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Courtesy Boy

A True Story of Addiction
(2021)

The author’s young adulthood basically amounts to a how-to primer for addiction. Paranoia and impulsiveness, obsession, and manipulation. Throw in compulsion, false pride, fear and dishonesty, all driven by self-centered thinking. The gateway behavior for all the others.    

“Matson is Anne Lamott, with testosterone.”

Courtesy Boy, A True Story of Addiction, but author Mike Matson.

COURTESY BOY
A True Story of Addiction
(2021)

EXCERPT

Mike made it 70 days after completion of his second rehab before relapsing.

 

He couldn’t pinpoint why. Boredom, restlessness, ease, and comfort, maybe. He did know he was an alcoholic and would often stop there, when trying to self-analyze his motivation. He did begin to wonder if maybe he was “constitutionally incapable of being honest with himself,” part of the 12-step mantra.

 

“There are such unfortunates,” the mantra cautioned, “they are not at fault. They seem to have been born that way.”

 

If he was truly incapable of self-honesty, what does the rest of his life look like? He genuinely wanted to quit and was still reciting the rote prayers.


There’s one surefire way not to get DUIs. Stay home and drink. Can’t get arrested for Staying Home Under the Influence.

 

He was doing Topeka a favor.  

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Reviews

REVIEWS

“Alcoholism and addiction have probably touched everyone in America. In that sense, Mike Matson's story is one for us all. Matson tells his personal story with humanity, humor and real introspection.”

KEVIN WILLMOTT
Academy Award winning screenwriter of BlacKkKlansman

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