Blackout

by Sarah Hepola
Blackout cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Biography and Memoir
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  • ID: 1834
  • Added: 2025-10-10
  • Updated: 2025-10-10
  • ISBN: 9781473616097
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2015-06-23
  • Formats: 25
  • Reviews: 3

Sarah Hepola's memoir, Blackout, is a candid exploration of her relationship with alcohol, which she once saw as the key to adventure and freedom. Through witty and unflinching prose, she recounts her struggles with blackouts and the detective work she had to do to piece together her nights. The book delves into the societal expectations around drinking and the personal cost of addiction, ultimately revealing how giving up alcohol led her to rediscover her true self. Blackout is not just a story about addiction; it's a tale of reinvention and the courage to face necessary change. Hepola's journey resonates with anyone who has struggled to find their way, offering a raw, vivid, and ultimately uplifting account of recovery and self-discovery.

Reviews
American College of Emergency Physicians · 2022-02-15
cautionary 4.00

The story serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of romanticizing alcohol and binge drinking. It is a cautionary tale that highlights the real and terrifying consequences of alcohol abuse.

This review underscores the sobering and cautionary aspects of 'Blackout,' emphasizing its role as a reminder of the dangers associated with alcohol abuse. The reviewer appreciates Hepola's candidness in sharing her experiences, which serve as a powerful warning about the risks of romanticizing drinking. They find the memoir to be a compelling and necessary read, particularly for those who may be disconnected from the realities of alcoholism. The reviewer highlights the importance of Hepola's story in raising awareness about the serious consequences of binge drinking and blackouts.

Quick quotes

    Hepola's story serves as a terrifying reminder of the dangers of romanticizing alcohol, binge drinking and blackouts.

    It made me laugh, cry & reflect on my own drinking career.

    This is a brave, honest and brilliant book.

Hippocampus Magazine · 2015-08-01
profound 4.50

The book delves into the complexities of identity and self-destruction, highlighting the struggle of admitting when a core part of oneself is harmful. It offers a raw and introspective look at the journey of recovery and self-discovery.

This review emphasizes that 'Blackout' is not just about alcoholism but about the broader human experience of confronting and overcoming destructive habits. The reviewer appreciates the honesty and depth with which Hepola explores her relationship with alcohol, making it a relatable and profound read. They highlight how the book resonates with anyone who has struggled with self-identity and the need for change, making it a powerful narrative that goes beyond the typical memoir.

Quick quotes

    Blackout is about more than alcoholism and recovery.

    It's about admitting when a critical component of your identity is the very thing destroying you.

    The book delves into the complexities of identity and self-destruction.

The Rumpus · 2015-06-18
inspirational 4.75

The memoir is praised for its ability to transform ordinary moments into something beautiful and universally resonant. It is seen as an enthralling exploration of a life marked by both struggle and self-discovery.

The reviewer from The Rumpus finds 'Blackout' to be an enthralling and beautifully written account of a life affected by alcoholism. They appreciate how Hepola elevates even the most mundane moments, making them resonate across the human experience. The reviewer highlights the memoir's ability to capture the essence of struggle and self-discovery, making it a compelling and inspirational read. They particularly enjoy the raw honesty and the way Hepola's journey is portrayed with both humor and depth.

Quick quotes

    Blackout is an enthralling interrogation of a life.

    Even the most banal moments are beautiful, elevated, and resonate across the human experience.

    Hepola's gripping and surprisingly inspirational account of her journey through alcoholism will stir (and at times disturb) a number of failed, neurotic and

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