by Chris Olsen
First published 2026
Chris Olsen thought he had the ideal family until age thirteen, when his mother revealed her alcoholism. This confession shattered his perception and set him on a path through adolescent trauma, hidden sexuality, parental divorce, and toxic relationships. Years later, he found himself following his mother's pattern into addiction and recovery. Now Olsen tells his complete story through conversations with his therapist Lizzie, combining the sharp humor and raw honesty that built his social media following. He examines the moments that shaped him: concealing his sexual identity, watching his mother cycle through rehabilitation centers, and ultimately confronting his own need for healing. The memoir captures his journey from a seemingly perfect childhood to the messy reality of recovery and self-acceptance.
Genres: mental-health, contemporary, adult, memoir, biography-memoir, family-drama
Vibes: cathartic, humorous-yet-vulnerable, intimate, introspective, raw-and-honest
Tropes: found-family, generational-trauma, healing-journey, self-discovery
Period: adolescence, contemporary
320 pages · Hardcover · S&S/Simon Element
Content warnings: addiction, alcohol-abuse, mental-illness