Husband, addict, father, skeptic. Now sixty—with years of sobriety under his belt—the celebrated author of The Los Angeles Diaries and This River returns with his most moving work yet. Opening with the tragic tale of an elderly couple consumed by opioid addiction and moving through the horrors of a Las Vegas massacre to the loss of a beloved sponsor, these essays draw on Brown’s personal journey to illustrate how an individual life, in all its messiness and charm, can offer a blueprint for healing. From writing about finding a new path in life while raising three sons, to making peace with the family whose ghosts have haunted him, and helping the next generation of addicts overcome their disease, this haunting and hopeful book is a reinvention of the recovery story and a lasting testimony from the master of the modern memoir. “The third panel in Brown’s masterwork triptych on addiction from youth to sixty, Apology to the Young Addict also accomplishes at last a staggeringly rare mercy—on the ghosts of memory, the ravages of disease, the brutal hypocrisies of religion, and finally—most shockingly—on himself.” —Gina Frangello, author of Every Kind of Wanting and A Life in Men
Neuroscience now shows us--in living color, thanks to PET scans and fMRI technology--that falling in love affects our brains precisely the same way as snorting cocaine. Award-winning author and screenwriter Ethlie Ann Vare already knew that; she's been addicted to both. She survived to tell the tale . . . with humor, honesty, and hope. Just because something is addictive doesn't mean that you will get addicted to it. But . . . if your stomach ties up in knots while you count the seconds waiting for a phone call from that special someone . . . if you hear a loud buzzing in your ears when you see a certain person's car (or one just like it) . . . if your eyes burn when you hear a random love song or see a couple holding hands . . . if you suffer the twin agonies of craving for and withdrawing from a series of unrequited crushes or toxic relationships . . . if you always feel like you're clutching at someone's ankle and dragged across the floor as they try to leave the room . . . welcome to the club. With a light touch and a sharp wit, Ethlie has enlisted some famous love junkies--including supermodel Amber Smith, movie star William McNamara, and comedienne Margaret Cho--and the top therapists and researchers in the field to help lead you from the dark of despair into the dawn of recovery.
Pilates benefits every body--including yours! Pilates is exercise for your mind, body, and spirit, but what if your body won't cooperate? How can you take advantage of all Pilates has to offer--strengthening your core, enhancing your flexibility, and even improving your posture--if you think you're too old or too big or too physically unable to perform the Hundred, the Shoulder Bridge, or the Double-Leg Stretch? No matter what your age, size, or physical ability is, you can do every exercise in Pilates for Everyone. Each Pilates exercise shows the typical movements for gaining the physical and mental benefits from that exercise. Then each exercise offers at least three variations performed by people just like you to help you find the right modification that fits who you are. This way, no matter which version you perform, you're going to reach similar goals. Pilates for Everyone includes these features: • 50 step-by-step exercises for specific body areas • Step-by-step modifications for every exercise • 10 routines that combine exercises from the book for maximum benefits • Expert advice from Micki Havard on how to get the most out of your practice ––– “I’m a lead instructor trainer for Merrithew and Stott Pilates. I have spent more than two decades sharing the passion of Pilates and movements with my students and aspiring new instructors. Micki Havard has included in this book exercises and modifications suitable for everyone’s needs. Micki knows how to deliver key principles so you can practice Pilates safely at home. I find Micki’s book easy to follow and inspiring. Her guidance will make everyone strong!” Thicha Srivisal Pilates expert www.breathepilates.com.sg @thichapilates ––– “It’s about time this book was written by Micki. Her insights in fitness, Pilates, and well-being are to be revered. Micki’s perseverance on this journey to inspire and empower others is to be embraced. With her work, she encourages others to achieve their fullest potential through her belief in them, the Pilates method, and her wealth of knowledge. Literally ANY body can benePHIT from MickiPHIT. Coming from years of experience, she has channeled all of her knowledge and experience into writing this book for everyBODY. Taking away the layers of perceived obstacles by people’s mindset, anyBODY can do it—and she shows you how in this fabulous book.” Debbie Robbins Founder of Air Control Pilates www.aircontrolpilates.com @aircontrolpilates ––– “This book is an incredible resource for learning movement in a way that is accessible for EVERY body no matter what stage of life you are in. Micki gives clear and detailed directions, with so many options for modifications. Her exercises are easy for you to follow and will help you achieve your goals. I love the way the photos and descriptions speak to a diverse population. Micki Havard’s expert teaching will give you the confidence and strength to exercise consistently and enjoy the work every time you do it!” Jill Harris Owner of Informed Body Creator of FitSprings www.fitsprings.com @jillharrispilates ––– “Pilates for Everyone written by Micki Havard is exactly what the title implies. Micki doesn’t just use words but shows readers that the statement in the title is indeed true. This vibrant book that warmly welcomes the reader into the world of Pilates clearly explains how each exercise is executed. The models, who we also learn about their background, are not Pilates statues but actual everyday people who show that Pilates can be done by everyone. The breakdown of the book—the workouts, variations, modifications, and adjustments—are excellent and show the reader that at whatever fitness level they’re at, they too can move with strength and joy!” Michelle DuVall Creator of Barre Variations www.barrevariations.com @barrevariations
