Reviews
Reviews
What the Readers are saying...
This isn’t just a book for people losing a loved one to a drug overdose. It’s a call to remember, on a broad level, how very dear we are to each other, in whatever context. How precious and irreplaceable each life is. How much life is meant to be a celebration to enjoy, every day, with those we love, whatever context - in life, and beyond.
- Carrie Wrigley, Author & Mental Health Counselor
Valerie V.
Reckoning with substance use disorder
Charla Bocchicchio has written one of the most difficult stories anyone ever had to tell: surviving the loss of her precious daughter, who died far too soon. Yet after reading this, I realized that a person can live through anything and even bravely tell the tale. Bocchicchio finds new purpose in life as she reckons with her past and the tumultuous life she shared with her daughter, who suffered from substance use disorder. This tale of tragedy and healing will move readers many times. The author addresses every mother's worst nightmares with humor and grace.
Tina S.
"It is okay to be okay..."
I started reading this woman's blog 3 years ago because her daughter died the day before my son..this amazing angel momma put into words her journey and her daughter's story, something I was unable to do because I was too numb to struggle with the words. Today I just finished reading her book (went through a box of tissues) and I would like to say thank you for sharing your story and putting it into words that so many of us are unable to do. ..and thank you for being an inspiration to let us know that "It is okay to be okay! We've all suffered enough already. The time to heal is now, and this now has never existed before. Embrace it and breathe it in "
Connie M.
5 Star read worth every tear
I started reading this book on my train ride to work on Thursday morning and by Thursday night I had finished it and almost emptied a box of tissues. I have had the pleasure of knowing Charla for 30+ years and she is truly a rockstar of a human and an amazing mother and wife. I applaud her for opening up to the world about something so personal and raw and continuing to tell Cassidys story and to shed light on such a tragic event.
Rachelle P.
An incredible and heart-wrenching book.
Wow. I typically have a hard time sitting down reading a book cause I get restless, but I couldn't put it down. I cried (more sobbed uncontrollably) for the first 10 chapter straight before I had to pull myself away and try to compose myself. This was remarkably well written, and it will stay with me for a long time. If anyone is looking for a story about love and loss, I highly recommend this book.
Sarah R.
We are all in it together
My New Normal is a poignant and telling story highlighting a mother’s experience through the journey of parenting a child with substance abuse disorder. This harrowing, yet rich, experience told through the eyes and lens of a grieving mother touched my soul and my heart. I hope the message helps spread the message that there MUST be a better way to help those suffering from SUD and we can get there through love, acceptance and non-judgement. I loved the stories and felt the pain and hope that Charla so aptly shares with the readers. A wonderfully sad read.
Claressa S.
Beautiful Story
My New Normal is an incredible book of love and heartbreak which brought me to tears SEVERAL times. The story is about Charla (the author) and her daughter Cassidy who tragically passed away of an overdose in her early 20’s. I’m not personally related to anybody with a drug addiction, but as a mother, I hurt for both the author and Cassidy. I honestly think this story could help those struggling with drug addiction as well as their families. It’s also just a beautiful story for anybody to read, very well written and highly recommended.
Stephanie W.
Raw, Real, Insightful and Hopeful
Wow this book is an amazing read. It is so well written and real. Anyone who knows anyone involved in our drug epidemic should read this (so...everyone). It is painful and beautiful and compelling. Charla has managed to bring love and even humor to the issue of living with loss. We are shown how Cassidy viewed herself and her situation as well as how Charla viewed and dealt with Cassidy's addiction. We also get to see how little miracles and help has come to Charla and other loved ones to help them cope with their terrible loss.
Robert H.
A Must Read
I received my copy of My New Normal on Monday afternoon and by evening had completed reading it. It is a riveting record of the evolution of feelings, pain and growth that is connected with the horrible plague of drug addiction all around us. It is easy to concentrate on the impact on those addicted to drugs of any kind but we generally overlook how deeply it effects all those around them, especially their parents and other family members. In this brave and raw sharing of the pain associated with this loss of her daughter (and is this case my grand-daughter) Charla lets us see that, in time, the awful pain and even guilt lessons and the memories of the beautiful and talented Cassidy can shine. It is a must read for every family going through such a dark place as they have children starting down this dark path or in its depths.
Walter M.
A book that forces you to look at what losing a child will be like
This book is an easy read because it flows so well. On the other hand it is hard to read because of the insight to what real pain is. It gives you a glimpse into the heart of a person that has lost a child. Taking you through the shock of finding out, to the start of a never ending healing process. I think what I liked most is it explores the hard facts of having a child that is not only going through addiction, but has some severe emotional problems compounding it. The love/hate relationship that comes with that is something that those that haven't experienced it don't think about.
Having three daughters who all abused drugs at some time, I feel lucky that I didn't have to bury one already. I can honestly say that I hope to not out live my children so that I don't receive the phone call.
Robin W.
Courage
It took a great deal of courage to write this book. Hopefully the people that I pass it on to will find Comfort. I did. It’s small and easy to read as long as you have some tissues.
Tas S.
Real love and real pain
Amazing writing. Eye-opening. Charla does a great job telling the story of Cassidy. This story is raw and honest. You feel all the love and all the pain. Need tissues. This book should be read by all. Substance use disorder is real and effects us all.
Robin W.
Open and Honest Read
Charla paints a beautiful and transparent picture of living with substance abuse disorder. Her willingness to be honest with her thoughts and her feelings allows the reader to be a part of her journey. Thank you for sharing your pain so openly. I hope this makes all of us more sensitive to the struggles of those walking this road.
