Bringing Out the Worst and the Best

We’ve just come out of, what is sometimes jokingly referred to as, the ‘silly season’.

Perhaps the subject of addiction is a bit ‘heavy’ around these joyful and optimistic 2014 vibes, however, Christmas and the New Year period can stir a hornets nest when it comes to being or living with someone who abuses any kind of addictive matter.  This can even pertain to people who are addicted to drama and get their ‘fix’ by emotionally draining you.

Countless people suffer at the hands of substance abusers.  So what better time to bring this up than now?

Have you endured the experience of life with an addict — be it an addiction to alcohol, drugs, sex or any other potentially devastating extreme?

Sometimes the relationship is not one that we can easily walk out of as in the case of a family member — especially a parent or child.

One Mans Brave Confession

If you have had to or are living through this kind of situation, then I strongly recommend a book called ‘Confessions of an Alcoholics Son’ by Werner Schmidt, an up-and-coming South African author.

Werner sent me a copy of his book and from the moment I read page one, I was hooked.

He bravely discusses his childhood memories of being an alcoholics son and all the trials, embarassments, love, fear. empathy, laughs, regrets, disdain, good times and mortifying times that went with it.

Courage best describes this authors strongest attribute in telling his story because it takes a huge amount to divulge ones darkest, deepest secrets the way he has.

Why Should You Read This?

The book captivates from the get go and Werner allows you to step into his world where he breaks down barriers and allows the reader to catch a glimpse of the stark, cold reality of what a child, adolescent and adult has had to grapple with.

Werner delves into the darkest corners and shines a light on what most dare not speak of.

This book is worth the read even if you have not had to endure living with an addict — perhaps you know someone who has and this book could be the very life-line that person needs.

Finding Your Peace

Werner also visually lets us take a peek into his world through old family photographs — which help to paint a much more intimate and meaningful picture — along with his eloquent and emotive poetry snippets that are scattered throughout the book like tasty little biscuit crumbs.

He reveals his journey to finding inner peace and acceptance with his mother and he reconciles his life to reflect what he has learnt — a grand lesson of love, forgiveness, acceptance and compassion.

Read it and Weep

There were moments when I burst out laughing and there were times when the tears rolled down my face.  Werner provokes us to explore, with him, the purest feelings and emotions of this roller-coaster ride novel that you will not be able to put down.

I literally read the book in one sitting.

Well done, Werner, on telling your truth in a loving and compassionate way.  I think you will help hundreds, if not thousands, of people going through similar experiences to pick up the pieces and move on.

Download Werner’s book, in Afrikaans or English (free, for now), or buy it, at http://wernercreates.com/stories/confessions/

Werner’s review of ‘Carpe Diem or Bust’ below:

“I enjoyed it like I enjoy my weekly coffees with my best friend. Amazing how your revelations, over time, and mine, make such wonderful coffee-cup material. Reading ‘Carpe Diem or Bust’ was, to me, a joyride on the back of a butterfly …”  ~ Werner Schmidt (author of ‘Confessions of an Alcoholic’s Son’)

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