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Colleen P. (Floresville, TX)
Dangerous When Wet is a HIT!
Mama Jean is unforgettable and definitely the best character in the book next to the author. Her unflappable attitude when dealing with divorce, raising three boys pretty much on her own, and dealing with the 'coming out' of one of her son's is one of the highlights of this book. Then there's the author dealing with this from his perspective, cutting no corners, letting us in on all the nitty gritty episodes that shaped his life. This is a book that is going on my favorites shelf.
Eileen L. (Danvers, MA)
Funny yet heartbreaking
I love this book! All the characters are so well developed and the story line rings so true. The dynamic between Mama Jean and her son, and everyone else in her world, is thoroughly enjoyable and the highlight of the book for me. Jaime is a well defined, tragic yet endearing soul struggling to find his way and that combination makes this story irresistible. Great read
Sheila B. (Danvers, MA)
Dangerous when wet...and laughing...and crying
I really enjoyed reading Jamie Brickhouse's love letter to his two favorite things in the world -- his mother and alcohol. Mama Jean was a force to be reckoned with who loved fiercely. Every time I put the book down, I went back to read "just one more chapter." Being approximately the same age as Jamie, I understood the world in which he existed. I laughed out loud, and cried. I recently lost my brother to a form of dementia. Mama Jean's story will bring awareness to this little known horrific disease. It was a satisfying read that hit just about every emotion.
Rosemary C. (Austin, TX)
Intense, humorous and heartwarming
I don't easily give 5 star ratings to books, but Jamie Brickhouse has earned one with this book. He can really write, and he has an epic story to tell of his path to hedonism-laced alcoholism and his winding road to redemption. I'm glad he made it back and realized his abilities as a writer. He shows a great deal of insight into the reasons for his life choices, and he vividly brings to life those who impacted him, including the bigger than life Mama Jean. I appreciate his forthrightness and vulnerability and am grateful he has shared his powerful story. Bravo!
Liz B. (Fairview, TX)
What a Ride!
This memoir of a young gay man's struggle with multiple addictions kept me intrigued to the end. It's a psychological self-study of the downward spiral he faced, while keeping readers both entertained and heart-broken with his decisions in life. Mama Jean was a larger-than-life mother figure who loved Jamie to the end but may have done unintentional harm with her undying devotion. I really enjoyed this book and wish Jamie much success in his future endeavors.
Daryl B. (Poolesville, MD)
Dangerous When Wet
I really liked this book. The story of a gay man's love affair with alcohol and his larger than life "Mama Jean" made for a hilariously heart rending read. Jamie seemed to have been born with his attraction to drinking. It started at such a young age. He was blessed with loving parents and many friends that loved him. I'm not sure I would recommend this for my book club as it may be a bit graphic for some members. That being said, it was a story I really enjoyed.
Erin F. (Easton, MD)
A revealing look at the author's life and struggles
Reading this book was like hearing a friend tell me his or her life story. Jamie Brickhouse's voice shines through in every word in this book. By reading it, I feel like I know him. Brickhouse's life as a gay man living in New York and struggling with alcoholism and addiction could not be any more different than mine, but through reading this book I feel like I have shared in all his highs and lows. Believe me, the highs were very high and the lows were so low they were heartbreaking. It was like a peek into someone else's private life
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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