Lost Years: Surviving a Mother and Daughter's Worst Nightmare Book

Wow - I don't know what to say. My life paralelled Kristina's in so many ways. I admire her and her Mothers bravery. It had to be so hard to come out with all of these truths.
I don't think Kristina expanded on everything - I truly believe there were some parts left out and normally this would bother me. It didn't here, maybe because she was so truthful.
The writing here is so simple yet so beautiful - the emotion comes shining through which makes the simple wording so much more meaningful.
My younger sister read this before me and I really hope I can get my Mom to read it. Recovery, for the addict and the family, is a life-long process and I really think my Mom may be able to come away with something from The Lost Years.
I was inspired reading this and that happens.... well, never. I woke up and started making a list of places in my area that cater to addicts and I want to start volunteering. And I want to go back to school. I made myself believe that I couldn't do it and this book brought it back that I can do it.
I love the cover with Kristina looking out at the reader and Constance looking at Kristina. Both of their eyes are filled with so much.
They're both beautiful, strong women.
Here is a sampling of Kristina's thoughts from page 132:
I wondered what my friends in school would say if they could see me now. I used to be lean and strong. I was beautiful once, and sweet, funny, and shy. What would they think now if they could see me lying here on this bed, high on crack, starving, shivering, and waiting to be fucked by a crack-addicted blind man?
There are many memoirs out there by reovered/recovering addicts. Some are false and everyone knows it - A Million Little Pieces and some are truly awesome and real - In My Skin: A Memoir. Not many really can get through to someone. I believe that was Kristina and Constance's goal here. Not to get the name of the company Kristina started out, not to make money or get known. I honestly think they wanted to tell their story to heal and to hopefully help others heal. That also comes through in the writing and it makes it meaningful - that's something a lot of memoirs "like this" lack.
I'll be recommending this book for a long time to come. Don't miss it - whether you're an addict, recovering, have a family member addicted/recovering or just like memoirs, this is one not to miss.