Books Like...

'The Heroin Diaries: A Year in the Life of a Shattered Rock Star' by Nikki Sixx is a memoir chronicling the descent of the Motley Crue bassist into the depths of drug addiction, particularly heroin, cocaine, and alcohol abuse. Through diary entries from 1986-1987, the readers get an intimate look at Nikki Sixx's struggles with addiction, paranoia, and hallucinations, providing a raw and honest portrayal of his dark journey. is structured in a unique format, combining diary entries with commentary from friends, family, and the author himself, offering a multi-dimensional perspective on the life of a rock star battling inner demons.

Tremendous by Joey "Coco" Diaz is an engaging autobiography that dives deep into the comedian's life. The book explores his childhood in New Jersey, touching on themes of loss, drug addiction, and challenging relationships. Diaz candidly shares his experiences with a unique blend of humor and sorrow, revealing the darker sides of his story while still keeping readers entertained. Fans of Joey will recognize many anecdotes from his podcast, but there are fresh insights that offer new perspectives on his journey.

The writing style of the book is straightforward and evocative, showcasing Diaz's remarkable storytelling ability. He pulls no punches, offering a raw look at his complex upbringing and the hardships he faced. The emotional depth keeps readers engaged, making it easy to relate to his struggles and triumphs. Whether read on paper or listened to as an audiobook, Diaz’s voice adds a personal touch, enhancing the reading experience. Overall, Tremendous is more than just a comedic memoir; it is a powerful exploration of resilience and self-discovery.

David Carr's memoir 'The Night of the Gun' takes a unique approach by using investigative journalism techniques to fact-check his own life story, particularly focusing on his struggles with addiction and recovery. The book delves into the complexities of memory and self-reflection, providing a raw and honest account of Carr's battle with drug and alcohol addiction, his journey towards sobriety, and the impact on his personal and professional life. Through a blend of journalistic writing and personal narrative, Carr navigates through his past experiences, revealing the harsh realities of addiction and the challenges of facing his own demons.

"Blitzed: Drugs in Nazi Germany" by Norman Ohler delves into the use of drugs in Nazi Germany during World War II. It explores how narcotics played a significant role in fueling the Nazi war machine, from Hitler down to the soldiers in the field. uncovers the extensive drug use in Germany, shedding light on how substances like Pervitin, cocaine, and opiates were widely distributed to boost energy levels and combat fatigue among military personnel and civilians alike. Through meticulous research and detailed records, the author reveals the impact of drug dependency on Hitler's decision-making and physical condition, ultimately painting a vivid picture of a regime fueled by substance abuse.

Norman Ohler's writing style in "Blitzed: Drugs in Nazi Germany" is described as compelling and well-researched, providing new insights into a well-covered period of history. offers a fresh perspective on World War II, highlighting the role of drugs in shaping the actions and motivations of key German players during the war. By drawing from detailed sources and references, Ohler presents a narrative that intertwines historical facts with novelistic elements, making for an engaging and eye-opening read that challenges traditional views of the era.

Confessions of an English Opium Eater by Thomas De Quincey is an autobiography that delves into the author's experiences with opium addiction. The book explores De Quincey's journey from his early life, struggles with opium-induced hallucinations and nightmares, to his attempts to terminate his drug usage. Written in an erudite style seasoned with Greek terms and references to Ancient literature, the book focuses on opium as the central theme, showcasing both its positive and negative effects. De Quincey's narrative is a mix of detailed descriptions of his addiction, reflections on his experiences, and observations on the impact of opium on his mind and life.

The structure of the book includes sections dedicated to the pleasures and pains of opium, along with the author's confessions and preliminary accounts. De Quincey's eloquent prose weaves together his personal struggles with opium addiction, his encounters with various individuals, and his reflections on the societal norms and attitudes towards narcotics during his time. The book not only serves as a documentation of the author's opium use but also provides insights into the Romantic era, literary figures, and the personal struggles of an opium addict in the 19th century.

'Scar Tissue' by Anthony Kiedis is an autobiography that delves into the life of the lead singer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The book takes readers on a wild ride through Kiedis' rockstar upbringing, touching on themes of abuse, addiction, and self-discovery. The narrative is described as a powerful and emotional rollercoaster, offering a glimpse into Kiedis' struggles and triumphs.

The writing style of 'Scar Tissue' is praised for being captivating and engaging, with readers expressing how they were unable to put the book down once they started reading. Kiedis' storytelling is noted for painting a vivid picture of his life growing up, filled with sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll, making it a compelling and unforgettable read for fans and non-fans alike.

'High Achiever: The Incredible True Story of One Addict's Double Life' by Tiffany Jenkins is a gripping memoir that delves into the author's harrowing journey through addiction and recovery. Jenkins candidly shares her experiences of living a double life, struggling with drug addiction while engaged to a police officer, which adds a layer of complexity and intrigue to her story. Readers are taken on an emotional rollercoaster as Jenkins recounts her past, highlighting the challenges she faced, the mistakes she made, and the strength she found within herself to overcome her struggles.

The writing style of 'High Achiever' is described as raw, real, and captivating. Tiffany Jenkins' storytelling is praised for its ability to draw readers in from the first sentence, making them feel like they are experiencing her journey alongside her. Through her honest and open narrative, Jenkins sheds light on the harsh realities of addiction, mental illness, and the power of resilience, leaving readers both inspired and deeply moved by her story.

"Recovery: Freedom from Our Addictions" by Russell Brand is a heartfelt exploration of addiction and recovery, emphasizing the importance of 12 step programs. Brand shares his personal experiences and insights, offering a modern interpretation of the 12 Steps and how they can be applied to various aspects of life. Through a mix of wit, humor, and deep reflections, Brand guides readers through the journey of overcoming addictive behaviors and finding a path towards freedom and self-improvement.

'Tweak: Growing Up On Methamphetamines' by Nic Sheff is a raw and intense autobiography that delves into the life of the author's struggles with drug addiction, particularly methamphetamines and heroin. The book narrates Nic's journey from experimenting with drugs in middle school to spiraling into the dark world of addiction, involving drug use, the sex trade, and desperate attempts at recovery. The writing style is described as honest, authentic, and revealing, offering a candid portrayal of the harsh realities of addiction and its destructive impact on relationships and family dynamics.

The book provides a deep insight into the mind of an addict, showcasing the cycle of addiction, the highs and lows, and the constant battle for sobriety. Through detailed descriptions and graphic language, Nic Sheff paints a poignant picture of his struggles, failures, and moments of hope amidst the chaos of addiction. Readers are taken on an emotional rollercoaster, experiencing the rawness and honesty of Nic's narrative as he navigates through the depths of drug abuse and the relentless pursuit of recovery.

'Blackout: Remembering the Things I Drank to Forget' by Sarah Hepola is a memoir that delves into the author's struggles with alcoholism and the impact it had on her life. The book explores Hepola's journey through blackouts, relationships, and self-discovery, all intertwined with her battle with addiction. The writing style is described as honest, engaging, and witty, offering a raw and unfiltered look at the author's experiences with alcohol.