One Big Chunk: A Really, Really True Memoir

by Louise Bradley, Bradley Lewis

At the age of - well, Dr. Louise Bradley wouldn’t say - she woke up in the back of a hideous Hummer limo, the kind used for pornos, proms, weddings, and bar mitzvahs. She had lost her temporary veneers and drooled on her Dolce and Gabbana turquoise silk blouse. She had no idea where the limo was taking her. Was that her mother in the front seat? Dr. Bradley could not remember how she got there. Yes, she drank, took drugs, had sex with many men, and shopped incessantly, but she knew that she wasn’t an addict. This is her account of her almost a week - maybe less - in a private rehab facility for the rich in Manhattan. Dr. Bradley’s book combines her intimate memoir with adequate psychology, since she prefers the medication prescribed by her psychiatrist as opposed to any long-term therapy. Dr. Bradley tries to understand the difference between falling in love and just becoming addicted to sex. She speaks freely about her obsession and how her Mommy betrayed her. Rather than explore the causes of multiple addictions, Dr. Bradley shows us how to avoid overtreatment and instead moving on with our lives, while exposing the mental health scams along the way. She hits on the importance of knowing when things are transient, and tells a powerful story in the process. Dr. Bradley remembers - as much as she can with sharp dialogue - of the stories she has to endure. While fact-checking proved to be an inconvenience, she strives to get to the truth, at least allowing herself a chance to remember. One Big Chunk is a fast-moving, wild, sexy, and fiercely powerful parody of what passes for a memoir - a hilarious satire that will simultaneously shock while offering a poignant exposé of our mental healthcare system, with a running commentary on the world of fashion.

279 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 27, 2016

Reviews

[Meghan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This memoir about addiction fell short of my expectations. The narrative felt scattered, and the writing lacked emotional depth. As a result, it was hard to connect with the story on a deeper level. Overall, it lacked the introspection and insight that I was hoping to find in a memoir about such a profound topic.

[Abby Moriarty · Rating 1 out of 5]

What prevented me from giving it 2 stars was the subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) ignorance and slurs sprinkled throughout this book—calling her daughters boyfriend “Chinky”, using the R word, random unnecessary comments about black people like “wasn’t sure who some of the black people were at the restaurant. I would’ve guessed one of them was Mohammad Ali. But I was really bad at recognizing them outside their sports, you know, without the uniform” as if black people are only known for being athletic? Felt uncomfortable to read those lines.

The book was interesting I suppose, although I didn’t learn anything, really. The lack of proper punctuation killed me, though. Spelling errors. Improper grammar at points. Maybe that was part of the “satire” or “parody” that went over my head? Not sure. I feel like if this book was more structured it would be more interesting or easy to follow. I think Dr. Louise Bradley could turn this content into a podcast and it would be better suited than a book. The narrative was all over the place. Quick read though?

[Ashley Dauby]

Unfortunately i ended up not finishing this book at about 50% read. I really liked it in the beginning but as i kept reading i struggled with it. The writing style is not for me. I typically enjoy memoirs but i just couldnt connect in this one. I felt as if there was no timeline of events happening and as if the book was just pieced together almost.

I did win this book in a goodreads giveaway and i wish i could have finished reading!

[Elisabeth Brookshire · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ridiculous verbal diarrhea

This is a really, really bad memoir. The author doesn't even know the actual names of the people she attempts to name drop! There are so many other terrific memoirs out there. Read, "How to Murder Your Life" by Cat Marnell if you're looking for a fun addiction memoir. Feel free to avoid this rambling nonsense.

[Giovanni Carrillo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not sure what to think

I truly don’t know how I feel about this book. It was hard to follow and there were so many sorts of errors.