Asylum: An Alcoholic Takes the Cure

by William Seabrook
Asylum: An Alcoholic Takes the Cure cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Technical
  • ID: 105
  • Added: 2025-09-02
  • Updated: 2025-09-02
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
reddit.com · Unknown · 2025-09-17
insightful 4.50

The reviewer presents a list of 24 lesser-known books that they believe can provide unique insights and change lives. They emphasize the value of exploring beyond the well-known classics to discover hidden gems that offer different perspectives and lessons.

The reviewer introduces a curated list of 24 books that are not widely recognized but have the potential to significantly impact readers. They argue that reading only the most famous books can make one's insights and conclusions similar to those of others. The list includes a variety of genres and historical periods, each offering unique lessons and perspectives. The reviewer highlights the importance of exploring lesser-known works to gain a broader understanding of the human experience. They also mention that some of these books have influenced well-known figures and contain valuable life lessons that are often overlooked.

Quick quotes

    The Western world has been publishing books for some 3,000 years. Memoirs, histories, aphorisms, essays, treatises, tutorials, exposes, stories, epics — it’s all there.

    Humble yourself to think that our grasp of the lists of the “best” of these books will always miss more than it captures.

    This book is just as good as [Frederick Douglass’ memoir] and I think illustrates the horrors of slavery in a much more undeniable way.

inc.com · Unknown · 2016-08-10
harrowing 4.50

The reviewer found Asylum to be a gripping and insightful account of an alcoholic's journey through various treatment methods, including a stay in a mental asylum. They appreciated the raw and honest portrayal of the struggles with addiction and the stark realities of early 20th-century mental health treatment.

The reviewer was deeply moved by William Seabrook's Asylum, which chronicles his personal battle with alcoholism and his experiences in different treatment facilities, including a mental asylum. They found the book to be a harrowing yet enlightening read, offering a candid look into the desperation and resilience required to overcome addiction. The reviewer particularly admired Seabrook's unflinching honesty and the historical context it provides on mental health treatment. While the book is not for the faint-hearted, it is praised for its raw and unfiltered narrative that sheds light on the human condition and the lengths one goes to for recovery.

Quick quotes

    The book is a raw and unfiltered account of one man's struggle with alcoholism and his desperate search for a cure.

    Seabrook's experiences in the asylum are both harrowing and enlightening, providing a stark look at the mental health treatments of the early 20th century.

    The narrative is gripping and honest, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in addiction and recovery.

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2016-06-17
inspiring 4.50

The reviewer highly recommends Asylum: An Alcoholic Takes the Cure, praising it as a life-changing biography that offers profound insights and personal growth.

The reviewer strongly recommends Asylum: An Alcoholic Takes the Cure, highlighting it as one of the most impactful biographies they've read. They appreciate the book's depth and the transformative lessons it offers. The reviewer believes it's a must-read for anyone seeking personal growth and understanding. The book's raw and honest portrayal of the author's journey resonates deeply, making it a standout in the genre.

Quick quotes

    The reviewer highlights the book as a life-changing biography.

    They appreciate the profound insights and personal growth it offers.

    The book is praised for its raw and honest portrayal.

ryanholiday.net · Unknown · 2013-12-27
transformative 4.50

The reviewer highly recommends 'Asylum: An Alcoholic Takes the Cure' as one of the books that can significantly impact a person's life. They emphasize the importance of reading such transformative books avidly and aggressively, especially for college students who have more time to delve into profound literature.

The reviewer believes that 'Asylum: An Alcoholic Takes the Cure' is a book that can profoundly change a person's perspective on life. They suggest that college students, who have more time and resources, should read such books avidly. The reviewer shares their personal experience of seeking book recommendations from smart individuals, which led them to discover life-changing books. They emphasize the importance of reading books that shake you to your core and help you understand life better.

Quick quotes

    The quake books — as Tyler Cowen put it — that shake you to your core.

    Having been introduced to them by those kind, patient individuals, I try now to recommend many of those same books which shook up my life and helped make me the person that I am.

    You MUST read his books. His work on power and strategy are critical for anyone trying to accomplish anything.

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