The paperback edition of STRUNG OUT is almost here. It publishes on 8.31.21 which is in 8 days!
If you preorder the paperback through Books Are Magic (deadline is TOMORROW 8/24, but may still be able to do after the fact), you can get a signed or personalized copy, as well as a super pretty bookmark, that matches the cover.
Ta-da!
When I finally got to hold the paperback in my hands, I got excited again. The new cover is GORGEOUS and I am thrilled that this expanded edition includes a Reader's Guide, making it perfect for book clubs. :-)
Do you have a book club? If you're interested in reading STRUNG OUT for your book club, I will come chat with you! You can book it directly through my website, HERE. Easy Peasy.
Now on to some real talk....
The hardcover came out just before the whole world shut down, on 2.25.20, which honestly feels like it was ten years ago. It was a surreal sense of whiplash to be out on book tour and have to end things, cancel events, etc. and head into the unknown of lockdown. For some time, I wondered if my book mattered, in light of the pandemic and all the repercussions, but I also knew that those struggling with addiction would likely be in even more danger.
In 2020, 93,000 people died by overdose in the U.S., the highest number ever recorded and nearly 30% more than the year prior. I realized that this book does matter. There are so many people suffering and we need to keep educating folks on addiction, letting those struggling see that they are not alone, and doing anything and everything to reduce the stigma around addiction, so those who need help will feel safe enough to ask for it.
I don't think it was planned this way, but the paperback comes out Overdose Awareness Day. This felt serendipitous to me, like a reminder of why I wrote the book, of why I speak about addiction and share my story with people again and again.
As I said at the end of STRUNG OUT....
This book is for the ones who didn’t make it. This book is for the ones who survived. This book is for the ones who are still struggling. I see you. I believe in you.
I love you.