First, about the physical book, it arrived promptly, in "good condition" and as described, clean, without markings or highlighting, no missing pages or broken spine. This used book was available for penny's in addition to the shipping fee. Very satisfactory.
Now for the content: This was the most difficult book I have ever read. A compelling but bitter read. For those of us who love Drew, her story was nearly unbearable. No child, no matter who, should ever have to suffer the torment, pain, frustration, humiliation, bitterness, disappointment, abandonment and fear that this beautiful child and world class talent endured. At first, it appears Drew's single parent mother is the "good guy" but her own abusive relationship with with John Drew Barrymore (Drew's father), her codependency, shortcomings and poor management of her own and Drews life contributed to Drews life sinking into the abyss of drugs, alcohol and a pathologically low self esteem. Drew finally had to recognize her life style was no longer a choice she could keep but was approaching a critical life or death decision. Drew was loved by dozens, if not hundreds of personal friends, and Hollywood professionals. She could play in Steven Spielberg's backyard or visit Stephen King any time she wished. But the love, respect and adoration of wonderful people never could fill the bitter and empty void Drew suffered where family belonged. More desperately than life itself, Drew wanted a father that loved her, something she never even came close to. Instead she got abandonment, ridicule, rejection, abuse and humiliation. Drew finished this book at fourteen and the prologue says it all. She envisioned a happy ending with victory and promise, after the months of hard work and intense therapy during her hospitalization. In the end though, she is back in the hospital after a second relapse, scared, ashamed, discouraged. Years before becoming a women, you will read about probably the strongest adolescent you will ever follow. Drew, as she says, will live the rest of her life on the brink of disaster, from minute to minute and hour to hour. That does not mean she can not and has not learned to let go of her deepest pain and embrace the productive and loving life we all want for her. While it's true Drew had wonderful, skilled and insightful professionals in her hospitalization and recovery, the sickening feeling you get in your stomach is when you helplessly realize that these are tools, life changing tools, but none the less tools. No one can save Drew her from herself except Drew, and this fourteen year old superstar in the final analysis is frighteningly isolated and on her own. I'm sure Drew will never forget the turning point in her treatment that left her speechless: "Drew, have you reached your bottom yet?"
After a deep breath and reading this autobiography again, I plan to read "Happily Ever After" by Leah Furman, and follow Drew's adult career at least enough to find some resolution to the heartbreaking impact this childs story left me with.
Nuts and bolts: As you will see, this book is "with Todd Gold". Just grin and bear it. The story is complex and there is the mothers point of view, the findings in her own therapy, dozens of details and quotes from Drews therapists and other observations that do deserve to be included to establish timelines and round out the story. None the less, Drew (at thirteen and fourteen) is a beautiful writer. Her writing is constantly interrupted by by Todd Gold, whose input, in my opinion should be shorter and be in footnotes at the bottom of the page. Although his input is in narrow paragraphs and a different type style, his constant intrusion is annoying and often appears to be telling the reader what to think. The additional information is welcome, belaboring it is not, and Drew's words definitely do not need explaining.
If you choose to read this book, good luck, keep a Kleenex handy and above all, if you're a parent, realize the power and responsibility you've been given. If you loved "Carol", the loveable little pain-in-the butt thirteen year old in American Graffiti, her story (written decades later as an adult) is "High on Arrival" by Laura Mackenzie Phillips and is available. It is a difficult read also and offers remarkable parallels in places to Drew Barrymore but from another childhood star.
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Little Girl Lost
Perfection! The book I received was in pretty solid condition and arrived very fast!Also, I can't put this book down! It's so well written and so insightful!
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