Blackout: Remembering the Things I Drank to Forget

Sarah Hepola

Jun 2015 · Sold by Grand Central Publishing

About this ebook

In this unflinchingly honest and hilarious memoir, a woman discovers that her best life is a sober one.

For Sarah Hepola, drinking felt like freedom; part of her birthright as a twenty-first-century woman. But there was a price–she often blacked out, having no memory of the lost hours. On the outside, her career was flourishing, but inside, her spirit was diminishing. She could no longer avoid the truth–she needed help. 

Blackout is the story of a woman stumbling into a new kind of adventure–sobriety. Sarah Hepola's tale will resonate with anyone who has had to face the reality of addiction and the struggle to put down the bottle. At first it seemed like a sacrifice–but in the end, it was all worth it to get her life back.
 

Ratings and reviews

I think overall this memoir had some great voice and was easy to follow. She brings a lot of her experiences into honest light. I understand this is a memoir, but I couldn't help but feel like the book ended on a really weak, back door bragging note. It felt like the ending was almost rushed to the point that I turned the last page not knowing that was the end. She should be very proud considering everything she overcame, but I wished she emphasized and appreciated her support systems and resources more.

Interesting read I could never figure out those that would drink to the point of blacking out which is why I read this book. In part too to understand some who have passed through my own life who were heavy drinkers. Where it fell short for me was explaining the depths for the author to make her want to change her life around. I know any addiction is hard to overcome I would have liked to have read how she managed to succeed as you know it could not have been easy yet she does not go into much detail on that part of her story in overcoming her addiction.

I loved her honesty. As a drinker, I can relate to many aspects. A beautiful read rather you must overcome a problem or can relate. Beautifully written. Cheers.

About the author

Sarah Hepola's writing has appeared in the New York Times Magazine, New Republic, Glamour, Slate, Guardian, and Salon, where she was a longtime editor. She has worked as a music critic, travel writer, film reviewer, sex blogger, beauty columnist, and high school English teacher. She lives in Dallas.