Books Like...
'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.
If you liked Smack, here are the top 63 books to read next:
- #1
'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... - #2
'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.
- #3
Junkie by William S. Burroughs is a classic novel that delves into the world of drug addiction, providing a raw and honest portrayal of the struggles and experiences faced by individuals caught in the cycle of substance abuse. The narrative is semi-autobiographical, blurring the lines between truth and fiction, and offers a compelling insight into the life of a drug-dependent protagonist. Set in the 1930s to 1950s, the book follows the author's personal encounters with addiction and the challenges that come with it. The writing style is described as gripping, elegant, and piercing, capturing the essence of living on the fringes of society with a sense of authenticity and intensity.
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...- #5
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... - #6
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.
Today was my first Biddy League game and my first day in any organized basketball league. I'm enthused about life due to this exciting event. The Biddy League is a league for anyone 12 yrs. old or und... - #7
'Go Ask Alice' by Beatrice Sparks is a controversial book written in diary format, depicting the life of a teenage girl caught in a world of drugs and addiction. The story follows her emotional and physical breakdown as she spirals into drug abuse, providing a raw and detailed account of the struggles she faces. The book aims to educate readers, especially teens, about the dangers of drugs and the impact they can have on one's life, with a narrative that moves smoothly and offers insights into the complexities of addiction.
The book presents a tragic and unsettling tale of a young girl's descent into drug addiction and the harrowing consequences that follow. Through diary entries, the author, purportedly an anonymous teenager, takes readers on a journey through the highs and lows of addiction, shedding light on the challenges and realities faced by individuals struggling with substance abuse. Despite the controversy surrounding its authenticity, 'Go Ask Alice' remains a thought-provoking read that delves into the dark realities of drug abuse and the difficulties of breaking free from its grip.
Yesterday I remember thinking I was the happiest person in the whole earth, in the whole galaxy, in all of God’s creation. Could that only have been yesterday or was it endless light-years ago? I was ... '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...- #9Candyby:
'Candy' by Luke Davies delves into the dark and harrowing world of drug addiction, particularly focusing on the downward spiral of heroin use. The story is narrated in the first person perspective by Dan, who recounts his love for Candy, a well-educated girl who descends into the world of heroin alongside him. provides a gritty and honest portrayal of the consequences of addiction, showcasing disturbing scenes of drug use and the destructive impact it has on the characters' lives.
There were good times and bad times, but in the beginning there were more good times. When I first met Candy: those were like the days of juice, when everything was bountiful Only much later did it al... - #10
'Runaway: Diary of a Street Kid' by Evelyn Lau is a collection of diary journal entries that offers a raw and honest insight into the life of the author as a teenage girl navigating the streets of Vancouver. Through her writing, Lau portrays her struggles with prostitution, drug addiction, therapy, and homelessness, providing a glimpse into the mind of an adolescent grappling with inner demons. The narrative delves into themes of survival, self-discovery, and societal critique, showcasing the author's journey through hardship and self-realization.
Lau's writing style is described as captivating, immersive, and challenging. Readers are drawn into the author's world, experiencing her emotions and thoughts as she recounts her experiences on the streets. is praised for its portrayal of a young girl's turbulent life and for its ability to engage readers in a compelling and unsettling narrative that explores the complexities of adolescence and societal expectations.