JOEY'S STORY: Get Real!

Although not announced as ""high-interest, low-vocabulary,"" this mature account of multiple addiction would make a useful addition to a list of such titles. Joey learned about alcohol and violence from his immature parents (an abusive, irresponsible father and an adulterous mother). He tells his story in an honest, conversational tone, especially touching when he describes how he distanced himself from his problems. His introduction to the world of drugs is typical in some ways (not liking beer, then getting used to its taste) but not in all (being dared by his father to consume). Barely out of his teens, Joey has already been through a lot: depression, stealing, gambling, pushing, violence toward his wife, the pressures of fatherhood, a sister killed by her lover. Still, he's in treatment and on the way back, with potential as a musician and as a caring person. Ironically, his story would have been better supported by thoughtful photos from the present rather than the posed model shots of his past; but, overall, the book has real impact, making the possible seem believable. Resources.