Donna Abear is the author of the memoir "Relatively Criminal", a loving, sometimes funny, and heartbreaking first-person account of her relationship with a criminal and drug addict: her little brother.
Formerly an award-winning columnist, she is also the author of the humor book, "Mom...You're Not Naked, Are You?" (Moonshadow Books, 2000), as well as the play "Sprucey, the Blue Christmas Tree" (Dramatic Publishing, 1995). New: Guest ArticleI was approached by Cecelia, one of the creators of Recognition Works (RecognitionWorks.org). Their mission is to connect local organizations with companies in order to celebrate their community members’ remarkable accomplishments.
They’ve noticed a really wonderful trend recently: people are constantly seeking opportunities to recognize recovering addicts for the amazing steps they’ve taken to better their lives. So their organization decided to honor these brave fighters in a truly unique way by interviewing people who are at various stages of their sobriety journeys and sharing their stories with others. Please read this inspiring story from Cecelia. Praise for "Relatively Criminal": |
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"A hilarious, heartbreaking and poignant story of family ties that bind, against all odds." --Kirkus Reviews
(Click here to read entire review)
"You don't need to have experienced life with an ex-con or a loved one who suffers from the disease of addiction to appreciate Donna Abear's memoir, "Relatively Criminal". Abear writes about her journey to rehabilitate her brother with searing honesty and subtle humor that drew me into the story and, before I knew it, I was laughing, crying and rooting for Frankie right along with her." Nita Hunter, Award-winning radio playwright and Founder/Executive Producer of RG Productions)
"Familial bonds are portrayed with resounding candor, clarity and sensitivity in this first-person story of a sister's prolonged efforts to care for a criminal and drug addict brother … The writing is breezy but always serious, with excellent use of interior monologue to capture many pivotal and intimate moments. The credible dialogue vividly illumines the characters of the brother and sister and their motivations." Judge, Writer’s Digest Self-Published e-Book Awards
"What a remarkable tale about love and addiction. The raw honesty of Ms. Abear's story of her relationship with her brother broke my heart. It also left me with a reverence for those who continue to love and support family members with addictions. I could not put the book down. Told with grace, humor, and unvarnished truth..." ejh, Amazon review (5 stars)
"Looking backwards should always be done with care, and this memoir of caring for a brother with a drug addiction is careful to show the person behind the addict. Rarely are these kinds of stories able to avoid drawing a portrait of a person with problems as someone to be pitied. Instead Donna Abear tells the story of someone who behaved badly but brought a breath of fresh air and fun into what had been for her a difficult life to appreciate. Having loved a number of addicts and criminals in my long life I appreciated this honest depiction of loving troubled but loving people. Highly recommended" Annie Warbucks, Amazon review (5 stars)
