PUC Chronicle

Issue date: 3/5/07 Section: Entertainment

Media Credit: shop.com Loved ones of addicts can benefit from David Dickens' "Voyage into Recovery," a book about overcoming alcoholism among other addictions.

Addiction and alcoholism are prevalent in today's world. It can and does affect anyone. People from any walk of life, race, gender and socioeconomic status are not immune. It does not only affect the addicted but those close to said individual as well.
Just as addiction affects everyone, anyone can and should read David Dickens' book "Voyage Into Recovery." It's written for addicts, by an addict.
Loved ones of an addict can benefit as well as individuals who have not been faced with alcoholism and severe addiction. Knowledge is power and this book is educational in more ways than one.
It is also intriguing as well as easy to read. Dickens is a phenomenal writer. For a moment, I forgot it was a nonfiction self help book and was wrapped into the story line.
"Voyage" is about his life and reads like a novel/ autobiography in the most artistic way possible. Dickens' experience in the topic and in writing three fictional novels in his career explains his unique style and flow. Dickens identifies with the reader by using easy to read language and identifying with the reader.
Although it is an entertaining, interesting, first-person account of the symptoms' effects as well as steps and techniques of recovery, there are parts that read like a text book.
Now wait, do not get discouraged.
Even in the textbook-like sections and chapters, Dickens lays it out for the reader, wording it in a way that anyone would understand without making us feel unintelligent.
I picked up this book as an individual who has never been faced with an addiction of this caliber. However, the book intrigued, entertained and educated me.
Realize that addiction can vary from the severe to the minor. Like Dickens, you can have alcoholism uproot your life or you could be addicted to your favorite soda and not feel such drastic effects. Whether for educational or entertainment purposes, "Voyage" should be picked up and given a chance just as we all deserve chances ourselves. This piece is worth it.

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