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Parallel Universes: The Story of Rebirth
In this poignant and powerful memoir, David B. Bohl reveals the inner turmoil and broad spectrum of warring emotions—shame, anger, triumph, shyness, pride—he experienced growing up as a “relinquished” boy. Adopted at birth by a prosperous family, Bohl battled throughout his earlier years to keep up a good front and surpass expectations as he tried desperately to fit in. An over-achiever at everything he undertook, whether in sailing, academics, or life as a trader on the Chicago Exchange floor, he continued his search for happiness, often finding it in a bottle or pill, and ultimately becoming a raging and wealthy alcoholic.
Not until David marries and has children of his own does he feel compelled to search for his birth parents to discover if genetics played a role in the well-being of his offspring. “Baby Boy Bender,” as he was labeled in the adoption papers, had been born to a red-haired co-ed who struggled with alcoholism and an athlete who later died of a brain tumor.
After several severe seizures and frequent blackouts, it was time to make a drastic change and admit his addiction. Raised with no religious teachings, David struggled with traditional recovery fellowships and sought out secular supports, where he finally fit in. This approach allowed him to learn the stark facts about mental health and addiction, as well as the monumental issues many “reliquishees” need to overcome to find peace and a quality of life they deserve.
Today, David is an independent addiction consultant who fully understands the challenges faced by so many who seek to escape from or drown their pain through external means. His story offers hope to those struggling with the reality of everyday life in our increasingly stressful world.
Not until David marries and has children of his own does he feel compelled to search for his birth parents to discover if genetics played a role in the well-being of his offspring. “Baby Boy Bender,” as he was labeled in the adoption papers, had been born to a red-haired co-ed who struggled with alcoholism and an athlete who later died of a brain tumor.
After several severe seizures and frequent blackouts, it was time to make a drastic change and admit his addiction. Raised with no religious teachings, David struggled with traditional recovery fellowships and sought out secular supports, where he finally fit in. This approach allowed him to learn the stark facts about mental health and addiction, as well as the monumental issues many “reliquishees” need to overcome to find peace and a quality of life they deserve.
Today, David is an independent addiction consultant who fully understands the challenges faced by so many who seek to escape from or drown their pain through external means. His story offers hope to those struggling with the reality of everyday life in our increasingly stressful world.
- GenresAdoption
251 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 3, 2018
11 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
August 14, 2020
Adoptee & Alcoholic
Any adoptee who has ever felt “off” or different as well as an adoptee who has battled alcoholism should read this book. I read it twice just a few weeks apart and I’ll probably go for round 3 before long.
Any adoptee who has ever felt “off” or different as well as an adoptee who has battled alcoholism should read this book. I read it twice just a few weeks apart and I’ll probably go for round 3 before long.
June 10, 2023
Fantastic memoir. Quite the unique story of the battle of addiction as an adoptee and the struggles he faced throughout his life. The turmoil described felt real and was explained thoroughly enough to imagine sitting right next to him.
Highly recommend to others!
Highly recommend to others!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews