Introduction

Daniel Zimmer will do almost anything to end his pain—except for the one thing that might work.

Growing up in 1970s Brooklyn under the shadow of his tyrannical father and against the backdrop of the Son of Sam murders, the Karen Ann Quinlan tragedy, and the New York Yankees' back-to-back championship seasons, Daniel Zimmer struggles to find a sense of safety and belonging. Daniel and his brother Max find moments of solace in the rebellious rhythms of early punk and metal bands like the Ramones and Judas Priest. But when faced with an unexpected family tragedy—for which he feels responsible—Daniel discovers the magical escape that alcohol can provide, numbing his pain and guilt.

Carrying the trauma of his youth into adulthood, Daniel falls deeper into alcoholism as he fights to face life on life’s terms. Then, just as he finally begins to embrace sobriety, Max attempts suicide and Daniel’s ex-fiancée makes an unexpected reappearance. Forced to face his demons head-on, Daniel struggles to take things one day at a time.

Flashing through Daniel’s life, past and present, this nostalgic ode to Brooklyn is an unflinching account of the inevitable ups and downs of recovery and coming of age. Ultimately, it is a story of the ravages of generational abuse and the power of recognizing addiction and opening the door to the possibilities of redemption.

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Excerpt

Chapter 24

I felt as though I’d been standing in front of my kindergarten class for hours, although it was probably only a few seconds.
“These things happen, Daniel.” Mrs. Vance squatted next to me and put an arm around my shoulders. “Don’t worry.”
I glanced up into the shocked faces of my classmates and then down at the yellow puddle beneath my desk in the front row.
“Do you have a change of clothes?” “No.” I began to cry.
“I’ll be right back.” Mrs. Vance walked out the classroom door, leaving me standing at the front of the room, shaking. There was silence for a moment, and then whispers became snickers. She returned with the school janitor—a giant with a big nose carrying an old pair of overalls—and waved me into the hallway. ... view entire excerpt...

Discussion Questions

From the author:

1. Would you recommend this book?

2. How did you find the author’s writing style?

3. Who was your favorite (and least favorite) character?

4. Did the book cause you to become emotional in any way? Which part(s) and what emotion(s)?

5. Did you find the book thought-provoking? In what way(s)?

6. Did you learn anything new from the book? What?

7. Do you think the book would make a good movie?

8. Did you have a favorite quote from the book?

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