Book Review | Unrecoverable: An American woman's rescue from a Turkish prison

Author: Shelly Lantz

Publisher: Frieling Publishing, 2021, Warrenton, VA

Number of Pages: 265 pages

UnRecoverable is a gripping memoir by Shelly Lantz that follows her journey through addiction and survival in the seedy world of sex and drugs in South Florida. The author's skillful storytelling keeps the plot moving like a novel, while also capturing the gritty darkness and despair of addiction.

Lantz's struggles with her church upbringing and the moral influence of her parents lead her down a path of false promises from Rhinestone Cowboy pimps and honey-tongued madames. Each chapter is aptly named, such as Uncertainty, Unprepared, Uncontrollable, Unrepentant, Unspeakable, and Unsavory, and ends with a cliffhanger that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

As Lantz's addiction reasserts itself with its powerful mantra: sex equals money, money equals drugs, drugs will solve my problems, readers come face to face with the rot beneath the thin veneer of glitter and bling in the sex and drug culture.

The author's ability to paint a vivid picture of this world is both disturbing and captivating. At times, readers may find themselves feeling judgmental towards Lantz, similar to the older "good" brother in the story of the Prodigal Son.

However, Lantz's story also offers hope, as she ultimately finds her way through the help of God's grace. The author's experience in a Turkish prison becomes a turning point that allows her to respond productively to the move of God's Spirit in her heart, leading to a surprisingly hopeful ending.

In conclusion, UnRecoverable is a powerful memoir that offers a raw and honest portrayal of addiction, survival, and redemption. The author's clever chapter titles and cliffhangers make it a page-turner that readers won't be able to put down. Put on a pot of coffee. You may not put this one down tonight.