By Paige Hoblak (Contributor) – Email
Print Edition: February 22, 2012
In this candid memoir about his troubled past, New York Times journalist David Carr opens up about his life before finding success. From drug and alcohol addiction, to working at one of the world’s most renowned news businesses, Carr leads us through his dark journey to recovery. He starts the book off with the story about The Night of the Gun, the story which he once thought to be true.
After deciding to write a memoir, Carr goes back and investigates his own life like the journalist he is. He is surprised when an old friend gives him a different version of the story of the night of the gun. Carr makes finding the truth his main aim throughout the book, understanding that he will have to interview many people from his past to obtain this. His investigates the façade of truth and realises how it can be subjective and misleading at the best of times. His open-mindedness is refreshing as we are given an exclusive look into the records of his grim past.
David Carr portrays the malevolent disease of addiction. He describes nights of overindulging in alcohol and some of the most dangerous drugs. In and out of rehab, Carr rehashes the pratfalls induced by addiction. Through his struggle he manages to maintain jobs, intimate relationships and genuine friends. The miracle of his life, which came by surprise, was the creation of his two beautiful twin girls.
To achieve happiness, Carr looks to his girls who represent his purpose and desire for a normal life. Alongside his daughters, his passion for writing is what gets him through the challenges faced by an addict. Carr is aware of the fact that writing for The New York Times is what gave his story credit and with an alternate ending, his story may not have gained as much respect, if any.
Carr does not shy away from what might make him appear as an undesirable character; he freely portrays himself as a junkie, a criminal and an abusive, careless person. All demons aside, his story is one that should be heard. He advocates for the power of change and is a true inspiration for anyone who has ever felt like giving up. Car’s honesty, strengthened by the brilliance of his writing, makes The Night of the Gun a meaningful read.
