Broken Promises: One Family's Journey Through Alcoholism to Reconciliation

I was emotionally connected to this book within the first few pages and I found it hard to put down. It brought me insight to the mind of an addict and an understanding of the effects of addiction for all involved. It was an emotional read for sure. This book gives a brutally honest look into some harsh realities and raw emotions from both the writer/addict and her loved ones who also contribute their side of things both then and now.I am impressed with Jane and her family's strength to endure all they did and still manage to reach reconciliation. Not an easy achievement, to be certain. If you are an addict or know one, reading this book will give you understanding, knowledge, hope, or all of the above.

This is an amazing read. Gut wrenching yes, but also uplifting and inspiring. I know these folks and I was around through middle school and high school, yet there was so much I didn't know. They weathered more than many of us can imagine, but they've all used the experience to be better parents, partners, siblings, and friends. That's the best part of it all. Jane, Ron and all the kids are extremely brave for putting this out there; I believe others will benefit from it and that is a gift.

Wow!! This book was an amazing read! I could not put it down! What courage it took for Jane to put her darkest days out there for the world to read. And the most interesting part is, how it is seen through her childrens eyes, and how they handled it. A great story of hope and forgiveness.

This book is about second chances...not everyone is handed a second chance in life especially when an addict hurts so many people (including themselves). When family members are given enough time to heal themselves, in time they may open their hearts to trust again, and can ultimately come around and forgive. That is what family is about. It is also hopeful that the addict themself will in time learn to find it within to forgive themself too. Inspiring story!

As a family member in an alcoholic family, I can relate to the pain that these five children endured for so many years. I especially like the "voice" used by Jane and her daughter, Kris. In some ways, Kris is the sober memory for Jane's troubled past. The book is great for all those families who are struggling with the disease-the alcoholic, the spouse, and the children. Having attended support groups in the past, Broken Promises offers me the comfort I need on a more intimate level. I am not the only child whose parent favored booze over the unconditional love of a family. The hatred, distrust, trepidation, and unconditional love felt by all five children are emotions that speak to me, and therefore I highly recommend this book.