Hooked

November 1, 2013

Gr 7 Up-This informative title offers 10 compelling personal accounts of the impact of addiction on a family. The writers describe being in their teens trying to deal with the problems and hardships caused by their loved ones' addictions (alcohol, cocaine, gambling, prescription drugs, or work). As they look back, they offer advice, talk about their worries, and, most importantly, tell what they did to cope during the bad times. Each story, about 10 to 12 pages long, opens with a short introduction to the person and the situation. Only a first name is used. Any other personal information, such as age or family members, is revealed through the writers' own words. They all tell of their experiences and share their hopes and fears. Sidebars offer supplementary information such as defining "functioning alcoholic" and explaining behavior common to addicts or how drugs affect brain chemistry. Every story is unique, and not every ending is neat and tidy. Some family members could not control or even acknowledge their addictions. The book has a section of common questions and another that provides resources for help and advice in the U.S. and Canada. As teenagers, these individuals give voice to their own regrets, anger, depression, and the flood of emotions as they witness what addiction does to their parents or siblings. Readers will empathize with their troubles and may find help in dealing with their own situations.-June Shimonishi, Torrance Public Library, CA

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