don't bother

This is a typical story. Save your money and talk to a couple of heroin addicts. You can find them at any 12 step meeting. Nothing in this book stood out or surprised me at all. It maybe could have been saved if they would have picked a narrarator that didn't sound like he was 70 years old and knew anything about the subject matter he was reading about (yes it was that obvious, he literally called 2 Pac, 2 Pack along with a host of other mispronunciations) This gave way to the obvious bad editing for when he really screwed up and they made him read a line or two over again and then just dubbed it in sometimes sounding like an entirely different guy started reading for 3 or 4 seconds just to go back to the same guy for 2 sentences until he had the same thing he couldn't pronounce make ghost reader guy pop back in for 3 more seconds. It was AWFUL.... sometimes I wonder who decides to cast these narrarators. If the author doesn't narrarate their own biography they should at least make an attempt to cast someone like the author. I mean this guy was a young white thug in the late 90's and they got someone who sounds like should be narrarating a book on WW2 reading it. It really ruins it.

7 people found this helpful

Has addiction affected you, or a friend or family?

As an author and a fellow recovering addict I can 100% attest to the veracity and sincerity of this book. If you have ever watched someone struggle with addiction and wondered: "What are they thinking?" then this is the book that answers that question. If you yourself struggle with addiction and you can't imagine that there is anyone else alive who has seen what you've seen or felt what you felt, then you should read this book. We're not so unique that it has to kill us. Enjoy!

5 people found this helpful

Diving Into Darkness

I received this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. This book contains language, sexual situations and violence.

Written by Daniel McGhee, Chasing a Flawed Sun follows the author's journey from adolescent trouble maker to full-blown addict. His descent into addiction is described in vivid detail. This book is narrated by Frank Gerard, who gives a strong, engaging performance. This is a must-read for those looking to explore the mindset and behavior of an addict.

Daniel had a quiet, emotional demeanor at a young age, but these were qualities that he came to despise. He started abusing alcohol whenever he could get his hands on it, and it caused him to be outspoken, energetic and violent. As his alcohol abuse turned into an addiction, he started numerous fights and assaulted strangers. Eventually friends and acquaintances introduced Daniel to harder substances, like cocaine and crack. He was willing to try anything that was made available to him, so it wasn't long before he started smoking heroin. His life took a drastic turn once he started injecting it. His entire goal in life became finding and consuming heroin. He moved through various jobs, robbed countless strangers, shoplifted, burglarized and assaulted all to support his high. Daniel made numerous attempts at recovery, but he continuously returned to heroin. It isn't until he's left with few options that he chooses to stick to a path of recovery and find freedom from addiction.

Daniel writes a fast-paced and engrossing book. His descriptions are vivid and detailed, and the conversations and interactions he has with family, friends, acquaintances and fellow addicts are believable. It is somewhat beyond belief to think that an addict with one focus could recall so many years of his life in such accurate detail. Even still, it makes for a story that's both thrilling and tragic. Around 13 hours of the 14 hour and seven minute duration are spent focusing on Daniel's addiction and relapse. It's a shame that more time wasn't spent on his recovery and the ten years leading up to the final chapter. Nonetheless, this book captures the addicted years of Daniel's life in vivid detail.

Frank Gerard narrates Chasing a Flawed Sun, and he provides a solid performance. He uses a unique voice for Daniel's character that's never grating or harsh. He adds a lot of emotional weight when appropriate, and his diction flows smoothly throughout. He adds a comforting tone to a book that deals with intense subjects. The recording itself has some issues. Occasionally a passage will change volume or tone. It sounds like these passages were added post-production because they don't flow with the rest of the narrative. Despite this, the narration never detracts from the story.

Chasing a Flawed Sun is a graphic and obscene depiction of one man's journey through darkness. If your able to listen past the dialogue, language and disturbing violence, you'll find a story that's both heartbreaking and convicting.

5 people found this helpful

Incredibly honest.. emotionally raw book!

Loved this book! Must read for anyone who's life has been effected by any addiction!

4 people found this helpful

A captivating, curiosity poking story ...

I’m only half way through so far and I felt compelled to write a quick review. You shouldn’t hesitate on this purchase. It’s a gripping story but is not for the faint of heart. It is real. It is raw. It might even be a little disturbing for you at times. Following Daniel the last few years, it’s evident his path veered back to his real life’s mission of making a positive difference. This book might be a part of that impact for you, someone you love, or it might just be enough entertainment to get you out of your own world for a minute or 847. Enjoy the listen.

3 people found this helpful

Very Interesting Book

The best and most interesting addiction member I've read so far. The author doesn't waste time rambling about random or boring topics or observations. He just tells his story. A story filled with so many interesting events. It's crazy how he remembers so much/ has gone through so much. It's all about life on the streets, crashing at random places, fights, crime, and most of all, hardcore alcoholism and heroin addiction.

2 people found this helpful

Slow down

The reader is speaking so fast. Even with the speed slowed down there are no pausing with each period. I can’t continue the book past the first chapter because the speed is hard to comprehend the story

1 person found this helpful

amazing story

this book is wonderful i felt like i was there in the story i love the rawness in this book its so captivating u wont be able to put it down

1 person found this helpful

Distracting theme throughout

I found it distracting how he kept referring to Baltimore as a big city with “tall buildings” and feigning surprise when neighborhoods were “quiet” and dead throughout the story. It’s a small, crime ridden city- get real. Aside from that, it’s a pretty compelling story about addiction. Not especially memorable, however.

Amazing story….!!!

My husband and I listened to this and we had very different reactions and lots of great discussions. He has been a paramedic for 25 years and knows each and every location in the story. We can intimately relate to this entire story from start to finish. Thank you for being so transparent.