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The New York Times bestseller—a harrowing and hysterical memoir by the two-time Emmy Award-winning actress from the hit television show 3rd Rock from the Sun.
“It felt like I was speeding on the Autobahn toward hell, trapped inside a DeLorean with no brakes. And even if I could somehow stop, I’d still be screwed, because there’s no way I’d ever be able to figure out how to open those insane, cocaine-designed doors.”
Actress Kristen Johnston has written her first book, a surprisingly raw and triumphant memoir that is outrageous, moving, sweet, tragic, and heartbreakingly honest. Guts is a true achievement—a memoir that manages to be as frank and revealing as Augusten Burroughs, yet as hilarious and witty as David Sedaris. Johnston takes us on a journey so truthful and relatable, so remarkably fresh, it promises to stay with you for a long, long time.
Guts
Foreword xv
Introduction 1
1 I See Nothing, I Hear Nothing 13
2 The Freak Has Landed 31
3 Anyone but Me 59
4 Ye Olde Elvis Catnap 81
5 The English Patient 105
6 Dying Is Easy, Living Is Hard 117
7 Blink 135
8 I Think We're Alone Now 145
9 The Suffolk Strangler 169
10 The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come 187
11 Papillon 207
12 Pretty Ugly 219
13 Welcome to the Planet of the Apes 239
Epilogue 251
Thanks ... 267
Photo Descriptions 274
Anonymous
Posted Wed Mar 14 00:00:00 EDT 2012
Kristen's writing is not only funny, she has a way of making you feel everything she's gone through. I felt like I was there. I loved this book and hope she writes more. She's hysterical and painfully honest.
16 out of 16 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Thu Apr 19 00:00:00 EDT 2012
I have absolutely no idea how I came across this book. I usually dont even read memoirs. But by some weird twist of fate, I noticed this book and decided to buy it.... And it was the most inspirational book Ive read in the last few years.....and I read A LOT! Kristen Johnston is a hilarious writer, so the book reads more like a really good story than the common celebrity biography type books. But what really got to me was how seriously honest it was and personal, and revealing, and surprising. I was both laughing and breaking a sweat simultaneously, because there are parts that are so open and honest that Im not used to hearing people talk about them. But she kept it funny as well. I love the way she writes because I rarely ever come across something that is both serious and hilarious at the exact same time....and motivational/inspirational. Im probably making a mess out if this review, because I cant properly explain how much I loved this book. So to sum it up Ill just say: READ IT! Its good! And to Kristen Johnston, if you ever browse the B&N reviews: Thank you! :)
11 out of 11 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Sun Apr 15 00:00:00 EDT 2012
I aboslutely LOVE Kristen Johnston. This book made me laugh out loud and feel horrified and sad for her at the same. The book made me want to be her friend. I tweeted her when i finished the book to tell her just how much i loved it. She actually replied. If you have ever been addicted to something or if you just appreciate some good laughs get this book. You will NOT regret it.
11 out of 11 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Wed Mar 28 00:00:00 EDT 2012
Thank you Kristen for writing this. It's not just another book about celebrity addiction, it's real and honest to the (funny) bone and I think it should be required reading in High Schools. We are all freaks trying to escape on our own coconut boat and it's all good.
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Sun Mar 18 00:00:00 EDT 2012
Read it in one day So fantastic
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Tue Apr 24 00:00:00 EDT 2012
Kristen is open and brutally honest about her substance abuse dependency and how it ruined her health and career. Her experience is written with the sense of humor and absolutely no BS, she tells it like it happened. I hope Kristen finds the daily strength she needs to maintain her life as it is now, and hope that she realizes that anyone who reads her book will be looking forward to another publication from her in the future.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Tue Mar 20 00:00:00 EDT 2012
Great read. She doesnt sugarcoat things, yet still hilarious
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Mon Jun 04 00:00:00 EDT 2012
I enjoyed reading this book only because the author was so brutally funny and open about her addiction and rehab. You have to read the book if you want or need a laugh. Warning: she uses vulgar language so if this bothers you, then do not buy this book.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Sun Apr 15 00:00:00 EDT 2012
I lived this book you can tell it was written by her. Iy tellsher storyof addiction but at the same time is so funny.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Thu Apr 12 00:00:00 EDT 2012
I don't really read books. I have to read a few for school and such and just can't get through them. I try and read classics and celebrity reads too but I get bored easily. Now this book, I just couldn't put it down. I sometimes struggle with some of the issues discussed in this book and felt it so relate-able. Kristen is an amazing story teller and you will not be able to put the book down. It is sad and funny and just shocking. All I can say is, read it. I don't read much but I am so glad I finished this. Amazing amazing amazing. Must read!
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Thu Apr 12 00:00:00 EDT 2012
Brilliant, heartbreaking, honest, hilarious. If you've ever loved and had you heart repeatedly broken by an addict, you will not be able to put this book down. It was as if she was quoting from my journal at times. An amazing voice; I hope she writes more!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Thu Apr 05 00:00:00 EDT 2012
Good fast read
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Sun Apr 01 00:00:00 EDT 2012
I couldn't put this down. She is raw and painfully honest about her journey to a level that is awe-inspiring. This book is also laugh-out-loud funny. Her account is a testament to the power of recovery - for both the addict and anyone in their circles and beyond. I LOVED it - and will re-read it!
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Wed Sep 25 00:00:00 EDT 2013
Raw, honest, humorous, & courageous
This book is honest, funny, and shows what addiction can really do. Everyone who reads this should be able to identify with some part of it. We are all flawed in some way; we all have our own vices to help us deal with whatever is going on in our lives. If we all took down the façade that everything is perfectly ok and be real about what is going on, be real about the challenges we have overcome, and be truly authentic that would be so amazing and powerful. I love Kristen’s honesty in this book. It is an inspiring to see someone be that bold and honest about what really happened. It’s beautiful when people are 100% true, honest, and real.
I have been blessed to have been sober going on a little over 2 years. I used to be ashamed that I am an alcoholic. I wanted to be normal! Seriously, who is normal and who defines what is and who is? I refuse to let what other people may be thinking/their preconceived ideas about addiction stop me from being proud of my recovery and sharing my story. I know a new freedom and serenity today that I have never felt. Life still happens and things still go on, but I can accept them today and not hide behind drugs and alcohol.
I was a functioning alcoholic and I masked how unhappy I was when I was around others. It was exhausting just trying to keep up the picture that everything was great and life was wonderful. I didn’t embrace recovery at first, but life is so much better today than what it used to be like.
It’s sad to know that people can be so ashamed and afraid of what other people will think that they continue going through life battling addiction, but sadly not all make it. Addiction not only impacts the addict, but also family and friends. Addiction comes in many forms, but we seem to place them on levels of semi bad to horrible. Addiction is addiction. It’s heart breaking hearing about the ones who lose their fight with addiction. Brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, etc.
LisaMarie
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Wed May 16 00:00:00 EDT 2012
This book was excellent! I can not express how much I insist on this being a must-read for anyone who has or is close to someone who struggles with a substance abuse problem.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Tue Jul 29 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Great detailed story of adductuin
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Posted Sat May 03 00:00:00 EDT 2014
I am the kind of person that doesnt like alot of books, but I really enjoyed this book. I wish it was a series because I would read all of them. A must read book in my opinion.
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Posted Fri Feb 07 00:00:00 EST 2014
Loved it! Read about 90% of it the first time I opened it. I'm 15 months into recovery myself. Im always looking for inspiration or motivation for strength and growth, and "GUTS" delivered both!
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Posted Sun Oct 06 00:00:00 EDT 2013
The best book on addiction I have ever read. Helped me understand addiction is a disease and that their are reasons why people are addicts. On behalf of my daugher and myself Thank You for sharing your story and for the powers that be thank you for allow her to live to share her story and to help others.
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Posted Mon Aug 12 00:00:00 EDT 2013
GUTS is FABULOUS, could NOT put it down. It's more than a "how i got off drugs" book. It's a book about the realization of self. LOVED it.
If you like memoirs like i do, you will love this one.....so honest....love Kristen Johnston, cool lady!
Overview
The New York Times bestseller—a harrowing and hysterical memoir by the two-time Emmy Award-winning actress from the hit television show 3rd Rock from the Sun.
“It felt like I was speeding on the Autobahn toward hell, trapped inside a DeLorean with no brakes. And even if I could somehow stop, I’d still be screwed, because there’s no way I’d ever be able to figure out how to open those insane, cocaine-designed doors.”
Actress Kristen Johnston ...