Blackout

Remembering the Things I Drank to Forget

De: Sarah Hepola

Narrado por: Sarah Hepola

A memoir of unblinking honesty and poignant, laugh-out-loud humor, Blackout is the story of a woman stumbling into a new kind of adventure - the sober life she never wanted.

For Sarah Hepola, alcohol was "the gasoline of all adventure". She spent her evenings at cocktail parties and dark bars where she proudly stayed till last call. Drinking felt like freedom, part of her birthright as a strong, enlightened 21st-century woman. But there was a price. She often blacked out, waking up with a blank space where four hours should be. Mornings became detective work on her own life. What did I say last night? How did I meet that guy? She apologized for things she couldn't remember doing, as though she were cleaning up after an evil twin. Publicly, she covered her shame with self-deprecating jokes, and her career flourished, but as the blackouts accumulated, she could no longer avoid a sinking truth. The fuel she thought she needed was draining her spirit instead.

Shining a light into her blackouts, she discovers the person she buried, as well as the confidence, intimacy, and creativity she once believed came only from a bottle. Her tale will resonate with anyone who has been forced to reinvent or struggled in the face of necessary change. It's about giving up the thing you cherish most - but getting yourself back in return.

©2015 Sarah Hepola (P)2015 Hachette Audio

Great listen

Overall, this book had some awesome insights. I don't particularly like hearing "war stories" about people's drinking days, but they are a necessary part of the story. It was a realistic view of the process of transformation someone goes through when becoming sober. I found her views on God and atheism a bit small-minded and egocentric, in that she assumes people are atheists merely because they have an intellectual understanding of the past transgressions of religion. She conflates the concept of belief in God with religion and says we are all born with a God shaped hole. But other than that, it was good.

Gut wrenching

This has to be one of the most raw and gut wrenching memoirs ever written. And extremely well read by the author herself. For those of us who have struggled with blackout drinking, I cannot even imagine telling someone about it, yet to write a book about it, and then narrate it yourself has to be hard. This is not a self help book so much as a 'you are not alone' book.

A great autobigraphical read...

My life-partner, who has been in recovery for more than 26 years, tells me that she was a blackout drinker (which was long before we met). This book provided me some insight, and allowed me to have further discussions with my partner so that I can be of more support for her.

The author is a professional writer, and this books shows that. It is well written, and is an easy listen. If you're interested in this topic, this is a good choice.

Such a great read!

I felt like this book was very well written and even better delivered on Audible! Very courageous for her to share all that she did and super helpful for those who can identify with many of the experiences inside this book. I know I definitely could and I loved every minute of it! Currently 7 months alcohol-free and this book did nothing but help!

Really great story

Would you listen to Blackout again? Why?

I would, and already plan to. Her story is so honest and raw. I felt like I was sitting across from her and listening to her talk in real life.

What does Sarah Hepola bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Her voice brought such a personal feeling to the story, I am glad I listened to it vs. reading.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Two moments-
The Paris story and how it came full circle &
The story towards the end about her cat.

Wow

Wow. Amazing story amazing writing. Thank you for your vulnerability. You speak to more than just alcoholism and so many people could gain from listening!

Hit home

I quit drinking much earlier in life than Sarah, but many of her stories could have been mine. I have many family members who don't think twice about offering me a drink or bringing and then leaving alcohol in my home and it's because they really have no clue. I drank with my friends and alone so they don't understand. I will be suggesting they listen to this book to gain a little insight. Thanks Sarah for telling your story. It reminds me (or makes me remember the enormous amount of gaps that I cannot) of what used to be and how much I don't want to ever go there again!

Spotlight on addiction, recovery, and self acceptance.

Great book. No matter if you suffer from addiction or not. Wonderful insights, lovely writing and brutally honest. Highly recommend.

This might change your life

This is a POWERFUL glimpse into a painful reality about women and alcohol. This is a must read for those who struggle with addiction, quitting, and self awareness. Thank you, Sarah, for sharing your story.

wonderful book

I can't say enough about this book. I really loved it. it was well put together and a joy to hear read.