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American Junkie, 2023

 Item
Identifier: cw_2023fall_sears_christian.pdf

Scope and Content Note

From the Series:

The series contains Master's theses from 1943 to present. The theses consist of either a production book and a media component or solely a production book. The production books were originally submitted as physical bound copies, but were later submitted digitally. The physical production books are stored offsite and the digital production books are stored in the College's preservation repository.

The media components consist of U-matic tapes, VHS tapes, CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays and changed to digital submissions in 2020. There are also a handful of audiocassette tapes and one USB. The media components are stored onsite at the Archives.

Dates

  • 2023

Creator

Conditions Governing Use

The thesis is restricted due to FERPA, permission from the author is required before you can view the thesis.

Extent

152 pages (152 pages)

Language of Materials

From the record group: English

From the record group: Chinese

From the record group: Spanish; Castilian

Overview

"American Junkie is a novel about recovery from addiction. Too often, stories about addicts and alcoholics—from The Great Gatsby to The Wire—fail to show what real recovery looks like. Frequently, they focus entirely on the tragic chaos of untreated addiction. If they depict recovery, it is simplistic and brief. But in this novel, Jack Sutherland goes through it all. He burglarizes a pharmacy, lingers in an abusive relationship, and unwittingly pushes and overdose into his friend’s veins. But then his ego fractures. He asks for help. He attends meetings, despite his deep skepticism, and most crucially, he works the twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. When the novel is complete, Jack with still struggle—with atoning for his past, with tumultuous new relationships—despite his long-term sobriety. But even in this version, I hope and believe readers will enjoy a narrative that demystifies and celebrates recovery." -- Abstract

Physical Location

RG 010.01B Writing, Literature & Publishing

Physical Description

152 pages

Repository Details

Part of the Emerson College Archives and Special Collections Repository

Contact:
Walker Building, Room 223
120 Boylston Street
Boston Massachusetts 02116 United States
(617) 824-8301