One: Memoir of a Manic Addict

Jennifer Marks
Crystal Dreams Publishing (2008)
ISBN 9781591460862
Reviewed by Danelle Drake for Reader Views (2/09)


“One: Memoir of a Manic Addict” is raw, real, and a rare glimpse into the mind of one who pulled through a hell most who tumble into get burned in.  As I turned each page I often caught myself thinking, “What in the hell are you doing?”  Then came to the realization that she was existing in her own reality that was not the reality most exist in, so what she was thinking and doing made perfect sense to her.  What a difficult task those who are mentally ill face when battling inner demons.

The courage Jennifer Marks must have to have created this emotional roller coaster ride of her life titled “One” is, in my opinion, the one trait that saved her life.  Without this courage I truly feel she would not have been able to share her story with us because she would not be alive to tell it.  The more she tumbled into the world of alcohol and drugs gripped in mental illness, the more distorted her life became. 

Although each reader will be envious of the sex marathons, I sure know I was, and the spending marathons, we are equipped with sense and limits when she was not.  We are equipped with the ability to make decisions and not put our own personal welfare in jeopardy, she was not.  We are equipped with the knowledge that when you scheme and deceive at some point what you have created will tumble around you.  It was in the mist of the walls shattering around her that Jennifer dug out of her somewhat self-inflicted hell.

Traveling through these pages you will get mad at the spoiled-little-rich-girl who had it all.  She led a seemingly ideal life with way more than most people even dream of.  How could she let this happen?  As you read from her distorted point of view you see how the tornado takes hold and she only has rare glimpses of life as it should be.  I am glad she, with the help of her loving but sometime enabling family, was able to stop her storm.

Many would benefit from reading “One: Memoir of a Manic Addict” by Jennifer Marks.  It gives knowledge for those who have loved ones going through their own hell.  It can be a deterrent for those who are testing the waters with alcohol and drugs and encouragement for those who feel there is no hope.

Make comment on weblog