Sharp Needle: One Man's Journey from Hockey to Heroin, Recovery, Politics and Finding Peace

by Jack Kelly

Sharp Needle is an autobiographical account of Jack Kelly's tragic spiral into heroin addiction, recovery and running for office, in the cut throat world of Boston Politics. In the late 1990's, Jack was a member of a premier high school hockey team in Massachusettes. But after sustaining a significant shoulder injury that required surgery, Jack was prescribed opiate pain meds and became addicted. At this exact time, the powerful and dectructive opiate Oxycontin, was introduced onto the market. Quickly, Jack descended into the sordid life of heroin that ultimately lead to homelessness and the loss of his family.
Sharp Needle offers a detailed and at times, uncomfortable front seat into the dark side of heroin addiction. It is a gripping, first-hand account of how the opiate epidemic began. More importantly, through the intimate eyes of Jack, we see his painful perseverance, transformation and hope.

But at the age of 22, Jack found recovery and battled his way back. Jack began a lengthy process of rebuilding his shattered life, and regaining trust of his loved one's. After establishing a solid foundation in recovery, Jack became a prominent voice in the recovery movement and has helped lead the fight against the opiate epidemic ravaging the American landscape. This activism propelled Jack to run for political office in 2013, where he was endorsed by the Boston Globe and garnered over 23 thousand votes.

Jack's story proves that not only can people recover from heroin addiction, but they can thrive. This book will help reduce stigma while offering answers of why. Sharp Needle is a must read for any parent, policy maker or person seeking recovery and maintaining it.

336 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 28, 2018

Reviews

[Frankie Devin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story. Could feel all the emotions throughout this story and it was very inspiring and moving, loved it so much!

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharp needle is a harsh but honest account of the author’s dark and gritty journey through the world of drugs and the steps taken to find his way out. Throughout the book, you could feel his pain, his uncertainty, his anger and his hope in the search for redemption. Whether it was the stories of his childhood, his introduction to opioids, his heartbreaking tales of using, his many setbacks and steps forward in recovery, and his survival in the real world after drugs you can see the pictures he painted and feel all the emotions he felt. Although it’s hard to read a painful and dark reality, it’s also eye opening that this world of drug use is very real and can happen to anyone. I love how the author is honest about the hardships of recovery and living with the demons of his past and shedding a light on the mental health issues that can happen to those who experience similar journeys. I also love reading about the important mentors and friends who never gave up, gave chances, introduced opportunities or helped in any way through the author’s life, it was encouraging! Sharp Needle shines a much needed light on opioid use and is a good book that helps the reader learn so they can be part of the solution. I highly recommend!

[Brian Wadman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack humanizes the story of drug addiction. It’s a tale all too familiar in 21st century America.

The dialogue is authentic, creating a powerful narrative. The descriptive nature of the writing belies a very creative, poetic spirit. If he does nothing more, his contribution to society will have been long lasting; but I expect his restless energy will continue to find new ways of expression.

Good luck Jack!

[Justine · Rating 1 out of 5]

Caveat that I didn’t actually finish this book. I couldn’t get past all the grammatical errors, which actually made it quite a challenge to read. Also, the Kindle edition is all messed up with how text is aligned. Not the author’s fault but again, made it too annoying to get through.