Star Boy by Paula Sergi

In Star Boy you have captured the grief, loss of what could have been, the reality of what is and the powerlessness of loving someone struggling with addiction. You still have hope but capture the experience that is such a gift in your writing, truly carries you to the universal places you go with this work. There is still shame and stigma associated with mental health and addiction that I see the benefit of this book being wide-spread, from advocates to self-help, parents to providers. I also find it accessible in a way that I imagine book clubs and family gatherings being able to share in the discussion.

There is a statement from Trauma Informed Care – ‘People heal when they feel heard.’ In this way in particular, I feel that the emotional impact of your work will be healing.

–Dr. Matt Doll, Director of Behavioral Health, Treffert Center, Autism and Outpatient Services. SSM HealthCare St. Agnes Hospital

Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down! Star Boy is a must-read for anyone who desires powerful motivation and emotional support outside of an addiction textbook or self-help book. I love the visualization Paula’s story draws for the reader as the reader travels through her parenthood journey. Her story is as captivating as is clever in the way she illustrates the challenges and recovery of raising a son trapped in the claws of addiction. Her story uses an artistic approach to provide empathy, validation, and hope to any reader who struggles with addiction and/or has a family member suffering from addiction.

–Lindsay Davel, DNP, APNP, PMHNP-BC