Meet New Books
Meet New Books

Books Like...

The Basketball Diaries by Jim Carroll is a raw and intense autobiographical account of Jim's teenage years in 1970s New York City, where he navigates the challenges of drug addiction, basketball dreams, and self-destruction. Through vivid and poetic writing, Carroll delves into the dark and gritty realities of his life, showcasing a journey filled with highs and lows, humor, and tragedy. The book captures the essence of growing up amidst addiction and the struggle to find oneself in the midst of chaos, making it a compelling and impactful read for readers of all ages.

If you liked The Basketball Diaries, here are the top 100 books to read next:

Page 1
Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. '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.

    Founder, chief songwriter and bassist for Mötley Crüe, assiduous diary keeper and the antihero of this tale. A man who was so hooked on heroin and cocaine that he had to die twice before he began to c...

  2. Beautiful Boy: A Father's Journey Through His Son's Addiction by David Sheff is a heart-wrenching and candid memoir following a father's struggle with his son's meth addiction. Sheff chronicles the descent of his son Nic into the world of drugs, portraying the despair and helplessness a parent feels when their child is lost to addiction. The book provides a raw and emotional insight into the impact of addiction on families, highlighting the challenges of sobriety and the uncertainty that follows both drug addicts and their loved ones.

    Sheff's writing style is described as engaging, eloquent, and thoughtful, offering a poignant reflection of a father's enduring love for his addicted son. The narrative shifts the perspective from the addict to the parent, providing a unique viewpoint on the devastating effects of drug abuse and addiction. Through Sheff's storytelling, readers are drawn into a journey of love, pain, and hope as the author navigates the complexities of supporting a child struggling with addiction.

    My wife, Vicki, and I live in Berkeley in a whitewashed clapboard bungalow built in the 1920s, hidden from the street behind a wall of black bamboo. It is 1982, a summer of waiting. Everything else—wo...

  3. #3

    Tweak: Growing Up On Methamphetamines by Nic Sheff
    Save:

    '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.

    I’d heard rumors about what happened to Lauren. I mean, I never even knew her that well but we’d sort of hung out a few times in high school. Actually, I was sleeping with her for about two weeks. She...

  4. Zoo Station: The Story of Christiane F. is a harrowing account of a young girl's descent into the underground culture of heroin addiction and child prostitution in Berlin during the late 1970s. The book portrays the protagonist's desire for acceptance and love, leading her to take extreme risks in pursuit of these desires. The narrative is raw and unapologetic, shedding light on the dark realities of addiction and the lengths individuals will go to in order to escape their harsh realities. The story is a disturbing yet compelling exploration of the struggles faced by the protagonist and the consequences of her choices.

    The student Christiane Vera F. is charged as a legally responsible juvenile with having used regulated narcotic substances continuously after May 20, 1976, without authorization by the Federal Departm...

  5. #5

    Junky by William S. Burroughs
    Save:

    'Junky' by William S. Burroughs is a semi-autobiographical narrative that delves deep into the drug culture of the time, portraying the bleak existence of addicts and their constant struggle with addiction, crime, and law enforcement. The book follows the protagonist, Bill Lee, as he descends into a world of heroin addiction, muggings, and the desperate search for the next high. Burroughs' writing style is described as matter-of-fact, brutally honest, and devoid of any glorification, offering a raw and unfiltered look into the life of a junky.


  6. #6

    A Million Little Pieces by James Frey
    Save:

    'A Million Little Pieces' by James Frey is a compelling and controversial book that delves into the struggles of addiction and recovery. The story follows the author's experiences in rehab, detailing his battle against alcohol and drugs. Despite the debate over its accuracy, the book offers a raw and emotional portrayal of addiction, with vivid descriptions that make the reader feel the pain and turmoil of the main character. The writing style, characterized by a stream of consciousness narrative, immerses the reader in the protagonist's journey towards sobriety, providing insight into the challenges and emotions faced by individuals grappling with addiction.

    The book captures the harrowing realities of addiction, painting a vivid picture of the protagonist's internal struggles and the hardships associated with substance abuse. Frey's writing style, though divisive, effectively conveys the rawness and intensity of the protagonist's experiences, evoking strong emotions in the reader. Despite the controversy surrounding its factual accuracy, 'A Million Little Pieces' offers a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of addiction, recovery, and the complexities of human resilience.

    I wake to the drone of an airplane engine and the feeling of something warm dripping down my chin. I lift my hand to feel my face. My front four teeth are gone, I have a hole in my cheek, my nose is b...

  7. #7

    Requiem for a Dream by Hubert Selby Jr.
    Save:

    'Requiem for a Dream' by Hubert Selby Jr. is a dark and gritty novel that delves into the lives of four individuals in Brooklyn - Harry, Tyrone, Marion, and Sara - as they navigate through addiction, poverty, and the pursuit of the American Dream. The book portrays the characters' downward spiral into drug addiction and the illusions of a better life, while also critiquing modern society's obsession with materialism and unattainable goals. Selby's writing style, characterized by heavy Brooklyn accents, long sentences, and a unique narrative structure, draws readers in and immerses them in the harsh realities of the characters' lives.

    HARRY LOCKED HIS MOTHER in the closet. Harold. Please. Not again the TV. Okay, okay, Harry opened the door, then stop playin games with my head. He started walking across the room toward the televisio...

  8. #8
    Crank
    Book 1 in the series:Crank

    Crank - Crank by Ellen Hopkins
    Save:

    'Crank' by Ellen Hopkins follows the story of Kristina Snow, a teenage girl who descends into drug addiction after trying crystal meth for the first time during a visit to her estranged father. The novel is written in verse, allowing the reader to delve deep into Kristina's emotional journey as she transforms into her alter ego, Bree, and faces the consequences of her addiction. Through powerful and graphic storytelling, the book explores the harrowing realities of drug use, the struggles of addiction, and the impact it has on Kristina's relationships and life.

    Ellen Hopkins' writing style in 'Crank' is described as poetic, profound, and emotionally charged. The use of verse not only captures the raw intensity of Kristina's experiences but also provides a unique perspective on her inner battles and the allure of drugs. The narrative skillfully delves into the complexities of teenage identity, love, and addiction, offering a compelling and eye-opening portrayal of the dangers of substance abuse.


  9. #9

    Smack by Melvin Burgess
    Save:

    'Smack' by Melvin Burgess follows the story of two teenage runaways, Tar and Gemma, who spiral into heroin addiction while living in squats in Bristol, UK. The narrative is told from multiple perspectives, giving insight into the characters' struggles with addiction, homelessness, and self-deception. The writing style is described as honest, brutal, and realistic, providing a vivid portrayal of the challenges faced by young addicts in the 1980s.

    ‘I’m hungry,’ complained the girl. The boy turned on a torch and peered inside a grey canvas rucksack behind him. ‘There’s an apple.’ ‘Nah. Any crisps left?’ ‘Nope.’ Gemma sighed and leaned back in th...

  10. #10

    Cherry by Nico Walker
    Save:

    Cherry by Nico Walker is a dark and gritty novel that follows the life of a young American who descends into drug addiction and crime. The story starts with the protagonist robbing a bank and then delves into his past, exploring his experiences in the army, his struggles with heroin addiction, and his involvement in criminal activities. The writing style is raw and honest, providing a glimpse into the mind of a damaged and flawed addict, capturing the bleakness and struggles of his existence.

    The narrative of Cherry is a mix of bleakness and dark humor, portraying the emptiness and aimlessness of young Americans' lives, the harsh realities of war, and the destructive nature of addiction. The book offers a candid reflection on the protagonist's turbulent past, showcasing his struggles with addiction, his inability to integrate into society, and the consequences of his choices. The novel provides a micro-focused approach, highlighting the daily grind, the suffering, and the coping mechanisms of soldiers dealing with trauma and addiction.

    Emily used to wear a white ribbon around her throat and talk in breaths and murmurs, being nice, as she was, in a way so as you didn’t know if she were a slut or just real down-to-earth. And from the ...

Page 1 of 10Next Page