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Shitfaced: Musings of a Former Drunk
In Shitfaced: Musings of a Former Drunk, Seamus Kirst explores the milestones of self-destruction that marked his coming of age. At 13, he went to the ER for swallowing a bottle of pills. By 16, he was already a veteran of several in- and out-patient rehab programs for alcohol. As he walked across the stage at his high school graduation - just after delivering his valedictorian address - he had already been hospitalized three times for alcohol poisoning. The situation only accelerated at Brown University, where he abused a plethora of drugs, from Xanax to cocaine, while his alcohol abuse intensified. Most terrifying was his attitude toward his own dissolution, his rationalization of behaviors that brought him ever closer to death. In that sense, Shitfaced, is not just a memoir, but a dehortation for those who find themselves in the same place; Kirst goes back to find a self that he barely survived.
210 pages, Paperback
Published February 2, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 26, 2017
No question, that was a tough read.
I say this because I am also a recovering alcoholic, I've been there, it ain't easy.
But.
It absolutely does get better.
So much about this book does strike very personally for me. Some good, some bad. Some of this memoir I strongly disagree with as a means of one's recovery scenario, yet in recovery we each have our own circumstance and recovery plan which helps us to succeed, for that I wish the author every success with that plan.
I have read many a memoir about addiction, and the subsequent recovery, and sometimes the resulting relapses. Unfortunate yes, but all too real also, and all too often.
Personally I do not see how re-iterating one's worst moments of their years of addiction can possibly help. Whether for the author himself or anyone else. I just fail to see the relevance in doing such.
I do not.
Yet I do know many others where this is a large part of their recovery plan.
I do not forget my past, but it is my past and has no place in my future, why relive the things we cannot change is my view. The "what if's" and the "should have's" need not be revisited in my sober opinion.
The author has shown incredible courage first in writing this, but more so in opening himself up to the world through the publication of this memoir. A very difficult thing to do.
Again, I know. I have done this also. Twice.
What I also know is recovery cannot be successful when done for someone or something other than simply ourselves.
It is a choice.
I say this because I am also a recovering alcoholic, I've been there, it ain't easy.
But.
It absolutely does get better.
So much about this book does strike very personally for me. Some good, some bad. Some of this memoir I strongly disagree with as a means of one's recovery scenario, yet in recovery we each have our own circumstance and recovery plan which helps us to succeed, for that I wish the author every success with that plan.
I have read many a memoir about addiction, and the subsequent recovery, and sometimes the resulting relapses. Unfortunate yes, but all too real also, and all too often.
Personally I do not see how re-iterating one's worst moments of their years of addiction can possibly help. Whether for the author himself or anyone else. I just fail to see the relevance in doing such.
I do not.
Yet I do know many others where this is a large part of their recovery plan.
I do not forget my past, but it is my past and has no place in my future, why relive the things we cannot change is my view. The "what if's" and the "should have's" need not be revisited in my sober opinion.
The author has shown incredible courage first in writing this, but more so in opening himself up to the world through the publication of this memoir. A very difficult thing to do.
Again, I know. I have done this also. Twice.
What I also know is recovery cannot be successful when done for someone or something other than simply ourselves.
It is a choice.
March 2, 2017
I found this book because I know the author's dad. Sean Kirst did a TEDx talk at Syracuse University the year that I was host. He had a crackly voice and he seemed to enjoy my squirrely-ness. We became quick friends.
On Twitter, I saw that he was promoting his son's book: Shitfaced. I was intrigued because it was about this young man's struggle with alcohol, drugs, and growing up. It blew my mind that this guy was under the influence legit all of high school and college and still performed admirably.
This book made me think about my brother, who deals with bouts of depression but uses writing to share his voice and amplify issues that need to be thought about and then later, talked about.
I really enjoyed this book. Many times I found myself reading for HOURS on end and having to stop because I'm like, "Oh fuck, this is a LOT. I need a breather."
Shitfaced is an excellent read with some real feels fests hittin' at the core. I definitely recommend. And it's free on Kindle Unlimited! WOO!
On Twitter, I saw that he was promoting his son's book: Shitfaced. I was intrigued because it was about this young man's struggle with alcohol, drugs, and growing up. It blew my mind that this guy was under the influence legit all of high school and college and still performed admirably.
This book made me think about my brother, who deals with bouts of depression but uses writing to share his voice and amplify issues that need to be thought about and then later, talked about.
I really enjoyed this book. Many times I found myself reading for HOURS on end and having to stop because I'm like, "Oh fuck, this is a LOT. I need a breather."
Shitfaced is an excellent read with some real feels fests hittin' at the core. I definitely recommend. And it's free on Kindle Unlimited! WOO!
April 5, 2017
Such a brave, raw read. I found myself having to pause a few times to get some air and perspective that Seamus is doing better. Well written story about a truly inspiring, intelligent and powerful person. He seems like such an amazing fellow and this story powerfully shows how he overcame struggle.
May 13, 2017
This is a remarkable book; it's told with strength and humility and honesty. At times, it was hard to keep reading, as the narrator's self-destructive behavior gave me such a pit in my stomach. I'd put the book down for 1 or 2 minutes, and then return. I had to keep reading to see how it would end.
I've never struggled with addiction, but I have a few close friends who abuse substances, and this book has helped me imagine what is actually happening inside their heads. I'm very grateful for that.
I've never struggled with addiction, but I have a few close friends who abuse substances, and this book has helped me imagine what is actually happening inside their heads. I'm very grateful for that.
January 4, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I won it through a GoodReads Giveaway and am so glad I did. Each chapter tells a short story of Seamus's life. It is really powerful, and while painful to hear some of the things that have happened, it speaks to the issues people face when fighting addiction.
Thank you for sharing your story, and I hope it inspires others to share theirs. A major step for us as people to face addiction is to openly talk about the struggles and successes of people facing it.
Thank you for sharing your story, and I hope it inspires others to share theirs. A major step for us as people to face addiction is to openly talk about the struggles and successes of people facing it.
February 17, 2018
I'm not a drinker but reading how hard it was/is to get away from an addiction really packs a punch.I know people with issues of addiction,different ones and wanted to read this book to try to better understand how they might be or were feeling.No-one is the same, and similar problems are seen and felt differently by everyone individually.Thank you Seamus for sharing your story and for trying to help others through it.It was an eye opener and a tale that needed to be told.Well worth reading.
November 30, 2018
Was good to read a young males perspective on his relationship alcohol and other drugs and how it was so all consuming through college/university. Well done to him for overcoming the addiction. Different to other sober memoirs I have read as he spirals very quickly into alcohol dependence and gives up in his 20s whereas many others seem to be a steady decline and realisation. Would recommend for any teen or young person concerned about their own relationship with drugs.
March 1, 2018
Brutally, uncomfortably, blessedly honest
I think this must be required reading for anyone in recovery and especially for their family and friends. His honesty gives us an in we might not get elsewhere. His writing is concise and compelling.
The editing could be improved - more errors then I would've expected. But they don't detract from his message.
I think this must be required reading for anyone in recovery and especially for their family and friends. His honesty gives us an in we might not get elsewhere. His writing is concise and compelling.
The editing could be improved - more errors then I would've expected. But they don't detract from his message.
April 9, 2018
This book is a must-read for anyone - especially young people - struggling with depression, substance abuse, or self image. The author's experiences are deeply personal and brutally honest, but still highly relatable, no matter your particular battles. His story is heartbreaking, but ultimately hopeful, and proves that it is never too late - or too soon - to start taking care of yourself.
June 22, 2018
The vulnerability, courage, and candor in this book leaps off the page. Anybody coming out of college or in college will resonate with the real, raw, and relatable stories of partying, anxiety, and repetition of this perilous process.
This book should be viewed as not only a memoir, but also a warning to those who are steering down the wrong road.
This book should be viewed as not only a memoir, but also a warning to those who are steering down the wrong road.
December 17, 2018
A crystal clear look at addiction and the ripples of pain it sends through a family. Equal parts tragedy and triumph.
May 11, 2019
Beautifully written . Honest. A difficult subject because it hits so close to home. It shines a bright spotlight on mental health & addiction.
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September 8, 2019I learned some things.
April 6, 2017
Very well-written. A bit dark but obviously not a light subject. Couldn't put it down.
May 1, 2017
This book was an honest look into a young adults struggle with mental illness and addiction from childhood through young adulthood. I could relate to so many of the stories that were told and appreciate the honesty that is conveyed throughout. This book will help people that are struggling with so many issues and hopefully will make people more comfortable discussing things they are struggling with, like their sexual identity, mental health issues, addiction, or just general stress that everyone faces. A great read that I will recommend to anyone and everyone. We all have all been affected by things Seamus addresses in this memoir, either directly or through someone we know. We all can benefit by taking the time to read this.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews