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There are currently 16 member reviews
for Dangerous When Wet
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Vivian H. (Winchester, VA)
Engaging Journey of Recovery
I felt conflicted by the narrative. Having friends who have gone through similar journeys during the same time period caused me to remember their highs and lows, their battles to live in mainstream society and their struggles with addiction. The writing is engaging. The story is not new. But it is told with a fresh voice in Jamie Brickhouse.
Jamie would have been great fun during his years of partying, overt rebellion, and slide into degradation.But I admire his ability to seek recovery and make the decision to live. This was considerably more readable than your typical book about recovery.
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Molly B. (Longmont, CO)
A brave and funny memoir
Dangerous When Wet is written in a flowing, amusing way that made it an easy pleasure to read. Brickhouse is one brave raconteur, giving us a glimpse into his alcohol-ridden, gay life, with enough details to inform and fascinate, but not so many as to make the reader too uncomfortable to continue. He gives a very clear picture of what it's like to be an alcoholic. The book centers on his relationship with his mother, but it didn't need to. Mama Jean was a force, but I was left with a much clearer picture of the author than of his mother. Perhaps the void I felt in her persona stemmed from an inability of any person to truly know their parent. Regardless, I enjoyed the book very much, and feel grateful to Mr. B for allowing me a glimpse of his life. I am left hoping that he is doing well and wishing him the very best.
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Claire M. (Sarasota, FL)
Sex, Drugs, Rock&Roll. And Mama
A searingly forthright memoir from a high level publishing exec recounts his escalating drinking problem, his need for one night stands, and the power his mother's love held over him. Jamie Brickhouse grew up in Texas in an outrageously dysfunctional family and moved to NYC right after college. He had always known he was gay and being free of Beaumont Texas, he soon met his unbelievably supportive partner who stood with him through years of alcohol abuse, trysts in which he found himself waking up in strange towns, losing a few jobs and ultimately, a near death experience. Jamie dried out and it lasted for awhile but there were fall outs along the way until he finally came to grips with the shadow of his mother's love and the need to function without having to prove who loved whom more. It's quite a ride and a story of family and almost unconditional love.
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Peggy H. (North East, PA)
Mommie Dearest, Through a Drunken Haze
This was an intriguing scary roller coaster of a read. The author pulls you into his life of self discovery and self destruction. His portrayal of his overbearing mother is fascinating and believable, and you are so drawn in that you almost forget to be appalled by what he is doing to himself.
Although the author states at the beginning that he is purposely leaving out the point of view of his two brothers and fathers, I found their omission a bit disturbing. Overall, a great read.
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Aleksandra E. (Alpharetta, GA)
Enjoyable reading
As a fan of witty memoirs, I can certainly say this one didn't fail to amuse me. It was touching and entertaining. The author has an excellent writing style and the book was absorbing. I enjoyed it!
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Deb Y. (Parkersburg, WV)
Look out, Wade Rouse!
This book was a hoot! Wade will need to look to his laurels when word gets out about this book... It's not for everyone, but those who don't mind alternative lifestyles will get a kick out of it!
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Jane H. (Prospect, KY)
DANGEROUS WHEN WET
This was probably one of the better efforts at self portrait of a young man as an alcoholic. His self deprecation and hilarious takes on the world were funny and heartbreaking at the same time; his relationship with Mamma Jean was warped. Even though she loved him beyond words, the damage she did with the type of love she dispensed was life altering. If you are a hovering parent you should take note, you are not doing your child any favors with your smothering attention. I'm not sure if the rehab began to work or Jamie finally matured -- or maybe a combo of both, but I was glad to see this talented young man finally find peace within himself.
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