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Blood is Thicker than Vodka

Every relationship has the potential for salvation.

From the cold streets of 1970s Britain to Malibu’s 1980s opulence, Janine’s life careens through dangerous exploits, destructive relationships, and alcohol-fueled flight. Abused and neglected by once-socialite parents—and haunted by a manipulative, drunken mother—her attempts to escape only deepen the darkness. Decades later, Janine and her daughter Katie, estranged by addiction, try to reconnect while writing this memoir together. As Katie traces her mother’s turbulent past, Janine recognizes she was fighting to survive. Together, they rebuild trust, proving forgiveness can redeem.

An incredibly gripping story

—Michelle Ouellet, verified review on Amazon

Description

From the cold, lonely streets of 1970s Britain to the sun-soaked opulence of Malibu in the 1980s, Janine’s life is fraught with dangerous exploits—outrunning the law, sordid relationships, and a drive to self-destruct. Abused and neglected by her once socialite parents, Janine’s material possessions are replaced by alcohol, and the life she once knew becomes a distant memory. Manipulative, envious, and cruel, her mother is a drunken nightmare and Janine’s desperation to get away only leads her down an even darker path.

Decades later, their own relationship fractured by the blows of addiction, Janine and her daughter Katie struggle to reconnect as they work on this memoir. Traveling through her mother’s tumultuous childhood, Katie witnesses how it all began, and Janine realizes that she was simply struggling to survive. Together, they find the bridge that leads them back into each other’s hearts. This book is a testament that forgiveness is powerful, and every relationship has the potential for salvation.

Product Details

PublishedJanuary 26, 2023
ImprintWisdom Editions
LanguageEnglish
Print length306
ISBN-13978-1959770367
Dimensions6 x 0.77 x 9 inches

This book perfectly encompasses the true story of a remarkable woman who transforms from a struggling/hopeless alcoholic to the most genuine, open, and honest individual who has not only helped hundreds of clients in treatment but also inspired numerous colleagues alike. In this book and in her day-to-day life, her honest vulnerability is so contagious that I personally strive to conform with her magnitude of transparency and veracity.

—Allie Levy-Akoka, M.S. LMFT, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

I could not put this book down. The constant up and downs, drama, chaos, drugs, and an amazing ending. I hope this gets made into a movie one day. This is one of those books that when you are done reading it, you feel like you will never find a better read. Just get the book.

—CS, verified review on Amazon

Janine and her daughter do a great job describing what it’s like to be an alcoholic mother, wife, and daughter. I’m amazed at the vulnerability and openness displayed and I love how honest and real the story clearly is. It’s not a self-help book or a biased account of AA. It’s literally the way the author fought a disease so many women struggle with, and held her classy head high as she reclaimed her life.

—Lisa Walters, verified review on Amazon

An incredibly open discussion of real life of the disease of alcoholism and all its ugliness. Moves into wonderful account of redemption and how you can recover and live a wonderful full life. Beautifully written.

—Laura Bell, verified review on Amazon

An incredibly gripping story. Blown away by the vulnerability of the writers. An inspiring tale of resilience I’d love to see turn into a movie or TV show.

—Michelle Ouellet, verified review on Amazon

A multigenerational story of pain and redemption through patience and love. A testament to the damage alcoholism does to all members of a family but one that demonstrates that recovery for the alcoholic and the family is possible with perseverance, acceptance and love. Critically honest, heart-wrenching as well as heart- warming and at times hilarious. A must for families struggling with addiction, searching for recovery.

—CA, verified review on Amazon