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Saving Eric: A Mother’s Journey Through Her Son’s Addiction
Mary’s nightmare began when her seven-year-old adopted son inexplicably screamed before dinner one night. From that point on, her son’s struggle became her struggle. Mental and physical illness, along with drug addiction, turned her life upside down. The love Mary had for her son, though, never waned as she desperately tried to save him from his demons.
“Wonderfully written and moving. I can’t recommend this book enough to any family who shares the experience of adoption or a struggle with a child’s unpredictable, often violent mental health, along with the journey alongside an addiction.”
— Annie Highwater, “Unhooked”
“A meaningful exploration of mental illness and addiction – two present-day tragedies.”
— Charles Rubin, “Don’t Let Your Kids Kill You”
“Wonderfully written and moving. I can’t recommend this book enough to any family who shares the experience of adoption or a struggle with a child’s unpredictable, often violent mental health, along with the journey alongside an addiction.”
— Annie Highwater, “Unhooked”
“A meaningful exploration of mental illness and addiction – two present-day tragedies.”
— Charles Rubin, “Don’t Let Your Kids Kill You”
185 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 4, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
July 26, 2022
Critique: Saving Eric is the harrowing, true-life story of author Mary Burns' desperate efforts to save her son, who suffered grievously from mental illness and drug addiction. Her candid testimony spares no details of the day-by-day pain, setbacks, and perseverance. Saving Eric will speak to anyone who has endured the ongoing trauma of caring for loved one devastated by severe mental illness or substance abuse. Saving Eric also acknowledges that there are no guarantees in life, no matter how much love one has is one's heart, no matter how hard one labors. Profound, heartrending, and unforgettable, Saving Eric is highly recommended.
Julie Summers
Midwest Book Review
Julie Summers
Midwest Book Review
October 13, 2020
Sad, Beautiful, Love, Hope and Loss
I loved this book from a mother’s perspective. I could literally feel her emotions. The journey of addiction is painful for everyone. In the book you can really feel the emotions of a mother and her beautiful lost son Eric. I’m still in tears and will try to add more later.
I loved this book from a mother’s perspective. I could literally feel her emotions. The journey of addiction is painful for everyone. In the book you can really feel the emotions of a mother and her beautiful lost son Eric. I’m still in tears and will try to add more later.
July 19, 2021
In his own words
Eric's own words were very powerful. He described the process of getting high and that was what he missed the most. I'm glad the family has those notebooks of his own words. He didn't make excuses for his behavior when describing it and wrote about his love and gratitude for each member.
Eric's own words were very powerful. He described the process of getting high and that was what he missed the most. I'm glad the family has those notebooks of his own words. He didn't make excuses for his behavior when describing it and wrote about his love and gratitude for each member.
May 19, 2020
A roller coaster ride of emotions between a mother and son. Anyone going through the constant struggle of a child with an addiction should read this. Very personal story written by a brave mom who lets you into her life, living with and trying to help her son.
January 21, 2024
Quick read, super sad story about events that could happen in any of our families. Good Read
May 7, 2020
This is a brave parent's narrative about the impact on families who have a member with mental illness and addiction.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews