Blackout

Remembering the Things I Drank to Forget

By: Sarah Hepola

Narrated by: Sarah Hepola

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.

For Sarah Hepola, alcohol was "the gasoline of all adventure". She spent her evenings at cocktail parties and dark bars where she proudly stayed till last call. Drinking felt like freedom, part of her birthright as a strong, enlightened 21st-century woman. But there was a price. She often blacked out, waking up with a blank space where four hours should be. Mornings became detective work on her own life. What did I say last night? How did I meet that guy? She apologized for things she couldn't remember doing, as though she were cleaning up after an evil twin. Publicly, she covered her shame with self-deprecating jokes, and her career flourished, but as the blackouts accumulated, she could no longer avoid a sinking truth. The fuel she thought she needed was draining her spirit instead.

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.

©2015 Sarah Hepola (P)2015 Hachette Audio

Story that grips you and won't let go.

As a guy that has hone through the hell of addiction, the slamming into my rock bottom, and the slow journey to the sober man I am today, this story told from a female perspective is absolutely gripping. I could not stop listening even through parts that reminded me of my own dungeons. This is one of the best and most inspiring audiobooks I have ever heard, and every word is true.

Excellent storytelling, brutal honesty, inspiring

Any additional comments?

This is one of the first books I've "read" cover to cover in a long time. Riveting, honest, gut wrenching at times... Sarah is an excellent writer and never boring. I first heard about the book and Sarah on Fresh Aire with Terry Gross and it was enough to bring me to the book. Worth every minute - highly recommended!

The writing is beautiful

I heard the author on Fresh Air and loved the way she spoke and her voice. I was so happy this was read by her. A gritty, personal and candid account of her drinking, this memoir bears all. And, can make a lot of people think about the excuses we make and others make for us when we black out regularly.

an honest story of one woman's journey

addiction comes in many forms, in hers, alcohol. she explains her struggles, joy, and personal exploration of this world and our time in it.

Honest and touchingly brutal

I could completely relate to so much of her story. She doesn’t hold back from the harrowing consequences of drinking heavily on friendships, relationships and ones sense of self. Her insights were razor sharp and this book really helped me come to terms with my own drinking.

Wow!!! So raw and well written!

This far exceeded my expectations. Very well written and read. I’m so glad the author wrote about this incredibly hard journey and had the guts to share her stories.

Life changing

To date, no story has resonated so loudly with me.
Thank you. There is no doubt this book is going to aid in my sobriety.

Not what I expected

If you could sum up Blackout in three words, what would they be?

Quick read, mature content and realistic approach. Some bad language.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The main character tells the story and is honest about life.

What does Sarah Hepola bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Emotions

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Parts of the book did make me laugh out loud.

Any additional comments?

I listened to this book on the way to the beach, it was a rather light hearted read. It was frank about this individual's life. Nothing to serious and the actual ebb and flow of friendships.

The Female Augusten Burroughs

Would you listen to Blackout again? Why?

Yes, this book is an awesome journey into the world of alcoholism and recovery. There are so many life lessons, but in a way that felt raw and unhinged. This is not a preachy book for recovering alcoholics who slid out of addiction easily. This is a book for those who can understand what it's like to wake up, more frequently than not, and think what the f*** happened last night?

What other book might you compare Blackout to and why?

Augusten Burroughs- Dry

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

"Be kind to drunk people, for every one of them is fighting an enormous battle."

Any additional comments?

Read this book if you've ever struggled with alcohol. Read this book if you've ever experienced lost time. Read this book if you need to be assured that people can recover from addiction.

Thanks Sarah

I, myself am that lost woman. Learning to live, I hope to be spared the closet floor however. Thank you. This was just the book I needed today.