(Erm…This is the part where I tell you how fabulous I am. It’s weird but you have no idea how much I loved setting this page up. For a full hour afterwards I floated around my house. FLOATED I TELL YOU.)
SO, THE WRITING…
Poignant, hilarious, and instructive. Filled with genuinely good guidance and laugh-out-loud moments, Bottled will resonate with any mom in or seeking recovery from alcoholism. I wish I’d had access to it when I was a young mom finding recovery.—Dawn Nickel, PhD, Founder of She Recovers
Dana Bowman is honest, insightful, and incredibly funny, which is hard, especially as she tries to love herself. Men, don’t be surprised if your wife hands you this book and says, ‘Read this, and then maybe you’ll understand.’–—Stan Friedman, writer and editor for the Covenant Companion
STARRED REVIEW IN LIBRARY JOURNAL: Heartbreaking, tragic (and very funny), this is a young mother’s memoir of her battle with alcohol, her arguments with her husband, her self-doubt as a mom, and her efforts to cement her career—all while drinking (and drinking some more) and promising herself she’ll stop. Bowman (English, Bethany Coll.; blogger, momsieblog.com) is a member of a faith community, and her Christian beliefs serve to enrich this work, rather than offend nonbelievers. Calling herself the “Scarlett O’Hara of alcoholism,” (“I’ll worry about that tomorrow,” she writes) Bowman finally hits bottom and details her rocky road to sobriety. Each chapter ends with top tens, such as Top Ten Annoying Recovery Slogans That Actually Work. The author includes lists of resources with organizations, blogs, and websites.
VERDICT: This memoir filled with hope and humor is as good as Ann Dowsett Johnston’s Drink: The Intimate Relationship Between Women and Alcohol but much lighter. —Linda Beck, Indian Valley P.L., Telford, PA
Her writing is nearly perfect. Nearly. I did call her to tell her that she had a typo on page 17 but otherwise? Perfect. — my mother
AND THE SPEAKING:
Dana Bowman brings a unique combination of vulnerability and humor to wherever she speaks. Her ability to laugh in midst of painful memories inspires audiences and gives hope to the hopeless. — Crystal Renaud – Author of Dirty Girls Come Clean and Whole Women Ministries Founder Courage through Recovery
Dana is a consummate pro; articulate, polished and professional. What I love most about her style, and what really makes her stand out, is that she always “keeps it real”. She’s not afraid to be herself, which is what draws people to her. She’s funny, savvy, smart and down-to-earth. She strikes just the right chord of passion, knowledge and humor, and because of this her message is relatable and powerful. — Ellie Strong, Founder and Co-Host of The Bubble Hour, and president of Shining Strong, Inc.
When Dana speaks, she speaks with humility, compassion and humor. She is the first to acknowledge and share her own battles and how she has overcame them. Through her speaking she encourages everyone in her audience to become a better version of themselves. Not only is she energetic and dynamic and a little nutty at times she is also a woman full of grace. —Ian Green. Intensive Case Manager. Heartland RADAC
Dana is the speaker you want – her presentations are kind of like going to hear your best friend talk about her passion: you know it’s real, you know she knows what’s she’s talking about, and she makes you laugh while you learn important stuff. — Jane Blackburn. ARL Good Neighbor Project
*No endorsers were bribed in the submitting of their opinions for this page. I did hug some of them though.
