addiction – Randi-Lee Bowslaugh

Review – My Daze with the Dark Muse by DM Needom

Posted on August 11, 2021September 8, 2021 by Randi-Lee Bowslaugh

This is not the type of book I would normally pick up but that’s the fun of having books sent to me to review. First off, if you have an aversion to harsh language this is not the book for you. Second, if you have an aversion to reading about sex, this book is not for you. Other than that this book is an interesting read. B08PF8LXBN

The book starts with being written as if the main character is writing in his journal. I enjoyed this viewpoint as I don’t see it used much. It chronicles his struggle as a falling Rockstar with a drug addiction. The author does a great job in showing the internal struggle of being an addict but not wanting to be an addict.

As the book progresses the main character’s struggle progresses. Eventually, it ends him in rehab, but that is not the end of the story. The real ending (which I won’t give away) is a great twist. I didn’t see that coming and the author does a great job of building the suspense before revealing the twist.

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Review – The Weight of Air by David Poses

Posted on July 21, 2021July 22, 2021 by Randi-Lee Bowslaugh

Ever look at someone and think “yup they are an addict”? Ever think to yourself that you can always tell who is or is not an addict? If you have then this book will blow your mind because you can’t just look at someone and know if they are struggling with an addiction.

David shares his very personal story of leading a secret life of sneaking away to get high, going to work and having a stable intimate relationship. He shares how early on in his struggle his parents knew he had an addiction and he went to rehab. Then he shares how he continued getting high all while pretending he wasn’t.

This story is raw, honest and gives you a real glimpse into the life of someone who is struggling. Not just struggling with their addiction but struggling with who they are as a person. Struggling with living in their own skin.

The courage it took David to share his story shows through the entire book. Keeping the reader involved and wanting to see how it turns out. A little spoiler…. it turns out well.

If you are interested in reading David’s story please consider using my affiliate link here.

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Walking Through Fog

Posted on June 16, 2021 by Randi-Lee Bowslaugh

Four weeks tomorrow my brother died expectantly. I am just starting to get out of the fog that I have been walking through the last four weeks, but I know I am not all of the way out of it yet. There is still another week and a half before we bury him.

My brother died due to a drug overdose (for more info on that check out the Write or Die episode where I talk about it a little more). He had suffered with addiction (a mental health illness) for most of my life, most of his life. When someone you care about dies suddenly it is a complete shock to the system. Though I always feared this would be his outcome I still held out hope that it wouldn’t end this way.

I keep thinking to myself, is there something else that I could have done? Something I could have said? Something I missed?

But ultimately, thinking like that won’t bring him back, it will just keep me in this fog of sadness. I know he loved me. I hope he knew that I loved him too.

What I want to share right now is that if you are struggling reach out. Your family may have created a boundary but they still love you. You are not alone.

If you love someone who is hurting and you don’t know how to help. Reach out. One of the hardest things for me right now is the what ifs. It is the talking with my mom about what could have been done differently. It is hearing how she wishes she did more. That hurt and guilt is not healthy. Though it is normal, it needs to be worked through.

Speak up, be honest, and get help if you need it.

If you are interested in some of the poetry that I wrote as a coping mechanism feel free to join the patreon family. Eventually, I plan to write a book about it.

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Meredith’s Triumphs

Posted on March 31, 2021 by Randi-Lee Bowslaugh

I recently had the pleasure to interview the author of Meredith’s Triumphs, Theresa Corbley Siller. She was a pleasure to speak with and her interview will be posted soon to the Write or Die Show. Theresa provided me with a copy of her book to complete an honest review, and I can honestly say that I enjoyed it.

The book is about a teenager, Meredith, who struggles with weight issues that lead to bullying. Meredith is a very believable character and I could identify with many of her struggles. The book delves into a topic that most shy away from, food addiction. This is such an important topic to talk about and I think all teenagers should read this book. It can give some great insight into the harm that addiction can have on your and your family, as well as the impacts of bullying.

There were a few times when the dialogue took me out of the story because I had never heard someone talk that way. However, that does not impact the quality of this book or the important message that it is addressing. The only other critique that I have for the book is that I wanted a deeper exploration of the relationship with Meredith’s father. However, since this book’s main target is pre-teens that may have changed the target audience. Maybe in the future Theresa will release a version for adults that dig into that a little bit more.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and think all parents should just leave a copy out for their pre-teens to find. I know as a p Meredith's Triumphs arent if I gave it to the kids they would roll their eyes at me, but if they discover it on their own then it is pure gold.

If you would like your own copy please consider using my affiliate link Here