Bottled is a 2016 Kansas Notable Book Winner!
STARRED REVIEW IN LIBRARY JOURNAL
*Bowman, Dana. Bottled: A Mom’s Guide to Early Recovery. Central Recovery. 2015. 264p. ISBN 9781937612979. pap. $16.95; ebk. ISBN 9781937612986. PSYCH
Heartbreaking, tragic (and very funny), this is a young mother’s memoir of her battle with alcohol, her arguments with her husband, her self-doubt as a mom, and her efforts to cement her career—all while drinking (and drinking some more) and promising herself she’ll stop. Bowman (English, Bethany Coll.; blogger, momsieblog.com) is a member of a faith community, and her Christian beliefs serve to enrich this work, rather than offend nonbelievers. Calling herself the “Scarlett O’Hara of alcoholism,” (“I’ll worry about that tomorrow,” she writes) Bowman finally hits bottom and details her rocky road to sobriety. Each chapter ends with top tens, such as Top Ten Annoying Recovery Slogans That Actually Work. The author includes lists of resources with organizations, blogs, and websites.
VERDICT: This memoir filled with hope and humor is as good as Ann Dowsett Johnston’s Drink: The Intimate Relationship Between Women and Alcohol but much lighter. —Linda Beck, Indian Valley P.L., Telford, PA
“An extremely touching journey from alcoholic mom to recovery hero, filled with brutal honesty but also a surprising amount of laughs. A must- read for anyone who can relate, knows someone who can, or just loves memoirs. Filled with helpful lists for the newly recovering and packed with laughs—I highly recommend!”—Stefanie Wilder-Taylor, Author of Sippy Cups Are Not for Chardonnay
“Full of vulnerability, courage, and grace. Bowman shares her story with wisdom and humor, and speaks to the beautiful messiness in us all: our struggles with perfectionism, fitting in, and all the feelings. A must-read for anyone who has struggled with addiction, but also a story for every mother out there. Sit back, pour yourself a cup of (freaking) tea and be ready to laugh, cry, and feel like you’re not alone.” —Ellie Schoenberger, Author of Let Me Get This Straight
“Without glossing over the gory details, Bowman tells her story with complete vulnerability, self-awareness, and humor. Her tips on surviving recovery and motherhood will help anyone navigating the sharper edges of life. She offers what so many addicts say they need: ‘a Handbook for Life.’ Bottled is funny, captivating, comforting, and full of hope.”—May Wilkerson, Huffington Post Contributor and Former Senior Editor at Substance.com
“Whatever your particular struggle, do not miss this hilarious and redemptive memoir by Dana Bowman. Bottled will make you laugh out loud, nod your head in agreement, and maybe shed a few tears as Bowman shares a page-turning account of her journey through marriage, motherhood, and recovery.”—Allison K. Flexer, Author of Truth, Lies, and the Single Woman
“Whether it’s a transition or a tragedy, we are all recovering from something, and we all need a little honesty and humor to make it through. That’s exactly what Dana provides in Bottled. She’s brutally honest about pregnancy, depression, alcoholism, triggers, parenting and, yes—recovery. Journey through the messy and drama-filled life of a recovering alcoholic, self-proclaimed ‘over-reactor’ and ‘zombie-mom.’ You’ll never look at carrot cake the same way again!” —Kasey Johnson, Author of Mom Essentials, 7 Ways to Be a S.M.A.R.T.E.R. Mom.
“Dana discusses the serious topic of alcoholism, which affects millions of people, with humor and a whole lot of grace. Her recovery is inspiring and her journey is real, but her ability to laugh though the pain is what will heal the many who read this book. Moms will no doubt relate to it, but so will daughters, sisters, wives, and all women who need a friend to walk with them in early recovery. Dana is that friend.” —Crystal Renaud, Author of Dirty Girls Come Clean
“Bottled is wildly entertaining, and provides a host of practical tips for moms going through the difficult stages of early sobriety. Dana reveals the very real and authentic struggle for moms in recovery, with humor and humility. A must-read for recovering moms, but also a wonderful book for any mom who may struggle with parenting small humans while attempting to stay sane.” —Megan Peters, Author of the blog Crazybananas.com
