Reviews
“Very heart-wrenching!”
Sick is a book about how far life can spiral out of control before you even realize what is happening. Jen Smith does an excellent job bringing you into her world of sex, drugs, and grateful dead. From the moment I started reading I felt like I too was on drugs. Jen starts one trail of thought which lends itself to a whole other story. Jen was brutally honest with choices that were made and the life she led. I had a harder time reading once Bubby is born. Although Jen points out how Greg’s behavior affected Bubby, I did not feel she was as forthcoming with how her own choices and behaviors affected her son. I would love to know what happens after the police arrive. Maybe a sequel? I would definitely recommend this book!
— saisha, July 2nd, 2012
“Amazing story told brilliantly.”
Read this based on a recommendation from a friend and only put it down to take an emotional breather. The author tells her story without self-pity and a tremendous amount of hope which allows the reader to understand the dynamic behind such an extreme life style, without becoming cynical or distanced. Unlike other stories dealing with similar issues, the author speaks about the wonderful parts of living such a life…the power, money and luxury. As I read the story, which was clearly written and startlingly engaging, I was able to understand how the author found herself in such a destructive situation but at the same time, honestly believing change was possible within the confines of her situation and points of reference. This books offers a brutally honest glimpse into a world of drugs and abuse but leaves the reader with hope that such situations may be overcome with dignity and self-respect. An amazing story.
— Simiemom of NYC, June 4th, 2012
“5 stars.”
Jen Smith’s SICK is: Totally transparent, honest, and revealing! This book leads you into the scrambled world of drug addiction and the inspiring truth that recovery is possible. Jen is an inspiration and remarkable proof, that there is hope even in the darkest of circumstances. We give this book (5 Stars).
— Michelle, 1st, 2012
“Absolutely compelling.”
I have to say this book brought out emotions in me to the point where I laughed giggled, laughed aloud and finally cried and cried some more.
“Sick” is a look back at the last vestiges of the hippie movement in the 80′s. When people were still following The Grateful Dead around and being a “deadhead” was a bit of a mystic. The drugs and alcohol flowed freely at the concerts and there wasn’t anything you couldn’t buy from someone out of the back of their VW Van. Well, there was something you couldn’t buy…sobriety. That is the one thing that has to be earned in pain, suffering and determination.
This is one woman’s journey from her early days growing and selling marijuana to her heroin addiction and her spiral into an abusive relationship. It is painful, sad, frightening in its look into physical and emotional abuse and emotionally draining to read. But it is worth reading.
This is not a book that follows the rules of writing. You won’t find perfectly constructed sentences and a plot that moves from point A to point B in any kind of a structured line. It is sometimes confusing as people move in and out of the storyline without explanation of any kind. Nor does every character in some way advance the story. Dialogue sometimes runs together without regard for the rules and there are times you do have to go back a bit to figure out who exactly is speaking. It is written in the first person but occasionally slips to the third and once or twice to the second.
But still this is worth reading. More than worth reading…it is worthy of being read. It is absolutely compelling. I will read this again and recommend it to anyone who wants a story that captivates while telling the truth in a bold and open manner.
Jen, thank you for telling us your story.
— Karen Bryant Doering of Clarkston, WA, March 23rd, 2012
Buy SICK on Amazon- CLICK HERE