Unabridged Audiobook
I have read sooo many addiction memoirs, and memoirs generally. This book ties is my favorite. It ties together every level of the U.S. addiction story. The most touching part, though for me, as someone who lives on Cape Cod in the shadow of the Kennedy name (the triumphs and tragedies), is how Patrick's family has been the tabloid poster family for addiction for generations. Joan and Ted Kennedy suffered publicly with addiction and were really just laughed at for it. Patrick inherited their shame, but then was able use his name to talk honestly and educate so many of us about his front-row seat to legislation that would help the mentally ill and addicted if it were enforced (Parity=insurance coverage of treatment), and his struggle. Since I read this, I learned how severe bipolar disorder is when a friend began to have a series of episodes. Patrick's struggles, the Kennedy's struggles, ARE a common struggle. All that separates Patrick from most of us, is his money to afford treatment repeatedly in private hospitals that provide excellent care. He knows that and I am so proud of his willingness to speak truthfully and to fight for the rest of us.
~~tag-text~~