to drink should read this book. It is laugh out loud funny, easy to read , and inspiring all at the same time. I hope this author writes another book LOVED IT...

[Jacque · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought the book was GREAT! Coming from a family of alcoholics this book put a fun yet serious twist to how booze and drugs can change a person. This book is a great read, not only for the recovering alcoholics but for anyone who has experienced alcoholism through family and friends.


LOVE IT! LOVE IT! LOVE IT! LOVE IT!

[Lee Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A painful and funny memoir by writer and comedian (and great Tweeter) Tozer, about her family and her battle with alcoholism. Best are the very funny crayon-style stick figure drawings that illustrate the story throughout.

[Fredstollergmail.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, funny, heartfelt book. Nice time piece. I got an advanced copy. I suggest you do the same. easy read. I liked that part!

[Asterios Kokkinos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible read from start to finish. Powerful, mesmerizing, and above all hilarious. Anyone who would give this less than three stars is a monster. A literal monster.

[Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sober Stick Figure is brilliant.

When my book was delivered, I eagerly ripped open the package it came in and thumbed through the book's pages. Wow. I was expecting a few stick figure drawings scattered throughout the text, but there were stick figure drawings on *every* page spread! They were crudely drawn and laugh-out-loud funny. All 269 of them (yes, I later counted the drawings).

Then I sat down with the book and started reading the text. By the time I finished reading the first four sentences, I knew this book was something special:

"The first time I ever tasted alcohol was at my grandma Babe’s house. I was seven years old. My uncle Woody let me take a swig of his beer, and I thought it tasted like sour pee. I knew what pee tasted like because I was a ****ed-up kid."

Sober Stick Figure is, as Amber Tozer describes it in the front matter, “a dark and funny story about alcoholism.” It tells the story of how Tozer fell in love with alcohol, how it took over and complicated her life, and how she eventually came to realize that she had a problem before getting sober more than seven years ago.

Tozer shares hilarious stories and intimate—at times very intimate—details about her life, starting with her days growing up in Pueblo, Colorado, where she is surrounded by alcoholism, both within her family and at the bar/restaurant her mother owns. Working for her mother provides Tozer with security, but she wants more than that. She longs for opportunities and adventures, and that prompts her to make a life-changing solo move to New York City.

The Big Apple is the setting for numerous tales of job hunting, job hopping, love, lust, Tozer’s entry into the world of comedy, and, of course, drinking. Lots and lots of drinking. And that drinking fuels some scary—and amusing—incidents.

"I went on a six-month drinking binge that lead me to get blackout drunk every night. I don’t remember much, but what I do remember is 'waking up' also known as 'coming to' in random places. One time I woke up on a train in Coney Island. The sun was coming up, and I was the only passenger. I was like, 'Holy s***. I’ve always wanted to come here.”

Later, Tozer moves to Los Angeles, where more craziness ensues.

Throughout her narrative, Tozer holds nothing back, always being as brutally honest as she can be. (How brutally honest? Five different stories about urinating in inappropriate places should give you some indication.) But that honesty brings humor along with it, too. Like when Tozer describes her fear with this comical analogy (and a drawing that goes with it):

"I was like a mouse in a factory that made big gigantic ceramic cats, nothing to be afraid of really, but it was still scary."

Although this book is uproariously funny, it also contains some serious, thought-provoking messages. Like when Tozer declares, “Sobriety doesn’t make you automatically smart; it teaches you painful lessons until you become less stupid.” Or when she writes:

"Alcoholism is such a baffling condition, and I’m sure it’s even more confusing to people who aren’t addicts. Normal people who say, 'Stop drinking and stop using drugs. It’s a choice and it’s common sense.' To you I say, 'Ssshhh. You have no idea what you’re talking about. Why don’t you just enjoy your normal brain and logical reactions to life’s troubles while we spin out of control until we find a solution that works for us.'"

I’ve read a lot of books about addiction, many of them memoirs. But Sober Stick Figure is in a league of its own. Amber Tozer has a knack for storytelling, and that makes this book very difficult to put down. Tozer’s ability to write about her struggles in a self-deprecating and relatable way would make this book a winner even without the dark and childlike stick figure illustrations. But, darn…the drawings are amazing. And they make Sober Stick Figure truly unique.

[Jackie Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The stick figures freaken rock, providing comic relief and another level of tragic intimacy around an often heartbreaking subject - addiction.

Amber Tozer was (is?) an alcoholic and she shares the insidious way alcohol took over her life. I was fascinated with her journey and the twists and turns her life has taken. Mostly I applaud her brutal honest and vulnerability and felt she didn't hold back. It's raw.

I appreciated her dry humor and the way she drops bombs throughout. I'd go back and re-read thinking, "did she just say what I thought she said?" Yep, she so did. No apologies.

I have so many questions for this author and think she'd make the perfect coffee date. Without spoilers, here's what I would ask:

1. How did you do so many job interviews wasted? And how on earth did you get the job???

2. What does your very colorful (eclectic) family think of you spilling your guts on paper?

3. How did you not get raped and murdered or chained to a creepy guy's heater?

4. Have the stick figure association sent you a cease and desist letter for your crass, drunk drawings?

In all seriousness, I loved this book. I'm not an alcoholic, but I have lost a few friends and family members to the dark side. Amber helps me to understand HOW this happens and then HOW to get help. She's a wonderful writer, but sometimes doubts her own talents. I found it charming and human.

I'd like my college-age niece to read this and learn how easily social drinking can become habitual, and then an actual addiction. This will appeal to a younger audience (teens and YA) because it's cool and edgy, yet is sophisticated enough to be enjoyed by book snobs as well.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Technically, I would give this book fewer than four stars because the writing isn’t really that great. It writes more like an amateur blog post. It definitely isn’t what you’re expecting when you pick up a book, even a memoir.

Stylistically though, it works. Her run on sentences, dopey side comments, flat out monotone style of reporting, Amber Tozer makes it work. As a memoir of drinking, it’s heartbreaking and honest and beautiful and sad. There’s a little bit of “you WHAT!?” combined with “c’mon, it’s not that bad”, which is what she may have been going for. I did laugh out loud at points, which is excellent, especially because not every book that bills itself as humorous actually is, in my opinion.

The last chapters are really excellent at tying everything together, and help you really know her better than you did in the whole rest of the book. Maybe that’s because active alcoholics hide their true selves from everyone, and so even as she was reporting her actions, you still couldn’t understand her motivations. I recommend this if you like a raw, quick read that tugs in all your emotions.

Popsugar Reading Challenge: book recommended by a celebrity (Henry Winkler)

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is by far one of the best books I've read. This lady has made me giggle, reminisce my own past, aswel as picture my future. I've literally just finished this book, it's currently 04:18am in the UK. I'm truly speechless and inspired.

If anyone is interested in Dysfunctional Familes/relationships, MentalHealth, Alcohol, Addictions and Grief...then this book is one for you to purchase when it's released.

I'm not a reviewer who likes to tell the story, I'm one who likes to give my honest review on them, and leave you to pick up the book, and find out exactly what I'm talking about.

Amber Tozer Thankyou for allowing me to own an ebook of this Memoir. I'm so happy and yet I feel like a proud parent all at the same time. I don't know you, but Thankyou.

26 year old Fan over here. This is the best birthday present I could get.
P.s I plan to purchase the physical copy for my birthday 20th June :)

[Pam Cipkowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the best book! Funny, fascinating, eye-opening...it was an easy read, and I couldn’t put it down. Required reading for anyone who is battling an alcohol addiction or in recovery, or has a friend or loved one with an addiction. And if you don’t fall into this category, read it anyway--you will love it! The author, a stand-up comedian and comedy writer, shares her experiences growing up in a family where alcohol and drinking were always acceptable, despite the warning signs of it taking its toll on family members. The stick figure drawings are hysterically funny, and can be found on just about every page. Amber Tozer is straightforward, funny, and quite candid as she shares the story of her partying lifestyle, addiction, hitting rock bottom, and coming to terms with her alcoholism. Run, don’t walk, to the library or bookstore, and pick up this one!

[Jan.elfmangmail.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amber Tozer's brute honesty and raw courage tear through this book with integrity and humor, straight to your solar plexus. I'm grateful to this author for her "no holds barred" commando telling and sharing of her life. Her truthfulness, heart and authenticity show the way to forgiveness and self acceptance. There are few among us who don't need that behavioral recipe to quell the roaring sea inside, addict or not.

Tozer's book is a funny yet stark and bold tale of addiction's painful path
and stubborn commitment to destroy those in its wake. I sense this author has a deep desire to steer her readers toward a mindful, meaningful existence away from an oblivious, unconscious one.
And that takes guts and compassion. This book and its author have both.

[Kathy B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found a review of this book online and was intrigued by the premise. The author wrote her memoir about her alcoholism and eventual sobriety and illustrated it with stick figures. The illustrations are what make this book amazing. She perfectly captures situations with her drawings and captions. It was obvious she wrote it as she remembered it (although she admits to many blackouts! ), complete with curse words and an unflinching look at her path through life. It made me think of a friend who had a life changing event that put him on the road to sobriety. I greatly enjoyed this book and applaud the author for taking the time to share her story.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amber Tozer has written a wonderfully relatable book about alcoholism in a language her generation will understand. Although I found her drunkalog to be longer than maybe it needed to be, she pulls no punches when it comes to accurately describing the lows to which booze can take a person. Thankfully, she also spends some quality time on the many gifts of sobriety. This will be a fantastic book for young people who might be questioning their drinking habits to get their hands on.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book! I loved the drawings, they were hilarious and oftentimes, worth a thousand words..
It wasn't as gut-wrenching as Blackout Girl by Jennifer Storm but it was still very tough. My only criticism is that the end, her recovery process, seemed rushed through. Yes, her downward spiral was morbidly interesting but I feel like the recovery was skimmed over and it felt like too much at once. It would have been better if she had kept the same pace.

[Stu Levine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book is excellent. I knew I was going to like it when I saw the woman passed out on the front cover (not in a Bill Cosby way, in a person who likes funny drawings kind of way,) but OMG I never expected it to be so consistently funny. That is not to say it is without it's serious moments, this is a book that tugs on the heart strings while tickling the funny bone. I'm giving this one 3 thumbs up! (That's right, I like it so much I'm getting another arm transplanted to my chest.)

[CeCe Pleasants Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a hilarious, sad, disturbing, but mostly hilarious look at a young woman's struggle with addiction. Amber Tozer tells her gripping life story with candor, grace and pictures!! We all love pictures!!
There is something so relatable about the way this author tells her story -- and it's not just the stick figures -- we've all dealt with disfunction, but Tozer weaves the yarn of her life and the lives around her in a way that truly sucks you in. Read this book!!!

[Autumn Dowling · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is wonderful. I laughed and I cried and I couldn't put it down. I loved reading about her dysfunctional family and how she felt about them. The way she explained how she reached her bottom and decided to change her life was so sad and hilarious all at the same time. The funny twist she put on dark situations with the use of illustrations was brilliant. LOVED IT!

[Claudia Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is going to stay around my favorite bookshelf or even (shh) my toilet because I enjoy looking at it so much. It's accessible, relatable, and hilarious. It's also touching. I have never read anything like it before and think Amber has a gift as a writer and comedian but more importantly a thoughtful person.