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The Painting and The Piano
General Description
The Painting and The Piano is an improbable story of survival and love.
The childhoods of Johnny and Adrianne couldn’t have been more different. Not only were they born more than one-thousand miles apart, but the cultural and financial contrasts between their respective childhoods are equally as stark.
Old-money wealth and privilege defined Johnny’s childhood in Ladue, Missouri, which is to St. Louis what Scarsdale is to New York City or Beverly Hills to Los Angeles. From the moment of his birth, Johnny’s world was private clubs, private schools, private jets, high-society etiquette, and a loving nanny named Lizzy.
Middleclass Jewish values, bickering but loving parents, and the distinct character of Long Island defined Adrianne’s early life. It was public school, public transportation, Jones Beach, and Lawn Guyland rather than Long Island or tawk instead of talk.
However, Johnny and Adrianne’s childhoods share a tragic parallel that damaged each to the core of their psyche, their emotional well-being, and brought both to the brink of death.
Where their story diverges from so many others is that rather than fall into the darkness, Johnny and Adrianne reached for the light. Thus began their respective journeys of healing, which led from the slow death of addiction to a serendipitous meeting, falling in love and building a shared life dedicated to the service of others.
Told as a tandem narrative, Adrianne and Johnny pass their respective stories of childhood trauma and abuse, addiction, healing, and final triumph of love back and forth in alternating chapters. Their stories are unique, but share parallels that create a taut and emotionally compelling narrative.
The Painting and The Piano is an improbable story of survival and love.
The childhoods of Johnny and Adrianne couldn’t have been more different. Not only were they born more than one-thousand miles apart, but the cultural and financial contrasts between their respective childhoods are equally as stark.
Old-money wealth and privilege defined Johnny’s childhood in Ladue, Missouri, which is to St. Louis what Scarsdale is to New York City or Beverly Hills to Los Angeles. From the moment of his birth, Johnny’s world was private clubs, private schools, private jets, high-society etiquette, and a loving nanny named Lizzy.
Middleclass Jewish values, bickering but loving parents, and the distinct character of Long Island defined Adrianne’s early life. It was public school, public transportation, Jones Beach, and Lawn Guyland rather than Long Island or tawk instead of talk.
However, Johnny and Adrianne’s childhoods share a tragic parallel that damaged each to the core of their psyche, their emotional well-being, and brought both to the brink of death.
Where their story diverges from so many others is that rather than fall into the darkness, Johnny and Adrianne reached for the light. Thus began their respective journeys of healing, which led from the slow death of addiction to a serendipitous meeting, falling in love and building a shared life dedicated to the service of others.
Told as a tandem narrative, Adrianne and Johnny pass their respective stories of childhood trauma and abuse, addiction, healing, and final triumph of love back and forth in alternating chapters. Their stories are unique, but share parallels that create a taut and emotionally compelling narrative.
312 pages, Paperback
First published February 4, 2016
4 people are currently reading
345 people want to read
About the author
John Lipscomb
3 books4 followersJohn Lipscomb (Ocean Ridge, Florida) celebrated 19 years of sobriety on January 5th, 2018. Since becoming sober John has sponsored many men in recovery, written and blogged about recovery, helped fund raising for The Exodus Outpatient program and spoke at their annual meeting. He has also been on the board of several men’s recovery homes, continually speaks at Alcoholic’s Anonymous meetings and is himself fully immersed in the recovery community in South Florida. John was involved in the Alcoholic Anonymous program bringing meetings into prison and for a few years was very involved with the Catholic Church Ministries where he worked with men and women in maximum security prison and even worked with prisoners on death row. Since the launch of, The Painting and The Piano, he has been busy speaking at Book Clubs, Podcasts, Radio Interviews and a TV appearance. He is passionate about recovery knowing what it did for him and is constantly reaching out to help others. John was graduated from Columbia College in 1984 with a Business Administration degree and professionally John has owned a Dogwatch Hidden Fence System dealership, a pet containment company, for over 25 years.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 6, 2017
This book was well written, telling about growing up under the difficult circumstances of one or both parents being addicted to alcohol and/or other substances and how damaging it is to families. It's told by John Lipscomb and Adrianne Lugo in a tandem narrative form sharing each of their experiences as they were growing up in different areas of the country. I'm sure many people in the country can relate to it in some way, or know many who can. I certainly can through many family members and many people I've met in life and their families also. It's certainly a huge problem and one that's difficult to fully knock out. This book had a hopeful and positive message for recovery and I would recommend it. I was given a copy of this ebook for review.
May 13, 2016
Why do we read nonfiction? To study history? To learn something new? To experience another person's story?
Whatever the reason, I feel it is safe to assume that every time the last page is read and the book is finally closed, we as readers walk away with a certain degree of enlightenment.
The Painting and the Piano is one such non-fiction where we are allowed to glimpse the lives of two people with different backgrounds. John came from an affluent life where little boys did not have a care in the world and money could buy almost anything. As John grows up, his perception becomes less clouded and he realizes that other boys do not turn to their nannies for motherly comfort. John’s own mother struggles with alcoholism throughout his childhood and therefore causes a fracture in their family.
By contrast, Adrianne comes from a family unit where she and her two siblings are nurtured by both parents. Adrianne was born addicted to drugs and taken away from her birth parents. She went on to be fostered by the Cahn family, who treated her and their other adopted child, as their own. Life changed dramatically for Adrianne when her birth parents come back into her life and demand their daughter back. After a brutal battle, she is placed back with her birth family where she is physically and emotionally abused.
The Painting and the Piano explores both John and Adrianne’s childhoods as well as their road to recovery and finding love. I really enjoyed how we as the reader got to see the influencing factors that led to John and Adrianne’s own addiction problems, but the book also provided a few problems for me. I was disappointed how neither John nor Adrianne were shown fully battling their addictions. This caused a huge disconnect between me and the authors. I felt like the overall message of the book was “Hey, look at what we survived! Look how we found each other and are happy now!” Well, I can’t see what you survived without being given a complete account of what you have been through. I realized I may be coming across as awful and unsympathetic and I am not meaning to. Being a witness to addiction and alcoholism, I can sympathize to what both John and Adrianne experienced to an extent. However, when a narration only focuses on its own bias, I feel as if the reader is being blatantly lied to (by omission, of course) and it is impossible to fully comprehend the purpose of the story. What happened with John’s children? Was substance abuse a part of their stories or was it only alcoholism? Why didn’t the reader get to experience this “redemption story” by also seeing John and Adrianne at their lowest points? Because these issues went unaddressed, I was unable to feel an emotional impact of what John and Adrianne had to struggle through. And yes, while my review may sound horrible, I do not deny that both of them had to suffer a great deal to get to the place they are today.
While the above reason (rant) is enough for me to discount this book, I actually did enjoy the writing style and thought the story was elegantly crafted. Maybe if the book was turned into a fiction novel with John and Adrianne’s experiences woven in or expanded upon, the main flaw that this book had would be somewhat more forgivable.
**Disclaimer: I was given this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I hope I was honest enough…
Whatever the reason, I feel it is safe to assume that every time the last page is read and the book is finally closed, we as readers walk away with a certain degree of enlightenment.
The Painting and the Piano is one such non-fiction where we are allowed to glimpse the lives of two people with different backgrounds. John came from an affluent life where little boys did not have a care in the world and money could buy almost anything. As John grows up, his perception becomes less clouded and he realizes that other boys do not turn to their nannies for motherly comfort. John’s own mother struggles with alcoholism throughout his childhood and therefore causes a fracture in their family.
By contrast, Adrianne comes from a family unit where she and her two siblings are nurtured by both parents. Adrianne was born addicted to drugs and taken away from her birth parents. She went on to be fostered by the Cahn family, who treated her and their other adopted child, as their own. Life changed dramatically for Adrianne when her birth parents come back into her life and demand their daughter back. After a brutal battle, she is placed back with her birth family where she is physically and emotionally abused.
The Painting and the Piano explores both John and Adrianne’s childhoods as well as their road to recovery and finding love. I really enjoyed how we as the reader got to see the influencing factors that led to John and Adrianne’s own addiction problems, but the book also provided a few problems for me. I was disappointed how neither John nor Adrianne were shown fully battling their addictions. This caused a huge disconnect between me and the authors. I felt like the overall message of the book was “Hey, look at what we survived! Look how we found each other and are happy now!” Well, I can’t see what you survived without being given a complete account of what you have been through. I realized I may be coming across as awful and unsympathetic and I am not meaning to. Being a witness to addiction and alcoholism, I can sympathize to what both John and Adrianne experienced to an extent. However, when a narration only focuses on its own bias, I feel as if the reader is being blatantly lied to (by omission, of course) and it is impossible to fully comprehend the purpose of the story. What happened with John’s children? Was substance abuse a part of their stories or was it only alcoholism? Why didn’t the reader get to experience this “redemption story” by also seeing John and Adrianne at their lowest points? Because these issues went unaddressed, I was unable to feel an emotional impact of what John and Adrianne had to struggle through. And yes, while my review may sound horrible, I do not deny that both of them had to suffer a great deal to get to the place they are today.
While the above reason (rant) is enough for me to discount this book, I actually did enjoy the writing style and thought the story was elegantly crafted. Maybe if the book was turned into a fiction novel with John and Adrianne’s experiences woven in or expanded upon, the main flaw that this book had would be somewhat more forgivable.
**Disclaimer: I was given this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I hope I was honest enough…
September 13, 2016
This was a tough read, it gave me a lot to think about. We all know someone who struggles with addiction in some form and reading this story, I had a lot of aha moments.
Childhood
During the first few chapters of the book, exploring Johnny and Adrianne’s early childhoods, I will admit to feeling confused and almost unsympathetic towards Johnny’s story. I couldn’t help making comparisons between what he experienced and what Adrianne experienced and feeling that she was far worse off than him. It was only later on in the book that I began to understand how Johnny’s childhood ultimately shaped the course his life would take. Sometimes you can spot a tragedy immediately, other times it can take years to really understand the full effect of a tragedy and that was how I felt about Johnny’s story.
As a mother of two adopted daughters, Adrianne’s story was like a punch in the gut. It scared me and made me realize how much adoption and fostering has changed in the last 10 years, switching from being focused soley on the rights of biological parents to now operating in the best interests of the child.
While there is no doubt that both Johnny and Adrianne’s parents (in Adrianne’s case, her biological parents) were selfish, damaged people, it was a reminder to me of how we are all a product of our upbringing’s no matter how good or bad that may be. Their stories caused me to take a long, hard, look at my own children and how they experience us as parents, what will their narrative be one day? How will how we are raising them, impact on them and shape them as adults? How will they walk through the world one day, based on their experiences during their formative and childhood years?
Recovery
Johnny also talks about his process to recovery, about how he had to accept what he had been and recognize his mistakes and at times, his arrogance, in order to fully be in recovery. He referred to the mistakes he had made with his own recovery as Johnny’s Anonymous. And it was only when he could recognize that arrogance and unwillingness to surrender to the steps of the program, that he was able to find recovery. This made me think about the people I know who have struggled with addiction, those who have overcome and those who have failed in their sobriety. They only ever get so far in their recovery and then ultimately fail, because in their own arrogance, they think they know better, think they can manipulate the steps of recovery to suite them, to fit in with them and recovery from addiction just doesn’t work that way. Johnny’s story illustrated what that meant, the full surrender to the steps and to acknowledging his failings and then moving forward with his sobriety.
This is an intelligently written, thought provoking narrative that I’d highly recommend to everyone. It’s a story of surrender and triumph. Of failure and growth. Of changing paths, self enlightenment and victory over the DNA chains of our pasts.
Childhood
During the first few chapters of the book, exploring Johnny and Adrianne’s early childhoods, I will admit to feeling confused and almost unsympathetic towards Johnny’s story. I couldn’t help making comparisons between what he experienced and what Adrianne experienced and feeling that she was far worse off than him. It was only later on in the book that I began to understand how Johnny’s childhood ultimately shaped the course his life would take. Sometimes you can spot a tragedy immediately, other times it can take years to really understand the full effect of a tragedy and that was how I felt about Johnny’s story.
As a mother of two adopted daughters, Adrianne’s story was like a punch in the gut. It scared me and made me realize how much adoption and fostering has changed in the last 10 years, switching from being focused soley on the rights of biological parents to now operating in the best interests of the child.
While there is no doubt that both Johnny and Adrianne’s parents (in Adrianne’s case, her biological parents) were selfish, damaged people, it was a reminder to me of how we are all a product of our upbringing’s no matter how good or bad that may be. Their stories caused me to take a long, hard, look at my own children and how they experience us as parents, what will their narrative be one day? How will how we are raising them, impact on them and shape them as adults? How will they walk through the world one day, based on their experiences during their formative and childhood years?
Recovery
Johnny also talks about his process to recovery, about how he had to accept what he had been and recognize his mistakes and at times, his arrogance, in order to fully be in recovery. He referred to the mistakes he had made with his own recovery as Johnny’s Anonymous. And it was only when he could recognize that arrogance and unwillingness to surrender to the steps of the program, that he was able to find recovery. This made me think about the people I know who have struggled with addiction, those who have overcome and those who have failed in their sobriety. They only ever get so far in their recovery and then ultimately fail, because in their own arrogance, they think they know better, think they can manipulate the steps of recovery to suite them, to fit in with them and recovery from addiction just doesn’t work that way. Johnny’s story illustrated what that meant, the full surrender to the steps and to acknowledging his failings and then moving forward with his sobriety.
This is an intelligently written, thought provoking narrative that I’d highly recommend to everyone. It’s a story of surrender and triumph. Of failure and growth. Of changing paths, self enlightenment and victory over the DNA chains of our pasts.
March 20, 2016
I loved this book; but I have to say, as a foster parent, it upset me at times. This is a good thing. The characters were well developed and the stories were written with unbelievable imagery. I felt brought into John and Adrianne’s lives, as well as the lives of their parents’. While reading The Painting and The Piano, I felt compassion for some, hate for others, and mostly empathy for several of the characters. When the book was over, I wanted more.
To say that John and Adrianne went through a lot in their lives would be a tremendous understatement; and what they have grown to become is amazing. This is so much more than a good book; it’s a beautifully written combination of two people from completely different worlds, yet their problems are so similar. A disease is never targeted to one type of person; it doesn’t care where your from, how much money you make, where you live, what you drive, who you love, or who loves you.
Lipscomb and Lugo created a thought provoking piece of literature, with the deepest of meaning to many. I have never been addicted, nor could I ever understand how it could happen; I do now and, thanks to The Painting and The Piano, I will never look at addition the same way. Thank you for sharing. This book has earned a rating of 5 Boundless stars, because it’s the highest option available, otherwise it would be more....Beth
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To say that John and Adrianne went through a lot in their lives would be a tremendous understatement; and what they have grown to become is amazing. This is so much more than a good book; it’s a beautifully written combination of two people from completely different worlds, yet their problems are so similar. A disease is never targeted to one type of person; it doesn’t care where your from, how much money you make, where you live, what you drive, who you love, or who loves you.
Lipscomb and Lugo created a thought provoking piece of literature, with the deepest of meaning to many. I have never been addicted, nor could I ever understand how it could happen; I do now and, thanks to The Painting and The Piano, I will never look at addition the same way. Thank you for sharing. This book has earned a rating of 5 Boundless stars, because it’s the highest option available, otherwise it would be more....Beth
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
July 27, 2016
FTC: I received a free copy of this book from Book Publicity Services in exchange for my honest review. I received no other compensation and the opinions expressed in this review are one hundred percent true and my own.
The Painting and The Piano by John Lipscomb and Adrianne Lugo was a hard book to read at times. I say that it was hard to read because of some of the things that the characters went through in this book. I know that this book could be triggering to some people as well because of the topics talked about. With that being said I did enjoy this book and found myself wanting to read it until the end because I wanted to know how it all played out in the end. I liked this book so much because it is a true story and I always find myself loving books that are true stories. There are parts of this book that reminded me of my childhood, so I know also helped me understand what the characters felt at certain points throughout the book. I enjoyed this book even though it was hard at times to read it. I loved that the characters made it through and wrote this book to help other people learn from the things they went through as children. If you love autobiography types books than I know you will love this book just as much as I do. This is one that I am going to be adding to my personal collection of books because I would like to read it again in the future.
The Painting and The Piano by John Lipscomb and Adrianne Lugo was a hard book to read at times. I say that it was hard to read because of some of the things that the characters went through in this book. I know that this book could be triggering to some people as well because of the topics talked about. With that being said I did enjoy this book and found myself wanting to read it until the end because I wanted to know how it all played out in the end. I liked this book so much because it is a true story and I always find myself loving books that are true stories. There are parts of this book that reminded me of my childhood, so I know also helped me understand what the characters felt at certain points throughout the book. I enjoyed this book even though it was hard at times to read it. I loved that the characters made it through and wrote this book to help other people learn from the things they went through as children. If you love autobiography types books than I know you will love this book just as much as I do. This is one that I am going to be adding to my personal collection of books because I would like to read it again in the future.
June 3, 2020
Read this entire review here: BOOK REVIEW: THE PAINTING AND THE PIANO – A HOPEFUL STORY OF ADDICTION AND REDEMPTION
Review by Elinor Cackett
Overall Rating = 4; Romance Rating = 3
The story of The Painting and the Piano is moving, using blunt language and clear description well to evoke emotion. The prose is very polished, evocative and easy to read for the most part. The only problem I did have with the writing was the overly detailed descriptions of the houses which served little purpose and disrupted the flow of the narrative. This is especially frustrating considering that the rest of the book is actually very good at creating a sense of place. You really feel present in the scenes. From the Mad Men-esque quality of John’s early childhood to Herb and Elaine’s dingy apartment to an early morning AA meeting.
The ending is also quite romantic in a realistic, sensible way. However, the love story is only towards the end and one aspect of a greater whole, so those looking for a book about a real-life romance may be disappointed.
Despite not being all that fond of non-fiction, I was compelled to read on; there was definitely a taut, cohesive narrative. It was not hard to become emotionally invested in the characters. If you like true stories of struggle, hardship and survival like Angela’s Ashes or A Boy Called It then The Painting and the Piano may be just what you are looking for.
Read this entire review and others (especially if you love old-fashioned chivalrous romance) at: THE SILVER PETTICOAT REVIEW
Review by Elinor Cackett
Overall Rating = 4; Romance Rating = 3
The story of The Painting and the Piano is moving, using blunt language and clear description well to evoke emotion. The prose is very polished, evocative and easy to read for the most part. The only problem I did have with the writing was the overly detailed descriptions of the houses which served little purpose and disrupted the flow of the narrative. This is especially frustrating considering that the rest of the book is actually very good at creating a sense of place. You really feel present in the scenes. From the Mad Men-esque quality of John’s early childhood to Herb and Elaine’s dingy apartment to an early morning AA meeting.
The ending is also quite romantic in a realistic, sensible way. However, the love story is only towards the end and one aspect of a greater whole, so those looking for a book about a real-life romance may be disappointed.
Despite not being all that fond of non-fiction, I was compelled to read on; there was definitely a taut, cohesive narrative. It was not hard to become emotionally invested in the characters. If you like true stories of struggle, hardship and survival like Angela’s Ashes or A Boy Called It then The Painting and the Piano may be just what you are looking for.
Read this entire review and others (especially if you love old-fashioned chivalrous romance) at: THE SILVER PETTICOAT REVIEW
April 7, 2018
Outstanding juxtaposition of co-author backgrounds: one of deprivation and abuse, the other of privilege, demonstrating that the ravages of addiction are blind class, education, etc. Very warmly written.
May 4, 2018
My brother being part of Johnny's "tribe", I was looking forward to reading this.....The author's past are so sad, yet, I am so proud of where Adrianne and Johnny are in their lives now. Raw truth can be hard, but love is strong.
January 12, 2018
Moving and difficult to read, but inspiring
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April 28, 2025A raw and real look in to the world of addiction. I could not put this book down!
February 2, 2016
Note: I received a free copy of this memoir in exchange for a review.
The Painting and the Piano tells the story of John "Johnny" Lipscomb and Adrianne "Ady" Lugo. The memoir, divided into scenes, shows how the tragedies that we encounter as children can linger on into adult lives - no matter how we try to escape from them, they can come back to haunt us unless we have the tools to deal with them. However, at the risk of telling a story of heartbreak, let me reassure you that there is always hope.
Adrianne lives in foster care, a very happy life until the agency from which she was fostered comes along with news; the biological parents want to visit Adrianne. Reluctantly, the foster parents agree. Sadly, it does not stop there. It's a long, slippery slide until a court grants Herb and Elaine, Adrianne's biological parents, the right to take their daughter back. Adrianne can never admit to Herb and Elaine being her parents, however. Despite Herb's genuine efforts, Adrianne keeps asking when she can go home. Elaine presents as a monster - abusive, cruel, and almost tyrannical, Adrianne finds as many things as she can do to escape the disgusting flat she's been forced into. It isn't until a teacher at her school notices her bruises that her story begins to turn around.
Johnny was caught up in a similarly horrible custody battle, forced to lived with his alcoholic mother and step-father. What starts as a few drinks as a teenager turns into a years-long battle with alcoholism.
We meet Adrianne and Johnny again as adults, both battling addiction, both finding solace in each other from unhappy marriages.
If not for the ending of this book I would still be in turmoil now. Both Johnny and Adrianne have such a way with words that you are there, in their homes, watching the scenes unfold, and you are in their heads, willing things to be okay but heartbroken and frustrated that they cannot be, due to the unfair laws of the land. I found Adrianne's story most particularly affecting, not least in Elaine's cruel choices and determination to keep her from the people whom she really loves and whom really love her.
Though heart-wrenching throughout, there are great messages of hope in this memoir. Addiction can be overcome. There are always people who want to help and who want to love. Finding friends and family, whether blood or no, who can support you, is more valuable than any amount of wealth or supposed financial security. It's definitely something that, at the risk of sounding cheesy, will make you reach out to your nearest and dearest.
The Painting and the Piano tells the story of John "Johnny" Lipscomb and Adrianne "Ady" Lugo. The memoir, divided into scenes, shows how the tragedies that we encounter as children can linger on into adult lives - no matter how we try to escape from them, they can come back to haunt us unless we have the tools to deal with them. However, at the risk of telling a story of heartbreak, let me reassure you that there is always hope.
Adrianne lives in foster care, a very happy life until the agency from which she was fostered comes along with news; the biological parents want to visit Adrianne. Reluctantly, the foster parents agree. Sadly, it does not stop there. It's a long, slippery slide until a court grants Herb and Elaine, Adrianne's biological parents, the right to take their daughter back. Adrianne can never admit to Herb and Elaine being her parents, however. Despite Herb's genuine efforts, Adrianne keeps asking when she can go home. Elaine presents as a monster - abusive, cruel, and almost tyrannical, Adrianne finds as many things as she can do to escape the disgusting flat she's been forced into. It isn't until a teacher at her school notices her bruises that her story begins to turn around.
Johnny was caught up in a similarly horrible custody battle, forced to lived with his alcoholic mother and step-father. What starts as a few drinks as a teenager turns into a years-long battle with alcoholism.
We meet Adrianne and Johnny again as adults, both battling addiction, both finding solace in each other from unhappy marriages.
If not for the ending of this book I would still be in turmoil now. Both Johnny and Adrianne have such a way with words that you are there, in their homes, watching the scenes unfold, and you are in their heads, willing things to be okay but heartbroken and frustrated that they cannot be, due to the unfair laws of the land. I found Adrianne's story most particularly affecting, not least in Elaine's cruel choices and determination to keep her from the people whom she really loves and whom really love her.
Though heart-wrenching throughout, there are great messages of hope in this memoir. Addiction can be overcome. There are always people who want to help and who want to love. Finding friends and family, whether blood or no, who can support you, is more valuable than any amount of wealth or supposed financial security. It's definitely something that, at the risk of sounding cheesy, will make you reach out to your nearest and dearest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2016
The Painting and the Piano by both John Lipscomb and Adrianne Lugo is a beautifully woven memoir that will inspire readers worldwide. This read portrays what it's like to live with a drug addict, an alcoholic, and an abuser.
The story opens up with a character about to lose a father only then to find out he's going to make it. But once he's home...the man he once was is gone. The strong father was now a frail man with his morphine tank...Then there's Adrianne who was born addicted to heroin. She soon gets to meet her real birth parents. Next, there is Johnny whose mom drinks all the time.
Both have biological parents who choose to live a life that will send them falling apart faster and faster...until no trace of who they were originally was left to be seen. Both Adrianne and Johnny had to go through life in a rough way that no child should have to...yet somehow they both might just make it.
The Painting and the Piano is indeed a must-read memoir for all. This is a story of how two individuals struggled with surviving in what life tossed their way and took away from them. Readers will be lead on an inspirational journey that will cause fear, at first, then tears, and then happiness. I loved this survival and love story. It something that readers all over the world can relate to and find inspiration to move forward no matter how hard life may become. Overall, I highly recommend this to all.
The story opens up with a character about to lose a father only then to find out he's going to make it. But once he's home...the man he once was is gone. The strong father was now a frail man with his morphine tank...Then there's Adrianne who was born addicted to heroin. She soon gets to meet her real birth parents. Next, there is Johnny whose mom drinks all the time.
Both have biological parents who choose to live a life that will send them falling apart faster and faster...until no trace of who they were originally was left to be seen. Both Adrianne and Johnny had to go through life in a rough way that no child should have to...yet somehow they both might just make it.
The Painting and the Piano is indeed a must-read memoir for all. This is a story of how two individuals struggled with surviving in what life tossed their way and took away from them. Readers will be lead on an inspirational journey that will cause fear, at first, then tears, and then happiness. I loved this survival and love story. It something that readers all over the world can relate to and find inspiration to move forward no matter how hard life may become. Overall, I highly recommend this to all.
March 21, 2016
Read more of our reviews at: www.thebookjarblog.wordpress.com
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Publishers through I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
A poignant story that is very intriguing and riveting. This is not normally a story I would have picked up, but I was approached by the publishers to read this book and I am glad they did! A really great read that is not hard to read but the content is sad and heartbreaking. I found some parts difficult to read because I was so upset with what was happening to Lugo.
The story is told in tandem narrative, and I found this sometimes to be difficult to follow. I would become so engrossed with one of their story, to have the next chapter be about the other person, was difficult to adjust. I also realized that they chose to use italics instead of quotation marks to identify conversation and this was a small change I had to adjust to.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I found it extremely inspiration everything that Lugo and Lipscomb overcame. They did not hold back on their story, on their struggles and were honest about what they had gone through, and I really enjoyed their honesty. 4/5 stars
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Publishers through I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
A poignant story that is very intriguing and riveting. This is not normally a story I would have picked up, but I was approached by the publishers to read this book and I am glad they did! A really great read that is not hard to read but the content is sad and heartbreaking. I found some parts difficult to read because I was so upset with what was happening to Lugo.
The story is told in tandem narrative, and I found this sometimes to be difficult to follow. I would become so engrossed with one of their story, to have the next chapter be about the other person, was difficult to adjust. I also realized that they chose to use italics instead of quotation marks to identify conversation and this was a small change I had to adjust to.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I found it extremely inspiration everything that Lugo and Lipscomb overcame. They did not hold back on their story, on their struggles and were honest about what they had gone through, and I really enjoyed their honesty. 4/5 stars
November 2, 2016
The most interesting part of The Painting and the Piano - an improbable story of survival and love by John Lipscomb and Adrianne Lugo is the first chapter in which Adrianne explains when and how she meets her biological parents for the first time. Thereafter, Johnny explains his childhood and the divorce of his parents. In the next chapter, Adrianne remembers her airplane ride to Florida signaling her transfer from the parents that she'd grown to love and respect, to her biological father and siblings. A chapter by Johnny follows, revealing his struggles with his father's remarriage and his interactions with stepsiblings. Regarding his stepmother, he writes: "At Dad's house Celeste wants to be a parent to me, but I don't need it or want it, which drives tension between us. To avoid it, I do anything and everything I can to be with my friends."
The switching back and forth of the two authors for every other chapter requires an adjustment of focus.
The story continues. Johnny grows up and gets married. Adrianne grows up and gets married. They connect with each other at an AA (Alcoholic Anonymous) meeting. While they are both still married, they begin a relationship with each other.
I have no recommendations for this book, but agree that is "improbable."
To read more reviews, visit http://www.McNeilsReviews.com
The switching back and forth of the two authors for every other chapter requires an adjustment of focus.
The story continues. Johnny grows up and gets married. Adrianne grows up and gets married. They connect with each other at an AA (Alcoholic Anonymous) meeting. While they are both still married, they begin a relationship with each other.
I have no recommendations for this book, but agree that is "improbable."
To read more reviews, visit http://www.McNeilsReviews.com
March 22, 2016
THOUGHTS AFTER READING THE PAINTING AND THE PIANO
A heartbreaking and moving book. I can't imagine the horrors and the pain Adrianne and John goes through living with their moms' substance abuse. The losses because of drinking is so much that it is difficult to imagine why we are still so lost until the present time on the disease of alcoholism. The hurtful legacy continue to create the damages until their adult life and to forgive is almost impossible but they have the grace and the courage to do so. The gift and the promises of hope and recovery on AA is immeasurable. I hope they will be able to recieve it for the rest of their lives one day at a time. Their story make me believe that love always conquers all.
The story is so well written it was almost like watching a movie. I really hope more people will be able to read this book especially those who are desirous of making this world a better place to live with.
A heartbreaking and moving book. I can't imagine the horrors and the pain Adrianne and John goes through living with their moms' substance abuse. The losses because of drinking is so much that it is difficult to imagine why we are still so lost until the present time on the disease of alcoholism. The hurtful legacy continue to create the damages until their adult life and to forgive is almost impossible but they have the grace and the courage to do so. The gift and the promises of hope and recovery on AA is immeasurable. I hope they will be able to recieve it for the rest of their lives one day at a time. Their story make me believe that love always conquers all.
The story is so well written it was almost like watching a movie. I really hope more people will be able to read this book especially those who are desirous of making this world a better place to live with.
July 4, 2016
Hope for those caught in the web of addiction
Q: Do you believe in the value of a human life?
A: We do. And we love stories that evoke this value.
Through their unique stories, Adrianne and Johnny present the cycle of abuse and addiction and the deeper sense of existence. Their life stories prove that hope and love can be the greatest weapon against any addiction problem.
Are you facing an addiction? Or are you working with a loved one going through a rough time on his/hers journey to sobriety? If the answer to these questions is YES, then The Painting and The Piano is an excellent self-motivational guide for you!
Do not wait any longer, take the control of your life back! Facing your addiction problems proves that you are a fighter! So start today by ordering your motivational story-weapon, The Painting and The Piano.
Q: Do you believe in the value of a human life?
A: We do. And we love stories that evoke this value.
Through their unique stories, Adrianne and Johnny present the cycle of abuse and addiction and the deeper sense of existence. Their life stories prove that hope and love can be the greatest weapon against any addiction problem.
Are you facing an addiction? Or are you working with a loved one going through a rough time on his/hers journey to sobriety? If the answer to these questions is YES, then The Painting and The Piano is an excellent self-motivational guide for you!
Do not wait any longer, take the control of your life back! Facing your addiction problems proves that you are a fighter! So start today by ordering your motivational story-weapon, The Painting and The Piano.
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