Book Description

"This collection of poetry and prose from women in recovery is a fire walk: a searing, barefooted dash over the hot coals of desperation, despair and self-destruction. Startling, often hypnotic photographs, supplied by one of the writers, drift through the text like sparks from the embers. These women have been burned into blessedness." Duane Tucker, Actor, Writer for Screen and TV, Passenger Magazine Poet of the Year 2002 "As a recovering alcoholic, "A Woman's Write - Strong and Free" reminded me of my own struggles and haunting past. I could relate to every poem and was enthralled with the quality, honesty and raw emotion the authors brought to each piece. Thought provoking and educational, I will read it again and again." Josie Penny, author of "So Few on Earth" twelve months on the Dundurn Publishers bestselling list. Words to Live By - by Susan Clairmont, The Hamilton Spectator The women call it freefall. Words, moving quickly from head and heart through to pen and paper. Silence, but for the scratching of raw poetry emerging on pages. Some are lost in it. Focused. Energized. Words flow fast. Others struggle. Thoughts trickle. It is Monday night in a sparse basement room at Womankind, an addiction service operated by St. Joseph's Healthcare. A dozen women are around the table. An unlikely group who, in most ways, have little in common. What they do have in common connects them immediately and powerfully. They are all recovering addicts. Some are alcoholics, some are drug users, a good number are both. And they are all authors. A Woman's Write: Strong and Free is a collection of poetry capturing the experience of women learning to understand themselves as they come to terms with addiction.