CLIMBING THE STAIRS

Pasieka shares her experience seeking treatment for alcohol addiction and recalibrating her life afterward in this memoir.

In July 2020, the Canada-based author, then in her mid-60s, realized, “it was long overdue to explore the reasons why I drank to excess,” particularly since “I had lived through two failed relationships, and was now married to my true love, and I didn’t want to mess that up.” Seeing her journey as “a very steep set of stairs,” Pasieka organizes this account into 18 chapters, each detailing a step in her recovery progress—the first being her decision to seek help, followed by her stay at Cedars at Cobble Hill (an addiction rehab center on Vancouver Island), and finally the ways she adjusted her life upon returning home, including journaling, practicing Kundalini yoga, meditating, and “giving back.” She wraps up her book with a final chapter in which she describes being in a state of “still climbing” on her “new path in life filled with joy.” In smooth-flowing prose, Pasieka offers both inspiration and a roadmap for anyone struggling with addiction, or, as she writes, “‘stuck’ in a life that is not bringing great happiness or joy.” She provides many takeaway techniques and ideas, including not only the Alcoholics Anonymous steps but also Buddhist teachings, questions to ask oneself when feeling anxious, journaling prompts, and more. A particularly striking element of this book is Pasieka’s exposure to Indigenous culture while in rehab, such as engaging in a “burning ceremony” to let go of the past and conversing with an Indigenous man with terminal liver disease desiring to “live a brief time without clouded eyes.” The author wisely acknowledges that not all readers will be on board with all of her beliefs, such as a psychic’s revelation of Pasieka’s past lives. Still, overall, Pasieka’s life guidance—particularly to eschew toxicity, in the self and in others—has indisputable value.

 Earnest testimony about embracing sobriety and a more fulfilling life.