Books
Leave the Light On: A Memoir of Recovery and Self-Discovery
In the follow-up to Blackout Girl, her memoir of alcohol addiction, author Storm continues her compelling journey to fulfillment as a functional, substance-free human being. Fresh from a 28-day drug and alcohol rehab program, Storm finds she must shed many friends and routines from her past in order to work her 12-Step AA program and move forward in her life. Along the way, Storm chronicles her day-to-day in its frustrations and mundane details, but also faces a life-threatening medical emergency, comes out as a lesbian, has a first gay sexual encounter, plans the first-ever Penn State Queer Prom, and finds her passion as an activist. Throughout, she relates her story with candor, humor, and insight, making this an engaging and occasionally thought-provoking memoir of growing up, getting over past mistakes, and extending oneself to others and the world at large.
- Publishers Weekly, 4/5/2010
BOOKLIST REVIEW
Storm details her recovery and self-discovery after attempted suicide put her in the hospital and forced her to face her emotional pain, which partly stems from childhood rape. In short, easily flowing chapters, she relates her sexual confusion, growing comfort with 12-step meetings as she begins recovery, and a violent encounter at a party with visiting friends that demonstrates her removal from her old life. Every step of recovery took her “further and further away from the friends I thought I had and further away from the person I once was.” For the first time, she achieved emotional intimacy, in a sexless, “pseudo-lesbian” relationship; became a successful college student; and participated in campus life. Recovery held even after an emergency surgery required post-procedural morphine. Throughout her journey through recovery to professional social activism, she received her parents’ emotional and financial support and their unconditional love. Although the still-young Storm undoubtedly will face future trials, her book’s happy ending satisfies. Many may find solace and inspiration in it.
— Whitney Scott from Booklist Online: Book Reviews from the American Library AssociationOTHER REVIEWS
“By generously sharing her story in Leave the Light On, Jennifer Storm adds to the literature of recovery and hope so helpful for those who think they are alone in their journey. This memoir is a welcome addition to anyone’s recovery bookshelf.” Kate Clinton, comedian and author
“For someone who found recovery fairly late in life (I was 42), I find Miss Storms struggles over her addictions at such an early age especially courageous. Peer pressure to “keep the party going” is so strong at her age, she is a shining example of the power of recovery programs for youth. I applaud her and hope this book brings the treasures of a sober life to many many young people.” Emmy award winning actor and author of My Trip Down the Pink Carpet Leslie Jordan.
“The odds of substance use for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth are on average 190 percent higher than for heterosexual youth, according to a study by University of Pittsburgh. Jennifer’s touching memoir of addiction and recovery is something that resonated with my life, and I’m sure many others as well.” Charles Robbins, CEO, The Trevor Project
Jennifer takes the recovery world…by storm in this gripping account of her struggle with self-destruction and self-acceptance. In Leave the Light On, Ms. Storm offers her readers an accessible, honest and intimate account of the unique challenges faced by human beings whose recoveries as substance abusers are dependent on an honest exploration and loving resolution of their sexual histories and identities. By sharing her own story, Ms. Storm lays the groundwork for others to follow. It’s a book that every clinician who works in the field of addictions and every person who hopes to recover can benefit from reading.Paul L. Hokemeyer, JD, PhD(c)
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
The Caron Treatment Centers
Jennifer Storm writes with humility, wit, and passion a story that depicts the vulnerable state of early recovery from addiction. The reader quickly becomes drawn into her life and wants to know where her newly found insights and skills will take her. By embracing the tools offered in her twelve-step program and meetings, Jennifer navigates through many life challenges that confront young addicts in recovery—old and new friendships, relationships with parents and siblings, sexuality, intimate relationships, school, and career. Her story is captivating and inspiring.
Claudia Black, Ph.D.
Author, It Will Never Happen To Me
Blackout Girl: A riveting memoir of what happens to a teenage girl whose life is awash in alcohol, drugs, and the trauma of rape.
Order the book on Amazon | Read an excerpt
Discover the tender gritty, self-told survival story of a teenage addict. Here is a cant-tear-yourself-away look at what can happen to the one-in-five teenagers who have a drinking problem. At age six, author Jennifer Storm was already stealing sips of her mothers crème de menthe.
By age 13, she was binge drinking and well on her way to regular use of cocaine and LSD. She anesthetized herself to many of the harsh realities of her young life including her own misunderstandings about her sexual orientation which made her even more vulnerable to victimization. As a young teen, Jennifers life was awash in alcohol, drugs, and the trauma of rape.
The upside is that Jennifer came through untold darkness to create for herself a life of accomplishment and joy. Her remarkably tender and telling story proves that forgiveness and redemption are more than possible through recovery and a commitment to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
“I had never held a beer in my life, let along this big, long can that I could barely fit my twelve-year-old hand around. I just kept tilting the can back, farther and farther. I enjoyed the almost immediate rush that went through my temples and up to the top of my scalp… I had slipped, unseen and undiscovered, into the land of adults.”
Target Audience
A perfect-pitch memoir for readers drawn to stories about hitting rock bottom and finding redemption.
Key Features
- Presents a lively look at American teen culture and the pressure to engage in high-risk behaviors.
- Inspires readers on of how to regain one’s life after addiction and trauma seemed to have cost a person everything.
- Offers a realistic look at how teens and young adults can begin taking honest responsibility for their sexual orientation.
- Illustrates how forgiveness of self and others plays a key role in rebuilding one’s life.
Reviews
“A common story. A rare twist. When the American Dream becomes her secret nightmare, quietly Jennifer Storm begins the dark descent into addiction. Then she discovers that the same events that destroy her, also create her. Written in a humble, raw voice, Jennifer Storm helps us remember where we came from–and why. ‘Blackout Girl’ brings us one step closer to forgiving ourselves for something we didn’t do.”
–Melody Beattie, author of “Codependent No More,” “The Grief Club,” and other best sellers.
Coming this spring: my second memoir, Leave the Light On: A Memoir of Recovery and Self-Discovery.