What's In It For Me?

A Personal Journal of Recovery... and Hope

Non-Fiction - Inspirational
166 Pages
Reviewed on 01/03/2016
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

I am a first time self published author who has been in recovery for over twenty-nine years. Throughout most of my sobriety, I've been in the chemical dependency field both as a counselor and a grant writer. I have dedicated my life to helping others become sober. I have made contributions to treatment centers through Rule 62 Fundraising, a non-profit organization I founded in 2004 in Cleveland, Ohio.

My intention was to continue Rule 62 efforts when my wife, Kandy and I moved to Daytona Beach, Florida in 2012. A recent life-altering event occurred which did not allow me to continue this work. It did however, lead me to fulfill a personal endeavor to write a book about overcoming life adversities while on my own journey of recovery from alcohol and drug addiction.

My wife and I relocated back to the Cleveland area in February 2016.

I have a Facebook page that I post to everyday located at: www.facebook.com/1Trudger

    Book Review

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

What's In It For Me?: A Personal Journal of Recovery... and Hope by John L. is the author's account of going from being an alcoholic to a sober man. The author's story of recovery shows readers that with enough willingness life's adversities can be overcome in a positive way. This inspiring book of self-recovery is helpful to all those who live with addictions, and gives them the hope that change is possible. The author's painful story of recovery from drugs and alcohol is honest and reaches out to readers in a big way. It's an uplifting book for all readers, regardless of what their personal life is at the moment.

The book is very well written and the author's journey is touching and relatable. The notes are insightful and will make readers reflect on life, how to look at life in a positive way, and live with peace and happiness. It's inspiring to read how the misshapen and flawed 'life stone' which was unrecognizable has now been polished to produce a stone that is totally unique. The author's ability to work on himself and make positive changes is motivational to all readers.

The writing style is simple, neat, and elegant, and readers can connect well with the author's dilemmas and problems in life. What I like about this book is that it encourages change; it is inspirational, and the quote 'Do you want to be right or do you want to be happy?' is something that will stay in the minds of readers. It's an uplifting and inspirational book that will motivate readers to get rid of their addictions.

Don Sloan

John L. Is the most articulate alcoholic you'd ever want to meet. He didn't get that way accidentally. This is his story.

In the book What's In It For Me? John recounts every painful step of his recovery from drugs and alcohol. And, while his story is far from unique, many who download this book on a whim may find that they have unwittingly discovered a story that will save their lives.

Written in a highly readable style, John tells how he, like so many other alcoholics, had to crawl up from rock bottom one day to finally admit he needed help. He found it -- again, as so many have -- through the rigorous, but tried-and-true, 12 Steps outlined by Alcoholics Anonymous.

If you suspect you have a problem with any kind of addiction -- dope, illicit affairs, irresponsible spending, or alcohol --- you'll find John's story helpful -- and inspirational.

John's personal narrative starts out in Maine when, as a teenager sniffing glue, he says he knew there was a voice in the back of his head telling him not to do it -- but he did it anyway. This was a pattern that continued on into adulthood.

Finally winding up in Costa Mesa, California, John finds himself at a rehab center, beginning long-overdue treatment to dry out -- and signing divorce papers at the same time.

Then, just as John is beginning to turn his life around, the unthinkable happens. He's severely injured in a car crash and paralyzed from the neck down. Many people would have given up, and John almost does. But another intervention -- this one from an angry physical therapist who wants him to "stop wallowing in self-pity" -- saves him from himself and he heroically begins the long road back.

The rest of this highly personal memoir details that road, and interweaves lessons from the 12-Step Big Book. As I said, it's an inspiring tale, and you'll want to read it to the very last word to get the full -- and surprising -- story. You'll be deeply moved.

Five stars to What's In It For Me? It's a riveting and deeply human account of one remarkable man's struggle against overwhelming odds.