Sharp
A Memoir
Published on 4. September 2012
Book
Hardback
368 pages
978-0-06-206402-8 (ISBN)
Description
In his early twenties, David Fitzpatrick began cutting himself with a razor blade. Self-mutilation provided a rush, a fleeting euphoric high missing from the rest of his life. For the next two decades, Fitzpatrick struggled to overcome this dangerous and bloody addiction, a difficult battle from which he would emerge spiritually renewed. "Sharp" is his disturbing, at times humorous, yet ultimately triumphant account of mental anguish and acceptance, of finding freedom and learning to let go. With prose that is tough and gritty, yet moving and insightful, this compelling, deeply honest self-examination recalls Fitpatrick's quest to understand the competing mental forces that prevented him from leading a normal life. It is also a tale of hope-a soul-baring quest of a lost man who successfully wrestles with the darkness to reclaim his life. As he shares his experiences, Fitzpatrick also credits the lessons learned from the broken people in his life-knowledge that led to his own emotional resurrection. A universal story of highs and lows, love, and determination, "Sharp" reminds us that, no matter the odds, it is never too late to reclaim one's life.
Reviews / Votes
"David Fitzpatrick's Sharp is a must read, remarkably told." -- Wally Lamb "Sharp is a courageously honest book by a gentle, damaged soul who fought his way to the light with a ferocity he never thought he possessed. Fitzpatrick's recounting of his struggle with severe mental illness shines with intelligence, pain and hard-won, self-confidence. " -- Kate Christensen, author of The Great Man and The Astral "What makes this memoir so riveting and so unforgettable isn't the myriad of horrors that its narrator inflicts upon himself. It's the razor-sharp humor and abiding wisdom and depth of humanity with which its author graces the reader. Sharp cuts deep into your heart." -- Michael White, author of Beautiful Assassin and Soul Catcher "Tortured and tormented as he was, Fitzpatrick never blinks as he recounts his residency in hell. Piercingly honest, he forces us to recognize and embrace the most broken parts of ourselves. Be forewarned: this book will expand your heart and mind." -- Rachel Basch, author of Degrees of Love and The Passion of Reverend Nash "A mesmeric, dire memoir...a mission (thanks to Wally Lamb's encouragement) to write this dark, affecting, human story." -- Publishers WeeklyMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Publishing group
HarperCollins Publishers Inc
Dimensions
Height: 210 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 30 mm
Weight
449 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-06-206402-8 (9780062064028)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
David Fitzpatrick was born in Dearborn, Michigan, grew up in Connecticut, graduated from Skidmore College, and earned his MFA degree from Fairfield University in 2011. He works part-time at an auto dealership and is married to a graphic designer and fellow writer, Amy Holmes. His work has been published by The New Haven Review, Barely South Review, and Fiction Weekly. He lives in Middletown, Connecticut.