Shorts

Stories about Alcohol, Asperger Syndrome, and God

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Pub Date 21 Oct 2014 | Archive Date 21 Oct 2014

Description

Tessie Regan's collection of short stories, poems and quirky illustrations reveal the world as seen through the haze of alcohol addiction, the eccentricity of Asperger's and the ups and downs of an unconventional spiritual journey. Her honest and witty observations tell of moments of elation, confusion and hopeless desperation felt throughout her life, from the backbreaking pursuit of $100 in 'Lawnmower' to contemplating the start of her alcoholism at age 13 in 'The Jumping Off Place.'

These brief, insightful accounts paint the truthful, warm-hearted, and wryly humorous portrait of a soul in search of reconciliation. This collection is essential reading for anyone on the autism spectrum dealing with alcoholism, substance addiction or mental health issues, and for their friends and families, as well as the professionals working with them.


Tessie Regan's collection of short stories, poems and quirky illustrations reveal the world as seen through the haze of alcohol addiction, the eccentricity of Asperger's and the ups and downs of an...


A Note From the Publisher

*Uncorrected proof*

“A friend of mine during her addiction used to soak cigarettes in vodka then let them dry out. She’d then smoke the vodka cigarettes during work breaks for a quick head rush. Upon hearing this story, most humans do not know how to respond to the utter psycho-ness of her efforts. When I heard this story I thought she was clever and innovative beyond even what Bill Gates had orchestrated. I thought how genius she was and what a shame I’d never thought of it. I thought she was a prodigy of some sort that would likely take over the world by the end of the week. If you think the vodka cigarette is a viable and new niche market, then you are probably alcoholic.”

*Uncorrected proof*

“A friend of mine during her addiction used to soak cigarettes in vodka then let them dry out. She’d then smoke the vodka cigarettes during work breaks for a quick head rush...


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Available Editions

EDITION Paperback
ISBN 9781849057615
PRICE US$15.95 (USD)

Average rating from 20 members


Featured Reviews

My heartfelt thanks goes to the author and publisher for my ARC via NetGalley.

Truth be told, I disrupted the previously planned reading order so that I could read this as soon as I got it, and I gave myself a congratulatory pat on the back for this decision before I had even finished the first short.
This is a stunningly unconventional, refreshingly honest read that gives you the I'm-so-glad-I'm-reading-this warm sensation, the kind of special reading pleasure that is becoming harder to find these days.

My thorough enjoyment of this collection was unimpaired by the fact I hardly know anybody with Asperger's, have no drinking problem, and am anything but religious - au contraire! The author's human and spiritual insight is immense and universal, her naturally flowing humour is enticing, and she is able to wax poetic and philosophical (even when it comes to such deeply personal material) without ever running the risk of sounding vulgar or pathetic or forced.

Mixing poetry, prose, and wonderful illustrations helps bring out different facets of the same issues and emotions to great effect - no piece ever feels out of place, they fit together like an elaborate jigsaw puzzle.

In all these ways, this book seems way more than just a personal account of one's private struggles and revelations - it's a window into a complex and surprisingly sensitive and articulate mind with the kind of experience and insight that could help many, many people.

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I did not read this book. I originally put this on my NetGalley list when I first started. I was super excited about reading ARCs and may have requested too many. I am now getting much better at picking only the books that I am truly interested in reading.

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