What do you think?
Rate this book
Enslaved: Ten Men and Women Recount Their Stories of Addiction
There is a mystique about addiction.... But destruction by one's own hand is far less romantic up close.
"It is so easy to look at addicts and write them off, because why would anyone intentionally use drugs, self-harm, or alcohol to solve their problems? Hearing their stories... made their choices understandable. Were they good choices? No, but they all had good reasons for looking to these less-than-ideal solutions."
- Literature Approved
Alcoholism. Sex addiction. Shooting up.
These are words that fascinate and repel in equal measure. The addict is larger than life; some see him or her as a villain, while many others glamorize the tragedy, desperation, or psychology that drive addictive behavior.
The stories in this book - all true, real life accounts - aim to do something different. They're about regular people whose lives and mistakes are more mundane and familiar than you might expect. In the hands of the wise and experienced Dr. Ellie Katz, who interviews the book's subjects and provides its introduction and conclusion, addiction is surprisingly easy to comprehend.
For some readers, this will be an eye-opening exposure to how close to home this phenomenon hits. For others, it will be an invitation to feel less alone or a way to better understand a loved one. No matter what the problem is - the abuse of prescription medication; cocaine, heroin, and other drugs; gambling; sex; binging, purging, and other eating disorders; self-harm, and more - Love and Kisses tells the story of addiction with humanity and compassion.
"It is so easy to look at addicts and write them off, because why would anyone intentionally use drugs, self-harm, or alcohol to solve their problems? Hearing their stories... made their choices understandable. Were they good choices? No, but they all had good reasons for looking to these less-than-ideal solutions."
- Literature Approved
Alcoholism. Sex addiction. Shooting up.
These are words that fascinate and repel in equal measure. The addict is larger than life; some see him or her as a villain, while many others glamorize the tragedy, desperation, or psychology that drive addictive behavior.
The stories in this book - all true, real life accounts - aim to do something different. They're about regular people whose lives and mistakes are more mundane and familiar than you might expect. In the hands of the wise and experienced Dr. Ellie Katz, who interviews the book's subjects and provides its introduction and conclusion, addiction is surprisingly easy to comprehend.
For some readers, this will be an eye-opening exposure to how close to home this phenomenon hits. For others, it will be an invitation to feel less alone or a way to better understand a loved one. No matter what the problem is - the abuse of prescription medication; cocaine, heroin, and other drugs; gambling; sex; binging, purging, and other eating disorders; self-harm, and more - Love and Kisses tells the story of addiction with humanity and compassion.
- GenresNonfiction
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 17, 2017
14 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 18, 2018
So when I first got this book, I had some trepidation. Addictions can have some interesting implications, and I wasn't quite sure where this book was going to take it. I ended up quite pleased with the results.
This book recounts the pasts of several addicts who had gone through rehab and told Ellie their story. There are several common themes of rape, molestation, verbal and emotional abuse, and absent parents. Ellie deals with some extreme and mature content, and there are a few occurrences of language, but these things weren't offensive. They made it feel real and authentic.
The realness of this book is what made me enjoy reading it. It is so easy to look at addicts and write them off, because why would anyone intentionally use drugs, self-harm, or alcohol to solve their problems? Hearing their stories, all of which were heartbreaking, made their choices understandable. Were they good choices? No, but they all had good reasons for looking to these less-than-ideal solutions.
Another thing that struck me while reading this was the importance that we as individuals have on those around us. Oftentimes, when these people found one person who truly cared about them, they were able to take the steps to recovery. This is why, as believers, it is so important to engage with people who come from all walks of life - you never know whose life you might save.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It opened my eyes to a completely different way of life and enabled me to have compassion on people who are suffering in this way. Ellie did a wonderful job telling these stories in a way that held them responsible for their decisions without condemning them.
This book recounts the pasts of several addicts who had gone through rehab and told Ellie their story. There are several common themes of rape, molestation, verbal and emotional abuse, and absent parents. Ellie deals with some extreme and mature content, and there are a few occurrences of language, but these things weren't offensive. They made it feel real and authentic.
The realness of this book is what made me enjoy reading it. It is so easy to look at addicts and write them off, because why would anyone intentionally use drugs, self-harm, or alcohol to solve their problems? Hearing their stories, all of which were heartbreaking, made their choices understandable. Were they good choices? No, but they all had good reasons for looking to these less-than-ideal solutions.
Another thing that struck me while reading this was the importance that we as individuals have on those around us. Oftentimes, when these people found one person who truly cared about them, they were able to take the steps to recovery. This is why, as believers, it is so important to engage with people who come from all walks of life - you never know whose life you might save.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It opened my eyes to a completely different way of life and enabled me to have compassion on people who are suffering in this way. Ellie did a wonderful job telling these stories in a way that held them responsible for their decisions without condemning them.
November 23, 2018
This was a very quick read, being only 230 pages, and also an enjoyable one. An account of people lives and how various events and circumstances lead them to addiction. This book doesn’t just focus on drug addictions, but also on those of gambling and the need for attention.
We are given the life story of a selection of people. Their childhoods, which were normally not ideal whether due to abuse, poverty or something else, through to abusive of negative relationships, both romantic and otherwise, and then through to their struggle with “sobriety” and how they’ve dealt with the 12 Step Programme. There are some fresh successes, some who have failed and have come back again, and also some who have managed to stay “sober” and have decided to work with other addicts and help them to improve their lives.
It’s a very candid look at these peoples lives, and it very much made me feel connected with these individuals and feel more for their situation. All too often addicts are stigmatised within our society, but this stigma can prevent them from reaching the help that they need and deserve. Books like this one can help break down the walls of that stigma and in turn allow more people to recover and become active members of society.
I gave this book 3/5 stars, thank you to NetGalley for an ecopy of this book in return for an unbaised review.
From my blog: autumnofpellinor.wordpress.com
We are given the life story of a selection of people. Their childhoods, which were normally not ideal whether due to abuse, poverty or something else, through to abusive of negative relationships, both romantic and otherwise, and then through to their struggle with “sobriety” and how they’ve dealt with the 12 Step Programme. There are some fresh successes, some who have failed and have come back again, and also some who have managed to stay “sober” and have decided to work with other addicts and help them to improve their lives.
It’s a very candid look at these peoples lives, and it very much made me feel connected with these individuals and feel more for their situation. All too often addicts are stigmatised within our society, but this stigma can prevent them from reaching the help that they need and deserve. Books like this one can help break down the walls of that stigma and in turn allow more people to recover and become active members of society.
I gave this book 3/5 stars, thank you to NetGalley for an ecopy of this book in return for an unbaised review.
From my blog: autumnofpellinor.wordpress.com
October 21, 2018
I've read my fair share of novels that either focus on addiction or contain a character who is suffering from one and have to admit that they've been... varied in success, so naturally I was very excited to read some life-stories about real people who have a clinical addiction. These stories are harrowing, motivational and, for me at least, a poignant reminder to be grateful. The majority of the subjects come from troubled homes with guardians or friends who are often addicts themselves, many of the subjects experience emotional and physical abuse and go through the most horrible ordeals. It's fascinating and tragic to understand exactly why and when their compulsions begin. I'm sure everyone has a few moments in their childhood that they'd rather forget but rarely to these extremes.
My primary concern when reading memoirs is that the subject’s story may be sugar-coated with too much sympathy, either by the subject themselves during the interview process or by the writer. I am pleased to report that this is not the case for Katz, who managed to retain the voice of each subject whilst subtly slotting her own questions and comments, which guides the reader towards their own conclusion, allowing them to be shocked and disturbed but also understand the torment of addiction. This provides a considerate and honest reflection of each individual studied. I feel like media often glorifies addiction, frequently delighting in the idea of an alcoholic or drug addict being ‘cured’ by the support of a truly miraculous love interest, devoted friend or family member. As Katz states, ‘destruction by one’s own hand is far less romantic up close’ and the reality of the matter is that many addicts suffer alone, afraid to show their vulnerabilities, particularly to those they love, and isolating themselves in the process. It was refreshing to read material on addiction and psychiatric illness covered in such a sincere and open way.
Another highlight is that Katz very rarely shoulders blame on one person, instead of recognising that everyone makes mistakes and everyone experiences pain in their past. Most of the more dislikeable people involved in the lives of the subjects notably were addicts themselves, like Rosie’s alcoholic father, and frequently the subjects would say or do things to their family and friends that probably continued this chain. Katz says pretty early on that ‘the addict is the hero and the addiction is the villain; or maybe they both are the villain’ and this struck me as a really interesting point. Psychiatric illness is selfish and cruel, not only to the addict but also to the people who look after and care for them. Pablo’s girlfriend is almost unbelievably forgiving when he pops to the shops to get some cigarettes and doesn’t return for six months!
The title did initially baffle me since very little of the book is focused on the ‘padded cell’ of rehab itself. On the contrary, Katz seemed to avoid it, instead of writing about everything that fostered their addiction and how they handled it until rehabilitation, their relapses after and current state. For me I did find this a drawback as the reader watches each subject suffer from addiction and anticipates how rehabilitation will help them, only to not be divulged that information. Of course, I completely understand why Katz chose not to disclose what happens at rehabilitation (it’d make each section far longer, there are sometimes confidentiality laws in certain clinics, most treatments take a tedious amount of trial and error to work) but I have to confess that I was a little let down by this aspect.
The book is satisfying in how it's organised, with clearly marked sections, excellent structure and impeccable grammar. The balance between compassion and frank wit in writing style is absolutely spot on, making this a compelling read. The introduction and conclusion are brilliant, noting both the symptoms of addiction and remarking that there is no shame in asking for help. Recovering from addiction is challenging and arguably the process of recovery never ends, but the battle gets far easier to fight with the appropriate treatment and support. Even if the reader cannot see what happens at rehab to help each subject recover, the knowledge that these incredible people have been through so much and can get better is really uplifting.
Check out my full review here: https://eccentrictrilogy.blogspot.com...
My primary concern when reading memoirs is that the subject’s story may be sugar-coated with too much sympathy, either by the subject themselves during the interview process or by the writer. I am pleased to report that this is not the case for Katz, who managed to retain the voice of each subject whilst subtly slotting her own questions and comments, which guides the reader towards their own conclusion, allowing them to be shocked and disturbed but also understand the torment of addiction. This provides a considerate and honest reflection of each individual studied. I feel like media often glorifies addiction, frequently delighting in the idea of an alcoholic or drug addict being ‘cured’ by the support of a truly miraculous love interest, devoted friend or family member. As Katz states, ‘destruction by one’s own hand is far less romantic up close’ and the reality of the matter is that many addicts suffer alone, afraid to show their vulnerabilities, particularly to those they love, and isolating themselves in the process. It was refreshing to read material on addiction and psychiatric illness covered in such a sincere and open way.
Another highlight is that Katz very rarely shoulders blame on one person, instead of recognising that everyone makes mistakes and everyone experiences pain in their past. Most of the more dislikeable people involved in the lives of the subjects notably were addicts themselves, like Rosie’s alcoholic father, and frequently the subjects would say or do things to their family and friends that probably continued this chain. Katz says pretty early on that ‘the addict is the hero and the addiction is the villain; or maybe they both are the villain’ and this struck me as a really interesting point. Psychiatric illness is selfish and cruel, not only to the addict but also to the people who look after and care for them. Pablo’s girlfriend is almost unbelievably forgiving when he pops to the shops to get some cigarettes and doesn’t return for six months!
The title did initially baffle me since very little of the book is focused on the ‘padded cell’ of rehab itself. On the contrary, Katz seemed to avoid it, instead of writing about everything that fostered their addiction and how they handled it until rehabilitation, their relapses after and current state. For me I did find this a drawback as the reader watches each subject suffer from addiction and anticipates how rehabilitation will help them, only to not be divulged that information. Of course, I completely understand why Katz chose not to disclose what happens at rehabilitation (it’d make each section far longer, there are sometimes confidentiality laws in certain clinics, most treatments take a tedious amount of trial and error to work) but I have to confess that I was a little let down by this aspect.
The book is satisfying in how it's organised, with clearly marked sections, excellent structure and impeccable grammar. The balance between compassion and frank wit in writing style is absolutely spot on, making this a compelling read. The introduction and conclusion are brilliant, noting both the symptoms of addiction and remarking that there is no shame in asking for help. Recovering from addiction is challenging and arguably the process of recovery never ends, but the battle gets far easier to fight with the appropriate treatment and support. Even if the reader cannot see what happens at rehab to help each subject recover, the knowledge that these incredible people have been through so much and can get better is really uplifting.
Check out my full review here: https://eccentrictrilogy.blogspot.com...
September 21, 2017
Tells of addiction from addicts themselves
From the title, I will say this book was not what I thought it was going to be. Which I am pleasantly surprised to say I am not completely disappointed about. The title made me think this was going to be a satirical version of the authors time in a mental facility, which it is not. Then after reading the book description and trying to connect it with the title I had little hope, but this is one example of not judging something by the cover, or in my case the title. Addiction and mental health in any form should not be taken lightly and with a witty title like this one it made me wonder if that was what was going to happen here. Happily I can report that this author did an amazing job at recanting these 10 individuals lives leading up their addiction, their time during the addiction and their recovery.
I am glad that the author chose to have 10 stories, to me this was the perfect number, I feel that if there were many more than this then the effect would be lost, readers would skim over the stories, which would defeat the purpose of these individuals taking the time to sit down and relive their stories. I also feel the author did a great job of picking a nice variety of people, each person featured were from different backgrounds, different countries and most importantly had different addicts.
The introduction and conclusion are not stories, but do get into more of the self help, counseling you would expect from an author such as this, but even though I do not really like that type of writing, it does have a point, it is there to give a small explanation of the reasoning behind the book as well as to inform the reader, especially one who has an addiction, addictive tendency, or knows someone who does, that they are not alone. Along this same line I will say that I personally did connect with certain stories more than others, whuch is completely normal, since people will connect with what they know or have experience more than something they have not and this to me is another reason I like that the author featured the number of stories she did. Too few stories would make it hard for some readers to connect since there would not be the full spectrum of lifestyles and addictions.
So in conclusion, I did like the stories presented and felt that this book was presented very well. The author being a counselor limited the counseling portion to the introduction and conclusion so those that do not like this type of writing still could enjoy the stories themselves. So I would recommend this book. The only this truly I would like to have had was maybe to know the peoples ages so I could get a better grasp on time frames, since certain actions these people did or had to live through might have been more acceptable than in other times and I just feel by knowing their current age, at the time they are retelling their story and knowing that the book was written currently the reader could understand for example what year it was when the person say "when I was 5...." Other than that I would not change the book, so I would give it a 5 out of 5.
From the title, I will say this book was not what I thought it was going to be. Which I am pleasantly surprised to say I am not completely disappointed about. The title made me think this was going to be a satirical version of the authors time in a mental facility, which it is not. Then after reading the book description and trying to connect it with the title I had little hope, but this is one example of not judging something by the cover, or in my case the title. Addiction and mental health in any form should not be taken lightly and with a witty title like this one it made me wonder if that was what was going to happen here. Happily I can report that this author did an amazing job at recanting these 10 individuals lives leading up their addiction, their time during the addiction and their recovery.
I am glad that the author chose to have 10 stories, to me this was the perfect number, I feel that if there were many more than this then the effect would be lost, readers would skim over the stories, which would defeat the purpose of these individuals taking the time to sit down and relive their stories. I also feel the author did a great job of picking a nice variety of people, each person featured were from different backgrounds, different countries and most importantly had different addicts.
The introduction and conclusion are not stories, but do get into more of the self help, counseling you would expect from an author such as this, but even though I do not really like that type of writing, it does have a point, it is there to give a small explanation of the reasoning behind the book as well as to inform the reader, especially one who has an addiction, addictive tendency, or knows someone who does, that they are not alone. Along this same line I will say that I personally did connect with certain stories more than others, whuch is completely normal, since people will connect with what they know or have experience more than something they have not and this to me is another reason I like that the author featured the number of stories she did. Too few stories would make it hard for some readers to connect since there would not be the full spectrum of lifestyles and addictions.
So in conclusion, I did like the stories presented and felt that this book was presented very well. The author being a counselor limited the counseling portion to the introduction and conclusion so those that do not like this type of writing still could enjoy the stories themselves. So I would recommend this book. The only this truly I would like to have had was maybe to know the peoples ages so I could get a better grasp on time frames, since certain actions these people did or had to live through might have been more acceptable than in other times and I just feel by knowing their current age, at the time they are retelling their story and knowing that the book was written currently the reader could understand for example what year it was when the person say "when I was 5...." Other than that I would not change the book, so I would give it a 5 out of 5.
January 19, 2018
There is so much to say about this book. Part of me felt like I was invading the privacy of each of the different people in the book. It was as if I was passing by a car accident and couldn’t help but look. Some things shouldn’t be shared unless the individual wants to share them personally. With that being said I don’t see the author as someone who would intentionally shares stories of patients simply for a buck.
With that said, back to the content of the book. As I read the stories, I found I related in some aspects. Monte and his overeating was something that reminded me how I used to turn to food for emotional reasons. Fortunately I worked passed that for the most part, but I digress. Having a life where you feel the only way you can feel better is to turn to food, drugs, or alcohol is a sad commentary on the state of the world.
As I read through the book, and the different stories, I was saddened by how many people endure their own personal hell either at the hands of others, or themselves. In the case of the people in this book, a trigger (event or person) caused them to turn to some type of addiction or negative behavior to attempt to “survive” life.
When I read Kimberly’s story my heart ached. She had to endure so much loss, pain, and betrayal. The loss of both parents and taking on the role of “parent” to her younger sister was so tragic. Their entire life was tragic. I hoped with the birth of her nephew she would get her life straight, sadly she still struggled.
There is so much pain and heartbreak, so much tragedy in these stories. There are also moments of happiness and peace. One thing I took away from this book is not to judge an addict because you never know what brought them to the place they are at in life. Lend a hand if you can, share a kind word or smile. It might be the only thing someone gets.
If you are suffering from addiction I found this passage from the book very important and helpful, “There are meaningful strategies that can lift you out of the quicksand into which you have fallen. The process starts with admitting you are stuck.”
Although this was a rough read I would definitely suggest people give it a chance.
With that said, back to the content of the book. As I read the stories, I found I related in some aspects. Monte and his overeating was something that reminded me how I used to turn to food for emotional reasons. Fortunately I worked passed that for the most part, but I digress. Having a life where you feel the only way you can feel better is to turn to food, drugs, or alcohol is a sad commentary on the state of the world.
As I read through the book, and the different stories, I was saddened by how many people endure their own personal hell either at the hands of others, or themselves. In the case of the people in this book, a trigger (event or person) caused them to turn to some type of addiction or negative behavior to attempt to “survive” life.
When I read Kimberly’s story my heart ached. She had to endure so much loss, pain, and betrayal. The loss of both parents and taking on the role of “parent” to her younger sister was so tragic. Their entire life was tragic. I hoped with the birth of her nephew she would get her life straight, sadly she still struggled.
There is so much pain and heartbreak, so much tragedy in these stories. There are also moments of happiness and peace. One thing I took away from this book is not to judge an addict because you never know what brought them to the place they are at in life. Lend a hand if you can, share a kind word or smile. It might be the only thing someone gets.
If you are suffering from addiction I found this passage from the book very important and helpful, “There are meaningful strategies that can lift you out of the quicksand into which you have fallen. The process starts with admitting you are stuck.”
Although this was a rough read I would definitely suggest people give it a chance.
February 24, 2019
It's not easy for people to talk about their addictions, especially because there is often so much history and personal struggle at the root of it (not to mention stigma). Dr. Katz got ten people who have been through rehab to talk about their experience with addiction, and the result is eye opening.
Though sometimes hard to read because of the rawness of the stories, this book helps the reader get inside the head of addiction and understand better what drives it and the risk it carries (no matter what "it" is). The book also prompts you to look honestly at yourself and which patterns you might be falling into that are holding you back or making you feel stuck in life. These habits can feel medicinal or help you feel in control during tough times, as the stories describe, but there can be a destructive side when taken to the extreme.
The only piece I felt was missing a bit was Dr. Katz's own voice interspersed with the stories. There is a catchy intro from her, a good conclusion, and questions that she asked each person here and there. However, I could tell that Dr. Katz is good at getting people to open up and I wanted to hear more from her perspective to help tie the book together. Overall, I'm happy I came across this book and recommend it to anyone who's interested in learning about addiction or who is having a hard time because of it. I like that this book is real and Dr. Katz doesn't sugarcoat her message, which is one of personal accountability.
Though sometimes hard to read because of the rawness of the stories, this book helps the reader get inside the head of addiction and understand better what drives it and the risk it carries (no matter what "it" is). The book also prompts you to look honestly at yourself and which patterns you might be falling into that are holding you back or making you feel stuck in life. These habits can feel medicinal or help you feel in control during tough times, as the stories describe, but there can be a destructive side when taken to the extreme.
The only piece I felt was missing a bit was Dr. Katz's own voice interspersed with the stories. There is a catchy intro from her, a good conclusion, and questions that she asked each person here and there. However, I could tell that Dr. Katz is good at getting people to open up and I wanted to hear more from her perspective to help tie the book together. Overall, I'm happy I came across this book and recommend it to anyone who's interested in learning about addiction or who is having a hard time because of it. I like that this book is real and Dr. Katz doesn't sugarcoat her message, which is one of personal accountability.
September 21, 2017
Understanding Addiction
The artfully, yet simplistic, cover of Love and Kisses from My Padded Cell: Clinical Tales of Addition does this book justice. Written by Ellie Katz, a doctor who has always had a need to help people straighten themselves out, the stories of each addict are told with understanding and compassion for the people that bear all. As you read each of the individual’s stories shared in Love and Kisses from My Padded Cell: Clinical Tales of Addiction you are allowed a glimpse of what it’s like to be inside the mind of these tormented souls. Thanks to the wonderful storytelling of the author you are drawn in as each person’s story is told. Each one interspersed with the clinical perspective of the events being described, the reasoning and thought process of the addict, but yet you are able to still form your own opinion of how to feel about what is being shared.
I appreciated that not all the stories told in Love and Kisses from My Padded Cell: Clinical Tales of Addiction ended with a happily ever after because that’s not real life. Instead, the people in this book are still struggling to cope and understand as they live with their addictions. I found the stories in this well written and organized book to be thought-provoking, inspiring, and enlightening. Thanks to flawless editing and a clear direction this book flowed without interruption.
The artfully, yet simplistic, cover of Love and Kisses from My Padded Cell: Clinical Tales of Addition does this book justice. Written by Ellie Katz, a doctor who has always had a need to help people straighten themselves out, the stories of each addict are told with understanding and compassion for the people that bear all. As you read each of the individual’s stories shared in Love and Kisses from My Padded Cell: Clinical Tales of Addiction you are allowed a glimpse of what it’s like to be inside the mind of these tormented souls. Thanks to the wonderful storytelling of the author you are drawn in as each person’s story is told. Each one interspersed with the clinical perspective of the events being described, the reasoning and thought process of the addict, but yet you are able to still form your own opinion of how to feel about what is being shared.
I appreciated that not all the stories told in Love and Kisses from My Padded Cell: Clinical Tales of Addiction ended with a happily ever after because that’s not real life. Instead, the people in this book are still struggling to cope and understand as they live with their addictions. I found the stories in this well written and organized book to be thought-provoking, inspiring, and enlightening. Thanks to flawless editing and a clear direction this book flowed without interruption.
September 18, 2017
Enlightening..
I chose to read this book due to the fact that I've always been torn between whether I think addiction is a disease or a habit.. I thought that this book may help me clear that up in my head. Reading this book helped me to see the underlying causes that sent each of the people into their respective destructive behaviors. It opened my eyes to the fact that most addicts dont just wake up one day and decide to start using drugs. Many of the characters actually started with drinking or other unhealthy habits, like eating their feelings, and then progressed into drug addiction. The book helped me to get into the head of an addict but it really didnt help me decide about disease vs. habit. I feel like everyone has bad things in their lives and different people deal with that differently. Maybe it's in the genetic makeup whether you'll overcome your issues on your own or if you'll need to resort to other methods. I thought this book was enlightening because most of the characters were actually really good people who had an addiction.. The author portrayed them as people and not just addicts. I found that refreshing. As I said the book didn't clear it up for me completely but it did help me see from the other perspective what addiction is like.
I chose to read this book due to the fact that I've always been torn between whether I think addiction is a disease or a habit.. I thought that this book may help me clear that up in my head. Reading this book helped me to see the underlying causes that sent each of the people into their respective destructive behaviors. It opened my eyes to the fact that most addicts dont just wake up one day and decide to start using drugs. Many of the characters actually started with drinking or other unhealthy habits, like eating their feelings, and then progressed into drug addiction. The book helped me to get into the head of an addict but it really didnt help me decide about disease vs. habit. I feel like everyone has bad things in their lives and different people deal with that differently. Maybe it's in the genetic makeup whether you'll overcome your issues on your own or if you'll need to resort to other methods. I thought this book was enlightening because most of the characters were actually really good people who had an addiction.. The author portrayed them as people and not just addicts. I found that refreshing. As I said the book didn't clear it up for me completely but it did help me see from the other perspective what addiction is like.
February 10, 2018
Not one person in this world is perfect. Dr. Katz has written a profoundly moving guide for those who have faced unhealthy lifestyles. She shares the stories of several people who are experience hardship, and even dependency. Through their stories she’s ale to point out things that have gone through and how it make them who they are. These people open up their lives and let the reader in, and the experience is quite humbling. It's a reminder that in all honesty, life can really suck for everyone, but there is always someone who has it worse off than you do.
I felt a connection to many of the subjects in her book as we have this natural empathy for their trials. She does a great job of reminding them and we as readers of the things that can be done if you stop and really see the patterns. She teaches you how to self explore your feelings and situations in a way that feels like you’re talking to someone you care about instead of being lectured or talked down to on a degrading level. I found her lessons both eye opening and encouraging. Even if you don’t have the same issues as those she speaks about, you get a clear understanding of how you can better improve your own life. Whether its changing a habit or recognizing something new. This is a really good book!
I felt a connection to many of the subjects in her book as we have this natural empathy for their trials. She does a great job of reminding them and we as readers of the things that can be done if you stop and really see the patterns. She teaches you how to self explore your feelings and situations in a way that feels like you’re talking to someone you care about instead of being lectured or talked down to on a degrading level. I found her lessons both eye opening and encouraging. Even if you don’t have the same issues as those she speaks about, you get a clear understanding of how you can better improve your own life. Whether its changing a habit or recognizing something new. This is a really good book!
February 5, 2018
Similar to her other work, Love and Kisses from My Padded Cell is a solid read that tackles tough social issues with a sense of witty empathy. Addiction is slowly becoming a common experience among more and more families that still feel the social stigma behind it. By showcasing various examples, the reader experiences how a wide range of addictions affect families and loved ones, and not just the individual addict. These eye-opening and thought provoking narratives help shed light to what so many people are quick to dismiss as just "crazy" behavior. By addressing the root cause, the reader is able to comprehend the problem.
Although not all stories were appealing to me, what I did enjoy was a sense of hope. Not every addict is able to maintain long term recovery. Not every problem is fixed. what is uplifting about this book is the belief that the solution is the same, just getting to it is what can be most challenging.
Entertaining, well written, and ambitious. This book offers a light touch to what is usually a heavy topic.
Although not all stories were appealing to me, what I did enjoy was a sense of hope. Not every addict is able to maintain long term recovery. Not every problem is fixed. what is uplifting about this book is the belief that the solution is the same, just getting to it is what can be most challenging.
Entertaining, well written, and ambitious. This book offers a light touch to what is usually a heavy topic.
October 9, 2017
An intriguing book that will make you think. It takes a difficult subject and makes it interesting and entertaining. I liked the format of the book and the story kept me intrigued. The people were interesting and even likable. The writer was sensitive to the subject matter as well. I enjoyed reading it.
The book makes you think also and it was kind of tongue in cheek. For this subject it pays to have a sense of humor. Some stories about mental illness and substance abuse treat the subject disrespectfully but this one does not. That's what I liked most about reading it. I recommend it. I think people interested in this area and also people not usually inclined to read something like this will also enjoy it. For those hesitant to read it I think they would be pleasantly surprised if they decided to read a subject they're not familiar with. I think they would really enjoy it.
The book makes you think also and it was kind of tongue in cheek. For this subject it pays to have a sense of humor. Some stories about mental illness and substance abuse treat the subject disrespectfully but this one does not. That's what I liked most about reading it. I recommend it. I think people interested in this area and also people not usually inclined to read something like this will also enjoy it. For those hesitant to read it I think they would be pleasantly surprised if they decided to read a subject they're not familiar with. I think they would really enjoy it.
April 17, 2019
In this thoughtful and compassionate book, practitioner of holistic psychotherapy Dr. Ellie Katz tells the stories of ten men and women who have fallen victim to the lure of addiction. Told mainly by the individuals themselves, they each retain an identity that allows us to see through their difficulties to the real person. The stories are insightful, horrifying and at times amusing, but all depict people who have, often through no fault of their own, learned that a particular need must be pursued in order for them to feel worthwhile.
Books like this can sometimes come over as a bit preachy and self-righteous, with the practitioner appearing as some kind of all-knowing deity, but Dr. Katz has a very down-to-earth and human approach that encompasses a talent for enabling people with addictions to find a way through that works for them.
A fascinating and thought-provoking book.
Books like this can sometimes come over as a bit preachy and self-righteous, with the practitioner appearing as some kind of all-knowing deity, but Dr. Katz has a very down-to-earth and human approach that encompasses a talent for enabling people with addictions to find a way through that works for them.
A fascinating and thought-provoking book.
January 8, 2018
I really enjoyed this book which was told from people who experienced some from of habit/addiction. Very eye-opening to what can drive a person to pick up a bad habit and what it can do to one's self-esteem. Society is quick to judge why people may do certain things, this book tells you why the subjects did it. Everyone should read this book and maybe compassion can come back into society as we know it. Outstanding read. Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC of this book in return for my honest review.
January 12, 2018
This book tells the story of 10 interviewed men and women who have lived with addiction. I was surprised at how many forms of addiction are recognized as such, and this book opened my eyes to struggles I had not previously perceived as 'severe' enough to be named addiction, or debilitating enough to be called traumatic. The author manages to relay certain horrors very pragmatically and realistically, lending these stories a very sobering air. Despite the gravity of the subject matter, this book reads very easily and is both informative and compelling.
March 22, 2018
Through a series of patient anecdotal stories, Katz examines the myriad ways that addiction can upend one's world. The patient perspectives are wildly variable - as is addiction - and it was interesting (and tragic) to see how often addiction presents itself in multiple forms in the same person's life. By examining the entire patient - from childhood through the more outward manifestations of addiction - Katz helps these individuals learn where their addictive behavior stems from, allowing them to attempt to regain control over their lives.
My review copy was generously provided by the author.
My review copy was generously provided by the author.
February 20, 2018
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I usually read these types of books so I can feel a little better about my family & think look how effed up we could be, we are almost normal. ... I won't be doing that anymore, this was practically a family reunion. Thankfully it appears to have been in a clinical setting, where all my family reunions should take place.
I usually read these types of books so I can feel a little better about my family & think look how effed up we could be, we are almost normal. ... I won't be doing that anymore, this was practically a family reunion. Thankfully it appears to have been in a clinical setting, where all my family reunions should take place.
September 26, 2017
As the nation faces a drug crisis almost all of us can name someone we know that has faced addiction head on or died because of it. We sometimes struggle to understand why someone would chose to do drugs or abuse alcohol and the book Love and Kisses from my Padded Cell by Dr. Ellie Henkind Katz takes a look at addiction in its various forms and why so many people we know end up there. The book looks at ten different stories from people the author has counseled or has ended up becoming a mentor in the program where he counsels people that show us how their life turned them to different addictions. Aside from the drugs and alcohol, the author looks at binge eating, anorexia/bulimia, OCD, and gambling. Katz asks his clients to start at the beginning leading up to the addiction and ends with them seeking successful treatment.
The stories were very interesting in some of the addiction that they detailed. Some clients has very specific and odd obsessions or compulsions. They made decisions that made me hurt for them and that made no sense to me even knowing their background to try to relieve some of the stress and make ends meet for them and sometimes their families. Almost every story began with abuse and torture in childhood and even weird family constellations that led them down the path they took. The addiction was usually an escape method or sometimes even perpetuated by a family member who was already addicted just passing it off to the next generation. There’s so much to be said for the devastating aftermath of abuse in childhood and this book is a good example of it. The author provides some dialogue between he and his clients that retell the stories to make it move the story forward in a more succinct and more fascinating to read way. However, the author doesn’t do much to give the client their own interesting voice which was a little disappointing as I wanted to get to know each person he was introducing us to better. The book is also well edited and laid out in an easy to follow manner. It was also nice to see the author so humble that he wasn’t taking credit for anything that moved the client forward and was simply presenting the stories they had.
The part I didn’t like about this book was that I found myself vested in each of the people the author wrote about. I understood what had led them to the path where they were addicted to something and found themselves in horrible situation after horrible situation making bad decision after bad decision. The end of the chapter was what let me down. While several stories told about the effort of the client to seek some counseling or rehab program there weren’t very many details about why it failed them and what happened while they were there. The ends of the chapters can basically be summed up by saying that they client came to this program and was able to get themselves back on track and live a better life. I wondered in reality why kind of struggle the client dealt with at this program. I wonder why this program was working and while the author isn’t ready to call himself a hero and savior for these people I want to know why their program is working. I wanted to know the struggles of recovery these people went through and it just wasn’t there. And because it just wasn’t there it leads to a dangerous misperception that rehab is easy and simple and I know that isn’t the truth. I know most clients go through multiple programs and various relapses before it help them and I want to know why this is such a good program. I also felt like there were so many details about the childhood and mishaps of these people that the end was more a less a let down; it was vague and neatly squared away versus the enormous detail of the addiction.
This is a good book for people who want to understand how and why people come to be addicted and also a source of hope for those who are addicted to let them know they aren’t alone in their struggle and that they can recover. I wish the endings had been more detailed but other than that I think the author did a wonderful job in conveying the stories of those he has worked with or gotten to know through his work. He picked an interesting variety of addictions to represent a diverse cast of clients as well and make the book more engaging. If you know or love someone who is addicted to something this is a good book to read to begin to understand how they may have come to be that way and open up a dialogue with them.
The stories were very interesting in some of the addiction that they detailed. Some clients has very specific and odd obsessions or compulsions. They made decisions that made me hurt for them and that made no sense to me even knowing their background to try to relieve some of the stress and make ends meet for them and sometimes their families. Almost every story began with abuse and torture in childhood and even weird family constellations that led them down the path they took. The addiction was usually an escape method or sometimes even perpetuated by a family member who was already addicted just passing it off to the next generation. There’s so much to be said for the devastating aftermath of abuse in childhood and this book is a good example of it. The author provides some dialogue between he and his clients that retell the stories to make it move the story forward in a more succinct and more fascinating to read way. However, the author doesn’t do much to give the client their own interesting voice which was a little disappointing as I wanted to get to know each person he was introducing us to better. The book is also well edited and laid out in an easy to follow manner. It was also nice to see the author so humble that he wasn’t taking credit for anything that moved the client forward and was simply presenting the stories they had.
The part I didn’t like about this book was that I found myself vested in each of the people the author wrote about. I understood what had led them to the path where they were addicted to something and found themselves in horrible situation after horrible situation making bad decision after bad decision. The end of the chapter was what let me down. While several stories told about the effort of the client to seek some counseling or rehab program there weren’t very many details about why it failed them and what happened while they were there. The ends of the chapters can basically be summed up by saying that they client came to this program and was able to get themselves back on track and live a better life. I wondered in reality why kind of struggle the client dealt with at this program. I wonder why this program was working and while the author isn’t ready to call himself a hero and savior for these people I want to know why their program is working. I wanted to know the struggles of recovery these people went through and it just wasn’t there. And because it just wasn’t there it leads to a dangerous misperception that rehab is easy and simple and I know that isn’t the truth. I know most clients go through multiple programs and various relapses before it help them and I want to know why this is such a good program. I also felt like there were so many details about the childhood and mishaps of these people that the end was more a less a let down; it was vague and neatly squared away versus the enormous detail of the addiction.
This is a good book for people who want to understand how and why people come to be addicted and also a source of hope for those who are addicted to let them know they aren’t alone in their struggle and that they can recover. I wish the endings had been more detailed but other than that I think the author did a wonderful job in conveying the stories of those he has worked with or gotten to know through his work. He picked an interesting variety of addictions to represent a diverse cast of clients as well and make the book more engaging. If you know or love someone who is addicted to something this is a good book to read to begin to understand how they may have come to be that way and open up a dialogue with them.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews