Regina McAllen

Superficial

Revisado: 11-13-24

I can save you the time. She had a horrible, neglectful dad. Did a lot of drugs. Partied every night throughout her teen years. That's about it. Not much about what she learned, how she grew, how it affected her later in life, how she overcame it, if she overcame it - it's just a recounting of party life night after night with an abrupt ending and no resolution.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Now I know "why"

Revisado: 11-13-24

This book goes beyond describing the parties Crystal Hefner attended and the events that unfolded. It offers a fascinating exploration of the "why" and the "how" behind it all. I've often wondered what might lead a beautiful young woman to "put up" with someone like Hef, and what would make her stay. Although the lifestyle seemed glamorous and exciting, I always sensed a darker side beneath the glossy surface—and I was right. Crystal thoughtfully examines her reasons for going to the mansion, why she stayed, and how she eventually found her way out. Her insights are really compelling, and any reader will find a lot of sympathy for her difficult path.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

The Epitome of Male Privilege

Revisado: 01-18-24

"As Needed for Pain" disappoints on various fronts. The author's self-centered narrative unfolds throughout the story with a lack of awareness, making it both cringe-worthy and perplexing.

Dan Peres was handed a lucrative position as an editor at a prestigious magazine, lacking qualifications and showing no interest in performing well. Holding onto this well-compensated role, filled with incredible luxury and perks, despite openly admitting to never doing much work or even showing up, is particularly offensive to those who work hard to earn such rewards. However, he seems oblivious to this concept, or perhaps he takes pleasure in flaunting his privilege. Effortlessly coasting through life, avoiding responsibilities, he disrespects hardworking individuals and exemplifies unchecked privilege. Despite this, he likely sees himself as a victim.

Peres never engages in self-reflection regarding his issues or the reasons behind his descent into drug addiction. People repeatedly ask him, "What's wrong with you?" Regrettably, the question remains unanswered, suggesting an incapacity for any form of self-reflection on his part. One would anticipate someone in the writing business to acknowledge that a well-crafted book surpasses mere anecdotal stories, involving some form of realization or learning derived from experiences.

In addition, the book's portrayal of women is disturbing. His crude depiction and unnecessary sexualization of women reveal a disturbing mindset. He seems to find it amusing or cool, but it's not.

This book comes off as a self-centered memoir more focused on showcasing the author's supposed successes than on meaningful self-reflection. The lack of depth and self-reflection, coupled with the troubling portrayal of women, make this book a definite no for me.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

Captivating

Revisado: 09-28-23

I wish I could give this girl a hug and tell her I’m proud of her. I had not watched the TV show Jill and her family were in, but it didn’t matter. I deeply admire the author’s persistence and thoughtfulness in her attempts to live a truthful and happy life, despite overwhelming odds. I hope this book brings her healing and serves as inspiration to her siblings others in this situation. The rage I feel towards her father is difficult for me to control, but if she can find forgiveness for him, I suppose I should be able too as well. But it’s hard…😩

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Could be helpful for parents who are struggling

Revisado: 06-30-23

While reading this, I couldn’t help but think about the quote by Michael Scott, “Why don't I tell you what my greatest weaknesses are? I work too hard, I care too much and sometimes I can be too invested in my job.”

This mother did a great job of expressing the highs and lows of loving an addict, and all the stress and heartbreak that goes along with it. There just seem to be something missing in the story.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Thoughtful, insightful and gripping

Revisado: 06-17-23

It’s unbelievable how deep the author sunk into his addiction, and yet is capable of writing, such a thoughtful and insightful memoir. This is so honest and heartfelt and fascinating and horrifying. I really enjoyed it.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Waste of time

Revisado: 06-12-23

“That’s what wrestling does - it humbles you.” Hahaha - are you kidding? This guy has to be the most self-indulgent writer I have ever encountered.
The entire book is one big brag about how incredible he is, the famous people he knows, how he dated only the hottest cheerleaders, and how overdosing on cocaine gave him weird superpowers. I lost count of how many times he reminded me that he went to Poland to wrestle and became junior national champion. We get it.

There’s a lame excuse for EVERY loss - quotes like “Even though I came third, mine was voted best performance.” The details about his wrestling wins are endless, but just a casual mention of breaking his opponents neck - no big deal.

When he realizes that in order to save his own son from addiction, he must talk about himself even MORE, it sounded detached from reality. Yes, him telling people that he overdosed will cure his son and others from drug addiction. Ok.

Oh and in case you forgot… he has the most wins in Penn State history wrestling. Gimme a break. This isn’t about addiction. It’s just self promotion.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Beautiful

Revisado: 06-02-23

The story was very interesting, and I learned a great deal. However, the narrator had the most entrancing voice. He was a master of Italian, French, German, and Spanish. It was so elegantly read - it was the highlight!

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Waste of Time

Revisado: 11-24-22

It's the narcissism for me. This isn't a book about addiction. It's about convincing the reader that the writer is amazing and incredible and smart and funny and has risen above insurmountable odds. But I don't see any evidence of any of that. I see someone who exaggerates every hardship in their life to make themselves sound more impressive. The constant bragging is such a turn-off. I don't believe he wrote this book to inspire and help others. It seems to me that it's all about wanting attention to feed the giant ego.

I'm interested in the subject and have read biographies on addiction by Nikki Sixx, Patty Schemel, Anthony Kiedis, Mark Lanegan, Khalil Rafati, Flea, Travis Barker, and more. All of those were real depictions of what their struggle with addiction was like and how they overcame it. They weren't trying to impress and self-inflate themselves - they don't have to. I'm glad Majlak is in therapy - hopefully, a good therapist can help him figure out how to drop the fake humility.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña