Benoit Denizet-Lewis

Benoit Denizet-Lewis, himself an addict, follows the lives of eight addicts who are in different stages of recovery from various addictions -- the usual ones like alcohol, meth, and food, and some more unusual and controversial ones, like shoplifting and sex (Denizet-Lewis himself is addicted to the last one).

Denizet-Lewis strikes a good balance between journalistic distance on the one hand and sympathy for his subjects on the other. He has a nice touch, managing to portray his subjects as show more authentic and flawed but never letting them become irritating. And he accomplishes the difficult authorial task of making himself part of the action without either seeming to feel sorry for himself or getting too self-involved. Definitely worth reading if you're interested in the phenomenon of addiction. show less

Wow. A truly powerful read.

For addicts and non-addicts alike, this book is eye-opening. Following eight different addicts with various addictions from drugs, to sex, to shoplifting, this is sure to pluck at some heart strings.

It's also interesting to see the varying reactions by the public to different addictions. For instance, food and shoplifting addictions are seen as lack of will power or morals. People assume you can just choose not to eat all the time or choose to have good morals show more and not steal. But it's so much more than that.

And then of course, sex addiction. In a society revolving around sex, many find this ridiculous and sex addicts around the nation are being scoffed at.

This book is one of a kind and will have you completely invested in the individuals stories. They will have you wanting to hug them and shake them. They will have you rooting for them.

I highly recommend this book be read. show less

Superficially, this is the story of a gay man and his dog traveling around America, a la Steinbeck. But there is just so, so much more. The author explains the reason for spending 4 months in an RV traveling with his dog is to create a better bond with his dog of 8 years, Casey. And what he discovers, is some peace in his own soul. Along the way he investigates all kinds of dog related people and things, and what it's like to be a dog in America. Be warned: the sections describing dogs on show more the Reservations, and in the innner city will bring hearbreak to your soul. However, the cast of characters, both human and dogs, is incredibly entertaining. I think the most interesting discussion in the book however, is the one of why we have such a close relationship with our dogs in the first place. There are many theories of course, ranging from all parts of the human psychological spectrum, but perhaps it boils down to: Our relationship with dogs gives us something to think about other than ourselves. Anyway, this is a wonderful read. I thank the author and publishers for including a section of Notes/Bibliography and an INDEX! So many writers or publishers (I don't know which) don't realize how important these last two items are, because of course I'm going to find other articles and books this author has used to inform himself and read them for myself.

This was a GoodReads Reader Review Giveaway, but I certainly am recommending this to all my friends, especially those that I know have dogs as part of their family.

P.S. While I also have a husband, a daughter, and 5 cats, and some fish; the idea of taking an RV road trip and my two dogs is a wonderful dream. show less

At various times touching, laugh-out-loud hilarious, and tear-jerking, this travelogue through doggy America kept me spellbound. I really enjoyed seeing how many ways dogs have been incorporated into American daily life, how many people make their living by them, and how they become an examination of our own humanity.

The writer has a real way with words. He's able to make his travels very intimate to his readers and very personal in how he examines his relationship with his poochy friends. I show more found myself, more than once, examining my own relationships with my two dogs. The book touched me very personally and made me think. Not sure if that was the author's intention, but it's what happened.

The pacing of the book did seem a bit off, at times. In the beginning when he was first hitting the road and the middle, a lot of time was spent on the East Coast and Southwest. In depth discussions about the surroundings and personal connections with other dog people were given a lot of page time. But by the time the author was headed up the West coast and then back East, I felt really rushed. Not a lot of time was spent in this area in comparison with the rest of the book.

I feel this is definitely required reading for dog lovers everywhere. It will connect with the hearts and souls of us everywhere. Despite some issues with pacing and the focus of the journey, I'd definitely read another doggy journey around American with Casey, Rezzy, and their human. :)

Note: Book received for free via Good Reads First Reads program in exchange for honest review. show less