Review of Dear Heroin

[Kutloano Makhuvhela]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Dear Heroin" by Linda Morrison.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Addiction is a serious disease. This chronic condition can lead you down bad roads and you can end up losing everything. Not only would you lose your sense of existence, but you would also lose people around you. It is a bad disease because it is unseen, meaning people cannot see it like when they see a crippled person walking on crutches. It is happening inside, and that can lead to people not feeling empathetic towards you. So, how does one help a person who is struggling with addiction? In Dear Heroin by Linda Morrison, we see if there is an answer to that question.

It is the twenty-first of June, 2012, and Linda is in her house, doing her chores, when there is a knock on the door. When she answers it, she finds it is two police officers. The first thing she says to them is, ‘Is this about Mike?’ and the police respond in the affirmative. Mike is Linda’s third-born, and recently his life has not been smooth, which explains why Linda asked the police if their visit is about him. As soon as the police officers are invited inside the house, they break the sad news: Mike is dead from a heroin overdose, and all of these things are not new to Linda’s ears; however, they hurt nonetheless. Mike’s body has been found at a motel. As soon as the police leave, Linda calls her husband, Allan, and breaks the news to him.

The story goes back a little bit when Mike and a couple of people go camping. It is supposed to be a fun, adventurous outdoor activity. However, Mike is a little bit reserved, which is different from him, as everyone knows he loves being outside. That’s when it is revealed that Mike might be using drugs. Upon confrontation with his family, Mike tells the truth. Although shocked, the family promises to stand by him and support him through his recovery, and this is when his journey of going to rehab and trying to be sober starts. It is filled with bumps, and sometimes he falls. Read this book to find out how this whole journey affects the entire family, more especially Linda as the mother.

This was such a poignant read. Everything about it was so raw; that is to say, it didn’t sugar-coat anything. All the struggles that come with supporting an addict were written as they were, without trying to glamorise them. This shows the author’s honesty. Her intentions were clear from the beginning: write an honest story that would raise awareness for thousands of others. The book isn’t a self-help book to give guidance on what to do if you suspect your child is an addict or if your child has confessed to being an addict. No, this book is a memoir of how this revelation affected them. In that way, readers should expect to read about the first-hand experience and feel every emotion that was coursing through the author at the time and that still courses even now, years after Mike’s death.

I loved how calm the writing was. Usually, books on this sensitive subject are filled with anger, but that was not the case in this book. The author was grounded in telling the story as it was and as calmly as possible. This made it relatable and authentic because I could empathise with everyone affected. Another thing about the writing: it was amazing. The words the author used were filled with emotions. Meaning they were not flat. They each painted a picture of how it was when it was all happening. I felt myself wafted into that period in the author’s life when everything was uncertain. This showed how meticulous and intentional the author was with the words.

I liked the organisation of the book. It was divided into three parts, and each had about three chapters. This made the story easy to follow and quick to read. There is nothing I disliked about the book because even the editing left me mesmerised. I didn’t see any error that could have disturbed my reading experience. It was all flowing. The only reason I didn’t finish it in one sitting was that I had to take breaks and gather my breath multiple times.

With all I have said above, I have no reason but to award this book the highest rating of five out of five stars. I would strongly recommend it to people who love reading memoirs about family support and struggles. Those interested in the sensitive topic of addiction should also give it a read. If someone close to you is struggling with addiction, this book would be your companion and show you’re not alone. It’s for mature young adults.

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Dear Heroin
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Maria Loukaidou]

I really liked your review, continue like that. Good luck!

[Kutloano Makhuvhela]

I really liked your review, continue like that. Good luck!

Thank you very much, Maria!

[Lorvezline Donassaint]

Dear Heroin by Linda Morrison is a deeply moving memoir that shares the heartbreaking story of a mother losing her son to heroin addiction. Told with honesty and calm reflection, the book offers a raw look at the pain, hope, and love that come with supporting a loved one through addiction. Linda’s writing is powerful and emotional, making the reader feel every moment of her journey. It’s a beautifully written, well-organized story that will resonate with anyone affected by addiction or who values stories of resilience and family love. A must-read—5 out of 5 stars.

[Charles Benson]

Grief wrapped in truth—that’s what Dear Heroin feels like. What struck me most from the review is how Linda Morrison doesn’t try to be the hero or offer neat solutions; instead, she invites us into the raw, chaotic, and painfully real space of a mother’s heartbreak. It's not just about addiction—it’s about love stretched thin, hope worn out, and a silent war fought behind closed doors. The honesty is what makes it unforgettable.

[Laney K]

While this is not something I would likely read, it does sound like an emotional and well-written book. The struggles of addiction seem clearly articulated.