Sarah Hepola – Blackout
Sarah Hepola – Blackout: Remembering the Things I Drank to Forget
A memoir of unblinking honesty and poignant, laugh-out-loud humor, Blackout is the story of a woman stumbling into a new kind of adventure — the sober life she never wanted. Shining a light into her blackouts, she discovers the person she buried, as well as the confidence, intimacy, and creativity she once believed came only from a bottle. Her tale will resonate with anyone who has been forced to reinvent or struggled in the face of necessary change. It’s about giving up the thing you cherish most — but getting yourself back in return.
Reviews:
Sarah Hepola’s memoir, Blackout , would make for a thought-provoking book club choice. Hepola is an enchanting storyteller who writes in a chummy voice. She’s that smart, witty friend you want to have dinner with. But leave the bottle of wine at home: “Blackout” is a cautionary tale about drinking. Hepola had her first taste of alcohol at age 7, when she started sneaking sips of Pearl Light beer from her parents’ refrigerator in Dallas. Through high school, college and beyond, she searched for solace and confidence in booze.
By Nora Krug – Washington Post
*****
Loved it! Sarah Hepola’s memoir captivated me right from the start. Yes, it’s a story of alcoholism and her eventual recovery, but WOW was the writing ever good. Her genuine honesty shined throughout, and her humor was priceless!
By Debbie “DJ”
*****
“Behold the risk factors for blacking out: a genetic predisposition to holding your liquor, drinking fast and skipping meals. Oh, and more: being female.”
Sarah Hepola, a 40-something journalist/writer is astoundingly clear and real recounting her spiral to the bottom and back up again. So glad she found her way back, such a hard road this would have been.
By Suzanne
****
This was absolutely an eloquently written, satirical reflection of Hepola’s memoir from alcoholism to sobriety. From waking in strange hotel rooms with alarming states of vanished time; not knowing what happened, where and with whom. Liquor seductively lured her in, possessed her, made her feel loveable and brilliant. It took her more than once to get clean and she compares getting sober to a nasty breakup: when you hate and despise the other person but so long for that touch.
By Jen
*****
Much has been written about Sarah Hepola’s book “Blackout:Remembering The Things I Drank to Forget” and it is highly deserving of all the accolades it has received. There are plenty of addiction memoirs out there, but this one is top shelf. Ms. Hepola writes with great candor and honesty about how drinking progressed from a fun part of her life to the point where it was her whole life. Her alcohol-fueled adventures range from the hilarious to the heart-breaking. Her journey to recovery, while not easy, is encouraging and inspiring.
By Tucker
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While not all of this book mirrors my life with alcohol and drug addiction, I can sure see a lot of similarity. The author shows that we are all just human and that if we want sobriety it can be achieved. To all of my sisters in recovery…I will pray for you.
See this book…I love it. The 12 Step Prayer Book https://amzn.to/3eTQEnu
Oh My God! I felt like I was reading my biography. What a powerful book, and so much bravery to express her feeling like this. I have met so many other Women in recovery that could relate to this. Just goes to show that we are more alike than different.
I felt such a connection to the author. I did so many of the crazy things that she did. Glad I am am here to tell the story. Thank God for AA and the 12 steps. Truley saved my life…One day At A time.