Drunkard

April 28, 2008
Steinberg, a columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times
, admitted he was an alcoholic—only he'd rather be called a “drunkard,” a more colorful “slur”—only after a judge sentenced him to rehab. He'd hit his wife in an argument over his drinking; by Steinberg's initial account, before his arrest, he was living the ideal newspaperman's life—a few Jack Daniels at his regular bar after filing his popular column, a few red wines in the bar car of the commuter train to the suburbs, then a cozy evening with his loving wife and two sons. It's only after he's in rehab that he recalls all the other drinks he'd sneak when his wife or his kids weren't looking. He had no choice about going to rehab for 28 days, but couldn't see the use of going to AA meetings. An agnostic iconoclast, the higher-power language and the instant fellowship-of-drunks aspect of AA made him uncomfortable. Through his relapses and his recoveries, Steinberg developed his own relationship with AA and learned how to be a hot newspaperman without a shot glass on his desk. Steinberg's struggle to be honest with himself will touch a nerve with many readers.

Starred review from June 1, 2008
Steinberg, a syndicated newspaper columnist whose world-wearyobservations arelaced with acerbic wit, often writes about his money-eating house in a leafy Chicago suburb and the family within it.Therefore, it was shock in 2005 whena drunkSteinberg was arrested for hitting his wife. (When he asked why she called 911, she replied, "Nobody hits me, Buddy.") Forced by the courtintorehab, Steinberg chronicles his journey to sobriety, following a circuitous route that included plenty of stops in local watering holes along the way. Incredibly honest (perhaps too honest for his fellow AA members), Steinberginitially wants no part of rehab or Alcholics Anonymous. For one thing, he doesnt believe in a higher power, and if he did, he would notbe inclined tosurrender toit. Nor does he have much affection for his fellow addicts, "characters in a mediocre play."What he lovesis booze, and his tone turns almostjaunty as he describes his lapses. He wantsa sophisticatedlife where he can drink, hoping liquour will turn his nebbish-like persona into Mike Royko.With every page, he realizes he cant drink and retain the family he loves, but his resistance is contagious; even disapproving readers will understand how easy it is to drink and how hard it is to stop. Frank, funny, and insightful, Steinberg writes the book of his life.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)