Why am I passionate about this?
Joe's book list on what addiction is really like, no punches pulled
Why did Joe love this book?
This one hurts. Because when I was asked to write this list, Ryanâs book immediately came to mind. Part fiction, part memoir, all hell, Wasted Talent might be the most aptly titled book ever. See, Ryan, who was an amazing writer, talent, and friend, died last week. I donât know what of. Iâm not gonna speculate. But he was in his thirties and wasnât hit by a car. Over the last few years, Ryan and I werenât in touch as much, though I did put money on his books when he returned to prison. Ryanâs life and work are a testament to one irrefutable fact. I didnât go the AA route. But, boy did they get the final destination right. Addiction ends one of three ways: jails, institutions, death. Wasted Talent is Ryanâs only novel. That he didnât grace the world with more defends his titular choices.
1 author picked Wasting Talent as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.
ALL AUTHOR PROCEEDS FROM KINDLE VERSION WILL GO TOWARDS STARTING A NON-PROFIT TO HELP OPIOD ADDICTS GET NARCAN FOR FREE (a life saving drug used to reverse overdoses and save lives.)
Ryan Leone's Wasting Talent stands out as a shining example of survivor literature. Ryan's prose evokes lost giants like Hubert Selby Jr and Eddie Little. As art, and as inspiration, Wasting Talent delivers. Ryan Leone is the real deal!"
- Jerry Stahl, bestselling author of Permanent Midnight
"I feel I should write a disclaimer about Ryan Leone's Wasting Talent, like 'Don't try this at home.' So, I will: Don'tâŚ