Reviews
Poetry and poetic language can create vivid pictures of experiences that elude communication in other ways. The pieces in this collection do just that, powerfully capturing both the pain of addiction and the hope of recovery. This book is highly recommended reading for anyone interested in working to facilitate change in the lives of those affected by substance misuse.
Justin Lincoln, PsyD
Psychologist, Peaks Recovery Centers
“In a dark time,” wrote the poet Theodore Roethke, “the eye begins to see.” These paeans to personal suffering and transformation born of addiction are themselves born of the hearts and minds of compatriots. This concise and lovely volume is a welcome offering from the literary fringes of our field—impassioned rejoinder to the normative channels of stimulus and response and the scholastic monotony that drove poor Nietzsche mad. Also moving is the overall aesthetic of the design and layout, a thing of refinement in itself. “Tragedy enlightens,” pondered Arthur Miller once upon a time . . .
Ed Mendelowitz, PhD
Faculty, Saybrook University, Oakland, CA.
All readers, regardless of their knowledge of addictions, can appreciate the authentic and creative voice in which the authors speak. This book is a prolific expression of the pain and suffering often connected to addictions, recovery, and relapse. The authors have used the “healing power of poetry” to provide readers with a mental model into the complexities involved in the world of addictions. This book offers hope and life through an “age old” method—the art of poetry.
Tiko Hardy LSW, PsyD
Newman University
Silent Screams: Poetic Journey Through Addiction and Recovery is a breathtaking collection of poems that traces the journey through the pain and resiliency found in people who experience addiction and discover a new lifelong mission of recovery. This book is highly recommended for anyone who seeks firsthand experience into the minds and souls of people in recovery. The poems contained within these pages add depth like no other has done. The reader’s mind is filled with vivid images that evoke what it feels like to be in the deepest parts of active addiction. The contrast between pain and meaning shows others there is hope and change is possible. Silent Screams portrays the human side of addiction and recovery for a world needing most to hear this message.
Michael J. Gargano, MSEd
Counselor, Loyola Recovery Foundation
With compassion and vision, Granger and Hoffman are able to poetically capture the journey of many affected by addiction and recovery. “Covered in oil, feeling drained, attempting to lift my wings and fly away, my oil has been washed away and I can take off my mask.” The poetic journeys, so eloquently reminded me of places where my vision was lost and restored. This reading reminded me of visions and energy that restored my life. “The human capacity for strength and resilience has been captured, my mask will remain off.”
Lesia Wortham, BA, CACII- Certified Addiction Counselor II
Recovery Unlimited LLC
