#QUITLIT Book Review: Beachglass, A Novel by Wendy Blackburn

October 21, 2020

This Quit-Lit book review Beachglass, a novel by Wendy Blackburn, is a vibrant, heartbreaking tale of one woman’s struggles. Incredibly personal to me, this novel was the very first book I read in my early sobriety back in 2006. It’s a gritty story that presents an inside look into the rooms of AA and the constant struggle to not only achieve sobriety but also be able to hold onto it.

When I’m not busy doing all the things, you can usually find my nose in a book. A real book. You know, one that has a hardcover and paper pages. Kindle is not for me as I just can’t always have my face stuck in front of a screen. I don’t exactly remember where I purchased Beachglass, but I do remember being drawn in by the cover artwork. (Why yes I do judge a book by its cover) Beachglass, commonly known as sea glass, is beautiful and something you can find here on the coasts of Washington state, where Wendy Blackburn is also from.

Sea glass is symbolic of the magic of transformation. These precious stones are formed with gritty sand and the hard rocks of life. It’s been through the sunny days and the storms. The gentle waves continuously flow over them over long periods of time creating smoothness and even sparkle. Ok, I might be making that up. I’m not a scientist. I just know sea glass has been through a lot, but still manages to come out the other side as hard but also strong and beautiful.

Beachglass, a novel by Wendy Blackburn

Dehlia, the main character in the book, is entering treatment for drug and alcohol addiction at the early age of 17. I can’t even imagine getting sober that young in life. The story sets up with the backdrop of West Hollywood in the late 1980s. Yes, there will be drag queens, strippers, beautiful boys, and artists. The reader gets to be right there with Dehlia as she immersed herself in rehab and AA, healing from old wounds, and forging ahead with a brand new life.

This brand new life is one to be proud of. Our main character Dehlia has made herself a beautiful life in Seattle. with a loving husband, has a beautiful daughter, and is equipped with her hard-earned knowledge of what it was like, what happened, and what it’s like now. That is until she gets a call that takes her back to her old Los Angeles stomping grounds.

The story unfolds from there and I’m not one to give away the end. Want to find a copy of this book? I recommend trying thrift shops and used book stores. If that doesn’t yield results, you know that Amazon has you covered.

Maybe this book had such a strong impact on me because I was only months sober. Or perhaps because it’s based in my city, the emerald city, the place I call home. Kudos to Wendy Blackburn for showing how addiction touches not only the addict but also the wide circle of people that surround them.

Are you or someone you know in need of resources?

If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.

Resources are available

If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.

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