A Head Full of Blue

Nick Johnstone has an uncanny ability to use wit, sarcasm, intelligence, compassion, and brutal honesty in this riveting personal memoir, A Head Full of Blue. The book takes the reader through the roller-coaster ride of a young man in the throes of depression and self-injuring tendencies, and a personal tour of his self-destructive road toward alcoholism. His poignant honesty is touching at times, while simultaneously being amusing to those who can appreciate his witty and sometimes sarcastic sense of humor. His personal struggles not only serve as a model for those on the road to recovery themselves, but also to readers interested in learning first hand accounts of a disease inflicting so many individuals. His touching account of his life experiences, what led to his alcoholism, and his eventual rock-bottom epiphany are truly inspiring. I cried out of sympathy for this brave man, as well as shed tears of joy and laughter. This is a book that is hard to put down--once you plunge into his amazing journey, it's difficult to turn back. It's an excellent book for individuals in academia researching the personal accounts of alcoholism, for alcoholics and other addictive individuals who wish to feel less alone in their struggles, and anyone interested in the realm of psychological memoirs in general. This memoir is sure to please any audience, as the writing in and of itself is utterly amazing. Furthermore, those who read this novel will become Johnstone fans instantaneously, anxiously awaiting his future works of literature. On a scale of five stars, I would recommend that this book receive six--a truly wonderful, poignant, and brilliant memoir about a man who can offer so much hope and inspiration to all readers alike.