Wow! This was just an absolutely incredible and inspiring memoir about a teenage methamphetamine addict who turned her life around to became a federal judge. As a female lawyer and federal criminal defender myself, I really resonated with the messages we can all learn from this - messages to ourselves about what we can accomplish even in the darkest of times, but also a message about humanity, rehabilitation, and not giving up on each other.

A MUST READ for everyone!!

Thank you SO MUCH to HighBridge Audio and NetGalley for the ALC of this title!

An authentic look at how someone was able to make the choices that led them from addiction to recovery. I applaud Mary Beth O’Connor for her courage and transparency in sharing her story. There were times that I was confused as she would say that 12 step groups were too religious for her, yet she encouraged people to attend and she still attended. It is true that recovery isn’t a one size fits all and that a person must tailor their recovery to who they are (been an addictions counselor for almost 30 years now). It was refreshing to see her share some of the alternative (not mainstream) behaviors and actions that worked for her. At times (especially in the beginning) the writing was pretty raw and graphic and could be triggers for those who are in the beginning of searching for recovery or who are in the beginning of their journey in recovery.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy. Review is strictly my own personal opinion.

A very interesting listen! The narration was very good and was interesting to hear the story developed. Have a great in-site to addiction and the depths of this common Illness. But also shows the strength one must have to survive it.

From Junkie To Judge was very interesting with many trigger warnings to be cautious of. Mary has been through a lot in her lifetime. From being abused both physically & emotionally, she turned to drugs & alcohol to survive. Her need for drugs also lead to sexual abuse & even rape. While she may have conjured up the idea that it was not rape as she did not say no or try to stop them, she now sees those experiences through a different lens & realizes what they were.

Mary Beth had so many obstacles to overcome but she did it. She turned her life around & became successful. She put her past behind her & left it there. It is always truly amazing to me to hear about how people turn their lives around. It is truly inspiring.

Thank you NetGalley for the Audiobook ARC.

Amazing inspiring redemption story about addiction and recovery. This disease can be beaten and Mary Beth proves this! She comes from being a meth addict to an American Judge who has 29years recovery under her belt. Amazing achievement and massive well done to her. I wish her all the best. Hope for addicts everywhere. Thank you to @netgalley for my copy, all opinions are my own. Definitely one to recommend #WDR

It is an inspiring personal story of recovery for sure.
Some issues I had with it: Timelines confused me in parts. And some characters never got full development (and I think this compounded with timeline issues). For example, I think it was John & Sally both... they were mentioned a few times but every time I wasn't quite sure of their timeline or part to play. One of the sex scenes (can't remember if it was an assault scene or not) read to me like an erotica novel or porn ... seemed very out of place. The narrator had a great voice overall but fell short when reading the "street" dialogue of some of the characters. Just wasn't a good match for that sort of dialogue and slang. I actually really prefer when the author reads their own novel & was disappointed that wasn't the case here.
But a strong story of resilience & surviving trauma.

TW: drug use, SA, sex-drug trading, loss

What a powerful story of recovery! As someone that has struggled with addiction(sober 7 years as of September 2022) this book is such a needed piece of work.

From Junkie to Judge is the perfect balance of showing the trauma of childhood, struggles with staying sober, and making a better life for yourself.

Just wow! The struggles this person had and still has is a testimony. This testimony represents someone who endured so much has gotten so far.

OMG! There is too much to say but it will only give too much away. I applaud this woman! This memoir left me riveted. To survive such an upbringing and then to navigate that trauma through addiction... The details of her violent encounters from parents and strangers... Navigating childhood trauma is difficult enough without an addiction! This was a great #audiobooking experience. It will definitely give hope to others who struggle with a chemical dependence disorder. It left me wondering what happen to those minor characters who inflicted major trauma though... There is unthinkable evil in this world and I hope those folks were visited by KARMA. This was a painful narration but equally uplifting and empowering. The voice artist was outstanding!
#ScienceOfAddiction #Trauma #ACE #DomesticViolence #SexualViolence #ACODF #HigherEducation #NatureVsNurture
@MaryBethO_ @she_recovers #FromJunkietoJudge #NetGalley #ARC

Holy crap what did I listen to? This book reminds me of Jennette McCurdy’s book in that I was saying wtf every other page. From Junkie to Judge is the insane true story of Mary Beth O’Connor and how she went from being addicted to drugs for most of her life to becoming a recovering addict and a federal judge. Through therapy and rehab she was able to redirect her life back towards the path she had originally wanted years before and showing how someone can operate both inside and out of the strictly religious AA programs as an Atheist was just amazing. I can’t wait for this book to come out so all of my friends can read/listen to this amazing story.

Thank you Netgalley, Highbridge audio and Mary Beth O’Connor for the audiobook ARC

This is a raw, honest and unflinching account that takes us on the journey as Mary Beth O'connor literally lives through being a Junkie before finding Recovery and becoming a judge.

This is an emotional book in places, filled with painful memories but it is also a book full of hope. I found her experiences of Recovery paths particularly refreshing. In a world seemingly dominated by faith-heavy Recovery approaches Mary Beth O'connor explores other options.

I really liked how matter of fact the book was, as I felt it didn't shy away from some of the darker topics.

All in all, I'd recommend it to anyone with an interest in addiction and the wider public.

Thank you to NetGalley and HighBridge Audio for the audiobook version of this book. Everything I write os of my own thoughts, feelings, and opinions. I am in no way affiliated with or compensated for my review.

This is a story from a hard childhood with trauma and many forms abuse that leads to starting drugs- alcohol- pills- and whatever else Mary Beth O'Connor could find to dull her pain. O'Connor tries to live a normal life while still actively using many forms of drugs.
While in treatment she finds that most treatment programs rely heavily on faith and a higher power- she is an atheist and has to find ways to get through treatment while still standing firm to her own beliefs.

This book is jam packed with raw emotions. Raw truths that surround the "why" of addictions. This book is a real eye opener that your past doesn't define your future. The world we live in every person is touched by addiction in some capacity. This is a book that everyone should read. This is an amazing tool to understanding.