Dirtbag, Massachusetts

Isaac Fitzgerald's memoir of growing up in Massachusetts, first in Boston, and later in a rural part of the state, is a unique story about growing up with a troubled childhood. His family was colossally unhappy, and although he describes the unhappiness in ways that make his father and maternal grandparents look pretty bad, the book is anything but bitter. He describes using drugs and alcohol from the age of 12, and for long periods his use was heavy, but he never describes himself as an addict or as realizing that he needs to stop, although his drinking and drug use apparently destroyed some important relationships. I would describe this book as the most joyful memoir of growing up with a troubled childhood I've ever read. Not that his experiences growing up were joyful, but the author's attitude towards his younger self is forgiving and compassionate.