2025 Distinguished Favorite Independent Press Award - Addiction & Recovery
2024 First Place Winner of Book Excellence Awards - Addiction & Recovery
2024 First Place Winner of Firebird Book Awards - Addiction & Recovery
Five-Stars from ReaderViews.com, October 2023
“Recovering Out Loud” by Kristy Henderson is a stunning debut memoir that pulls back the curtain on the hidden reality of high-functioning addiction - and the quiet depseration that often lives behind a composed smile.
With poetic honesty and unflinching courage, Henderson takes readers on an intimate journey through the depths of her struggle with alcohol - a battle she fought alone, while appearing to have it all together. She asks the haunting question so many live with: How do you ask for help when no one knows you’re drowning?
Refusing to accept the narrative that addiction only counts once you’ve hit rock bottom, Henderson bravely dismantled the beliefs that kept her stuck for so long. Through her personal stories, thoughtful research, and unshakable determination to heal, she discovers not just how to survive - but how to thrive.
For anyone who’s ever questioned their relationship with alcohol, or who loves someone who might be silently suffering, Recovering Out Loud offers a lifeline. It’s a story of self-discovery, resilience, and the radical act of saving yourself - even when no one knows you need saving.
“5 stars - a Potent Memoir… When seeking help or reassurance from other people's survival stories, we often look for it in places such as group meetings, online communities, and therapy. Sometimes, all we need is a potent in-and-out-of-the-trenches memoir with hard-worn wisdom that will speak to our hearts and remind us that we are not alone and that it is possible to triumph above the odds.” - ReaderViews.com, October 2023
Join in the fun with music & laughs!
Music is almost always playing in my life, even as I write. Check out the Recovering Out Loud Spotify playlist curated with songs that are referenced in Recovering Out Loud, played a pivotal role in the stories told, or played on repeat while I wrote the book.
Or try my Book Launch Playlist for your next alcohol-free social hour! From Sam Cooke to Lizzo, Prince to Aerosmith, you’ll find a wide variety of feel good songs to jam to.
For some extra insight into the process of becoming an author… scroll down and check out my musical shout-out to all the supporters who helped me get my book out into the world!
<3 Kristy
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING….
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AUTHORS JOIN THE INTERNATIONAL FIREBIRD BOOK AWARD CIRCLE OF WINNERS
April 15, 2024 – Speak Up Talk Radio announced the recent INTERNATIONAL FIREBIRD BOOK AWARDS contest winners.
One of the winning entries was from Minnesota author Kristy Henderson, whose book titled Recovering Out Loud won in the Addiction & Recovery category.
Authors and publishers worldwide submitted their work to the International Firebird Book Awards. The panel of judges includes 27 individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Two judges from a select panel read and scored each entry. All judges commit to a set of standardized criteria that evaluate the quality of the writing and the production aspects. The judges only award the coveted Firebird to entries with the highest scores.
Authors can view their entry fee for the International Firebird Book Awards as more than just a fee. It’s a tax-deductible donation that supports a noble cause. Patricia J. Rullo, the awards’ founder, explains, “We give back by hand making colorful pillowcases. We send them, along with children’s books, to women and children who are experiencing homelessness. This includes the shelter Enchanted Makeovers, which is a tax-exempt organization. In this way, authors gain notoriety for their work and play a significant role in transforming homeless shelters into bright homes. Winning a book award feels good, but knowing your participation makes a difference feels even better.”
“Speak Up Talk Radio is a gateway to multiple avenues for creative individuals to promote themselves. We provide various opportunities for authors and podcasters to showcase their work and connect with their audience. This includes book awards, podcast awards, radio interviews, audiobook production, and podcasting services.”
The International Firebird Book Awards run quarterly contests so authors can receive timely recognition. Authors of all genres, mainstream, independent, and self-published, are welcome. For additional winning authors, titles, and entry information:
https://www.speakuptalkradio.com
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When seeking help or reassurance from other people's survival stories, we often look for it in places such as group meetings, online communities, and therapy. Sometimes, all we need is a potent in-and-out-of-the-trenches memoir with hard-worn wisdom that will speak to our hearts and remind us that we are not alone and that it is possible to triumph above the odds. Although addiction stories are different, relating with others and how they made it to the other side is emotionally purging and offers glimmers of hope that we could apply some of their techniques to our own.
"Recovering Out Loud" by Kristy Henderson is a searing memoir that chronicles her personal struggle with alcohol addiction and the impact this had on her life as well as those around her. Through candid storytelling and reflection, the author discusses the origin of addiction and the feelings of guilt, self-hatred, and lack of self-worth that trailed her, even striving to make everyone happy as a validation of her worth. Educated, successful, and with a loving husband at her side, Kristy had what many aspire to have, but the insidiousness of this addiction threatened to tear down these seemingly firm foundations. Ultimately, Kristy knew that her first step on the road to recovery and self-reclamation meant understanding why she fell overboard in the first place.
Clear-eyed and insightful, the book is written with firm precision and candor. The writer captivates readers from her stirring introduction to the last page. An informational appendix is provided at the end of the book to help those looking for further information on the topic. Also, Kristy incorporates quotes from notable personalities to accentuate the subject herein. For easier consumption and perception, Kristy likens alcohol addiction to drowning to death. One moment, you are floating through life, splashing, and partying with your friends in the bright summer sun. The next moment, you fall in over your head and have no idea how you slipped into such depths. Flailing in panic and searching for salvation. Unable to find the words, the air you need, to call out for help. She advises people to kick, flail, and fight until they get out.
Readers will cheer for Kristy's powerful addition to the previously available literature on drug and alcohol recovery. The text advocates for society to employ an empathetic approach to dealing with addiction and the kindness this level of anguish requires instead of branding them as outcasts and treating them as such. "Recovering Out Loud" by Kristy Henderson is an - 2 - illuminating read for those who have not faced the reality of addiction and its devastating effects, and serves as a beacon of hope for anyone fighting this struggle on their own.