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The Alcoholic (2008)

by Jonathan Ames(Favorite Author)

3.73 of 5 Votes: 2

ISBN

1401210562 (ISBN13: 9781401210564)

languge

English

genre

Humor

publisher

Vertigo

review 1: Jonathan Ames’s The Alcoholic tells the tale of a self-destructive addict who finds himself helpless to drugs and alcohol, but also to the fear of abandonment. He traces Jonathan A.’s story back to his childhood, one in which expectations for him were overwhelming at best, and to the lost relationship of his best friend, Sal. Ames reveals the requisite embarrassing and astonishing past of the addict without revealing or moving forward to recovery. The story suggests the ability to survive and eventually recover, but does not actually begin the path in this volume.The most successful pieces of the story involve the experience of September 11, which rings true to the fear and confusion which surrounded the event, as well as the soul-saving relationship that Jonathan expe... moreriences with his great aunt Sadie. Sadie shows a kindness and understanding that Jonathan either cannot find or cannot accept from others.One of the most frustrating pieces to the story is Jonathan’s obsession with an ex ten years his junior, who he cannot let go of, carrying with him for years, and haunting her answering machine. The thread of the story is most frustrating not because it does not seem truthful, but because it does, because the experience is painful to read, and hints at the ugliness at the heart of an addictive personality. The soul sickness that not only infects the person who is ill, but also injects itself most painfully into those around him. The Alcoholic is a painful and difficult read, yet haunting and beautiful. Gives an honest look into the mind of an addict, and can help others understand the paralyzing qualities of addiction.
review 2: A book a selected based on its cover. Love the great art and the title on a cocktail napkin. This graphic novel follows Jonathan A. through several years and obsessions. He starts out drinking to excess as a teen and it follows him into adulthood. He has many scary episodes but also manages to stop drinking several times in his life. The story tells of how he intends to do better but then finds himself on a familiar path. Why is alcohol such a problem for him? He does try to make a few excuses but doesn't really believe any of them. He lost his parents in a tragic car wreck when he was just out of college and he feels abandoned by his best friend and after that, is pretty much friendless and alone save for his great aunt who is his one living relative. I am impressed by the story and the art here even though the story is not exactly uplifting it does leave you with a glimmer of hope. less

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