The Thawing Man

A Heartwarming Journey from Active Addiction to Long-Term Recovery | Third Edition

By: Derek Chowen

Narrated by: Derek A. Chowen

Length: 5 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

This is not a "self help" book. This is a "you are not alone, I've got you" book. This book was written real time as the author moved from active addiction to long term recovery.

This account takes you through the lie about a terminal disease that took him to the brink of suicide to becoming an advocate for those suffering from addiction. The book is written in a conversational style that will have you feeling like you have been friends with the author for years. You become part of his journey and in turn, you become part of the solution and understanding we are all searching for. The blog that blossomed into this book was written as the events in the author's life unfolded. You will feel the fear, the guilt and the shame as well as the freeing surrender that allowed for the healing that we all seek.

This journey is about the author's triumph over addiction to alcohol but the story applies to so many others suffering from the condition we refer to as "life". He addresses not only those that suffer from addiction but those the live with and love them. We live in challenging times with immense amounts of pressure to be "perfect" and succeed at all costs. This book uses personal tragedy and triumph to say, "You are flawed and your flaws make me love you more!"

The author believes your strength lies in your vulnerability and once you embrace it, you will be unstoppable. The writing style is rough initially and smooths out as the book winds on. It is a graphic representation of how decades of untreated depression and alcoholism freeze out feelings and abilities, but that healing truly does happen. The reason for the third edition is because we need to know that our story continues. There is hope. There are ice-cold tears in this book, but they all begin to melt as the man begins to thaw.

©2022 Derek A. Chowen (P)2022 Derek A. Chowen

Connection

This book was filled with creative analogies that paralleled with the personal journey through addiction and recovery. Everyone is struggling with something and this book reminds us that we are all connected and there is a little bit of “The Thawing Man” in all of us.

Awesome!

Meaningful. Impactful. Brutally honest.
It made me laugh. It made me cry. It made me think. And think some more.
We can all find a piece of ourselves in this book. We can all find a hero in this book. And that hero might be within ourselves.
The story being told in the voice of the author, the man who lived the story, is priceless. Thoroughly enjoyable, I can’t wait to listen to it over and over!

Absolutely love this book!

I absolutely love this book!

it hits home on alot but yet there is still this voice telling me to go back and listen to it. Chaper 37 is my favorite I have listen to it at least 10 times. Everytime I go back and listen I pick up somthing that I missed and it just gives me more to use in my life not just with chapter 37 but the entire book .

There is alot to take from this book it has been helping me alot . I cannot wait to continue listening to the book again .

I have never been one for books because I don't retain anything by reading but the audio book definitely gives you a front row seat to some really great info and some comedy to go along with it .

Great Job ! All I can Say is that there is somthing in this book for everyone it all depends on how you look at it.

"Keep your font white when you start your next page "

Simply Amazing from start to finish!

once you start its hard to pull away, I have worked with Derek in the past and am honored to call him a friend. Derek has much talent and when he speaks you want to listen. As he states in The Thawing Man, everybody is battling something and he is one hundred percent correct. After listening from beginning to end I get the feeling that I can conquer anything and not just addiction and at the same time in regards to addiction I don't feel afraid to be a quitter as some would say, I also don't feel I will be alone as I make changes for the better in my life. Thank you Derek for sharing your story and sharing it in a way that will help so many including myself. You truly have a gift with words and your voice has an amazing ability to me want to listen. I highly recommend The Thawing Man to anyone going through addiction or if you want a different perspective to life!

Wave to a Stranger

This book is a real treasure trove of intentional and unintentional advice. By the end of the book you understand why hope should never die, why patience is a virtue, and why kindness doesn’t cost a thing. At the end of this book, you’ll unintentionally start waving to that stranger and start asking honest questions about the relationships you have with the people around you. Thank you for the amazing read and the lifelong lessons.

Interesting read

Although, this book was written to give insight into the trails and tribulations of substance abuse recovery, it also promotes reflection of other challenges often confronted in life. By revealing his deepest thoughts, Derek connects with his readers and shares beneficial lessons learned.

Love this book!

Turns out I listened to Matthew Perry’s book (which took me 2 months to try to finish) right before I listened to The Thawing Man (done in 3 days). No contest- The Thawing man is soooo much better. It’s a serious topic and somehow without taking away from that, Derek Chowen makes you LOL. It’s heartwarming, vulnerable, somber, and funny all in one. I love how brutally honest and “real” Derek is throughout the story (which flows much better than the Perry book).

Thawing explained!!

Great story and well told…I may be a “normal” but hearing about the experience and what one goes through on the path has/will help me to better understand some very good friends that continue to battle with their addictions.

Insightful

I liked the vulnerability Derek shows in this book. I found it useful, and helpful. I’ve had and still have family that struggles with addiction. This book helped me understand those struggles a little better, and gave me different ideas of ways that I can possibly be helpful, to my loved ones struggling. I would recommend this book to anyone, looking for a good read. Very insightful, and heartfelt.

Eye opening honesty!

“Thawing Man” takes honesty, resolve and success to a new high! This is an eye opening account of self determination to change ones lifestyle for the long term. Congratulations on the book, words of encouragement and the ability to help others.