Review of Notes from the Night Desk: Volume 1

[Ann Ogochukwu]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Notes from the Night Desk: Volume 1" by A. L. Locke.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Although the author calls it an autobiography, Notes from the Night Desk: Voulme 1 is aptly a memoir. In this enlightening read, A. L. Locke shares his personal experiences with the reader, focusing largely on his struggles with alcoholism and addiction, which were accompanied by homelessness and separation from loved ones. This book was segmented into short, titled chapters, which made it easy to read.

In no chronological order, Andrew, a middle-aged man “on the wrong side of thirty,” recalls how he went from being a curious reader and dreamer to being an ambitious writer who only wanted to write poetry and drink. And so his descent began. From being a burden to his loved ones, he descended to being a homeless state burden, loitering and sometimes, shoplifting whatever booze he could. He also recounts his days of homelessness and having nothing, when he couldn’t care less, so long as he had some alcohol for the night. A great deal of these random entries were written while in a sober house. In the latter part of the book, the author records his eventful progress and his attempts to amend his old relationships and forge new ones.

What I liked most about this memoir was the author’s acceptance of the consequences of his actions. I don’t recall him ever blaming anyone for his once pathetic state. I was pleased to see him acknowledge his parents’ love for their offspring and admire them for it. Simply, I was glad for whatever feeling of love that was expressed in this story. I am hopeful of his complete recovery simply because he is willing to take responsibility. I also liked that the author’s sense of humor wasn’t lacking.

Any adult would easily appreciate this book, especially those who struggle with addiction to any substance or whose loved one struggles with addiction. For the former category, if the reader is sober enough, this book might help them realize that there’s still hope for a better life. And for the latter category, this book might present a clarifying insight into the mind of their afflicted loved one (it got me thinking about an acquaintance and hoping for the best for them).

I didn’t dislike anything about this book. However, I don’t think this book was professionally edited. I noticed one too many small errors, especially having full stops where commas would have sufficed. Although the errors were not distracting, their absence will give this book a more professional feel and earn it a perfect rating. Considering all I have said, I’ll rate this book 3 out of 4 stars.

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Notes from the Night Desk: Volume 1
View: on Bookshelves

[Sumto Nii]

It is pathetic how people lose their paths in life and turn out to be something else. I can imagine what a burden he was on his family with his alcoholism. I would read this book.