Amy, My Daughter by Mitch Winehouse

This book was a very moving, but heartbreaking story. Written by Amy's Winehouse's father, Mitch, it gives the reader a look into the Winehouse family struggles with Amy's addictions to drugs and alcohol. Don't think that Mr. Winehouse denies his daughter's addictions either. He is very aware of what is going on and expresses how helpless he feels in watching Amy's self destructive behavior. He also is very involved in attempting to help her in any way he can, sometimes sacrificing his own health in order to do so.

Even though I along with everyone else, knows how this story ends, I found myself hoping she would get better and rooting for her. However, I didn't know, and I bet a lot of people didn't either, Amy really tried to beat her demons and she DID beat one of the hardest-her addiction to hard drugs but couldn't seem to beat alcoholism. She did want to though, and went days and finally weeks without a drink. 

Mitch Winehouse really shares his personal feelings in this book and I can't imagine how hard that must have been to do. How many of us would reveal feelings and incidents that happen to our loved ones that might bring criticism instead of compassion? 

Which brings me to this: Just because someone is famous, doesn't give anyone the right to bash them and say hurtful things. Amy had problems, yes, but from my personal experience in my family, drugs and/or alcohol addiction does NOT discriminate. I hate when I hear people say, "I would never..." Please. You don't know that.  Believe me. It was and still is very hurtful towards Amy's family to hear her be made fun of or looked down upon because of her issues and Mr. Winehouse talks about this as well.  Amy was someone's daughter, sister, wife, and friend. She was famous, but she was a real person. I think people forget that. 

On a positive note, I, along with millions of others, heard the power and raw talent in Amy's voice. It is obvious that she would have gone far and that we are truly missing a great artist. 

Something positive that came out of their tragedy was the birth of The Amy Winehouse Foundation which focuses on the educating people about drug and alcohol abuse as well as providing assistance to those who find themselves already in battle with these diseases. Visit their site at www.amywinehousefoundation.org. 

If you are a fan of Amy's or even just want to read a true account of a family living through the problems of addiction, pick this book up. I read it very quickly and enjoyed it. Mr. Winehouse should be thanked for sharing Amy's story.  

Thank you to NetGalley who provided me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.