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Out of Control
Have you ever sat and thought about how boring your life was? That was me, Chad Walker. I was sick and tired of coasting through my senior year so I decided to shake things up a bit. I invited a set of demons into my life, and without knowing it I was in buried up and to my eyeballs. I was unable to fight the temptation or the addiction and frankly, didn't want to. My body needed more and I wasn’t strong enough to fight it. I preferred feeling strung out over living day to day. I had lost all control.
Until I met Alexa. Her smile almost pulled at my heart just enough to help me through the battle of my life. Almost…
Except, she doesn’t buy the story I am selling. She had been through it all before with her father. Alexa knew my actions before I did, pushing me away just as I was reaching for her, just barely hanging on with my fingertips. She swore she would never get involved with a person addicted to the one thing she would spend her life loathing.
Can an addict like me stop for the possibility of love?
Can I stop because I am better than that? Can I stop because my life depends on it?
Better yet, do I want to?
Until I met Alexa. Her smile almost pulled at my heart just enough to help me through the battle of my life. Almost…
Except, she doesn’t buy the story I am selling. She had been through it all before with her father. Alexa knew my actions before I did, pushing me away just as I was reaching for her, just barely hanging on with my fingertips. She swore she would never get involved with a person addicted to the one thing she would spend her life loathing.
Can an addict like me stop for the possibility of love?
Can I stop because I am better than that? Can I stop because my life depends on it?
Better yet, do I want to?
Unknown Binding
Published August 1, 2018
11 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 2, 2018
Reviewed on behalf of 3 Degrees of Fiction Book Blog
First and foremost I give two thumbs up to Brooklyn Taylor for bringing the issue of addiction to light. Unfortunately it is such a common disease but seldom talked about because it is so ugly. Although I do feel you need to have personal knowledge to actually understand addiction and I sensed that with Out of Control, which is what called out to me to read this in the first place.
For the most part the story was real and blunt and honest. Addiciton can take hold of anyone like the main character, Chad, who had a decent life and never did much of anything wrong. He was an athlete, had plenty of friends, and got good grades. Unfortunately Chad also had the attitude of needing to live to the fullest before adulthood took over and that nothing bad could happen to him. Most often all it takes is one time and before you know it life is passing by in a blur without you even being aware it's happening.
I really love how everyone was written in Out of Control, especially Chad's parents. Of course no one wants to believe their child capable, so the denial sets in until reality comes crashing and you need to stand your ground. But also like most parents they can't let go completely so they give in and keep giving out chances hoping one day things change. The hard part is trying to find the balance between setting rules and boundaries and knowing when to back off so the cycle doesn't keep continuing.
I was really hoping to delve deeper into Chad's mind but to me it never came. One day he just wakes up and decides his life is boring and things should change. Apparently that meant turning to drugs but I never understood the real reason why. The writing at times felt tame since a lot of the drug use is skipped over. One minute Chad is smoking pot and then out of the blue is taking different kinds of pills with no explanation as to how that started or why. The relationship between Alexa and Chad was also something that I didn't get. There are too few scenes with them together or even doing anything when they are that I just didn't feel any connection whatsoever.
Out of Control is a book that needs to be shared and talked about. I see this as a way that can help others try to understand that addiction is real and it doesn't matter who you are or where you come from. It's easy to give out facts and consequences to actions but getting the truth is something else entirely. Real issues like this should not be cast aside but dealt with head on and I do hope to se stories like this written more often.
First and foremost I give two thumbs up to Brooklyn Taylor for bringing the issue of addiction to light. Unfortunately it is such a common disease but seldom talked about because it is so ugly. Although I do feel you need to have personal knowledge to actually understand addiction and I sensed that with Out of Control, which is what called out to me to read this in the first place.
For the most part the story was real and blunt and honest. Addiciton can take hold of anyone like the main character, Chad, who had a decent life and never did much of anything wrong. He was an athlete, had plenty of friends, and got good grades. Unfortunately Chad also had the attitude of needing to live to the fullest before adulthood took over and that nothing bad could happen to him. Most often all it takes is one time and before you know it life is passing by in a blur without you even being aware it's happening.
I really love how everyone was written in Out of Control, especially Chad's parents. Of course no one wants to believe their child capable, so the denial sets in until reality comes crashing and you need to stand your ground. But also like most parents they can't let go completely so they give in and keep giving out chances hoping one day things change. The hard part is trying to find the balance between setting rules and boundaries and knowing when to back off so the cycle doesn't keep continuing.
I was really hoping to delve deeper into Chad's mind but to me it never came. One day he just wakes up and decides his life is boring and things should change. Apparently that meant turning to drugs but I never understood the real reason why. The writing at times felt tame since a lot of the drug use is skipped over. One minute Chad is smoking pot and then out of the blue is taking different kinds of pills with no explanation as to how that started or why. The relationship between Alexa and Chad was also something that I didn't get. There are too few scenes with them together or even doing anything when they are that I just didn't feel any connection whatsoever.
Out of Control is a book that needs to be shared and talked about. I see this as a way that can help others try to understand that addiction is real and it doesn't matter who you are or where you come from. It's easy to give out facts and consequences to actions but getting the truth is something else entirely. Real issues like this should not be cast aside but dealt with head on and I do hope to se stories like this written more often.
August 5, 2018
Out of Control is a great read! Chad is a senior in high school. He's had it pretty easy then drugs enter his life. He spins out of control. I was hooked to see how far he would fall but also hoping he would pick himself back up again. He meets Alexa. She had her head on straight and want nothing to with drugs. Her dad is an addict and she's seen it all before. Chad and her have a connection but she tries not to fall for him. Both Chad and Alexa are compelling characters and their story had me hooked. It's full ups and down and I never wanted to give up on the characters.
August 1, 2018
This book was such an emotional roller coaster. Addiction is the one thing that no one understands unless they have been through it or knows someone who has battled an addiction. The how and why of addiction rarely makes sense, even to the addict, and that is what Brooklyn did so well.
Alexa had lived through addiction with her dad and has vowed to never be with an addict, but she can't seem to stay away from Chad. Chad had it all, a loving family, money, and options. But, he tried drugs once and liked the way they made him feel. He was hooked. The only time he felt like he didn't need them when he was with Alexa.
Unfortunately, even when things are good they can, and usually do, come crashing down. Can Chad help himself before he loses everything, including his life? Will Alexa be able to help him or will she lose him and herself in the process? Out of Control not only shows the effects of addiction on the addict, but shows how it impacts the family, friends and loved ones.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review, however, I also bought the book as well.
Alexa had lived through addiction with her dad and has vowed to never be with an addict, but she can't seem to stay away from Chad. Chad had it all, a loving family, money, and options. But, he tried drugs once and liked the way they made him feel. He was hooked. The only time he felt like he didn't need them when he was with Alexa.
Unfortunately, even when things are good they can, and usually do, come crashing down. Can Chad help himself before he loses everything, including his life? Will Alexa be able to help him or will she lose him and herself in the process? Out of Control not only shows the effects of addiction on the addict, but shows how it impacts the family, friends and loved ones.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review, however, I also bought the book as well.
July 29, 2018
This book was an emotional roller coaster. A harsh reality of what being an addict not only does to the one taking the drugs but the friends and family as well. Everyone around Chad thought he had a great life. He was in his last year of high school, had a great job, loved his sister and his parents, but also had something inside him that he just needed to quiet. The only way to get the silence was by using drugs. It started with just weed but as with all addicts it quickly escalated to harder stuff. Can you really come back once you hit rock bottom? Can the feelings he has for Alexa be the one thing he can hold onto to get himself clean? I don't think I ever truly understood what an addict and their family goes through until I read the story. Completely heart breaking and eye opening. This book will stay with me for a very long time.
August 1, 2018
Out of Control by Brooklyn Taylor is mainly based on a young man struggling with a drug addiction, affecting his relationship with life and the people he cares about. It's a very good account on what happens when drugs, or any sort of addiction can affect you and your life.
There is a small amount of romance in the novel, but it mainly focuses on Chad's struggle with the control of his addiction.
You also get the view of somebody whose life has been affected by somebody with a drug addiction. It gives the reader a 50/50 view, and I really enjoyed that. It gave it that more of an effect.
Sometimes, I felt that the story dragged in certain areas, but I realised after a while that those pieces of the story were necessary overall.
This book is sensitive to read, but I am so glad that I read it. It definitely opened my eyes.
There is a small amount of romance in the novel, but it mainly focuses on Chad's struggle with the control of his addiction.
You also get the view of somebody whose life has been affected by somebody with a drug addiction. It gives the reader a 50/50 view, and I really enjoyed that. It gave it that more of an effect.
Sometimes, I felt that the story dragged in certain areas, but I realised after a while that those pieces of the story were necessary overall.
This book is sensitive to read, but I am so glad that I read it. It definitely opened my eyes.
July 21, 2018
I cannot adequately express the emotion that the book brought out of me. For me, this story had all the emotions of “The Notebook” and “The Bridges of Madison County” in one book.
Addiction is avery real very strong demon that can take over in an instant.
Brooklyn once again wrote a story that brings to life many aspects of heartache and love. Chad and Alexa are characters that you want to wrap your arms around and bring them into your home.
The very first chapter broke my heart for both Chad and his parents and I never really recovered (but in the best way possible.)
THIS IS A MUST READ!!! Even though I read the ARC I will definitely purchase it and cherish readings it all over again.
Addiction is avery real very strong demon that can take over in an instant.
Brooklyn once again wrote a story that brings to life many aspects of heartache and love. Chad and Alexa are characters that you want to wrap your arms around and bring them into your home.
The very first chapter broke my heart for both Chad and his parents and I never really recovered (but in the best way possible.)
THIS IS A MUST READ!!! Even though I read the ARC I will definitely purchase it and cherish readings it all over again.
August 2, 2018
******generously provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review**********3.5 heartbreaking stars******
Contains spoilers
I can see how this book may be difficult for some. This is the story of a very young Alexa and Chad. Alexa is from a home with an addicted father vows to never deal with an addict in her life. Chad is the boy who’s not happy with his life and is willing to smoke anything and everything and despite his family and Alexa’s pleas is just sinking further and further into abyss. It takes a strong girls to stand her ground and not accept continued behaviors in her life especially at the tender age of 16. I think a lot of people can identify personally or with someone they knew at that age. Overall I enjoyed this book even if my heart broke a little for all of these characters
Contains spoilers
I can see how this book may be difficult for some. This is the story of a very young Alexa and Chad. Alexa is from a home with an addicted father vows to never deal with an addict in her life. Chad is the boy who’s not happy with his life and is willing to smoke anything and everything and despite his family and Alexa’s pleas is just sinking further and further into abyss. It takes a strong girls to stand her ground and not accept continued behaviors in her life especially at the tender age of 16. I think a lot of people can identify personally or with someone they knew at that age. Overall I enjoyed this book even if my heart broke a little for all of these characters
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2018
The life of addiction is one that no one truly understands. The heartbreak, the hope, the tears, the pain, the what if’s...it’s all a roller coaster that seems to never stop. Chad looks like he has it all, but the demons in his addiction say differently. Alexa knows all to well the torment of loving and addict, but the heart only knows love. Rock bottom is the only way up, but is rock bottom Chad’s death? Brooklyn painted one of the most accurate pictures describable of being the daughter of an addict and love the boy with the same disease! Amazingly written and an emotional overload! Loved Out of Control!!
August 2, 2018
Wow! Wow! What an emotional story! Sure makes me want to feel sorry, hurt, sad, and want to reach out to help them. Author did an marvelous job!
What an eye opener on how drugs affect people and others!
Very powerful story!
I do highly recommend!!
"The only time I find clarity is when I am high, and the more, the better."
"She is the sun on my cloudy day even though the cloudiness was placed there by me."
"You couldn't be a person who used drugs your entire life and not have some mental instability."
What an eye opener on how drugs affect people and others!
Very powerful story!
I do highly recommend!!
"The only time I find clarity is when I am high, and the more, the better."
"She is the sun on my cloudy day even though the cloudiness was placed there by me."
"You couldn't be a person who used drugs your entire life and not have some mental instability."
July 23, 2018
Out of Control is a book that shines a light in an illness that affects our children and the demons they have to battle constantly.
Brooklyn Taylor wrote this book with such intensity you can feel it with every word you read and every page you flip.
The struggle, the pain but also the love and understanding this characters share with us feels so real you can feel it and will leave you with your heart aching for Chad.
My hat off to Brooklyn, this is her best work so far.
Brooklyn Taylor wrote this book with such intensity you can feel it with every word you read and every page you flip.
The struggle, the pain but also the love and understanding this characters share with us feels so real you can feel it and will leave you with your heart aching for Chad.
My hat off to Brooklyn, this is her best work so far.
July 29, 2018
This book hurt, this book tears your heart to shreds and put it back together. This is the story of addiction, and just how deep rock bottom really can go. This is a haunting book of a teenage drug addict that had so much to offer the world, only for one thing to lead to another, and next you are chasing the next high. This is a book that will make you sob like a baby, and it will make you think differently. This book will stay with me for a very long time.
January 1, 2019
This is a hard review for me. This book was good. And one I think needed to be written. However, I found it as surface fluff. I don't really feel like it went as deep as it could have or as deep as I expected it to go. I really thought it was going to be a gut-wrencher. And it may have been to some. I guess, from personal experience I was expecting something more.
Other than that. It was a good book.
Other than that. It was a good book.
July 23, 2018
Wow. Just wow. Chad's story is something I think far too many of us can relate to. Brooklyn Taylor did a phenomenal job at painting such an emotionally raw and gritty experience for the reader. Addiction is such a powerful force that consumes you and everyone around you. Out of Control does an amazing job portraying all the gray area that loved ones face when dealing with addiction.
August 1, 2018
This book is full of so many emotions. This author nailed this story.
August 5, 2018
So many emotion in one book. I highly recommend this book to any parent or teen. You want to know what it's like to go through the emotions of addiction this is the story for you. It will make any teen think twice before they make a choice.
August 9, 2018
Wonderfully written emotional read. It's subject matter is very sensitive. It really hit home for me , being a child of an addict. I loved this story!
September 3, 2018
The story between Chad and Alexa was really good. I like how Alexa stood by her morals and didn't let love sway her.
September 18, 2018
I was excited to read this book. Author Brooklyn Taylor is an amazing author and she is one of
many that can capture someone's heart from the begin to the end of this book. She puts her all
when she writes a book.
Out of Control is the perfect story from the cover to the end. If someone reads this book I would
recommend you not to stop reading until you finish reading the book. When you start to read this
book I would highly recommend you to keep an open mind and heart. People have an addiction to drugs ( Illegal drugs ) and you see how this does impact them and their families and people that they love. This book is an emotional rollercoaster and you will cry and everything.
I meet Chad though this book and I saw his struggle with drugs and it was hard to see just how of an
impact they have on his family. I would really love to see Chad in another book. He captured my
heart and my emotions. I never thought that 1 character would capture my heart as he did.
many that can capture someone's heart from the begin to the end of this book. She puts her all
when she writes a book.
Out of Control is the perfect story from the cover to the end. If someone reads this book I would
recommend you not to stop reading until you finish reading the book. When you start to read this
book I would highly recommend you to keep an open mind and heart. People have an addiction to drugs ( Illegal drugs ) and you see how this does impact them and their families and people that they love. This book is an emotional rollercoaster and you will cry and everything.
I meet Chad though this book and I saw his struggle with drugs and it was hard to see just how of an
impact they have on his family. I would really love to see Chad in another book. He captured my
heart and my emotions. I never thought that 1 character would capture my heart as he did.
August 4, 2018
This was my first book I have read by Brooklyn Taylor. It is about addiction and the domino effect it has on everyone around the person. Brooklyn Taylor did a great job portraying the feelings and emotions of both sides..the addict and their loved ones.
Chad was a senior in high school and started to lose himself so he turned to drugs to help dumb his feelings. Alexa has delt her whole life with a father addicted to everything under the sun. They had a connection but she couldn't deal with another addict so she had to keep her distance. They both struggled but in two different ways. They had a pull that drew them together but unfortunately Chad's addiction got in the way.
It was a hard read at times for me of the struggles I've gone through with my brother. (alcohol). I knew what Melissa, Chad's sister, was going through. This book has lots of feels and keeps you engaged the whole time. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed Brooklyn Taylor's writing and storytelling. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading YA.
Chad was a senior in high school and started to lose himself so he turned to drugs to help dumb his feelings. Alexa has delt her whole life with a father addicted to everything under the sun. They had a connection but she couldn't deal with another addict so she had to keep her distance. They both struggled but in two different ways. They had a pull that drew them together but unfortunately Chad's addiction got in the way.
It was a hard read at times for me of the struggles I've gone through with my brother. (alcohol). I knew what Melissa, Chad's sister, was going through. This book has lots of feels and keeps you engaged the whole time. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed Brooklyn Taylor's writing and storytelling. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading YA.
August 1, 2018
Bring out the tissues
This book def hit deep if you experience addicts in your life. This author did well presenting this book I def cried in parts because addicts do affect the whole family. Chad doesn’t think he’s a addict until it’s too late but when Alexis comes in his life will she be his saving grace!
This book def hit deep if you experience addicts in your life. This author did well presenting this book I def cried in parts because addicts do affect the whole family. Chad doesn’t think he’s a addict until it’s too late but when Alexis comes in his life will she be his saving grace!
August 1, 2018
Emotional!
Emotional rollercoaster ride!! The journey the author takes you on will keep you turning the pages and it will definitely pull on your heartstrings. It shows how addiction does not just effect the one addicted but also the trials and tribulations the friends and family endure.
Emotional rollercoaster ride!! The journey the author takes you on will keep you turning the pages and it will definitely pull on your heartstrings. It shows how addiction does not just effect the one addicted but also the trials and tribulations the friends and family endure.
Read
September 17, 2018It ended so abrupt. I like a book that ‘wraps it up’ before it end.
July 25, 2018
Very emotional read. Addiction can be the thing that brings families together. Addiction can be the thing that not only tears families apart—it can destroy them. It’s hard to feel something you can’t deny and not be able to act on it. Great read.
August 3, 2018
5 Cranky Stars
Chad Walker turns to drugs to cope with life. Then he meets Alexa. Alexa hates what Chad uses to cope with life. Will they get their happily ever after?
I want to say that the author did a wonderful job of explaining and showing how addiction can alter someone not just physically but emotionally as well. This story is an emotional rollercoaster, I ugly cried while reading portions of it.
While at first, I did not feel an emotional connection to Chad, it changed around chapter three. I felt like I was watching him from the sidelines, and I wanted to hug him and tell him that he was better than the choices he was making. The characters were complex and well written. Each one showed growth throughout the story and showed in a realistic way what it is like to live with an addict. I will definitely recommend this story to others.
Chad Walker turns to drugs to cope with life. Then he meets Alexa. Alexa hates what Chad uses to cope with life. Will they get their happily ever after?
I want to say that the author did a wonderful job of explaining and showing how addiction can alter someone not just physically but emotionally as well. This story is an emotional rollercoaster, I ugly cried while reading portions of it.
While at first, I did not feel an emotional connection to Chad, it changed around chapter three. I felt like I was watching him from the sidelines, and I wanted to hug him and tell him that he was better than the choices he was making. The characters were complex and well written. Each one showed growth throughout the story and showed in a realistic way what it is like to live with an addict. I will definitely recommend this story to others.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews