Fix, The
Thompson, DamianWhether it is the sweet treat that helps you get through the afternoon, that extra check of your email in case there is a new message, or more ominously, that latest bout of unnecessary shopping, we are immersed in a world of addiction. Arguing that addiction is a choice not a disease, journalist and recovering alcoholic Damian Thompson considers western society and the part it plays in supporting our addictive impulses.
With its enticing combination of personal story interwoven with solid research, this is a provocative and easy book to read. So pour yourself a coffee, light up your cigarette and start reading!
Comments from Groups
This was an interesting read. Thought-provoking, challenging and enjoyed by all the group.The discussion was lively and wide-ranging, and we still thought we had covered 1/4 of the ideas the book raised. We decided that porn addiction (and it's implications) was probably the addiction that worried us the most for the present and the future - but they all worried us. Tauranga 009 We thought that this book could have been written as an article and that there was some repetition in the writing. However we all found our own 'addictions', and gained a greater awareness of marketing techniques and skulduggery employed to lead or entice the general public. Provoked good robust discussion. Te Awamutu 003 We thought that 'addiction' was too strong a term for some of the habits and fads Thompson described. True addiction stems from genetic predisposition and early conditioning. The positive side of this book is it's function in alerting us to our own weaknesses,and to the manipulation by media, so that we are aware of our behaviour and are prepared to act on it. We had an animated discussion around issues in this book. Marton 001 Some members did not like the strident tone used by Thompson, and not everyone was convinced by his argument that addiction was a habit rather than a disease. Others agreed that the word 'addiction' was overused in society. The questions generated a large amount of diverse discussion. Wanaka 013 Divided opinions on book. Some felt it was very informative and that everybody should read about addiction; others felt the book was just a lot of facts and figures padded out. Not an easy read but very good discussion. Napier 020
Pages
279
279
Year
2012
2012
Reviews
28-10-2020
Not everyone enjoyed this book but those who persevered were able to lead a thought-provoking discussion on the nature of addiction, the role of endorphins and the author's conclusions as an ex-addict. It certainly became obvious that much of our modern living revolves around the 'feel good' buzz, and everyone was able to contribute examples of this . The general conclusion was that chocolate is a necessary food and therefore exempt from the addictive label!
28-10-2020
A range of opinions on this book, and a very interesting discussion.
28-10-2020
A great read and what an eye opener for all of us. Addiction is, and was, in most of us. Everyone had a look at their own life with this book.
28-10-2020
Best discussion ever. An admirable book. Impressed with the writer's formidable research - an astounding document.
28-10-2020
An interesting book, although not everyone read it. Quite scary thinking about the future in regards to our young people, when it comes to gaming, pornography and social media. We liked his terminology, the 'replacing of people by things'. Not really bed time reading!
28-10-2020
Mixed reviews on this book, most enjoyed parts of it but found it a bit repetitive especially towards the end.
28-10-2020
A thought-provoking read.
28-10-2020
Interesting topic. Not read by everyone in the group, but those who read it enjoyed it.
18-11-2019
This book certainly opened our eyes to what is out there, and made us think about what is coming. An important read for everyone really.