Dustin Dunbar You’re Doing Great – a review
- by CrafterFox
- in Book Club
- posted December 12, 2023
You’re Doing Great and Other Lies Alcohol Told Me by Dustin Dunbar offers a raw and honest glimpse into the life of a former male model who battled alcohol addiction. In his book Dunbar talks about the many lies alcohol tells people, like the one where you need alcohol to be interesting, about all the traps set up by an industry that promotes alcohol to even teenagers, and about his journey of getting clean. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, humor, and insightful observations, Dunbar sheds light on the seductive traps set by an industry that glamorizes alcohol. He shares many funny and embarrassing stories from his personal life to shed light on what an addict is capable of doing when in the ‘alcohol matrix‘ as he calls it. The book is decided into two parts: debunking the lies and providing insight into his recovery journey (with tips). He also provides a lot of historical data about how society got to the point where alcohol, despite it being a substance that causes various ailments (cancer among them) got to be so popularized. In this respect, it is an interesting read, although at times it feels like more of a PhD thesis than a self-help book.
You’re Going Great extends a compassionate hand to individuals grappling with alcoholism, assuring them they’re not alone in their struggle. It serves as a testament to resilience and the unyielding human spirit, urging readers to confront the lies of addiction and seek solace in shared experiences.
Dunbar’s journey is not at all different from any other addict’s. Having just recently read Matthew Perry’s memoir, Mr. Dunbar’s You’re Doing Great pails in comparison and not because he is less known, but because his style is a lot less engaging, even though he does try to be funny and find the bright side in all this madness.
I particularly loved the parts where he debunks the lies and talks about the truths he’s found out the hard way.
Discussion Points
How does the book shed light on the societal normalization of alcohol consumption? What historical or cultural factors contribute to this normalization, as highlighted by Dunbar?
Which myths or misconceptions about alcohol does Dunbar discuss? How do these misconceptions perpetuate addiction, and what strategies does Dunbar propose to combat them?
How might this book help those dealing with alcohol addiction? What elements of the book could provide comfort or guidance to someone struggling with similar issues?
Thank you to Wunderkind PR for providing me with an advance copy of this book!
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As always, thank you for reading!
