*Bowman, Dana. Bottled: A Mom’s Guide to Early Recovery. Central Recovery. 2015. 264p. ISBN 9781937612979. pap. $16.95; ebk. ISBN 9781937612986. PSYCH
Heartbreaking, tragic (and very funny), this is a young mother’s memoir of her battle with alcohol, her arguments with her husband, her self-doubt as a mom, and her efforts to cement her career—all while drinking (and drinking some more) and promising herself she’ll stop. Bowman (English, Bethany Coll.; blogger, momsieblog.com) is a member of a faith community, and her Christian beliefs serve to enrich this work, rather than offend nonbelievers. Calling herself the “Scarlett O’Hara of alcoholism,” (“I’ll worry about that tomorrow,” she writes) Bowman finally hits bottom and details her rocky road to sobriety. Each chapter ends with top tens, such as Top Ten Annoying Recovery Slogans That Actually Work. The author includes lists of resources with organizations, blogs, and websites. VERDICT This memoir filled with hope and humor is as good as Ann Dowsett Johnston’s Drink: The Intimate Relationship Between Women and Alcohol but much lighter.—Linda Beck, Indian Valley P.L., Telford, PA
Available now on the CRP website!
