Customer Reviews

Addict Nation: An Intervention for America

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

Authors Velez-Mitchell and Mohr pull back the covers on America in a book replete with surprising revelations, thoughtful examination and useful solutions for a society mired in a panoply of diverse addictions. The first step in recovering from any addiction is to face the truth, which this book unflinchingly and entertainly presents.

With a decade and a half of sobriety under my belt, I didn't expect to learn as much as I did about other forms of addiction, some of which I'd not considered until now. Packed full of factual information and seasoned with insightful celebrity examples -- from Lindsay Lohan to Tiger Woods to "Octomom" -- I couldn't stop turning pages once I'd started. Even were I not a recovering addict I would still have taken great interest from a social standpoint. This is a book that should cross over from psychological and health studies to the realm of sociology.

Wow! What a book. I had to read a chapter and sit with it a while before moving on. It was packed with information. Some of the chapters I related to and could feel myself evolving as I learned through them. I am certainly going to be a much more conscious consumer! Other addictions I could see my friends and their husbands lost in. The most frightening ones she talked about were the cultural ones that are literally putting our planet at risk. These addictions are so ubiquitous in our culture that we can't even see them. Jane says "it is like an undiagnosed fatal cancer growing inside of us." America certainly could use an intervention. I am going to start rereading it immediately.

I was a little surprised to read everything from the details of Michael Jackson's prescription drug overdose, to a case for giving trees and oceans "rights." And then there is the whole Tiger Woods sex addiction story (more information than I wanted to know!) Brace yourself for a journey.

Length:: 2:48 Mins

"Addict Nation" is being called a blueprint for green living, but the thing I like about it is that Jane (the author) literally fills it with facts. She is not just spouting off...and because she is used to writing for entertainment, her insights into celebrity addictions (mainly prescription drugs, sex, and addiction to celebrity itself) is an easy and entertaining read.

wonderfully well written as are all of Jane's books. wonderful help tips for addicts and how to stop letting addictions control your life. a must read for anyone with any type of addiction.

This is one of those books that should be on everybody's Top Ten list. I had already recognized many of the addictions (materialism, ills and pills, tech, even cleanliness) but I had only recently begun to think of procreation and war as addictions. The chapter on war is particularly devastating and it alone is worth the price of admission. The book is very skillfully and methodically put together: 1) Valez-Mitchell backs each addiction up with facts and figures about who "the pusher" is (who is making the money off each addiction, and 2) she insightfully links her analysis to the 12-step program (what are the compulsive behaviors, the denial patterns, etc.). No matter how evolved and enlightened you think you are, there is a lot here for you.

I have finished reading the parts about personal and social addiction and recovery and "Addict Nation" sounded like a story that I needed to hear. I like the part she confessed her personal trouble and connect it to the public issue that we as Americans face today. I like the part she discusses that we are addicted to violence, punishment, and war. It sounds really true to our American society, and I feel really touched by the fact that the author has courage to bring this controversial argument into light. That's why I like the way this story is told.

Every American over 17 needs to read this book. I bought some to give away and loan to others to read.

Although I definitely agree that we are a highly addicted nation exploited by big business, I feel this book was poorly written and sounds more like a single individual's opinionated rant rather than a hard-hitting, emotional, and fact-based, informative piece. I commend the author for her own personal struggles and triumphs, but I feel that if you are looking at this book to help you through addictive behavior, then this is not the book for you. Although the message she is attempting to convey is courageous and I personally agree with her ideas, the book fails to convey her message with any depth. The sad irony is the author speaks about our addiction to fear and drama, yet that is the entire tone of her book. Save your money and read something else.

Bravo. I can't believe how many topics are covered here. JVM has hit so many points and done it succinctly and with a touch of humor. I enjoyed this thoroughly and now am recommending this to everyone I know. The topic is serious but I found myself laughing out loud, which always make serious topics easier to stomach. If you're reading this review and trying to decide whether to purchase this or not......BUY it. You won't regret it.