The Book of Drugs

A Memoir

By: Mike Doughty

Narrated by: Mike Doughty

Mike Doughty first came to prominence as the leader of the band Soul Coughing, then did an abrupt sonic left turn, much to the surprise of his audience, transforming into a solo performer of stark, dusky, but strangely hopeful tunes. He battled addiction, gave up fame when his old band was at the height of its popularity, and drove thousands of miles, alone, across America, with just an acoustic guitar.

His candid, hilarious, self-lacerating memoir, The Book of Drugs - featuring cameos by Redman, Ani DiFranco, the late Jeff Buckley, and others - is the story of his band’s rise and bitter collapse, the haunted and darkly comical life of addiction, and the perhaps even weirder world of recovery.

©2012 Mike Doughty (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll have never been deconstructed with such literary elegance and self-deprecating honesty. I was riveted by Mike's evolution, through relentless hard work, from a neophyte with great musical insights, to a master musician. Most of all, I felt Mike's spirit: his humility, courage and power, and his remarkable transformation from imminent self-destruction to prolific, spiritually transparent artist. This is a tremendously brave and rigorously honest book; funny, sad, jarring and achingly true. He had me from the first page." (Rosanne Cash, author of Composed)
"Hardly your typical rock star memoir. Doughty is brutally honest about life as an addict…. Bringing the writing skill that he has crafted to his underground poetry, magazine articles, and songs, Doughty conveys his message with both despair and humor…. A compelling look at one man's struggle to come to terms with the much-discussed connection between addiction and art." (Publishers Weekly )
"Doughty’s life, as chronicled in these pages, is not so much a revelation for its narrative arc (kid makes the big time, starts in with the dope, the band breaks up, kid is redeemed), as it is for the astonishingly vital, energized, and natural voice contained in its pages, one which never once had a ghost writer presiding over it, likewise its acerbic and sometimes lacerating honesty." (Rick Moody)

Excellent

A great audio book, and probably an equally good conventional read. Doughty tells his fascinating story passionately and honestly. He has talent as a writer--the whole book is well written. If he writes a second, I'll read that one too.

From a long time fan

From the jaded perspective of a long time fan of both Soul Coughing and then subsequently Mike’s continuing solo career, this dive into his memoirs was enlightening. Not only the insight to the turmoil endured during the SC days, the look at some songs from the artist point of view was fascinating. The feelings stirred by this book are palpable from a personal journey of bands and drugs. Love and Light Mike!

Great piece. Can't stop listening.

Like the band and never knew the back story. What a wild ride. Has a HST-esque feel. Great read.

Difficult, but worth it in the end.

Difficult, but worth it in the end.

I started and stopped it many times. I’m glad I saw it through to the end.

I Got on an Emotional Rollercoaster w. M. Doughty

You know how it feels to find out a person you've exalted is, well, only human? When you actually make their acquaintance, the air of mystery is dissolved and the unique, impossibly cool person you imagined is really kind of a jerk? I had that exact reaction listening to this book...

I consider myself equally a fan of Soul Coughing (I'm not supposed to say that, Doughty HATES it) and Doughty's solo work. I found both of them at roughly the same time, so I gave the music equal consideration and was not put off by the vast differences. Regardless, you do not have to be a fan of either to enjoy this book, which is a bunch of raw, exposed nerves I found impossible to put down. This biography is equal parts maddening frustration (repeated self-imposed torture at the hands of others & himself) and pure entertainment - I loved it.

Super glad Doughty decided to read it himself, because he reads in succinct defiant bursts, which really lends itself well to the overall experience.

So while I'll probably never make Doughty's real acquaintance, this was enough of a glimpse into his life for me to know we're not meant to be friends (I feel he hurts people's feelings too easily and I'm just a sensitive girl). I still admire his talent, intelligence, determination and ability to save his own life. Sad to find out about the horrific dysfunction of the band during its 7 year life (and sad to learn what a bunch of DBs the guys in the band were to each other), but most marriages end in divorce too... even though Soul Coughing never even had a honeymoon.

A must ready for any Mike Doughty fan.

Own a physical copy, and grabbed this audible version to listen to while I paint. Was delighted to discover it is read by the author. What a treat!

Honesty

If you were ever a fan of Soul Coughing, or Mike Doughty this book is a fantastic look into the life of stardom, drug use and the slow descent into addiction. I really enjoy that it's read by the author.

Reviewer's bias: I love Mike Doughty's music, and his lyrics. I have never used drugs (not even weed), but this was a great insight into the life of someone I admire for his lyrics and music.

Honest, well articulated

Thoroughly enjoyed listening to this. His prose is similar to his poetry in its vernacular, but the stories are lucid and interesting. Sometimes a bit pedantic, certainly a one-sided account of the Soul Coughing experience, but it’s his perspective and that’s fine. Thanks Mike, I’m glad I got to know you a little bit after listening to you for so many years.

Honest, surprisingly entertaining despite the dark subject matter

Honest, entertaining despite the dark subject matter, and well-written. Soul Coughing purists should not expect a fond look back, but Doughty provides insight into the workings of the band and the music industry during it’s era.

fan of doughty

good book. loved the fact that he read it himself.... but feel like the next time I read it...I need to hold the book in my hands.