Reader Review of Kardboard House

“Although the author says this is not meant to be a "self-help" book, I found it extremely helpful in acknowledging many of the thoughts, feelings, and experiences I had when my son, Aaron, fought his disease and died of an overdose in 2007. She speaks to her readers from her heart with an exquisite truth rid of the drama that often comes with memoirs about parents whose children die from an overdose. For me, they can be tedious and often triggering to read, but not this one. Despite the relational destructive nature of substance use disorder, the letters to and from the author and her son, Lucas, radiate the deep love they have for each other without sounding overly emotional. They also give the reader a bird’s eye view of two highly intelligent people, willing to do and try most anything to find recovery – and who still can't figure out how to beat this horrific disease. Their love and intelligence defy the stigma that this illness is the sick person’s fault and that unhealthy parenting is to blame for the child’s substance use disorder. This mother and son had and used every tool they at their disposal, and the addiction still overtook Lucas' mind, body, and soul and eventually his life. This book needs to be read by anyone who wants to get a clear, firsthand understanding of substance use disorder and the havoc it creates in both the person suffering, and the loved one battling the illness alongside them.”