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The Memoir #2
Scars from a Memoir
Reader A harrowing story of addiction, this novel contains graphic scenes, explicit language, and disturbing situations. Recommend for mature audiences.
"I could make up a story to cover the last eight years, but the scars on my arms told the truth. So did my ankles, the skin between my toes, even the veins that had burst on my breasts. Did my battle wounds really prove I was a survivor? Or was I too damaged to be glued back together?"
Nicole had only one skyline to remind her of the freedom she'd lost--a tattoo of inked buildings dotting the skies of Boston, crisscrossed by scars. Heroin had owned her, replaced everyone and everything she'd once loved. The past was supposed to be behind her. It wasn't, but that was the price of addiction.
Two men love her; one fills a void, and the other gives her hope of a future. Will love find a way to help her sing a lullaby to addiction, or will her scars be her final good-bye?
"I could make up a story to cover the last eight years, but the scars on my arms told the truth. So did my ankles, the skin between my toes, even the veins that had burst on my breasts. Did my battle wounds really prove I was a survivor? Or was I too damaged to be glued back together?"
Nicole had only one skyline to remind her of the freedom she'd lost--a tattoo of inked buildings dotting the skies of Boston, crisscrossed by scars. Heroin had owned her, replaced everyone and everything she'd once loved. The past was supposed to be behind her. It wasn't, but that was the price of addiction.
Two men love her; one fills a void, and the other gives her hope of a future. Will love find a way to help her sing a lullaby to addiction, or will her scars be her final good-bye?
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 24, 2012
69 people are currently reading
1012 people want to read
About the author
Marni Mann
61 books7,068 followersUSA Today Bestselling author Marni Mann knew she was going to be a writer since middle school. While other girls her age were daydreaming about teenage pop stars, Marni was fantasizing about penning her first novel. She crafts sexy, titillating stories that weave together her love of darkness, mystery, passion, and human emotions. A New Englander at heart, she now lives in Sarasota, Florida, with her husband and their Yellow Lab. When she’s not nose deep in her laptop, working on her next novel, she’s scouring for chocolate, sipping wine, traveling, or devouring fabulous books.
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WEBSITE: www.MarniSMann.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
December 2, 2019
Book 1: 4 stars
Book 2: 4 stars
Duet: 4 stars
I want to begin this review by saying that I am something of an addiction memoir connoisseur. The author of this duet is correct: you can substitute the names, events, and dates, but all addicts' stories are strikingly similar. Thus, even though this particular story was fiction, it could've just as easily been real...
For the most part.
Also, I want to declare that it is my belief that there can NEVER be too many stories about addiction. Opioids are slowly killing entire towns, fuck, entire generations, yet people still think it comes down to a lack of willpower or some bullshit like that. Yeah, well, let me tell you from experience: those people think like that right up until it's their loved one that's an addict. Only then do they have empathy for days. I'm not even going to get into how no one cared until rich white kids started dying, because honestly, at least people care now. Slowly but surely, harm reduction programs (i.e. needle exchanges) are being welcomed for the betterment of communities everywhere. So, anything that can elicit empathy and understanding from the general public is a good thing in my book, even if it is fiction. That's why I dropped more money on these two books than I usually do- because I want to support any works that shed light on this awful disease that has taken way too many lives.
So, anyways, on to this particular story. The synopsis is as follows: Nicole is just a normal college girl, from a normal family, who parties a normal amount... until a traumatic event happens in her life. She drops out, and then it isn't long before she flees the town she grew up in and ends up in Boston with her best friend Eric. From there, the story plays out like any other addict: she slowly spirals downward until she meets her first love, which happens to be heroin. Then her descent really speeds up. The first book is the journey to rock bottom, and the second book is filled with the challenges (and setbacks) of sobriety. Rest assured that Marni Mann does not pull any punches when it comes to Nicole's story: it's harrowing and dark, basically the stuff of fucking nightmares. This is how the story earned its four stars. Raw and real is exactly what an addiction memoir should be, and it was what this book did right. It isn't that the heroin addict doesn't know their life is shit, it's that they don't fucking care. That's what makes it such a dangerous drug: even if you know you've hit rock bottom, it doesn't matter if you don't really mind being in the gutter. It's ten times worse if you have trauma, because the only time that trauma leaves you is when you're high on heroin. Imagine being haunted, and you know exactly what to do to make the ghosts away. Could you say no? Now I can, but that wasn't always the case. Some of us have to learn the hard way.
All of the above was so powerful that I could've easily given the book five stars... if it weren't for a few things.
Item 1: Nicole could really get on my nerves. Now, in the interest of full disclosure, part of that could be because she reminded me of myself during a time in my life I really don't like to be reminded of. Also, addicts are supposed to be selfish, so in the beginning it wasn't like she was supposed to be a protagonist. But in the second book, when she was in recovery, I still found myself rolling my eyes at her. She just didn't know when to leave well enough alone. She would constantly say that she didn't deserve forgiveness, but that didn't stop her from acting like the victim when there was (deserved) animosity directed towards her. For someone who had made a lot of mistakes, she still scorned others for doing the same things she did. She acted like she was different from the other addicts in her life, but she wasn't. She just wanted to believe she was. And yes, I get it- that's realistic- but I still scowled a lot.
Item 2: This was a work of fiction, and believe me, that was glaringly obvious. I googled and learned that Boston has a population of almost 700k, yet she would run into the same people over and over! And I swear, the majority of these characters did not live to the last page. Tragedy and coincidences everywhere. If it was just the addict community, then sure, I could buy it, but this extended beyond that. After awhile, even though I learned to accept this was fiction and to not let it bother me, it still was slightly distracting.
Anyway, those two items were mostly just me venting. It's important to note that I'm pregnant, which means I'm super irritable. I can't just brush things off like usual, and that in itself is super irritating to me. I still read this duet in a weekend, which is impressive if you consider my attention span right now (unmedicated ADHD is the opposite of fun). In conclusion, I recommend this book to anyone that isn't afraid to walk through darkness to better appreciate the light
Book 2: 4 stars
Duet: 4 stars
I want to begin this review by saying that I am something of an addiction memoir connoisseur. The author of this duet is correct: you can substitute the names, events, and dates, but all addicts' stories are strikingly similar. Thus, even though this particular story was fiction, it could've just as easily been real...
For the most part.
Also, I want to declare that it is my belief that there can NEVER be too many stories about addiction. Opioids are slowly killing entire towns, fuck, entire generations, yet people still think it comes down to a lack of willpower or some bullshit like that. Yeah, well, let me tell you from experience: those people think like that right up until it's their loved one that's an addict. Only then do they have empathy for days. I'm not even going to get into how no one cared until rich white kids started dying, because honestly, at least people care now. Slowly but surely, harm reduction programs (i.e. needle exchanges) are being welcomed for the betterment of communities everywhere. So, anything that can elicit empathy and understanding from the general public is a good thing in my book, even if it is fiction. That's why I dropped more money on these two books than I usually do- because I want to support any works that shed light on this awful disease that has taken way too many lives.
So, anyways, on to this particular story. The synopsis is as follows: Nicole is just a normal college girl, from a normal family, who parties a normal amount... until a traumatic event happens in her life. She drops out, and then it isn't long before she flees the town she grew up in and ends up in Boston with her best friend Eric. From there, the story plays out like any other addict: she slowly spirals downward until she meets her first love, which happens to be heroin. Then her descent really speeds up. The first book is the journey to rock bottom, and the second book is filled with the challenges (and setbacks) of sobriety. Rest assured that Marni Mann does not pull any punches when it comes to Nicole's story: it's harrowing and dark, basically the stuff of fucking nightmares. This is how the story earned its four stars. Raw and real is exactly what an addiction memoir should be, and it was what this book did right. It isn't that the heroin addict doesn't know their life is shit, it's that they don't fucking care. That's what makes it such a dangerous drug: even if you know you've hit rock bottom, it doesn't matter if you don't really mind being in the gutter. It's ten times worse if you have trauma, because the only time that trauma leaves you is when you're high on heroin. Imagine being haunted, and you know exactly what to do to make the ghosts away. Could you say no? Now I can, but that wasn't always the case. Some of us have to learn the hard way.
All of the above was so powerful that I could've easily given the book five stars... if it weren't for a few things.
Item 1: Nicole could really get on my nerves. Now, in the interest of full disclosure, part of that could be because she reminded me of myself during a time in my life I really don't like to be reminded of. Also, addicts are supposed to be selfish, so in the beginning it wasn't like she was supposed to be a protagonist. But in the second book, when she was in recovery, I still found myself rolling my eyes at her. She just didn't know when to leave well enough alone. She would constantly say that she didn't deserve forgiveness, but that didn't stop her from acting like the victim when there was (deserved) animosity directed towards her. For someone who had made a lot of mistakes, she still scorned others for doing the same things she did. She acted like she was different from the other addicts in her life, but she wasn't. She just wanted to believe she was. And yes, I get it- that's realistic- but I still scowled a lot.
Item 2: This was a work of fiction, and believe me, that was glaringly obvious. I googled and learned that Boston has a population of almost 700k, yet she would run into the same people over and over! And I swear, the majority of these characters did not live to the last page. Tragedy and coincidences everywhere. If it was just the addict community, then sure, I could buy it, but this extended beyond that. After awhile, even though I learned to accept this was fiction and to not let it bother me, it still was slightly distracting.
Anyway, those two items were mostly just me venting. It's important to note that I'm pregnant, which means I'm super irritable. I can't just brush things off like usual, and that in itself is super irritating to me. I still read this duet in a weekend, which is impressive if you consider my attention span right now (unmedicated ADHD is the opposite of fun). In conclusion, I recommend this book to anyone that isn't afraid to walk through darkness to better appreciate the light
May 30, 2016
Memoirs Aren’t Fairytales: A Story of Addiction (The Memoir #1)
Scars from a Memoir (The Memoirs #2) by Marni Mann
5 stars!!!!
This was a duet that I needed to review straightaway, I just feel that if I get my thoughts and emotions down while I am still coming to terms with what I have just read it will have more of an emotional impact. These books seriously touched me, having never been around drugs or even having an inclination to try any I have never fully understood the novelty or the pull that these chemicals have on the addicts that so easily become consumed by them. But the thing about these two books is that it not only draws attention to the addict, but also the effects that addiction has on family, friends and strangers. This is definitely no fairy tale, this is the story of a woman’s desperate decline into the pits of hell and I lived and breathed it, warts and all.
What starts out as the recreational use of weed soon turns into other more “heavy” drugs, like coke and ultimately heroin. What initially is perceived as a “pick me up” soon becomes a dependency and so the spiral begins. But what I loved about this book is that you were inside the head of Nicole, what Marni Mann delivered was an addicts reasoning’s and thought processes and for someone like me who was totally oblivious to anything surrounding this lifestyle it gave me an insight into why people tragically descend down this route. While I don’t condone in any shape or form what Nicole did, I finally appreciated the effects that drugs have on your ability to think straight, to make rational decisions and to actually see what was presented in front of the mirror. An addict didn’t see an addict. An addict only saw their next high, that short burst of relief from the troubles they carried. A temporary blindfold on their misery all the while it only being a smokescreen for the ingrained issues they had and ultimately, only making those issues increase tenfold by adding more issues on top of issues that were already there.
Drug addiction is like a vortex, a force so powerful that you are forever caught up in its vicious cycle, a vortex that is desperately difficult to break out of. But the first step is recognising the addiction and more often than not it takes hitting rock bottom to see it. Some people get that rock bottom, others die before they get there, but it takes incredible strength and courage to fight and the fight is never over, this is made painfully clear throughout this duet.
Nicole aka Cole, was a girl that had a great life ahead of her, she was a fantastic student, had a loving family and was living the teenage dream, until one night...one night that forever changed her and one night that ultimately led to her decline down the darkest routes of addiction. It is this one event that ultimately decimated her life and that of her family. Nicole was a victim, but the effects of that one night made her a victim for the next ten years. That one night made her friends and family victims in more ways than one. Her relocation to Boston was supposed to be a new start, a way to exorcise her demons, but Boston had demons of its own, only these demons had far more destructive consequences. This is the harrowing story of Nicole and I defy anyone not to be touched and totally consumed by her story.
Nicole’s voice rang true, Marni Mann brought Nicole to life and I was soon consumed by her distressing, disturbing and horrifying experiences at the hands of heroin. A drug so powerful and all-consuming that life became a trick to get that next trip. The degrading situations she finds herself in are just one of the side effects together with demeaning herself daily just to get what she always perceived she needed more than food, clothes on her back and a roof over her head. The lengths to which friends and family will go to, to help, and then their desperate and heart breaking realisation that tough love is the only love. I can’t explain how touching and heart breaking this story was. I cried a river, not only for Nicole, but her brother, her mum and dad and her friends.
Every possible emotion is evoked painfully word by word, situation by situation as Marni Mann viscerally portrays life as an addict. Even though I have no experience, I felt as if I was living in the drug havens of Boston. Every character was so real, I could see them, I could hear them and I could smell them. I was totally transported to the pits of hell and for someone as naïve as me it was a world that I never knew existed. It was eye opening, so realistic.
Nicole does hit rock bottom and she is one of the ones that are lucky enough to survive the fall, but the climb back out is equally as painful. Book two concentrates on that climb, the pitfalls and the past that never leaves you alone. The consequences, both physical and mental and the after affects and devastation that addiction leaves behind. Nicole does find love, so there is an uplifting element, but a love that will always have the past in the background, a love filled with understanding and protective measures to avoid relapse. Nothing about this duet is pretty, it is raw, it is gritty it is so realistic. It just hurt so bad. I understand there is a YA version of this duet, I implore all parents to make their kids read it, it is enough to put them off for life. If one life is saved, then the research and experiences that this author penned onto paper would be worth it.
These two books now complete my Marni Mann collection; I can now say I have read all her books. These two books were her first and as a debut I cannot relay how impressive and how well put together this duet was. The attention to details, the realism and the no holds barred ugliness really cements this as an unforgettable story.
I am still distraught, I thought this review would be cathartic, but that pain shows no sign of abating. This story moved me, it touched me on so many levels, I will never forget Nicole, and when my kids are old enough to understand they will be reading this series too. I am so emotional right now.
www.theromancecover.com
Scars from a Memoir (The Memoirs #2) by Marni Mann
5 stars!!!!
“Am I a runaway train, or am I the track?”
This was a duet that I needed to review straightaway, I just feel that if I get my thoughts and emotions down while I am still coming to terms with what I have just read it will have more of an emotional impact. These books seriously touched me, having never been around drugs or even having an inclination to try any I have never fully understood the novelty or the pull that these chemicals have on the addicts that so easily become consumed by them. But the thing about these two books is that it not only draws attention to the addict, but also the effects that addiction has on family, friends and strangers. This is definitely no fairy tale, this is the story of a woman’s desperate decline into the pits of hell and I lived and breathed it, warts and all.
“I was chasing something. And damn it felt so fucking good.”
What starts out as the recreational use of weed soon turns into other more “heavy” drugs, like coke and ultimately heroin. What initially is perceived as a “pick me up” soon becomes a dependency and so the spiral begins. But what I loved about this book is that you were inside the head of Nicole, what Marni Mann delivered was an addicts reasoning’s and thought processes and for someone like me who was totally oblivious to anything surrounding this lifestyle it gave me an insight into why people tragically descend down this route. While I don’t condone in any shape or form what Nicole did, I finally appreciated the effects that drugs have on your ability to think straight, to make rational decisions and to actually see what was presented in front of the mirror. An addict didn’t see an addict. An addict only saw their next high, that short burst of relief from the troubles they carried. A temporary blindfold on their misery all the while it only being a smokescreen for the ingrained issues they had and ultimately, only making those issues increase tenfold by adding more issues on top of issues that were already there.
“Today I was sober, but tomorrow wasn’t here yet.”
Drug addiction is like a vortex, a force so powerful that you are forever caught up in its vicious cycle, a vortex that is desperately difficult to break out of. But the first step is recognising the addiction and more often than not it takes hitting rock bottom to see it. Some people get that rock bottom, others die before they get there, but it takes incredible strength and courage to fight and the fight is never over, this is made painfully clear throughout this duet.
“But heroin was my air. It had a hold of me like we were chained together. And those shackles weren’t just around my wrists, they were tied around my brain too.”
Nicole aka Cole, was a girl that had a great life ahead of her, she was a fantastic student, had a loving family and was living the teenage dream, until one night...one night that forever changed her and one night that ultimately led to her decline down the darkest routes of addiction. It is this one event that ultimately decimated her life and that of her family. Nicole was a victim, but the effects of that one night made her a victim for the next ten years. That one night made her friends and family victims in more ways than one. Her relocation to Boston was supposed to be a new start, a way to exorcise her demons, but Boston had demons of its own, only these demons had far more destructive consequences. This is the harrowing story of Nicole and I defy anyone not to be touched and totally consumed by her story.
“I could make up a story to cover the last eight years, but the scars on my arms told the truth. So did my ankles, the skin between my toes, even the veins that had burst on my breasts. I was like that board my dad used to tack papers to in his office. Eventually, the cork fell apart because it had too many holes, and my Dad got a new one. Did my battle wounds really prove I was a survivor? Or was I too damaged to be glued back together?”
Nicole’s voice rang true, Marni Mann brought Nicole to life and I was soon consumed by her distressing, disturbing and horrifying experiences at the hands of heroin. A drug so powerful and all-consuming that life became a trick to get that next trip. The degrading situations she finds herself in are just one of the side effects together with demeaning herself daily just to get what she always perceived she needed more than food, clothes on her back and a roof over her head. The lengths to which friends and family will go to, to help, and then their desperate and heart breaking realisation that tough love is the only love. I can’t explain how touching and heart breaking this story was. I cried a river, not only for Nicole, but her brother, her mum and dad and her friends.
“It’s not a mess, Cole. It’s a beautiful mess.”
Every possible emotion is evoked painfully word by word, situation by situation as Marni Mann viscerally portrays life as an addict. Even though I have no experience, I felt as if I was living in the drug havens of Boston. Every character was so real, I could see them, I could hear them and I could smell them. I was totally transported to the pits of hell and for someone as naïve as me it was a world that I never knew existed. It was eye opening, so realistic.
Nicole does hit rock bottom and she is one of the ones that are lucky enough to survive the fall, but the climb back out is equally as painful. Book two concentrates on that climb, the pitfalls and the past that never leaves you alone. The consequences, both physical and mental and the after affects and devastation that addiction leaves behind. Nicole does find love, so there is an uplifting element, but a love that will always have the past in the background, a love filled with understanding and protective measures to avoid relapse. Nothing about this duet is pretty, it is raw, it is gritty it is so realistic. It just hurt so bad. I understand there is a YA version of this duet, I implore all parents to make their kids read it, it is enough to put them off for life. If one life is saved, then the research and experiences that this author penned onto paper would be worth it.
“I’ll always be a recovering heroin addict, but heroin no longer owns me.”
These two books now complete my Marni Mann collection; I can now say I have read all her books. These two books were her first and as a debut I cannot relay how impressive and how well put together this duet was. The attention to details, the realism and the no holds barred ugliness really cements this as an unforgettable story.
“My memoir is no damn fairytale. But my story isn’t over yet.”
I am still distraught, I thought this review would be cathartic, but that pain shows no sign of abating. This story moved me, it touched me on so many levels, I will never forget Nicole, and when my kids are old enough to understand they will be reading this series too. I am so emotional right now.
“Good-bye, Boston.”
www.theromancecover.com
October 30, 2019
What is Good for my Sobriety ?
Hanging out with my friends who smoke weed ?
Choosing drugs over life?
Going to rehab ?
Listening to my friends and family?
Letting them help me, before they died due to my addiction, one by one ?
These are some questions which , had she addressed them on time, wouldn't have made Nicole's life so full of grief and regrets now.
Heroin’s high was magical, but life was starting to taste a whole lot better.We gave up everything for our addiction—including the truth—even with other junkies.
Now she focuses on other questions
Mark or Asher ?
One is a safe place, the other her pillar
I think if WE ask this question at every step of our lives where we have to choose between our NEEDS and WANTS , it could lessen our problems. What is good for US and Sobriety of our minds and bodies ?
Asher was an addition to my recovery, not a substitution for my addiction.
Asher was a goid man , But Mark was better
She is at war with the consequences of her actions of the past. Her guilt, sadness, 12-step programme, her sober-house, is not enough to bring Michael back from the dead , but she tries her level best to stop the line of drug-casualties around her.
There were always repercussions from addiction. Some got HIV or Hep C from sharing needles; some developed health problems because drugs had ruined their bodies. There were girls, like me, who caused a miscarriage because they injected too much. Then there were those who died either from accidental overdose or as an indirect result, like Sunshine getting beaten to death and left in a garbage can.
Alas ! Tiffany, Sunshine , Henry are snatched by the Dragon''s fire. Cale and Dustin are Devil's Dragons too, they put her right back to where she started. But a great warrior princess that she is , Nicole yet again climbs the mountain of recovery.
She is fortunate to be helped and supported unconditionally by Asher, Mark, Her parents, Tiffany too actually , Alison, Al , Jimi and Michael and Claire in spirit.
I'm still in shock over the end though. I wish Marni had given this hope a chance , to inspire other readers that road to recovery DOES end in Flowers AND rainbows. That's my only peeve. Nicole was a 'survive'or .
My heart broke into two, none of my pieces fit. But I would highly recommend everyone to read this book. Tell your kids to read it.
Your neighbours, friends, family members. To really understand that the REAL struggle is not going to rehab, but to fight relapse and temptation.
Every. Single. Day !
The reformed addicts have to look over their shoulder, try to fit in a perfect society with their deformed bodies and souls,
Marni has logged an extraordinary account of addict's life . The horrors, the degeneration, the sharp claws that this vile substance digs into users mind, body and soul and they feel it every time they breathe, for the rest of their life.
I've started looking at my sarrounding world in a different light after I read this book. Thank you so much Marni. My prejudices , bias and judgements are all thrown away like a junkies life.
Because they deserve compassion and support from us
Sobriety was a decision; we had to fight our disease and take away its power.All of us here have worked too damn hard to stay sober; we don’t deserve to be judged.
I've become an Official #MarniJunkie now.
I've no hope !!!!!
Hanging out with my friends who smoke weed ?
Choosing drugs over life?
Going to rehab ?
Listening to my friends and family?
Letting them help me, before they died due to my addiction, one by one ?
These are some questions which , had she addressed them on time, wouldn't have made Nicole's life so full of grief and regrets now.
Heroin’s high was magical, but life was starting to taste a whole lot better.We gave up everything for our addiction—including the truth—even with other junkies.
Now she focuses on other questions
Mark or Asher ?
One is a safe place, the other her pillar
I think if WE ask this question at every step of our lives where we have to choose between our NEEDS and WANTS , it could lessen our problems. What is good for US and Sobriety of our minds and bodies ?
Asher was an addition to my recovery, not a substitution for my addiction.
Asher was a goid man , But Mark was better
She is at war with the consequences of her actions of the past. Her guilt, sadness, 12-step programme, her sober-house, is not enough to bring Michael back from the dead , but she tries her level best to stop the line of drug-casualties around her.
There were always repercussions from addiction. Some got HIV or Hep C from sharing needles; some developed health problems because drugs had ruined their bodies. There were girls, like me, who caused a miscarriage because they injected too much. Then there were those who died either from accidental overdose or as an indirect result, like Sunshine getting beaten to death and left in a garbage can.
Alas ! Tiffany, Sunshine , Henry are snatched by the Dragon''s fire. Cale and Dustin are Devil's Dragons too, they put her right back to where she started. But a great warrior princess that she is , Nicole yet again climbs the mountain of recovery.
She is fortunate to be helped and supported unconditionally by Asher, Mark, Her parents, Tiffany too actually , Alison, Al , Jimi and Michael and Claire in spirit.
I'm still in shock over the end though. I wish Marni had given this hope a chance , to inspire other readers that road to recovery DOES end in Flowers AND rainbows. That's my only peeve. Nicole was a 'survive'or .
My heart broke into two, none of my pieces fit. But I would highly recommend everyone to read this book. Tell your kids to read it.
Your neighbours, friends, family members. To really understand that the REAL struggle is not going to rehab, but to fight relapse and temptation.
Every. Single. Day !
The reformed addicts have to look over their shoulder, try to fit in a perfect society with their deformed bodies and souls,
Marni has logged an extraordinary account of addict's life . The horrors, the degeneration, the sharp claws that this vile substance digs into users mind, body and soul and they feel it every time they breathe, for the rest of their life.
I've started looking at my sarrounding world in a different light after I read this book. Thank you so much Marni. My prejudices , bias and judgements are all thrown away like a junkies life.
Because they deserve compassion and support from us
Sobriety was a decision; we had to fight our disease and take away its power.All of us here have worked too damn hard to stay sober; we don’t deserve to be judged.
I've become an Official #MarniJunkie now.
I've no hope !!!!!
August 2, 2016
Very seldom do I continue on with a book that Book 1 in my opinion was the perfect story. However, Nicole kept talking to me and I needed to find out what happened to her after the end of Book 1. This book picks up right where we were left off with the ending of book 1.
Scars from a Memoir is the perfect title for this book! Because that is what Nicole is...Scarred. Scarred from years and years of drug abuse, rapes, death, prison time.... But what we really find out is, can a person who is so severely scarred, come out of that and become a person we all would trust? Is it trust we are looking for or love? There is a huge difference there... Nicole learns about both... trust and love....
Thank you Marni Mann for a great rollercoaster ride with both these books!!!
Scars from a Memoir is the perfect title for this book! Because that is what Nicole is...Scarred. Scarred from years and years of drug abuse, rapes, death, prison time.... But what we really find out is, can a person who is so severely scarred, come out of that and become a person we all would trust? Is it trust we are looking for or love? There is a huge difference there... Nicole learns about both... trust and love....
Thank you Marni Mann for a great rollercoaster ride with both these books!!!
June 21, 2021
Wow what a book!! This one I could not put down. I am so relieved that Nicole was able to pull her life together and get sober. There were many times in this book where I was afraid she would relapse. I am happy that she was able to recover and stay sober. I was definitely shocked by the ending though. I was like What! After all that!?!? NO!!! Marni did an excellent job with this one!
August 16, 2025
I absolutely loved this 2nd book. The ending shocked me. 😲
August 13, 2012
When I read Memoirs Aren't Fairytales by Marni Mann something about the story gripped me immediately and didn't let me go until I had devoured the book in a few hours. It left an impression that was harder to shake. I found myself unable to stop thinking about Nicole, everything she put herself through, her friends, her family, and how her story would possibly continue and still keep the reader as interested. I was very lucky to get a review copy of Scars from a Memoir. I think those readers that complained the first one wrapped up with a neat little bow at the end will be pleased with how this tale continues.
Scars picks up 2.5 years from where Fairytales left us. Nicole has just finished her prison sentence and is continuing her life journey. We get a brief glimpse into how her time in prison played out and then we move into a clean living facility with her. From there she must learn how to live a sober life. She needs to get a job, meet new people, and start where most of us start when we leave home or college. Except most of us don't have the scars from a memoir to worry about as we do these things.
Her past mistakes and bad choices will continue to haunt and plague her new life. The author expertly weaved in enough of her back story to allow someone who hasn't read Fairytales to get a pretty good idea of all of the things she had experienced in the first novel. I also loved how she tied in the old characters with her new characters and gave us a glimpse of where everyone was at now.
This was a lot easier to read as it didn't touch on as many of the gritty details. They were woven in and there were moments they were there but for the most part, I felt like this was a big difference from the shocking expose the first novel had been. Nicole becomes much more like-able in this one. I think readers will find themselves torn at times because are they actually feeling sympathy for this girl? Or are they maintaining the hard stance that she brought all of these problems on herself? This would be an excellent book club discussion novel for this reason. I think each reader is going to have their own mind set when they read these books and they are going to feel strongly on one end of the spectrum or the other about the main character. This one gives them a chance to maybe change their mind or come around a little bit but not everyone will. She did some really horrible things while she was under the spell of addiction and caused some very tragic events. For every choice there is a consequence. This novel spells that out in big, neon letters.
This is a tough read but I think some college students would benefit from the experience of reading both of these novels as well. This is a young lady that started out just having fun. Using experimental drugs with friends. Her story shows what a Pandora's Box that can open. Much like Fairytales, I think Scars will leave a mark on the reader. It's not a book you can easily forget. It will haunt your thoughts for a long time.
My only tiny complaint would have been I would have liked to get to know some of the side characters a little bit better since they play an integral role at the end of the story. I do highly recommend these two novels. Even if a person has never touched a drug in their life, I think these two novels open the reader's eyes to the mind set of some addicts.
Scars picks up 2.5 years from where Fairytales left us. Nicole has just finished her prison sentence and is continuing her life journey. We get a brief glimpse into how her time in prison played out and then we move into a clean living facility with her. From there she must learn how to live a sober life. She needs to get a job, meet new people, and start where most of us start when we leave home or college. Except most of us don't have the scars from a memoir to worry about as we do these things.
Her past mistakes and bad choices will continue to haunt and plague her new life. The author expertly weaved in enough of her back story to allow someone who hasn't read Fairytales to get a pretty good idea of all of the things she had experienced in the first novel. I also loved how she tied in the old characters with her new characters and gave us a glimpse of where everyone was at now.
This was a lot easier to read as it didn't touch on as many of the gritty details. They were woven in and there were moments they were there but for the most part, I felt like this was a big difference from the shocking expose the first novel had been. Nicole becomes much more like-able in this one. I think readers will find themselves torn at times because are they actually feeling sympathy for this girl? Or are they maintaining the hard stance that she brought all of these problems on herself? This would be an excellent book club discussion novel for this reason. I think each reader is going to have their own mind set when they read these books and they are going to feel strongly on one end of the spectrum or the other about the main character. This one gives them a chance to maybe change their mind or come around a little bit but not everyone will. She did some really horrible things while she was under the spell of addiction and caused some very tragic events. For every choice there is a consequence. This novel spells that out in big, neon letters.
This is a tough read but I think some college students would benefit from the experience of reading both of these novels as well. This is a young lady that started out just having fun. Using experimental drugs with friends. Her story shows what a Pandora's Box that can open. Much like Fairytales, I think Scars will leave a mark on the reader. It's not a book you can easily forget. It will haunt your thoughts for a long time.
My only tiny complaint would have been I would have liked to get to know some of the side characters a little bit better since they play an integral role at the end of the story. I do highly recommend these two novels. Even if a person has never touched a drug in their life, I think these two novels open the reader's eyes to the mind set of some addicts.
July 7, 2014
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This was the sequel to Memoir's Collection. This novel focuses on the recovery of an addict, how her family and friends deal with her addiction and the aftermath of the tragic events that led to rehab.
I was literally blown away at how well this book captured the horrendous life of a drug addict. Told with such emotion and backed up by the awesome writing of Marni Mann, this book was deeply sad, but so worth the read. If you ever wanted to know what it is like to be a drug addict or have a loved one who was one, this is the book for you. This book takes you down the dark streets, the horrible friends, the lies and the life torn apart. A true amazing memoir I won't soon forget.
This was the sequel to Memoir's Collection. This novel focuses on the recovery of an addict, how her family and friends deal with her addiction and the aftermath of the tragic events that led to rehab.
I was literally blown away at how well this book captured the horrendous life of a drug addict. Told with such emotion and backed up by the awesome writing of Marni Mann, this book was deeply sad, but so worth the read. If you ever wanted to know what it is like to be a drug addict or have a loved one who was one, this is the book for you. This book takes you down the dark streets, the horrible friends, the lies and the life torn apart. A true amazing memoir I won't soon forget.
December 28, 2013
Wow! I'm ABSOLUTELY IN LOVE with Marni's Memoir series!
"Heroin's voice woke me in the middle of every night and early in the morning. It was the silence between my breaths."- Nicole, Scars from a Memoir
Many times when I read a book sequel, I feel a little disappointed with the story in the end. Many books that I've read lately tend to easily lose it finesse or they become too predictable and redundant. I usually end up skimming 15-30% of a sequel just to get it read quickly, mostly to satisfy my curiosity on what will happen in the end. However, this story did the complete opposite for me... I read every single word of every line on every page in it's complete entirety. I literally just could not put this book down!
I highly recommend this author! If you're new to reading books on addiction/drug dependence, start with this series first. You will NOT be disappointed! This book shares more then just one girls horrific battle with drug addiction alone. It also shows the reader how everyone associating with an addict can quickly become negatively affected by the addicts choices as well.
I give the entire Memoir series 5 SERIOUSLY ADDICTING STARS! :)
"Heroin's voice woke me in the middle of every night and early in the morning. It was the silence between my breaths."- Nicole, Scars from a Memoir
Many times when I read a book sequel, I feel a little disappointed with the story in the end. Many books that I've read lately tend to easily lose it finesse or they become too predictable and redundant. I usually end up skimming 15-30% of a sequel just to get it read quickly, mostly to satisfy my curiosity on what will happen in the end. However, this story did the complete opposite for me... I read every single word of every line on every page in it's complete entirety. I literally just could not put this book down!
I highly recommend this author! If you're new to reading books on addiction/drug dependence, start with this series first. You will NOT be disappointed! This book shares more then just one girls horrific battle with drug addiction alone. It also shows the reader how everyone associating with an addict can quickly become negatively affected by the addicts choices as well.
I give the entire Memoir series 5 SERIOUSLY ADDICTING STARS! :)
May 15, 2014
Nothing short of fabulous.
Like I said about the first book, Memoirs Aren't Fairytales, this book is so well written it's hard to believe it isn't true. The second novel starts out when Nicole graduates rehab 90 days sober and begins her life again.
Marni Mann doesn't lose Nicole's voice in this novel. Each event is so realistic, and the this author is NOT afraid to throw death and harsh reality into her books. I can't stress enough that I was completely entranced with these two books.
There is one clear reason why I enjoyed this more than other addiction novels. That is that Nicole made it through years of being sober without relapsing. Nothing is worse than hoping a character makes it through, but you're stuck continuously reading about a relapse, without much else happening. I know that it's realistic, but I feel the author did a superb job making other events happen in this novel that I didn't expect at all. Like love....and death.
I won't give you any other spoilers, but I want to say one thing. YOU WILL ENJOY THIS BOOK.
Like I said about the first book, Memoirs Aren't Fairytales, this book is so well written it's hard to believe it isn't true. The second novel starts out when Nicole graduates rehab 90 days sober and begins her life again.
Marni Mann doesn't lose Nicole's voice in this novel. Each event is so realistic, and the this author is NOT afraid to throw death and harsh reality into her books. I can't stress enough that I was completely entranced with these two books.
There is one clear reason why I enjoyed this more than other addiction novels. That is that Nicole made it through years of being sober without relapsing. Nothing is worse than hoping a character makes it through, but you're stuck continuously reading about a relapse, without much else happening. I know that it's realistic, but I feel the author did a superb job making other events happen in this novel that I didn't expect at all. Like love....and death.
I won't give you any other spoilers, but I want to say one thing. YOU WILL ENJOY THIS BOOK.
August 9, 2016
Another powerful emotional sad story and I hated that ending.
So unfair after everything Nicole went through.
I think every youngster out there in fact anyone young or old should read these books just to show how easy it is to get addicted and how it affects your life and other peoples. Reading these two books should be enough to put anyone of dabbling in drugs.
Awesome couple of reads full of angst all the way through.
So unfair after everything Nicole went through.
I think every youngster out there in fact anyone young or old should read these books just to show how easy it is to get addicted and how it affects your life and other peoples. Reading these two books should be enough to put anyone of dabbling in drugs.
Awesome couple of reads full of angst all the way through.
April 2, 2013
I enjoyed the first novel very much, however, this sequel was slightly over the top - I did not like the ending one bit!!
October 24, 2018
Such a great depiction of addiction and sobriety. As an addict myself, I know first hand of the struggle as well as the deterioration it creates. It is not only those that are using that feel and experience the destruction, it also effects those who love and interact with the user.
This story tugged at everything I had. To see Nicole hit the lowest of lows and then to claw her way back up was so monumental and inspirational. Unfortunately sometimes you can never outrun your past and every action has a consequence and for every consequence there is a series of action and a series of more consequences. It's like a ripple effect, and this unluckily is Nicole's fate.
This story tugged at everything I had. To see Nicole hit the lowest of lows and then to claw her way back up was so monumental and inspirational. Unfortunately sometimes you can never outrun your past and every action has a consequence and for every consequence there is a series of action and a series of more consequences. It's like a ripple effect, and this unluckily is Nicole's fate.
July 11, 2023
booooooo big sadness and all around angst
December 23, 2014
Scars from a Memoir by Marni Mann
Source: Purchase
My Rating: 4½/5 stars
My Review:
**This review is spoilerish for Book #1: Memoirs Aren’t Fairytales**
Scars from a Memoir opens with Nicole and her family dealing with the fall out of her poor-decisions ridden life and the choices she made in the years prior to this moment. Nicole’s addiction led her to rock bottom and as she fell, she took her brother (and many others, to be completely fair!) with her. The loss of her brother, the activities she was involved in prior to his death and, her time in jail taught Nicole the value of life and for the first time in years, Nicole is legitimately clean and ready to move beyond the nightmare that has come before.
Sobriety wasn’t easily achieved for Nicole given the depths she had sunk to and the hold heroin had on her. In fact, even though she is sober and ready to move into a sober-living home, heroin still has a tight grip on her mind and each and every day is a struggle. The difference? Nicole’s desire to live her life and ensure that her brother didn’t die in vain has a tighter grip on her brain than the heroin does. Committed to her path and determined to re-establish a true relationship with her parents, Nicole moves into the sober living facility in Boston and embarks on a whole new existence. As the facility demands, Nicole keeps to the house curfew, she attends meetings and, she is gainfully employed at a local coffee shop. Though her life certainly isn’t easy, Nicole is standing her own two feet and learning how to live a normal life again.
In her first few weeks of freedom, Nicole slowly begins to settle in and finds support among her fellow sober living residents and many of her co-workers who are also recovering addicts. Though romantic relationships are frowned upon so quickly after leaving treatment, Nicole meets Asher, a young man who is both interested in her and in helping her heal from her traumatic past. In a most unusual turn of events, Asher also happens to be connected to Nicole’ s brother and is most interested in helping her find closure regarding his death and her role in it that event. Though Asher is true in his feelings toward Nicole, he is young and very often has a hard time helping her deal with both her past and her present. In the moments she is without Asher and needs support, Nicole turns to Mark, a man from her past. Mark is an unusual character in that, he may be from Nicole’s past but he is not one of the big bads and is very, very interested in his role in Nicole’s future.
On many levels, Nicole thrives in her new life but her past isn’t quite done with her. On several occasions, Nicole is quite literally confronted by her past and/or people from her past who are most interested in Nicole’s failure. To be precise, there are several among the group that want to see Nicole pay for her role in putting them in prison or simply want to drag her back into the hell that was her world for so many years. Nicole fights her demons at every turn but life in Boston is hard for her and as events become to come to a head Nicole faces several challenges that truly threaten both her life and her sobriety. Though not in the way you might expect, Asher betrays Nicole, one of her “friends” from her past dies of an overdose and, the house mother at her sober living facility begins to spiral out of control. At every turn, Nicole fights to hold on to her sobriety and clings to Mark to help her through the new wave of madness that has washed over her life. Against all the odds, Nicole rises from the ashes once again and when she finds her wings, she is finally able to fly.
The Bottom Line: Though this read isn’t quite as dramatic or dark as the first in the series, it is still a roller coaster ride. What this book very much does is reminds the reader that an addict’s story is far, far from over once they get sober. Nicole may have conquered one of her demons but staying in Boston means her other demons are not ever far from her doorstep. The things that Nicole experiences in this read are, to her way of thinking the natural results of her bad choices and things she must endure in order to continue to atone for her past. Mann is completely fearless in approach to this read and doesn’t let up at any point. Through Nicole’s life and story, Mann drives home the point that addiction is a life-long issue and has far-reaching consequences. To say that Mann drops a bomb at the end doesn’t even come close and I found myself gutted by this read. As I have come to expect from Marni Mann’s reads this book is emotional and dark with moments of hope and light. It is also well-written, strong and, has a clear voice that is so very common in this modern world. In all, and excellent, cautionary tale.
Source: Purchase
My Rating: 4½/5 stars
My Review:
**This review is spoilerish for Book #1: Memoirs Aren’t Fairytales**
Scars from a Memoir opens with Nicole and her family dealing with the fall out of her poor-decisions ridden life and the choices she made in the years prior to this moment. Nicole’s addiction led her to rock bottom and as she fell, she took her brother (and many others, to be completely fair!) with her. The loss of her brother, the activities she was involved in prior to his death and, her time in jail taught Nicole the value of life and for the first time in years, Nicole is legitimately clean and ready to move beyond the nightmare that has come before.
Sobriety wasn’t easily achieved for Nicole given the depths she had sunk to and the hold heroin had on her. In fact, even though she is sober and ready to move into a sober-living home, heroin still has a tight grip on her mind and each and every day is a struggle. The difference? Nicole’s desire to live her life and ensure that her brother didn’t die in vain has a tighter grip on her brain than the heroin does. Committed to her path and determined to re-establish a true relationship with her parents, Nicole moves into the sober living facility in Boston and embarks on a whole new existence. As the facility demands, Nicole keeps to the house curfew, she attends meetings and, she is gainfully employed at a local coffee shop. Though her life certainly isn’t easy, Nicole is standing her own two feet and learning how to live a normal life again.
In her first few weeks of freedom, Nicole slowly begins to settle in and finds support among her fellow sober living residents and many of her co-workers who are also recovering addicts. Though romantic relationships are frowned upon so quickly after leaving treatment, Nicole meets Asher, a young man who is both interested in her and in helping her heal from her traumatic past. In a most unusual turn of events, Asher also happens to be connected to Nicole’ s brother and is most interested in helping her find closure regarding his death and her role in it that event. Though Asher is true in his feelings toward Nicole, he is young and very often has a hard time helping her deal with both her past and her present. In the moments she is without Asher and needs support, Nicole turns to Mark, a man from her past. Mark is an unusual character in that, he may be from Nicole’s past but he is not one of the big bads and is very, very interested in his role in Nicole’s future.
On many levels, Nicole thrives in her new life but her past isn’t quite done with her. On several occasions, Nicole is quite literally confronted by her past and/or people from her past who are most interested in Nicole’s failure. To be precise, there are several among the group that want to see Nicole pay for her role in putting them in prison or simply want to drag her back into the hell that was her world for so many years. Nicole fights her demons at every turn but life in Boston is hard for her and as events become to come to a head Nicole faces several challenges that truly threaten both her life and her sobriety. Though not in the way you might expect, Asher betrays Nicole, one of her “friends” from her past dies of an overdose and, the house mother at her sober living facility begins to spiral out of control. At every turn, Nicole fights to hold on to her sobriety and clings to Mark to help her through the new wave of madness that has washed over her life. Against all the odds, Nicole rises from the ashes once again and when she finds her wings, she is finally able to fly.
The Bottom Line: Though this read isn’t quite as dramatic or dark as the first in the series, it is still a roller coaster ride. What this book very much does is reminds the reader that an addict’s story is far, far from over once they get sober. Nicole may have conquered one of her demons but staying in Boston means her other demons are not ever far from her doorstep. The things that Nicole experiences in this read are, to her way of thinking the natural results of her bad choices and things she must endure in order to continue to atone for her past. Mann is completely fearless in approach to this read and doesn’t let up at any point. Through Nicole’s life and story, Mann drives home the point that addiction is a life-long issue and has far-reaching consequences. To say that Mann drops a bomb at the end doesn’t even come close and I found myself gutted by this read. As I have come to expect from Marni Mann’s reads this book is emotional and dark with moments of hope and light. It is also well-written, strong and, has a clear voice that is so very common in this modern world. In all, and excellent, cautionary tale.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2016
“Heroin’s high was magical, but life was starting to taste a whole lot better.”
Nicole’s harrowing journey continues in Scars from a Memoir. It’s book 2 in the Memoir Series (Book 1: Memoirs Aren’t Fairytales: A Story of Addiction) by Marni Mann. This is the story of an addict now in recovery fighting the pull of her old ways. Plus, for Nicole, she’s got to deal with all the aftermath of the bad choices she made while in the thick of her addiction and the path she walked to right her wrongs and find recovery. This isn’t an easy journey for anyone but Nicole has burned a lot of bridges along the way. Bridges of those she cares about and the bridges of dark people who don’t take being messed with lightly.
Along the way she encounters people from her past whom become allies, ones who want revenge, and ones she wants to fight to save but Nicole knows all too well that you can only help those who want the help. She finds new friends within the recovery community and learns to accept help, as well as give it. She rediscovers relationships that aren’t centered around the mutual love of a substance and discovers she can find people to count on but also that just because someone isn’t an addict it doesn’t necessarily mean they are a good person. Bad guys and mean girls come in every shape and form; track marks aren’t the sign of an evil person and flawless skin doesn’t make you an angel. There are ups and downs while Nicole takes this journey and she often finds she’ll take two steps forward, only to take one step back. Recovery is achieved one day at a time and can be lost in the blink of an eye.
No dating in the first year. That’s what the rehab system tells those working the steps. One could easily replace drugs for a relationship and not really do the work of healing. Nicole finds herself confused when she meets someone she wants to disregard this rule for. Will being with him tare her apart or help build her even stronger? Is he the right person for her or does she find comfort in his acceptance and in a bond they share? Maybe she’s meant for another…
This story is dark and light, emotional and real. There is no sugar coating the life Nicole has lived. She’s been hurt and she’s hurt others. She’s lost people she has cared about along the way and she finds out that’s still a reality even when she’s sober. It’s not often that someone who lives life the way she did gets a happily ever after. There are no do-overs in life. There is only picking up, dusting off your knees, and moving forward to make changes, live life better, and surround yourself with people who make you a better person. Even then there are no guarantees of fairytales and rainbows.
This is a story that envelopes that theme. Live life to be better than the day you were before even without the promise of happily ever after. You’ll make mistakes but tomorrow you just have to do better. Nicole learned that lesson the hard way. This series will give you goose bumps. It will make you cry tears of sadness onto your E-reader late into the night. Marni Mann will turn you into a cheerleader rooting for Nicole while she struggles and while she finds her way. It will tare you apart, re-build you, and then hit you hard all over again. It’s beautiful in it’s depth and ugly in it’s truth. Marni tells a story that will hit you straight in the heart and tug on those strings.
Nicole’s harrowing journey continues in Scars from a Memoir. It’s book 2 in the Memoir Series (Book 1: Memoirs Aren’t Fairytales: A Story of Addiction) by Marni Mann. This is the story of an addict now in recovery fighting the pull of her old ways. Plus, for Nicole, she’s got to deal with all the aftermath of the bad choices she made while in the thick of her addiction and the path she walked to right her wrongs and find recovery. This isn’t an easy journey for anyone but Nicole has burned a lot of bridges along the way. Bridges of those she cares about and the bridges of dark people who don’t take being messed with lightly.
Along the way she encounters people from her past whom become allies, ones who want revenge, and ones she wants to fight to save but Nicole knows all too well that you can only help those who want the help. She finds new friends within the recovery community and learns to accept help, as well as give it. She rediscovers relationships that aren’t centered around the mutual love of a substance and discovers she can find people to count on but also that just because someone isn’t an addict it doesn’t necessarily mean they are a good person. Bad guys and mean girls come in every shape and form; track marks aren’t the sign of an evil person and flawless skin doesn’t make you an angel. There are ups and downs while Nicole takes this journey and she often finds she’ll take two steps forward, only to take one step back. Recovery is achieved one day at a time and can be lost in the blink of an eye.
No dating in the first year. That’s what the rehab system tells those working the steps. One could easily replace drugs for a relationship and not really do the work of healing. Nicole finds herself confused when she meets someone she wants to disregard this rule for. Will being with him tare her apart or help build her even stronger? Is he the right person for her or does she find comfort in his acceptance and in a bond they share? Maybe she’s meant for another…
This story is dark and light, emotional and real. There is no sugar coating the life Nicole has lived. She’s been hurt and she’s hurt others. She’s lost people she has cared about along the way and she finds out that’s still a reality even when she’s sober. It’s not often that someone who lives life the way she did gets a happily ever after. There are no do-overs in life. There is only picking up, dusting off your knees, and moving forward to make changes, live life better, and surround yourself with people who make you a better person. Even then there are no guarantees of fairytales and rainbows.
This is a story that envelopes that theme. Live life to be better than the day you were before even without the promise of happily ever after. You’ll make mistakes but tomorrow you just have to do better. Nicole learned that lesson the hard way. This series will give you goose bumps. It will make you cry tears of sadness onto your E-reader late into the night. Marni Mann will turn you into a cheerleader rooting for Nicole while she struggles and while she finds her way. It will tare you apart, re-build you, and then hit you hard all over again. It’s beautiful in it’s depth and ugly in it’s truth. Marni tells a story that will hit you straight in the heart and tug on those strings.
May 2, 2013
I read this sequel with excitement flowing through my veins as I connected more with Nicole and her struggles. I can't even begin to tell you how much this book has touched my heart and my soul. This is a written work very well deserving of some awards of the highest standards. How I relate to Nicole in this book is astounding and numerous times I felt tears flow from my eyes as I was touched emotionally and spiritually. Marni Mann is an expert and I have declared her to be one of my all time favorite authors. These two books from her has inspired me to continue writing in my works but more importantly to work harder in my recovery. I am forever grateful Marni Mann and I look forward to your next book!! PLEASE continue blessing the world with your fabulous work. :-)
August 30, 2012
Wow, I'm ashamed I didn't write this review sooner. I read the book as soon as it was available.
Just blew me away. This book is the sequel to Memoirs Aren't Fairytales: A Story of Addiction, and it does not disappoint.
I know some people might be put off by the titles, thinking they might be too depressing. Don't let that stop you from buying these books. The writing is just so fabulous.
I wish there was a bold button, so I could highlight The writing is just so fabulous.
Buy these books, you'll be so glad you did.
MaryAnn
Just blew me away. This book is the sequel to Memoirs Aren't Fairytales: A Story of Addiction, and it does not disappoint.
I know some people might be put off by the titles, thinking they might be too depressing. Don't let that stop you from buying these books. The writing is just so fabulous.
I wish there was a bold button, so I could highlight The writing is just so fabulous.
Buy these books, you'll be so glad you did.
MaryAnn
October 15, 2012
I really liked this book. I've never struggled with drug addiction, but I'm a social worker and have worked with Veterans who struggle to stay clean and sober. The book was so realistic in describing the internal daily struggle with making the decision to use or not. I was very impressed with the story. The only part I didn't like was the end. In my opinion, I would have preferred a different ending.
August 3, 2012
This was a great sequel to Memoirs Aren't Fairytales! I loved Cole in the first book and her transformation to Nicole in the second was phenomenal. I was proud of her, sad for her, happy for her, and many other emotions fled through me as I read this book. Marni, you did an outstanding job of bringing these characters to life and bringing them into my heart! You are an amazing writer!
June 12, 2013
I felt the pain and conflict Nicole had in this book, I smiled and cried with her. A true story of what addiction can be for someone, I applaud the author for showing that it is not an easy road. No matter how much time passes. This was a painful read full of hope and the hurt addiction can cause. I cried reading it
August 7, 2012
I'm loving it so far.
December 27, 2012
Another great one from Marni!
March 11, 2013
Wow! Even better than the first.
December 18, 2013
Holy shit. Wow. I don't even know how to describe this book. It gave me a whole new compassion for those who struggle with addiction. And the way she writes is simply beautiful.
October 28, 2014
I absolutely devoured these two books, having read both in two days.
The writing is terrific, as are the characters.
I highly recommend this book, but read Memoirs Aren't Fairytales first.
The writing is terrific, as are the characters.
I highly recommend this book, but read Memoirs Aren't Fairytales first.
October 6, 2016
I can't even......
I straight up ugly cried! The ending just fucked my entire day up.
I straight up ugly cried! The ending just fucked my entire day up.
July 29, 2012
The second installment in Marni Mann's thrilling, well written tales of addiction. Compelling!
May 13, 2017
Marni Mann has written an amazing book in regards to a life dulled far too early, chasing the dragon (heroin). Simply amazing! Hard and heavy directly from the beginning Nicole's real life story is told, in such a way I could not put the book down. The story of Nicole's broke my heart, this book was extremely riveting. It was gut-wrenching! Again, written extremely well if you were Memoirs Aren't Fairytailes sucked me into the story, as if I was watching Nicole kill herself,and go farther down hill. Which is why I could not wait to read this companion book Scars from a Memoir. Wow, I'm at a loss for words appropriate enough to describe my reaction to this book; the author delivered in the first book and the second is also absolutely magnificen in relation to Nicole's recovery.
This story has more twists and turns, like the first, although this twists and turns are from a perspective of a women with up to a year clean and her feelings fully reinstated. Indeed they are very emotional for Nicole. While in active addiction I felt as someone chasing the dragon the twists she faced in Memoirs aren't Fairytales never seemed to phase Nicole, she went on wanting the needle despite hardships and death with nothing causing her woe because she lost all ability to feel. As they tell you in rehab and N/A the good thing about getting clean is your feelings coming back the worst thing is that your feelings come back, which is seen a great deal in Nicole.
Abiet I was not ready to where this book would take me along with Nicole nor was I expecting the tear jerking ending. Instead of asking questions, like I did in the first book, of why Nicole wouldn't get help or choose what she chose this book delivered to keep my attention and make me ask what would happen next. Could it be any happier, could it be any worse, and oh my god your kidding flowed through my head. The suspence killed me, although Marni Mann never left readers guessing for long; it still killed me feeling drawn into the story and being a Nicole. This book delivered something truly amazing in the tale of Nicoles.
This story has more twists and turns, like the first, although this twists and turns are from a perspective of a women with up to a year clean and her feelings fully reinstated. Indeed they are very emotional for Nicole. While in active addiction I felt as someone chasing the dragon the twists she faced in Memoirs aren't Fairytales never seemed to phase Nicole, she went on wanting the needle despite hardships and death with nothing causing her woe because she lost all ability to feel. As they tell you in rehab and N/A the good thing about getting clean is your feelings coming back the worst thing is that your feelings come back, which is seen a great deal in Nicole.
Abiet I was not ready to where this book would take me along with Nicole nor was I expecting the tear jerking ending. Instead of asking questions, like I did in the first book, of why Nicole wouldn't get help or choose what she chose this book delivered to keep my attention and make me ask what would happen next. Could it be any happier, could it be any worse, and oh my god your kidding flowed through my head. The suspence killed me, although Marni Mann never left readers guessing for long; it still killed me feeling drawn into the story and being a Nicole. This book delivered something truly amazing in the tale of Nicoles.
September 14, 2019
The first book in this duet just about destroyed me, yet I have been eager to read the second book.
From the very start I was on the journey of sobriety along with Nicole. Mann's writing is so powerful that I felt every urge and craving with her. The dark hand of addicition was constantly reaching up from out of the abyss and I so wanted Nicole to stay strong.
I was on edge with every internal struggle that she had. I could practically feel every impulse and need along with her.
As she worked hard to move on from the past, there were constant reminders and temptations to be overcome. I felt for her and was so proud of her every time that she took another step forward. This book was incredible in the ways it made me feel from page to page.
Even as things improved, there was still pain and loss, and yet Nicole's strength and support network gave me hope.
When her past came crashing back in constant unexpected ways, I could barely breathe. This book and its words and story were powerful and held me rapt as I raced forward to see how things would conclude.
The ending was shocking and crushed me, and yet there was still a beauty there to be acknowledged.
Mann's writing is so incredibly complex and I hold these stories close to my heart.
From the very start I was on the journey of sobriety along with Nicole. Mann's writing is so powerful that I felt every urge and craving with her. The dark hand of addicition was constantly reaching up from out of the abyss and I so wanted Nicole to stay strong.
I was on edge with every internal struggle that she had. I could practically feel every impulse and need along with her.
As she worked hard to move on from the past, there were constant reminders and temptations to be overcome. I felt for her and was so proud of her every time that she took another step forward. This book was incredible in the ways it made me feel from page to page.
Even as things improved, there was still pain and loss, and yet Nicole's strength and support network gave me hope.
When her past came crashing back in constant unexpected ways, I could barely breathe. This book and its words and story were powerful and held me rapt as I raced forward to see how things would conclude.
The ending was shocking and crushed me, and yet there was still a beauty there to be acknowledged.
Mann's writing is so incredibly complex and I hold these stories close to my heart.
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