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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
…more 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. (less)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
…more 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. (less)
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.
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!
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!
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
…more finally find peace within himself. (less)I finished this for the book review but I wouldn't recommend it. I am not a prude but I found it to be not interesting and not even funny. I felt like he was trying too hard to be "funny" but it came across kind of sad to me.
Elizabeth G. (Cincinnati, OH)
Boring as a Wet Cocktail Napkin
I wanted to like this memoir but as I read it, questions came to mind such as: how did this book even get published? I've read a lot of books and watched several films about addiction and find them very interesting. This book is interesting at first, but what do you do when the main character has no interests, no character, and one basic goal in life? The author includes more details about the random guys he picks up than about his long-time partner.
Jamie's goals from a young age--(high school) are to drink and boink. Those are his aspirations in life and he sets out to do them in NYC because he always
…more visualized himself drinking there--oh the glamour! We get details on how much he loves fur coats--a lot!. He loves martinis. He adores Joan Crawford. We get a glimpse of a few real people that seem important to him, but one who sounds incredibly interesting and maybe influential is reduced to the angora sweater she wears. And unfortunately is gone too soon.
The author sets out to party because he wants to; and he loves it and continues endlessly. It's a bit backward; and since he's my age, the post-80s sex education makes it counter-intuitive as well. Dangerous is right.
The "drama" about MamaJean is really overdone. She is a Southern woman who lavishes attention on her baby, but I really couldn't see how it was any more co-dependent than a lot of child-parent relationships that don't involve drinking and boinking as your main goals in life. He went off to college and then moved to New York. If she had a tantrum here and there, so what? Parents sometimes get mad and have a little drama. This book is just a love letter to the author. He used her as part of the framework for this book. She was busy with her life during this time as well but always helped him when he needed it. It's possible he thinks her slight eccentricity and his shallow eccentrics make him special somehow, but they don't. I've known plenty of alcoholics, some family members. None have risen to this height of utter disdain.
His contempt for everything from his small hometown to monogamy to 12-step programs to a really nice rehab is off the charts. What does Jamie love? Fur coats, alcohol, sex, and himself. And Mama Jean to some extent. When he can look past himself. This book is a great guide about a full-blown narcissist. He wasn't repressed, oppressed, abused, or harmed in any way. He wanted to drink and boink as much as possible and he did so until he was too sick to do it anymore.
There is no redemption for this spoiled, immature, shallow, irresponsible, egotisitcal brat. He's taken it all for granted. If you want a good memoir about addiction--this is NOT it.
Note: I have no problem with gay writers or addicts at all. The issue here is that this book was a complete chore to read with no redeeming qualities. I'd recommend David Sedaris for great writing on family dynamics and even James Frey's A Million Little Pieces (part fiction or not; it's still a much better story). (less)
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