Title: The Gift of Sobriety: A Spiritual Transformation
Author: Rose B
Publisher: ReadersMagnet, LLC
ISBN: 1948864533
Pages: 122
Genre: Inspiration
Reviewed by: Aaron Washington
Pacific Book Review
The author writes about her life growing up, life expectations and challenges. “My name is Rose, and I am an alcoholic. I understand that now, but I did not know that for a long time.” Reading the two sentences made me feel empathy for this soul in need. Marrying at 19 was pretty early for her. Life was normal until her husband left. That was when she hit rock bottom. The worst thing was that her family blamed her for letting the marriage end.
Rose B, whom I found fascinating because she chose not to reveal her second name, as is customary in the AA program, takes us through her life journey. The book reads like a journal. She penned down her story, experiences and her views on life. I loved her courageous and bold self, for she treated the challenges she faced with bravery.
She never thought that drinking would become a problem at some point in her life. Growing up in a Swedish Lutheran family in from Kansas, she knew that alcohol was something to drink during dinner, and holidays like Easter and Christmas when one was an adult. All she drank was a little wine; probably a glass or two. It was normal, and everything seemed fine. A lot happened in her adult life and in no time, she went from a casual drinker to a full-blown alcoholic. It was tragic.
The author is brave. Looking at her life, I can’t help but admire the person she finally became. She moved from a deep hole which had swallowed her as a person. Reading about the suicidal thoughts she had, broken dreams, having blackouts and dealing with rejection was sad. How could one person go through all that? In the end, she came to learn that all alcohol did was ruin her, despite the initial feeling of being happy while drinking.
The Gift of Sobriety: A Spiritual Transformation is a life-changing book. The inspiration and motivation the author puts down will go a long way in helping people who may be in the situation she was. Walking into an AA meeting, learning, accepting herself and working towards getting rid of the alcoholism monster was a remarkable journey for the author. I’m glad that she shared her experience with the world. Her story is truly inspiring.
There are a lot of lessons I learned from this book. The biggest lesson at the end was that despite everything, we all can do it. It’s okay to be in a bad place, it’s normal to feel you’re inadequate in some ways. Work towards improving yourself and eliminating any bad energy about you. Everyone, not just folks dealing with alcoholism should read this book. Rose B is an icon whom I celebrate. Her story should be shared widely, and told to everyone who is facing the challenges she faced. Rose B’s is a story of victory at the end. Hope is a beautiful thing. She is a winner whom I admire.
The Gift of Sobriety is an engaging work, that elicits every possible emotion in the reader. Rose B’s description of her walk through alcoholism/addiction is brutally honest and relatable. Kudos to the author for her successful recovery! This is a must-read for those touched by the disease of addiction, whether they’re an alcoholic, addict, family member or friend.
