Should've Been Dead: Lessons from a Crack Addict Who Broke Free is a work of non-fiction in the memoir, slice of life, and inspirational writing subgenres. It is best suited to mature readers owing to the drug-related subject matter and the use of explicit language throughout. Penned by author Sweta Patel with Rory Londer, readers are invited to explore a raw and authentic narrative that illuminates the transformative journey of Rory’s life. The book encapsulates twelve hard-earned life lessons derived from Londer's tumultuous experiences with addiction and his subsequent redemption. The narrative challenges readers to confront their own vulnerabilities, offering a beacon of hope even in the darkest times.

Reading this book was a compelling experience, as author Sweta Patel masterfully captures Rory Londer's journey from the depths of addiction to rebuilding his life. The lessons shared are not just words on a page; they are profound reflections on resilience, self-discovery, and the power of human connection. Londer's story is not a conventional rags-to-riches tale, but one that delves into the complexities of emerging from the shadows of guilt and shame, and I found the narrative skill in getting into Londer’s head to be second to none. As the psychological elements of the narrative are laid out for us to understand and empathize with more and more, so the light at the end of the tunnel begins to shine brighter. Londer's path from desperation to turning a laundromat into a million-dollar business serves as a testament to the possibility of change and the importance of human connection in the face of addiction, which is a brilliant and bright perspective to offer in such a dark world. Overall, Should've Been Dead is an unflinchingly honest exploration of the human spirit's capacity for transformation and resilience and one that I would highly recommend to memoir readers everywhere.

Should've Been Dead, authored by Sweta Patel, is Rory Londer's story of overcoming his addiction to crack cocaine. It took Rory just one hit, and he was on a journey that made him lose sight of what was possible for him in life. For the next seventeen years, Rory would pursue his addiction and stop at nothing to maintain that high. Rory was homeless and frequented a laundromat to stay warm and sometimes had to rummage through trash bins for food. Rory’s strength was to make it happen if he wanted something. His experiences led to the twelve hard-earned lessons he applied in his life, and his legacy is to inspire, uplift, and motivate others to believe in themselves and fight for the life they want.

Should’ve Been Dead by Sweta Patel and Rory Londer was a page-turner that stayed with me long after I finished reading it. The way that Rory overcame his weakness and found the strength to free himself from the bonds of addiction was powerful. His story is genuine, from his heart, and painful, but he never wavered in his love of life or his will to make a difference in the community. In writing this book, the author followed her instincts in vividly describing Rory’s transformation from an addict to a mentor. Rory has changed the lives of countless others by sharing his experience and the lessons he learned from fellow addicts. This book should be used to inspire and educate others, as well as to assist us in making changes in ourselves or a loved one.