Writing and Rising From Addiction

by Brian Bowyer

This author's journey from darkness into light is unlike anything you have ever read. Part love letter to the craft of writing and the writing life, and part cautionary tale about the dangers of excess and addiction, this is a book that strives to inspire by example. If you like to write (or know someone who does), or if you've ever battled addiction (or know someone who has), Writing and Rising From Addiction will be a welcome addition to your library.

539 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 9, 2017

Reviews

[Catherine McCarthy]

Having got to know Brian a bit through social media I was interested to read his memoir, Writing and Rising From Addiction. I have to admit though, I went in with my eyes half closed, afraid of what I might read. I’m aware that Brian’s fiction is graphic and explicit, so I wondered if this would be, too.😅
It’s a brave act to put one’s life, warts and all, down in print and share it with the world, and Brian is brave...very brave! For the rest of this review I’m going to pretend I don’t know Brian at all and will share my thoughts as objectively and honestly as I can...
First of all, the writing is of a high standard and has been well edited. The author comes across as highly intelligent, full of life and energy, and honest to a fault (even when he has committed a crime, if that makes sense). A talented musician (which he has passed on to his son) as well as a talented writer, but he doesn’t seek fame and fortune, or at least that’s my take on it.
Here is someone who has thrown stones at the devil’s windows his whole life, and the devil has chased him a good many times. He’s had some lucky escapes, let me tell you (no spoilers).
There were so many times when I wanted to point him in the right direction, like I could see what was coming and wanted to steer him on another course. But of course he knew that himself. Which brings me to what struck me most...not once did he blame others for his addiction or behavior, and I admire that so much. He owned it, a hundred percent. Even when Lady Luck spat in his face over and over again, he never pitied himself or passed the buck.
At times gut-wrenching, tragic, riddled with misfortune, and yet there is hope here, too. And love...so much love, especially for his only son whose life is threaded throughout alongside Brian’s.
I’ve known people like Brian, people with addictive personalities, and I know how difficult they find it to vanquish their demons and turn their hyper-intelligence to more productive pursuits. I hope if he reads this he won’t be offended by that statement because I express it from the point of view of someone who wishes him the very best in life. And by the best in life I do not mean material wealth and possessions because Brian strikes me as the kind of person who doesn’t give a sh*t about that kind of wealth.
Throughout the book there was so much death, so much loss and violence, and yet so many wicked laugh out loud moments, too. What a freaking character! I’m so glad I never had to live next door to him, though. 😂 I wish him all the very best for the future.
I don’t rate on goodreads, but the whole book was five star entertainment. Sustained my interest from start to finish. I hope you pick it up.

[Laurel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man. This is such a compelling, fearless memoir. I love Bowyer's writing style, the unvarnished words offering no excuses, no hiding places. My mom heart hurt so many times reading this, but I couldn't put it down. If you've ever dealt with addiction or loved someone who has, Bowyer's words will help bridge the gap of experience.

[Tobin Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

As others have said, this one's absolutely harrowing.

Now, to me, it was also a difficult read, as the reader experiences literal oceans of alcohol being consumed virtually through to the final pages, with a monstrous side order of drug use, and I come from a long line of drug abusers and alcoholics.

I'm not saying I was triggered, because I wasn't. I will say the constant, "I was crazy drunk, but I can drive fine" stuff kind of grated on me only because, well, we all know that that's simply not the case, right?

Regardless, that's a personal observation and has nothing to do with the actual story. So, let's talk the actual story, shall we?

Holy crap. Honestly, truly, if only half of what Bowyer writes is true and unexaggerated? Even if it's just half, this is still one of the craziest rides I've ever been on. The man's packed more mind-altered, unhinged, violent, illegal, heartrending insanity into forty-odd years than most families do over several generations. I kinda get where Bowyer's fiction bubbles up from now.

Two personal observations, one of which is simply likely can't be helped due to how things spun out, and the other is honestly just a product of Bowyer's pedal-to-the-metal writing style, but I'll mention them anyway.

The first is, toward the back half of the book, things did kind of get a touch repetitious, but as I said, I think that's how things spun out for the author. For a long period of time, while good things happened, he was experiencing an inexorable spiral down the drain. And that spiral often manifests in doing the same things, or experiencing the same pain, over and over.

The second is, Bowyer doesn't strike me as a guy who does a lot of soul-searching of his past. He remembers it, he can shake his head at the craziness of it all, but he doesn't really dwell on it. There are times when I would have liked to see a bit more of the fallout mentally from some of the many things he's done (no spoilers, but the event at the hotel at the age of fourteen), or the losses he's incurred (wives, etc.).

But in the grand scheme of things, these are miniscule complaints.

So, bottom line, I won't say that I loved this book, because, quite frankly, it's an ugly story for much of the journey, but I will say I was obsessed with it and I could not look away. Simply could not.

And that's the mark of a damn fine author.

[Wayne Fenlon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest and gutsy as hell.
Heartbreaking at times.
A don't give a damn attitude, but at the same time never selfish.
A kind and carefree spirit.
Makes me appreciate Brian all the more.

He says in this memoir that he could write a whole book on his thirty day stint at the Life Center of Galax.

He also says he could write a book about his six months in Los Angeles.

Maybe this will end up as a trilogy one day. Who knows, but I'd read it in a heartbeat.


Five stars and more.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest. Straightforward. No apologies. This broke my heart the whole way through, but I'm glad Brian found light at the end.

[Nuzo Onoh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brutal, harrowing, tragic and uplifting! A true triumph over adversity!

“Truth is stranger than fiction!” This is a famous saying that most of us spout without paying much attention to its significance—until we read the mind-blowing book by Brian Bowyer, “Writing and Rising from Addiction”. Several times while reading this autobiographical book that read like fiction, I had to ask myself again and again, “Is this fact? Surely this must be fiction?” But I didn’t need to be told that this was truth, stripped bare of everything except its brutal, harrowing and haunting face. I cried several times while reading this book, filled with pain by the unfair and tragic losses of young and vibrant lives, as well as a burning rage against the vile apologies of humanity that harm little children, stealing their innocence and condemning them to an unremitting nightmare-existence. Such people, the Lee-monsters in this book, should just die and die and die! That’s my feeling right now as I write this review, and will remain my feeling till I depart this world. Child abusers have no right to existence and should free the world of their foul existence. Again, this is my unapologetic opinion.

Numerous times while reading this book, I had to call up my daughter to discuss each new chapter with her, just to ground myself in normality again, as the story was so surreal that it totally blew my reality—Doppelgänger ghosts, a self-destructive and self-healing haunted house, sudden and tragic deaths of people I’d grown attached to through following their stories in the book (Jamie especially), not to mention the mindboggling drinking and drugging taking place...dear Lord!!! This is a world most of us would never dream exists until we enter into the fantastical pages of this book and find ourselves reeling from the craziness and creepiness within. Bowyer tells his story in a straightforward, matter-of-fact, no-frills manner that heightens the brutal savagery of the narrative. My daughter begged me to keep my copy of the book safe for her, as she needed to read it herself to believe all I was telling her over the phone. All she kept saying was, “This poor man...God! This poor man!”

This is what you’ll also be saying, dear reader, until you reach the last pages of the book. Then like me, you’ll be smiling and saying, “Thank you, universe, for Derek and Carissa. The universe is a kind one after all. Go Brian! We’re all rooting for you!” A must read!

[M.C. August · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a frequent reader of Bowyer's work, this was a fascinating and unflinching memoir that took me through the full spectrum of emotions over the course of his life's journey with addiction. It is well written, as is standard with the author, and there are moments that rival his fiction -- such as experiences with ghosts and haunted houses. And an eerie meeting with someone in Florida who I do not want to name in this review. It was also interesting reading how his life formed many things from his writing, like how he came up with the title for Road Narrows. The heart of the memoir is Brian's relationship with his son and how he kept him alive through his struggles. This memoir was written from the heart and I highly recommend it.

[Syon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A memoir is the most personal and intimate piece of writing that an author can produce. I’ll be honest and say that I haven’t delved into a substantial amount of memoirs at all, and absolutely zero in the last five or so years. When I read Brian Bowyer’s dark fiction collection, Perpetual Dread, I was blown away by not only how hard hitting the morbid yet barebones prose was, but also the prominent sense of sadness and grief in which the author managed to engulf most of the stories in. After reaching out to Brian to share my love for that collection, I got to know him a little better as a person. It was shortly after my review of Perpetual Dread, that Brian mentioned he had a lengthy, no holds barred memoir available as well. Given how much I related to Bowyer’s literary voice, coupled with the fact that he seemed like a genuine guy who had definitely gone through a lot of shit in his life, picking up his memoir was a decision I didn’t have to think twice about. Having read it, I can honestly say that I was not prepared for the heart wrenching, bittersweet, and ultimately redemptive journey that Bowyer’s life story turned out to be. Although the author was upfront about the fact that this book would be way more screwed up, taboo, and horrifying than a lot of other memoirs, I still was taken aback by just how much hardship and psychological turmoil this author had to overcome. Without giving anything away, all I can say is that I am proud to be friends with someone who has the guts to spill the worst parts of themselves with such a brazen and confident attitude onto a page. Quite frankly, I can’t believe this author is even alive after some of the suffering, bad luck, and mental anguish he went through. It amazes me to think of how much fortitude Bowyer had to build up to get through such horrific, confusing, and tumultuous life events. He inspires me not only as an author, but also as a human being. It was so cool to see how Bowyer incorporated stories and titles from his own fictional universe into his real life narrative as well. There were multiple nods to his own work as a prolific author, and it was a joy to witness the origin of many of his story ideas. Being a professional musician, I appreciated the level of detail and candor with which Bowyer decided to document his sheer love for heavy metal guitar playing. I connected effortlessly with the love and passion this author has for his instrument, and it reminded me to never forget just how powerful endlessly fostering a creative passion can be. No matter where he was in his life, the identity of being a metal guitar player was forever tethered to his soul. I also appreciated how Bowyer would tastefully delve into musical terminology and details that only serious guitarists would be familiar with. The author’s consistent love for music, writing, and reading, is expressed beautifully, alongside his everlasting care for his son. The no nonsense, deadpan comedic prose that Brian uses in his fiction writing, was present here as well. It definitely aided in bringing small pockets of levity to prolonged passages featuring heavily depressing content. Despite being a memoir, Bowyer’s storytelling chops really make his life feel like a well written screenplay at times. While I do not want to give away fragmented pieces of this author’s journey in an unorganized manner, I will mention that this memoir might not be for everyone. There is some very depraved and shocking subject matter in this book. The fact that you know these things actually happened to this author can be immensely heart breaking, and unbelievably ghastly at times. Be warned that Brian’s life story is not for the faint of heart, sheltered, or judgmental. This is a memoir reserved mainly for those who have felt truly broken inside for substantial periods in their life, dealt with psychological issues at a very serious level, or suffered as a result of life altering abuse of some kind. Anyone who doesn’t want to feel alone in thinking that this world often seems to be built only to cause pain to the people who deserve it the least, will love this book as well. Those who feel unsure whether they will be able to stomach the content in this book, might want to read Bowyer’s other work first to get a feel for the type of material this author has no qualms about diving into. If you are a creative individual with an open mind, I have no doubts that you’ll be thoroughly inspired and moved by Brian’s life story just the same. It should also be noted that this is the only book that actually made me tear up quite a bit at multiple points. I say that with complete sincerity. I commend the author for his bravery, and hope I have done his memoir some form of justice. 5 out of 5 stars.

[Mike (Hail Horror Hail) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to start? The memoir of Brian Bowyer reads like his prose in many ways. Excessive alcohol, drugs, sex, death, and above all, compulsive readability. If you told me this was a fictional account of a teen alcoholic, turned screen writer, turned drug addict, turned father, turned writer, turned recovering addict, turned relapsed addict, and repeat those steps, but also fill in the gaps with blunt personal accounts of love and grief with a central character that somehow manages to come back from the dead (literally) and has you fist pumping along to all the metal references and waxing nostalgic with every movie and book reference... I would most certainly believe that this was a work of fiction. But I'll be damned. This was his life. I tore through the 500+ pages in 2 days! Riveting.

[Wendy Dalrymple · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow

Writing and Rising From Addiction by Brian Bowyer is an engaging, often heartbreaking look into the mind of an author. As the title suggests, Brian shares his harrowing experience battling addiction and how reading and writing horror shaped his life and career. Brian weaves a real-life tale that is often incredible and horrific all at once, offering an intimate look on his darkest and also his brightest moments.

[Steve Stred]

Introspective look at a very prolific author. Brian doesn't hold back from sharing the highs and lows of his life from the very beginning as well as how writing has always been there to help him soldier on.

[Paige Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though this is often about finding a manageable level of beer and whiskey intake, it’s much more. What’s most apparent to me is Bowyer’s background in film school and partying in West Virginia contributes to his signature minimalist style and rough to lovable characters.

We open pretty harrowing though, getting abused by his grandpa but even at five standing up for himself with a butchers knife. So it’s not terribly surprising he’s an alcoholic before jr high though that kinda sparks off a neighbor kid’s dare. As a tween, he’s a weed and acid dealer who dabbles in cocaine, but charms plenty of buds and girls along the way and form bands.

You’ll be familiar with some of these juvie stories over guns, drinking and “intent to deliver” if you follow his FB. If I didn’t already know him, I’d think he’s writing himself way too smooth but it tracks, haha. The story of Tish, other more trivial to super sad girl drama. There’s a little explanation on the awesome bank errors in his favor. Surprisingly wholesome fam moments.

A ghost train and a thousand sparrows. Crack and having children. 9/11 having unexpected connections to the course of his life and works. A lucky land deal w/ his pizzeria bro. Working at a bomb factory. Surviving multiple friend deaths and likely murders, temptations towards suicide. After the halfway point, boy does the bad luck thing hit harder. Hard to remember sometimes amnesia isn’t just in the movies.

Before this book I didn’t know so many women proposed to men. Addiction memoirs usually have a lot to do w/ rehab but I guess it wasn’t that eventful even if it worked for a commendable (more than I could do) time. It’s nice to read about an addiction where somebody could go through Hell yet still care for their fam and vice versa.

I would’ve liked photos included like him with hair, the house collages and spooky sinkholes, the original covers of books.

[Erik Hofstatter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addictive!!!

Never read 500+ pages so fast. Brian writes with unflinching honesty, every page consumes and captivates. A story of a life lived in the fast lane. My skull is still shaking. Hope he gets to write Volume II someday.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very dark tale but written in such a manner as to keep the reader turning the pages, mainly to see how the author managed to stay alive throughout all this. To see people spiral into addiction is horrible. The consequences of alcohol addiction are awful, having grown up in a pub, I have known a few for whom it became a life or death situation and my dad would refuse to serve them. Sadly they would go elsewhere to buy the booze and the 'six months to live' message came all too true. Broken families, broken minds, they are all part and parcel of this world, the damage rippling out. To see that it can be overcome and a new life carved out is truly uplifting.

[N.J. Gallegos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this memoir and couldn't put it down.
Bowyer's story is heartbreaking and inspirational. Growing up, I dealt with a parent suffering from alcoholism and addiction and as a result, grew up "hard" to these issues however, Bowyer's unflinching glimpse at the life of someone suffering and battling their way through addiction was eye-opening and helped me understand the disease and struggle more. It's not all doom and gloom however, there are also light spots, humor, and amazing perseverance.

[Elle Stockton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brian Bowyer has written an unvarnished truth of his life, battle with drug and alcoholism, and love for writing. There are moments of joy—the birth of his younger brother and Bowyer’s son, the night he and four best friends were all together learning magic tricks in his kitchen, and falling in love—interspersed with horrifically tragic events he survived.

I admire his “no frills” writing style, plus his bravery in writing this book. The read is highly emotional. Highest recommendation.

[Ivy Grimes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great memoir about art and addiction — trying to choose an addiction to art over an addiction to substances. Rather than focusing on psychoanalysis, this tells a raw story of tragedy and continued relapse. Also funny and fascinating, with plenty of wild anecdotes. It makes you feel like you've lived another life (quite an intense one!) in West Virginia.

[Nicole Amburgey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come!

[Michael Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jaw-dropping and page-turning, I kid you not. And it's all true! Haunted houses, ghost trains, and gallons of George Dickel whiskey. Probably the fastest I've read a book all year.