John L. Is the most articulate alcoholic you'd ever want to meet. He didn't get that way accidentally. This is his story.

In the book What's In It For Me? John recounts every painful step of his recovery from drugs and alcohol. And, while his story is far from unique, many who download this book on a whim may find that they have unwittingly discovered a story that will save their lives.

Written in a highly readable style, John tells how he, like so many other alcoholics, had to crawl up from rock bottom one day to finally admit he needed help. He found it -- again, as so many have -- through the rigorous, but tried-and-true, 12 Steps outlined by Alcoholics Anonymous.

If you suspect you have a problem with any kind of addiction -- dope, illicit affairs, irresponsible spending, or alcohol --- you'll find John's story helpful -- and inspirational.

John's personal narrative starts out in Maine when, as a teenager sniffing glue, he says he knew there was a voice in the back of his head telling him not to do it -- but he did it anyway. This was a pattern that continued on into adulthood.

Finally winding up in Costa Mesa, California, John finds himself at a rehab center, beginning long-overdue treatment to dry out -- and signing divorce papers at the same time.

Then, just as John is beginning to turn his life around, the unthinkable happens. He's severely injured in a car crash and paralyzed from the neck down. Many people would have given up, and John almost does. But another intervention -- this one from an angry physical therapist who wants him to "stop wallowing in self-pity" -- saves him from himself and he heroically begins the long road back.

The rest of this highly personal memoir details that road, and interweaves lessons from the 12-Step Big Book. As I said, it's an inspiring tale, and you'll want to read it to the very last word to get the full -- and surprising -- story. You'll be deeply moved.

Five stars to What's In It For Me? It's a riveting and deeply human account of one remarkable man's struggle against overwhelming odds.