Rating: 
Summary: Approachable, readable and fascinating
Review: I was not expecting to enjoy this book, but it was very easy to read. Dr. Drew really opens himself up and lets us into his heart and mind as well as those of his patients. I finished the book in 24 hours and have found myself haunted by it ever since. I have an even greater respect now for a man that I thought couldn't climb much higher in my esteem.
Rating:
Summary: Dr. Pinsky shares his experiences as a doctor
Review: I was very moved by this book and read it almost straight through. Dr. Pinsky shares the emotional and professional challenges he encounters as an addiction medicine specialist. I was impressed by Dr. Pinsky's courage to share his thoughts and fears related to his childhood and his role as a medical professional. This is not a happy book, but a realistic account of people struggling to fight chemical addictions. Dr. Pinsky also shares his hopes and concerns about his patients' chance to succeed in recovery, while keenly awaiting opportunites of real connection to empathize and deliver a message of hope. A segment of the book is dedicated to explaining the trauma-and biological-based origins of addictions--something your not going to hear discussed by today's celebrity problem solvers. Cracked is an honest account of some of Dr. Drew's life experiences and gave me a new perspective on the challenges faced by addicts and the medical professionals treating them. I highly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: Dr Drew: Not Cracked
Review: In the past I have been an off/on listener. Since my shift at work has changed I listen to the show on the way home. I have often wanted to call the show however being much older than most of the usual callers I have not. I finally broke down and bought the book. WOW - in the words of many of his patients, who knew I was so "f'd up" - I should say was. I have been sober for over 10 years but could never figure out things, it seemed I just did'nt "get it". Perhaps you wonder why you act the way you do.. why you use, why you used to use... Maybe you know someone who is using, either way this book will give you insight that you thought no one could ever know or understand. It may not be the answer to all of your problems but it will shed light into a place that was once dark - it did for me.
Rating:
Summary: Adam's Godlike Brilliance Shines Here
Review: It is quite obvious who the real author is: Every sentence glows with Carolla's demotic genius--from the dazzling blue-collar analogies to the hardened cynical weltanschauung to the uproarious coprophiliac wit, the reader understands that without the decade-long continual exposure to the Carolla mind, Mr. Pinsky could never have achieved this impressive level of dramatic scholarship. Compare this mature work to Pinsky's earlier tomes and the difference is immediate...and appalling. The formerly jejune and doctrinaire viewpoints have been miraculously transmuted into sheer psychological gold. What is the explanatory variable here? Obviously it is the constant, painstaking tutelage by the exasperated but diligent Dr. Carolla, who nightly harangues his clueless colleague (ultimately out of deep compassion) until Pinsky finally "gets it". What dedication! What patience! And it has finally paid off: With this single amazing work before us, Mr. Pinsky now demonstrates that he has indeed absorbed the invaluable lessons imparted by the insightful Dr. Carolla and is now a better clinician because of it. Thank you, Dr. Carolla, and keep up the good work. Don't give up on your pupil. One day he will make you proud.
Rating:
Summary: From a cop
Review: As a police officer I deal with addicts everyday. I've arrested drunk drivers that blow up to a .44grms, and bust at least two people a month writing forged perscriptions. I always wonder, "How do these people get like this?". Being a love line listener, I was really intersted in this book. Or at least, how does a doctor deal with the same kind of people I deal with. This book really gave me some insight. Perhaps in the future I can deal with people more like victims, instead of criminals.
Rating:
Summary: Most enjoyable read I've had in my whole life
Review: First off I want to say that I'm an 18 year old male thats listened to loveline every night almost for about 5 years. Dr. Drew almost certainly is the nicest, and most careing person in entertainment today. I must admit that I only read books in school when I was forced to in english classes. At first I was skeptic to buy a book about addiction and my lack of intrest in books, but I can say fully that I'm glad and proud that I did. Cracked is a great book to read. Dr. Drew wrties like he's talking directly to you, and manages to bear out his soul with a level of reading that would seem impossible to understand coming from any other person. The book is something you just can't stop reading once you start it. At first I read it waiting in the car after I bought it and thought it was slow. But after reading a few chaperts and being introduced to the characters slowly I just couldn't put it down. I found myself spending my last few days before I went to college useing every second of free time to sneak in a chapter or two. If a stupid kid like me can get so much out of this book, and enjoy it as much, I think most others will to. It's a short read but worth it
Rating: 
Summary: It's the writer, not the message
Review: I have to agree with many who say the book is poorly written. It is. It lacks a certain amount of insight we expect from Dr. Drew, and seems overly simplistic and lacking depth. Although Dr. Drew has great wisdom, understanding and a kind of 'wonderment' with addicts, life, psychology, etc., the book fails to convey this. The writing is rushed, the syntax poorly constructed, and the real insight totally missing. It comes off tasting like a fast-food meal. Total McHack. When you think there will be some insight, the scene quickly changes. When you feel a 'Dr. Drew' moment coming on, we're left with very simplistic analogies. There's just no depth to the book. There's no real insight, only on the surface observations, strange compliations of stories, memories and conversations, and no real 'character development' of those addicts he treats. But I think that's the fault of the co-author. Where he could have helped Dr. Drew construct a compelling story, he just hurries thru one scene of addiction after another, one day-in-the-life-of-Dr.-Drew or another, kind of like he started to transcribe Drew's stories only to click off the recorder at the moment Drew is close to making 'real breakthrus.' It's very disappointing. You keep reading the book hoping for more, but get next to nothing. It's like an amateur wrote it, or at the very least someone who didn't care nor understand Dr. Drew or his real message/meaning/mantra. Drew & Adam's first book was far better, even though its audience totally different. And maybe that's the problem - maybe his co-author had no idea who the audience was. Dr. Drew has a ton of valuable information to convey to people of all ages that could possibly help, even turn around lives. But this book fails to deliver on exactly that.
Rating:
Summary: Cracked
Review: I know that Dr. Drew reads these reviews and is annoyed buy what people thought off the book. I read it, very informative. But Drew, I listen to lovline quite a bit, is there a way to get a copy of your debate on the sharon osbourne show?
Rating:
Summary: READ "CRACKED"!!!
Review: This book is entertaining, informative, thought provoking and emotional. If you are interested in learning more about the nature of addiction or simply want a good book to read that you will not be able to put down, this is it. Dr. Drew offers compelling, thought provoking commentary on our culture, insights into his personal life and vivid, often emotional, descriptions of patients struggling with addiction. The book is great. READ IT!
Rating: 
Summary: Can't find the book!!!!
Review: Ok, I gave the book 3 stars since that was the average rating. I can't even find the book in Canada! At the bookstore all I saw was multiple rows of Dr. Phil's face staring back at me! Seriously though, it sounds like a good book and don't worry about what people write here. BTW, I hope that one day you're as successful as Dr. Phil! ;) P.S. Please kick Adam in the nuts for me, ok?
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