Bottled is a State Library of Kansas A 2016 Kansas Notable Book!STARRED REVIEW IN LIBRARY JOURNAL*Bowman, Dana. Bottled: A Moms Guide to Early Recovery. Central Recovery. 2015. 264p. ISBN 9781937612979. pap. $16.95; ebk. ISBN 9781937612986. PSYCHHeartbreaking, tragic (and very funny), this is a young mothers memoir of her battle with alcohol, her arguments with her husband, her self-doubt as a mom, and her efforts to cement her careerall while drinking (and drinking some more) and promising herself shell stop. Bowman (English, Bethany Coll.; blogger, momsieblog.com) is a member of a faith community, and her Christian beliefs serve to enrich this work, rather than offend nonbelievers. Calling herself the Scarlett OHara of alcoholism, (Ill worry about that tomorrow, she writes) Bowman finally hits bottom and details her rocky road to sobriety. Each chapter ends with top tens, such as Top Ten Annoying Recovery Slogans That Actually Work. The author includes lists of resources with organizations, blogs, and websites. VERDICT This memoir filled with hope and humor is as good as Ann Dowsett Johnstons Drink: The Intimate Relationship Between Women and Alcohol but much lighter.Linda Beck, Indian Valley P.L., Telford, PAAn extremely touching journey from alcoholic mom to recovery hero, filled with brutal honesty but also a surprising amount of laughs. A must- read for anyone who can relate, knows someone who can, or just loves memoirs. Filled with helpful lists for the newly recovering and packed with laughsI highly recommend!--Stefanie Wilder-Taylor, Author of Sippy Cups Are Not for ChardonnayFull of vulnerability, courage, and grace. Bowman shares her story with wisdom and humor, and speaks to the beautiful messiness in us all: our struggles with perfectionism, fitting in, and all the feelings. A must-read for anyone who has struggled with addiction, but also a story for every mother out there. Sit back, pour yourself a cup of (freaking) tea and be ready to laugh, cry, and feel like youre not alone.--Ellie Schoenberger, Author of Let Me Get This StraightWithout glossing over the gory details, Bowman tells her story with complete vulnerability, self-awareness, and humor. Her tips on surviving recovery and motherhood will help anyone navigating the sharper edges of life. She offers what so many addicts say they need: a Handbook for Life. Bottled is funny, captivating, comforting, and full of hope.--May Wilkerson, Huffington Post Contributor and Former Senior Editor at Substance.comWhatever your particular struggle, do not miss this hilarious and redemptive memoir by Dana Bowman. Bottled will make you laugh out loud, nod your head in agreement, and maybe shed a few tears as Bowman shares a page-turning account of her journey through marriage, motherhood, and recovery.--Allison K. Flexer, Author of Truth, Lies, and the Single WomanWhether its a transition or a tragedy, we are all recovering from something, and we all need a little honesty and humor to make it through. Thats exactly what Dana provides in Bottled. Shes brutally honest about pregnancy, depression, alcoholism, triggers, parenting and, yesrecovery. Journey through the messy and drama-filled life of a recovering alcoholic, self-proclaimed over-reactor and zombie-mom. Youll never look at carrot cake the same way again!--Kasey Johnson, Author of Mom Essentials, 7 Ways to Be a S.M.A.R.T.E.R. Mom.Dana discusses the serious topic of alcoholism, which affects millions of people, with humor and a whole lot of grace. Her recovery is inspiring and her journey is real, but her ability to laugh though the pain is what will heal the many who read this book. Moms will no doubt relate to it, but so will daughters, sisters, wives, and all women who need a friend to walk with them in early recovery. Dana is that friend.--Crystal Renaud, Author of Dirty Girls Come CleanBottled is wildly entertaining, and provides a host of practical tips for moms going through the difficult stages of early sobriety. Dana reveals the very real and authentic struggle for moms in recovery, with humor and humility. A must-read for recovering moms, but also a wonderful book for any mom who may struggle with parenting small humans while attempting to stay sane.Megan Peters, Author of the blog Crazybananas.com what books should i read in year Bottled: A Mom's Guide to Early Recovery
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. I love when my feelings connect easily with the words that ...By Mary KillianI love when my feelings connect easily with the words that describe someone else's story. Dana does a wonderful job making this happen. After all, as an alcoholic, everything is about me. :)In recovery, the world is turned inside out and upside down - in a good way. Dana celebrates this metamorphosis. Hers is a refreshing, optimistic observation of the brave, new world of sobriety.Heartfelt, clever writing. I loved it.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Carrot cake and jelly beans ;)By Elisabeth YoungI got the sample of this book a while back and put it down because I just wasn't sure if as far as "addiction memoirs" go if this would hold my interest since the author seems so good and sweet. Well after getting the whole book and reading it I found that while the author does seem sweet she definitely has moments of bad. I really enjoyed all the domestic tales and this story is a great one for someone actually in early recovery as she never glamorizes her drinking or her behavior. If anything, she is extremely self deprecating. The book did make me laugh aloud (LOL y'all) and she is a good writer and I really enjoyed the book. RECOMMENDED HIGHLY for early recovery and those seeking sobriety.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Helps you understand the mind of an alcoholicBy Jim GumFor those who don't struggle with alcoholism, it must seem simple to solve -- just don't drink. Except that it's never that simple. Dana helps you get inside the mind of an alcoholic. With laugh out loud humor and insight, she reveals her thoughts, her bargains, and her struggles along the way. It's a story of telling secrets - first to yourself, then to your husband and kids, and lastly to your parents. I found myself rooting for Dana at the end and admiring the courage it took for her to get to where she is. This book is a valuable resource for anyone struggling with recovery.