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At Least I'm Not The Frog: A Zany Memoir of Alcoholism & Recovery
Fifty-four treatment facilities for alcoholism. Five arrests. Three fractured vertebrae. Countless relapses. One skinny little gay boy.
This memoir chronicles the escapades of aspiring actor and writer Charlie Gray, his downward spiral into a vodka bottle, and his profound realizations about life, family, friends, booze, trauma, and relapse as a now-recovering alcoholic.
Charlie spent eleven years as a high-functioning, chronically relapsing drunkard. Beginning with his graduation from Drury University at age twenty-three, this book follows Charlie across twelve states as he's exposed to the glittering underbelly of an addictive lifestyle and his stints in rehab, detox, sober living, and psychiatric wards. It is through these zany, visceral, and illuminating stories that he weaves a message of growth and authenticity. His dreams were faded by the stain of vodka, yet he found a way to lift himself from those depths. A way to recapture and repurpose his zest for life.
His story offers unique insight into the method and mind of a habitually relapsing alcoholic, and the tools necessary to combat such an affliction. Charlie provides a candid tale for those who feel they're forever doomed to be addicted, forever doomed to be in search of their identity and dignity. He is a friend in need to the still suffering alcoholic and addict, a source of solace in our dark, drunken hours. Those gross, cringe-inducing things you've done in your addiction? He's done them, too. You're not alone. You're not wrong. You can recover.
This memoir chronicles the escapades of aspiring actor and writer Charlie Gray, his downward spiral into a vodka bottle, and his profound realizations about life, family, friends, booze, trauma, and relapse as a now-recovering alcoholic.
Charlie spent eleven years as a high-functioning, chronically relapsing drunkard. Beginning with his graduation from Drury University at age twenty-three, this book follows Charlie across twelve states as he's exposed to the glittering underbelly of an addictive lifestyle and his stints in rehab, detox, sober living, and psychiatric wards. It is through these zany, visceral, and illuminating stories that he weaves a message of growth and authenticity. His dreams were faded by the stain of vodka, yet he found a way to lift himself from those depths. A way to recapture and repurpose his zest for life.
His story offers unique insight into the method and mind of a habitually relapsing alcoholic, and the tools necessary to combat such an affliction. Charlie provides a candid tale for those who feel they're forever doomed to be addicted, forever doomed to be in search of their identity and dignity. He is a friend in need to the still suffering alcoholic and addict, a source of solace in our dark, drunken hours. Those gross, cringe-inducing things you've done in your addiction? He's done them, too. You're not alone. You're not wrong. You can recover.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 29, 2021
25 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 16, 2021
"𝙄𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙢𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙛𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙜𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙛. 𝘼𝙣𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙝𝙖𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙜𝙜𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖𝙙𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙢𝙖𝙮 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙖 𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙥𝙩, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙖 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙.”
I always struggle to do my review justice when I am reviewing a memoir. How can I possibly find the right words when someone is pouring their soul and life into their story. I was reminded of a quote by Brene Brown as I read Charlie's book “Vulnerability is not weakness. I define vulnerability as emotional risk, exposure, uncertainty. It fuels our daily lives.” I feel a huge sense of gratitude for Charlie's vulnerability in telling his story. For not allowing shame to win over. I found myself overcome with emotion while reading Charlie's story, rooting for him with each visit to rehab. This is a beautifully written story about the struggles with alcoholism and recovery. I truly feel like anyone who reads this book will find it relatable in some way, whether it be fighting an addiction themselves or knowing someone struggling with addiction. I didn't want this story to end and found myself wishing for more about Charlie's life in recovery. I highly recommend it.
Charlie, if you are reading this. I am cheering you on, that you can continue to live your life in recovery. Thank you for your beautiful story.
I always struggle to do my review justice when I am reviewing a memoir. How can I possibly find the right words when someone is pouring their soul and life into their story. I was reminded of a quote by Brene Brown as I read Charlie's book “Vulnerability is not weakness. I define vulnerability as emotional risk, exposure, uncertainty. It fuels our daily lives.” I feel a huge sense of gratitude for Charlie's vulnerability in telling his story. For not allowing shame to win over. I found myself overcome with emotion while reading Charlie's story, rooting for him with each visit to rehab. This is a beautifully written story about the struggles with alcoholism and recovery. I truly feel like anyone who reads this book will find it relatable in some way, whether it be fighting an addiction themselves or knowing someone struggling with addiction. I didn't want this story to end and found myself wishing for more about Charlie's life in recovery. I highly recommend it.
Charlie, if you are reading this. I am cheering you on, that you can continue to live your life in recovery. Thank you for your beautiful story.
August 8, 2021
Whether you are currently struggling with addiction, care about an addict, or you’re wanting to learn more about the battles addicts fight you’ll find something in Charlie’s book you’ll adore. Charlie’s quirky narration of his journey adds a charming and lovable touch. I read this book in one sitting and found myself laughing, crying, and cheering Charlie on as he relentlessly fought his addiction to alcohol. Read it. You won’t be disappointed.
April 24, 2022
inspirational
I had the privilege of meeting Charlie before I knew he has a book. Ring the mom of an alcoholic son, I found strength and understanding in Charlie’s plight. Thank you for this.
I had the privilege of meeting Charlie before I knew he has a book. Ring the mom of an alcoholic son, I found strength and understanding in Charlie’s plight. Thank you for this.
August 7, 2021
Sharing his real life experience with humor.
I didn't want this book to end, yet I was excited for Charlie to move on and embrace his new life without alcohol. I love his conversational writing style, so smooth and engaging I just didn't want to put the book down. I was cheering for him all throughout his story because at many levels I could relate and I think many others will as well. His lessons shared opened my eyes to my own struggle and reminded me to show myself some compassion and patience. Highly recommend this book.
I didn't want this book to end, yet I was excited for Charlie to move on and embrace his new life without alcohol. I love his conversational writing style, so smooth and engaging I just didn't want to put the book down. I was cheering for him all throughout his story because at many levels I could relate and I think many others will as well. His lessons shared opened my eyes to my own struggle and reminded me to show myself some compassion and patience. Highly recommend this book.
September 28, 2021
I’ve been lucky enough to read a lot of memoirs this year and here is another one. This is the story of Charlie his spiral into alcoholism, recovery, relapse and recovery. This is a brave and honest story and I am rooting for Charlie every step of the way.
.
The sun rises and sets every day and every day Charlie and everyone else on this recovery journey have a new day to continue to be brave and strong.
.
The sun rises and sets every day and every day Charlie and everyone else on this recovery journey have a new day to continue to be brave and strong.
September 12, 2021
“This whole debacle has grown far too melodramatic and time-consuming; I will tone it down and find my balance. Vodka is my friend, vodka will not hurt me, I must master it. I love vodka and it’s imperative I treat it more kindly.”
Synopsis: This is a story about addiction. It is a story about intoxication, sobriety, relapse, and recovery. It is a story about loss. It is a story about hope.
Thoughts: When I first found out Charlie Gray was writing a book, I reached out to the author to offer to read and review his memoir for Instagram, Goodreads, and Amazon. I had the privilege of knowing Gray in high school where once upon a time, we shared a small-town theater stage together. I was particularly interested in this book due to my experience both professionally, as a psychiatry who treats addiction, and personally, as someone who was once in a relationship with an alcoholic.
Gray does not disappoint with this deeply personal memoir. His ability to recount the dark years spent in the bottle is gut wrenching for any reader. At times, I was near tears reading about his experiences. It truly gave me new insight into addiction, one that textbooks could never teach. I appreciate his honesty and willingness to rip back the dark curtain of alcoholism and show even the darkest of truths.
I strongly recommend this to anyone who has struggled with addiction or knows someone who has suffered from this disease. Honestly, let’s be real, I would recommend this to everyone.
Thank you, Charlie. Thank you for writing this book. Thank you for sharing it with the world. Thank you for continuing to reach out and offer support to others. Thank you.
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Synopsis: This is a story about addiction. It is a story about intoxication, sobriety, relapse, and recovery. It is a story about loss. It is a story about hope.
Thoughts: When I first found out Charlie Gray was writing a book, I reached out to the author to offer to read and review his memoir for Instagram, Goodreads, and Amazon. I had the privilege of knowing Gray in high school where once upon a time, we shared a small-town theater stage together. I was particularly interested in this book due to my experience both professionally, as a psychiatry who treats addiction, and personally, as someone who was once in a relationship with an alcoholic.
Gray does not disappoint with this deeply personal memoir. His ability to recount the dark years spent in the bottle is gut wrenching for any reader. At times, I was near tears reading about his experiences. It truly gave me new insight into addiction, one that textbooks could never teach. I appreciate his honesty and willingness to rip back the dark curtain of alcoholism and show even the darkest of truths.
I strongly recommend this to anyone who has struggled with addiction or knows someone who has suffered from this disease. Honestly, let’s be real, I would recommend this to everyone.
Thank you, Charlie. Thank you for writing this book. Thank you for sharing it with the world. Thank you for continuing to reach out and offer support to others. Thank you.
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 22, 2023
Not nearly as zany as I'd expected
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews