Girl Walks Out of a Bar

I remember when I first saw this title, I wished I had thought of it myself. Though mine may have been, Girl Walks Into a Bar and Stays Way Too Long. Another memoir by a woman who excelled professionally, as she hid her alcohol and coke addictions from herself and others, until it got so bad she couldn’t hide it anymore. 

This gave me a story that I had no personal experience with—walking around as a successful person during the day (in her case, a lawyer) while managing a secret life of addiction. It’s great storytelling combined with insightful commentary on addiction and I believe was responsible for opening many people to the idea of being high-functioning while also struggling with addiction.

A New York lawyer, Lisa F. Smith, spirals downward while her friends reach new heights in their careers, life, and relationships. Cocaine, booze, lies, and depression fuel her descent. It’s raw; it’s honest, and it’s a beautiful story of redemption and recovery.