As a recovering alcoholic myself, I was especially drawn to Neil's story, and I smiled frequently as I read similarity after similarity. "Drinking is something I earned the right to do", Neil says early in his book. That was my sentiment as well, and a tough river to cross.
In a nutshell, Neil gradually became more and more in love with alcohol, and the ease and comfort produced by it. It began to cause problems. With the assistance of his wife and the courts, Neil sought help. That's the way most of us get introduced into recovery (and that's ok folks-not shameful-just the way it goes).
Neil stubbornly and slightly arrogantly trudges through his court-appointed treatment, where he fights most of what they try to teach him, but he learns a great deal along the way in spite of himself.
In the end, Neil seems to still struggle with a few major recovery keystones such as humility, a relationship with God, and a recovery program. However, there's not just one single path to recovery.
The book is well-written, amicable, candid, and engaging. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It's been awhile since a book held my attention like this one did.
I look forward to reading the sequel in a few years as Neil continues his journey, and grows spiritually. It is my hope that he continues to grow in honesty, openmindedness, and willingness.
Thanks for the walk through this tough segment of your life Neil. Eventually, you'll come to realize that being an alcoholic could very well be the greatest gift God ever gave you.

The most interesting thing about this book is that it isn't interesting. A garden variety drunkalog is a breath of fresh air after reading Augusten Burroughs and others like him. We aren't dragged through his past as he seeks to explain what can't be explained. To read how a good father, husband and employee can still be stricken is a story rarely told because it isn't interesting or sensational enough for a screenplay. Pete Hamill is too full of himself to be taken seriously....even if he DID drink in Farrell's. Don't get me started with Frey!

About: Steinberg relates his battle with alcoholism.

Pros: Well-written, raw and honest tale with a palpably somber tone throughout that shows how devastating alcoholism can be to relationships. Steinberg has a way of getting the reader to feel his frustrations and difficulties right along with him. This is not your typical feel-good recovery story.

Cons: The earnestly solemn feel of the story left me feeling drained after reading. Do not read if you want to be uplifted, as truth isn't always pretty. The epilogue, although the bright spot of the book, does little to assuage the necessarily depressed feel of its preceding pages.

I saw this book in a local bookshop under the "New Authors" section. I always check that out. I passed it by and wished I had bought it. I did that a few times until finally I just walked in, picked it up and ran to the cashier before I could change my mind. I love memoirs and this one looked really good.

I am so glad I did... I thought this was one of the most honest accounts of an every day guy falling into the clutches of alcoholism and coming back up. I love that he let us into his mind as he was getting all this information - "sure, great, they think it's normal to relapse, so let's play that for Saturday! Yup, Saturday is relapse day" - okay, not quite like that, but you could see the wheels turning in his head. I thought it was interesting that he found his wife as his "higher power", I was expecting him to find god and go all righteous on us. It was a nice change from the bible beating AA writers I sometimes read.

On the other hand, I felt some of this was sanitized. Don't get me wrong, there was enough things in there that were more than I would have felt comfortable sharing, in parts, he's honest but somewhat detached and that rang very true for what he must have been going through at a time. I can't imagine this disease having a grip on me and at the same time having a spouse who is trying to deal with it in her own way as well. This book left off a couple of years ago I think, I wonder how he's doing now. How is Edie? I think I'll go see if he has an interview update online.

A great read for those of us that like memoirs. I hope he writes another one in a few years if there's more to tell.

I heard Neil Steinberg being interviewed on a local radio show and decided to purchase the book. I was really both surprised and disappointed in what I read. Actually, it is a very quick and easy read and did keep my attention. However, discussion of AA and his making a monetary profit seems to go against the AA steps and traditions. I found this more of a "drunkalogue" much as you hear people's stories in an AA meeting. He didn't really connect with the spiritual foundation of the program and declaring his wife as his Higher Power I find absurd. I know that people do often struggle with the concept of a higher power, and I'm glad for his sobriety, but giving his Al-Anon wife so much control is dangerous. They each need to work on themselves, through their own programs of recovery. Just my opinion!

This was an excellent book for those affected in some way back alcoholism. It was a very honest portrayal of the winding, rocky road recovery can be. It is rare that one shot at treatment is sufficient. I appreciated
several things - 1) Mr. Steinberg's honesty about his struggle with the spiritual aspect of AA. This is something that keep many people away from AA and I think his sharing of his ambivolence about it - yet going and finding something of use there may be of benefit to others. 2) His honest about his relapses. Again, its rare that the path is a straight one for most people in recovery. 3) This is a story of a 'functional alcoholic' rather than someone really at rock bottom.

I found the book very helpful in gaining insight as to what it's like for someone through the process of recovery.

This is an excellent book for anyone that has an addiction, or for those that have lived with some form of dysfunction. In other words - everyone! The book doesn't suffer from pretense, and wisely leaves it to the reader to discern the futility of trying to repeat the same behaviour and expect different results. This is a lesson that applies to all aspects of life, not merely addiction.

as a drinker i could relate to many of the problems the author faced.it was both informative and entertaining,laughing out loud in some instances.if you are or if you know or are involved with a colorful character you will enjoy and be more knowledgeable!and that's that!!!

"Drunkard" is a great book, with the author showing a wonderful use of words and a clever way to make his devastating story very funny. He laughs through his tears and so do the readers.

First things first -- this is very well written book by someone who can actually write. A little ironic, a little funny, a little depressing, and a little bit uncomfortably over-intimate, in the tradition of the modern memoir. I saw it at my local bookstore last week (but ordered it on my Kindle) and picked it up on a whim. I'm not really sure how the book would come off to people who don't have problems with drugs or alcohol. I do, so a lot of it hit home with me. In one of those weird coincidences that make you wonder if the universe is trying to send you a personal message, I am 43 (like the author), I have two young children (like the author), I went to Northwestern (like the author), I lived in Winetka (near the author), and I have been drunk in virtually every Chicago restaurant and bar mentioned in the book (like the author). Oh, and this is my first year of sobriety. So, this hit weirdly and uncomfortably close to home for me. Lest you get the wrong impression, the book is not all melodrama; there is a lot of wry humor in the book that I deeply appreciated. If you have a drinking problem or know somebody who does -- or if you just want a peek into that world -- I would definitely recommend this book.

I should start by saying that this was a very easy read. I felt that I was able to get a good grasp of what AA was like, at least one man's point of it anyway.
There was though, something that I didn't like. I'm not quite sure what it is though. I certainly don't like Neil Steinberg as an individual. I would never want to be friends with him. I think the book is void of emotion. I can't help but think that his background as a reporter had something to do with that. Afterall reporters are told to try and take themselves out of their stories, and to offer little of their own feelings. This is a memoir though and it is only effective if we get to know the person and really get inside their head.
If you want to read a book that has a similiar subject but does it better, I would suggest: Dry: A Memoir.

Neil Steinberg's Drunkard: A Hard-Drinking Life is a fascinating account of his struggle to confront his alcoholism. This is a well written book about a subject that almost everyone can relate to on some level. While recounting a very dark time in his life, Steinberg manages to hang on to his sense of humor.

I am a member of Alcoholics Anonymous - someone who believes in the program - and I think it takes time to realize the program is spiritual and not religous and kind and not a dictatorship. Only another person who has walked the walk can understand the insanity of repeating the same behavior, sneaking drinks, drinking in the morning, etc.. But it is not a coincindental that Mr. Steinberg does not buy into AA. He is arrogant and does not have the humility necessary to follow the program of Alcoholics Anonymous. He is exactly the type of person AA was created for and by - a white male. I understood him but I didn't like him very much. I wish him well, and I only hope he eventually finds the comfort and friendship I have found in Alcoholics Anonymous.

I am a regular reader of Mr. Steinberg's Sun-Times column, and was impressed by the grace and humility he exhibited when addressing his struggle. I have eagerly awaited his memoir of the experience, and was not disappointed. Steinberg does not hide his selfish, hurtful behavior nor the fortress of lies he built to conceal it. His story is difficult to read - and it must have been excruciating to write.

There is no happy ending for alcoholics/addicts and their families; at best, there can be healing and a commitment to pursuing a hopeful future. Steinberg is a fortunate man - he was forced to confront his disease in time to save his family, his job, and his life. Sharing his story is a grateful man's way of acknowledging his good fortune and making restitution to the world at large.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who struggles with substance abuse, for those affected by a loved one's struggle, and for anyone who seeks an education about addiction in the real world.

DRUNKARD, on the face of it, is another memoir of a tortured or addicted soul. One guy. But somehow Steinberg, with his lack of hyperbole and impeccable timing and style, draws us in and we feel an oddly genuine intimacy - one that good writers know how to deliver. i'm sober one year and a greedy obsessive reader, and this one rates up there with DRY by Augusten Burroughs, and Drinking, A Love Story. In fact, this book seems to me an uncanny hybrid of the two. It's not superior to either DRY or DRINKING A LOVE STORY, but it holds its own nicely. Most highly recommended.

DRUNKARD: A HARD-DRINKING LIFE by Neil Steinberg is a story that begged not to be told. Even the author admits that he'll be happy when it's landfill. The book is a memoir about a man's inability to control his alcoholic urges, although it doesn't have the passion of the fictional tale Days of Wine and Roses with Jack Lemmon and Lee Remick. Instead, he professes to drinking a relatively modest 3 to 5 drinks per day. Being a successful Chicago newspaper columnist in the tradition of Mike Royko For the Love of Mike: More of the Best of Mike Royko, albeit with a fraction of the literary talent, probably lends itself to a certain feeling of nobility for being able to function daily while drinking hard. After all, many great writers were known for their addictions. But to quote another Neil (Young), "every junkie's like a setting sun."

The author will be pleased to know that my copy is heading for the landfill this Tuesday.

Charlie Z
July 16, 2008

DRUNKARD: A HARD-DRINKING LIFE by Neil Steinberg is a story that begged *not* to be told. Even the author admits that he'll be happy when it's landfill. The book is a memoir about a man's inability to control his alcoholic urges, although it doesn't have the passion of Leaving Las Vegas or Days of Wine and Roses. Instead, he professes to drinking a relatively modest 3 to 5 drinks per day. Of course, only his bartender knows for sure how many shots are dumped into those drinks. Being a successful Chicago newspaper columnist in the tradition of Mike Royko, probably lends itself to a certain feeling of nobility for being able to function daily while drinking hard. After all, many great writers were known for their addictions. But to quote another Neil (Young), "every junkie's like a setting sun."

Charlie Z
July 16, 2008

DRUNKARD: A HARD-DRINKING LIFE by Neil Steinberg is a story that begged *not* to be told. Even the author admits that he'll be happy when it's landfill. The book is a memoir about a man's inability to control his alcoholic urges, although it doesn't have the passion of Leaving Las Vegas or Days of Wine and Roses. Instead, he professes to drinking a relatively modest 3 to 5 drinks per day. Of course, only his bartender knows for sure how many shots are dumped into those drinks. Being a successful Chicago newspaper columnist in the tradition of Mike Royko, probably lends itself to a certain feeling of nobility for being able to function daily while drinking hard. After all, many great writers were known for their addictions. But to quote another Neil (Young), "every junkie's like a setting sun."

Well written, but may not appeal to all tastes.

Charlie Z
July 16, 2008

DRUNKARD: A HARD-DRINKING LIFE by Neil Steinberg is a story that begged *not* to be told. Even the author admits that he'll be happy when it's landfill. The book is a memoir about a man's inability to control his alcoholic urges, although it doesn't have the passion of Leaving Las Vegas or Days of Wine and Roses. Instead, he professes to drinking a relatively modest 3 to 5 drinks per day. Of course, only his bartender knows for sure how many shots are dumped into those drinks. Being a successful Chicago newspaper columnist in the tradition of Mike Royko, probably lends itself to a certain feeling of nobility for being able to function daily while drinking hard. After all, many great writers were known for their addictions. But to quote another Neil (Young), "every junkie's like a setting sun."

Well written, but not recommended.

Charlie Z
July 16, 2008

DRUNKARD: A HARD-DRINKING LIFE by Neil Steinberg is a story that begged *not* to be told. Even the author admits that he'll be happy when it's landfill. The book is a memoir about a man's inability to control his alcoholic urges, although it doesn't have the passion of Leaving Las Vegas or Days of Wine and Roses. Instead, he professes to drinking a relatively modest 3 to 5 drinks per day. Of course, only his bartender knows for sure how many shots are dumped into those drinks. Being a successful Chicago newspaper columnist in the tradition of Mike Royko, probably lends itself to a certain feeling of nobility for being able to function daily while drinking hard. After all, many great writers were known for their addictions. But to quote another Neil (Young), "Every junkie's like a setting sun."

This book doesn't have the strange visceral appeal of Ironweed or Barfly. It is mostly the tale of an ordinary man who still seems locked in denial. Steinberg appears to be precariously balanced on the edge of a precipice, wondering whether to go forward or turn back. Whatever demons are driving him, I hope he recovers.

Charlie Z
July 16, 2008

I bought this book for friend who's going through rehab. He and the author have much in common - both are creative, successful and have loving spouses and families. Before passing to on to my friend and read through Drunkard quickly and found it to be an honest account of someone who was not easily convinced. Perhaps it was the reporter in him that required more than one source/or situation to tell him he was out of control. If you have a friend, family-member, loved one who could benefit from Drunkard, I recommend it.

and so felt a bit disappointed when I reached the end of Neil Steinberg's account of his descent into alcoholism. . Steinberg's story never really grabbed me. He's almost too detached, too analytical. I wasn't looking for Greek tragedy but I thought that somewhere along the way the author would admit to a few tears, to a sleepless night or two. I felt cheated.

Loved this book. Neil Steinberg isn't an out of control, down on his luck, out on the street kind of drunk. No, he's more of an average guy who finds himself thinking about drinking when he should be working. Or having a nip right before he drives his kids to a softball game. Or hits his wife because he's so loaded and she's had just about enough of him. Every single word rings true. Laughed and cried,a nd really, what more can you ask? Hats & Eyeglasses: A Family Love Affair with Gambling

I'll begin with my most serious criticism of this book: the book itself, not the contents. The binding shattered while I read chapter 3, then shed pages for the duration like a Persian cat sheds hair in August.

I know no one's interested, but I had to vent.

That said, I'll admit to an early-on fear that I'd picked up the wrong drunkalogue when the author admitted to his rehab gatekeeper a daily average consumption of only 3-5 drinks: not the stuff of alcoholism as I know it, nor the subject of a book I'd be willing to invest time into. I smelled a rat, or a moderate-drinking newspaper columnist with a nagging, teetotalling wife he'd taken an ill-advised swat at. While in the pokey, the notion of converting all that into a book opportunity crossed his mind--or so went the Murphy's Law thought that crossed MY mind, anyway; the $25 had been spent, and the book by that time was in a non-returnable condition.

Happily, I can report that by the time I'd turned the final loose leaf, Steinberg had redeemed both himself and his literary effort--and, in so doing, my investment. Unlike the pages of my book, His alcoholic credentials proved solid, held firm under the weight of post-rehab mischief: slips, lapses, and relapses. Tapping on locked doors of liquor stores before hours, hoping for human mercy. Placing clinking bagfuls of hostile three-to-five-drinks-my-@$$ testimony into moonlit dumpsters. And binges, both bolt-out-of-the-blue and the more calculated when-the-cat(i.e., wife)-is-away variety, most of them conducted like shadowy, lamplit acts of marital infidelity (His wife had read him the standard booze-or-me riot act, adding her confidence that he'd "make the right decision." He clearly, by this point, wasn't so sure).

Any alcoholic worthy of his or her morning shakes will feel the same warm implosion I did reading Steinberg's recollection of waking alone at 1:00 AM with a fifth of Gordon's, then watching the contents slip from "G" to "S" over the next few dark, dead-to-the-world hours. But the clincher--the profundity only another drunk can appreciate with precision--is his observation that "...memory of [drinking] prompts us to contemplate the aridity of our future lives as suburban [and abstinent] alcoholics, a bleak desert stretching before us. Where will our fun be? From whence our comfort?"

Yes, he understands. Therein--and eloquently stated--is the essence of the thing.

The admission must be made that save for the fact he's at least a minor celebrated figure, the wife-and-two-kids suburban backdrop of his tale is, well...ordinary. His book would surely suffer the same fate were he not a writer by vocation, and by demonstrated talent. He knows how to craft a story. And along the way, he has an insightful remark or two to make about this nation's 12-step-based rehabilitation monopoly, not all of them complementary. He has his problems with AA--the low success rate, the mind-dead sloganeering, the "God thing"--but it's the only game in town of any consequence, if a game in which many of the players march in one-lockstep-at-a-time, vacant-eyed harmony. A sobering thought, that.

In the end, conflicts with his wife and his search for an agnostic's Higher Power converge and are fused into a single, novel resolution of both problems.

It was a good ride, and worth the read.