A powerful and honest memoir from a recovered addict. Tracy infuses humor into her journey to recovery, making it relatable and believable that anyone could face similar challenges, and sharing how it unfolded for her. However, the true essence of Tracy's story lies in what she decided to do after her recovery.

Tracy Viola’s Pretty Wrecked is a profoundly moving and thought-provoking novel that transcends its focus on addiction to deliver a universal message about self-care, mental health, and living in the moment. While the story delves deeply into the struggles of addiction, its themes resonate far beyond, offering insight and inspiration to readers regardless of their personal experiences.

The narrative is both raw and relatable, capturing the challenges of addiction while highlighting the resilience and courage needed to face them. Viola doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities, but she also emphasizes hope and the power of personal growth. The book’s exploration of mental health and self-improvement is particularly compelling, reminding readers of the importance of prioritizing their own well-being in a world that often demands constant outward focus.

One of the standout elements of the novel is its sharp critique of societal pressures, especially as seen through the subplot involving parents obsessing over their children’s futures. Viola deftly challenges this mindset, urging readers to embrace the present rather than being consumed by fears of what’s to come. It’s a refreshing perspective that feels especially relevant in today’s fast-paced, achievement-driven culture.

Pretty Wrecked is more than just a story about addiction—it’s a call to reflect, heal, and prioritize what truly matters. Tracy Viola has crafted a powerful narrative that inspires empathy, self-awareness, and a renewed focus on mental health. This is a must-read for anyone seeking a story with heart, purpose, and an enduring message of hope.

Wow. What an inspirational read.

Now, please forgive me this, normally accounts of surviving and recovering from addiction’s are a bit self centred or looking to cast blame, no judgement, in my experience it’s the nature of the beast. It’s a selfish disease, addiction. Aswell as that I’ve read very few accounts that I’d wish to share with an addict, there are lots of “quit lit” type books out there, the majority of them are terrifyingly bad. This genuinely belongs in the self help category. The main takeaway for me, I see real recovery, real work done, over and over, day after day, and a woman who needs to be damned proud of not only surviving but achieving success with a real desire to make others lives better.

The scary part is, I related to much to teen Tracy, we had so many similarities so many similar situation’s that I kept thinking, god that could’ve been me so easily. I doubt I’d have made it the way Tracy did.

Warm, funny, obviously distressing but above all, utterly inspiring.

There are a few little wobbles with sound on the audio but there’s really no other option to 5 🌟

Congratulations Tracy.

All the stars 🌟
#Jorecommends

My thanks to BooksGoSocial Audio via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this title 🎧