Review: Sober Stick Figure
Amber Tozer grew up in an environment where alcohol was readily available – several relatives “drink too much” and her mother owned a bar – and had her first drink when she was seven years old. She worked hard in high school but started binge drinking. Still, it seemed she had things under control. After college, she headed to New York on her own and started drinking in earnest. She blacked out often but still managed to work. She discovered the comedy scene and got hooked, eventually moving to Los Angeles to pursue that career. It was there that she hit rock bottom and realized she had to do something.
Tozer shares her story of alcoholism and recovery in her memoir, Sober Stick Figure. She is frank and honest and doesn’t mince words. I found her writing engaging and was fascinated by her story even when it made me cringe.
Sprinkled throughout the book are crude drawings that, for me, were unnecessary. Tozer’s got quite a story and I don’t think it needs the gimmick of the drawings to sell it.
Pick this book up if you enjoy memoirs and/or great human stories.
Sounds a good comeback story – you have to be really strong to recover from the drinking.
I agree with Mystica, alcoholism is one of the toughest addictions. Sounds like a fascinating memoir.
I think the story would be difficult to read!
I’m adding this to my list to read. It sounds really interesting.
I agree with Vicki. It does sound interesting.
I do enjoy a good memoir that chronicles the struggles of the author. I am with you, however, on the drawings. Thanks for sharing.
Sounds worth checking out!!
Kathy,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about this memoir.
I wonder why she felt that she needed the drawings.
Those drawings look like mine would look if I illustrated a book! The subject matter sounds powerful though!
I have to be in the right mood for this kind of book, but since you liked it so much I’ll have to look for it.
Seems to be a powerful story, but think it may push too many buttons for me.
I have this one in my pile sounds really interesting.