Ok... I have a definite confession to make... this part two blog is going to be a little hard to write.  I lent my copy of Maureen's book out to my aunt.  She grew up with the Brady's and was interested based on some of my review.  Anyways, I thought I was just going to write this post in a snap.  It would be simple... but then I'm at Barnes and Noble getting ONIB books #6 and #7.  Maureen McCormick's lovely face is staring up at me from the table in the front... luckily, I was able to muster up a touch of self-control and refrain from buying a second copy of the book.  However, not having the book makes it hard for me to write exactly what I want to say, but here goes!


Here's the Story: Surviving Marcia Brady and Finding My True Voice:
Maureen's struggle with drugs is a little bit shocking.  I'm not shocked so much that she used drugs or drank, but I was really surprised that she was such a heavy user.  The nickname "the hoover" is probably not one of her most proud.  I think that I gained respect for Maureen as a person and an actor when I learned of this.  I was under the impression that Maureen was a goody-goody.  Her intense use of cocaine reminded me that she is just a person trying to live her life.  She was coping with the situation at hand.  Clearly, her life spun out of control when she felt that loved the coke more than she loved any person.

In part two of her book, Maureen recounts some of those experiences she had working while high and the desperate situations she put herself in to remain high.  This part of her journey culminates in one quote that I love:

I was teetering on the edge, totally crazed--and about to crash.

I think that in some form, most people have this feeling at one time or another.  I don't suggest that all people have this experience as literally as Maureen, but it should be familiar to most.  As this is something that is pretty universal, I think the story is more about how Maureen handled and recovered from this feeling of being at rock bottom.  The idea that people hit the lowest of lows is interesting to me and this quote helps explain why.  It's as though you finally feel like you have hit the bottom, but it turns out that there is still room for you to fall further down the edge of a cliff.  The story of a saving yourself right before you crash is always really beautiful.  Generally, most people who pull themselves out of a pit talk about someone who helped them.  But in the end, I believe that they helped themselves.  They wanted to be saved; they wanted the help to conquer their demons. 

Most people would think that since Maureen conquered the six year battle with cocaine that her life has been much better since.  Although that is not entirely untrue, Maureen's admission to living with adult depression is also something that I see as courageous and  brave.  She continued to struggle even as her life was put back together.  There were other older demons that she needed to battle before she could be in a much better place.  Getting her depression under control and sharing her life's story with her daughter Natalie is one of the last pieces.  I commend her on sharing this with more than just her daughter. 

I loved this book (obviously) and am so glad that Maureen felt the desire to share it with the world.  She is inspirational on so many different levels and has conquered so much.  The words on the page provide a quick read with great feeling beneath.  I can't wait to get my copy back!