Under Our Roof: A Son’s Battle for Recovery, a Mother’s Battle for Her Son
by Madeleine Dean & Harry Cunnane
Written by the mother-son duo of Pennsylvania Congresswoman Madeleine Dean and Harry Cunnane, the authors alternate chapters, each writing what they thought and felt while they were going through the son’s addiction to opioids and the journey through recovery.
Madeleine Dean taught writing at La Salle University, was a member of the PA House from 2012- 2018 and has been a US Congresswoman since 2019. Harry is currently working in addiction recovery, helping others. As opioid addiction is a huge issue that has affected so many lives, I was really interested in their story. I enjoyed hearing it from both perspectives as well. They seemed to be honest with their stories.
This young man has a supportive family and the ability to afford treatment, and the book shows how anyone can become addicted. In our book club discussion, someone asked how the book may have been received differently had it been about a sexual addiction instead of drugs. I really enjoy discussing the book with others who have read the book. Most of the book club is fun and light-hearted but can also be thought-provoking.
None Of This Is True
by Lisa Jewell
This is a psychological thriller told from different points of view and timelines. I did not find it hard to follow, but it definitely took a few twists and turns. The author is British and the story is based in London. It’s about two women who share a birthday: a Podcaster and a woman who wants her story told. I don’t want to give away the story, even though you can probably figure out a lot from the title. The families become involved, and things get out of hand. Parts of the book are told through a Netflix true crime podcast documentary. This story made me wonder why some people don’t trust their intuition. It also shows how people jump to conclusions, especially when a relationship has a sizable age difference.
