Play & Book Excerpts
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Sorry I Haven't Texted You Back
(Andrews McMeel Publishing)
© 2020 Alicia Cook
Alicia is an upcoming guest on the 8th episode of Sanctuary's Coffee & Conversation on February 18th.
A Path Toward Healing:
Bestselling Author Alicia Cook Sheds a Light on the Journeys of Those Left Behind when Addiction Takes a Loved One
A Path Toward Healing:
Bestselling Author Alicia Cook Sheds a Light on the Journeys of Those Left Behind when Addiction Takes a Loved One
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Track Two
No one knows how much she cried last Wednesday. Because she still hit her marks. She got out of bed, though she didn’t fix the covers. She showered but forgot to rinse out the conditioner. She put on clean clothes, though they were a bit wrinkled. There were no runs in her tights, no mascara clumps by her eyes. She was only five minutes late, which is considered “on time” when you’re running on four hours of sleep and Seasonal Depression. She didn’t engage in conversation but greeted everyone with a smile. She went home without an appetite but still cooked dinner. She had sex but didn’t finish. No one knows how much she cried last Wednesday because she was quiet about it, and to some, pain is only noticed when it is public, and loud, and obvious. No one knows how much she cried last Wednesday because Thursday was better and, by then, she didn’t want to dwell on yesterday. Currently listening to: “You Don’t Know How It Feels” by Tom Petty |
Track Three
We may sleep together, but my dreams are my own. That’s always been my problem. I shut people out. I only let them see me rom certain angles, in certain lighting, at certain moments. My mother says it’s because I am independent. My therapist says it’s my defense mechanism. My ex says it’s why we broke up. My friends say they love me anyway. I say it’s because I feel safest in half measures. I’ll love you—but not completely. I’ll hold your hand—but won’t interlace our fingers. I’ll take pictures—but won’t tag you. I’ll miss you—but never enough to ever question leaving. Currently listening to: “What Now” by Rihanna |
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Track Five
I don’t tell you that I went to work today in the shirt I slept in last night. I don’t tell you that I cried on the couch for no reason. I don’t tell you that I am hungover in the middle of the week. I don’t tell you I can’t recall the last time my mind didn’t hurt. I don’t need to tell you any of this for you to sense that burnout is imminent. You don’t need to know the whole story to understand the story. That is why you are beautiful. You tell me you are here if I want to talk. You tell me I better sleep tonight because the bags under my eyes are atrocious. You tell me I better eat and take an iron pill. I don’t push back. I sincerely tell you that I am trying. You believe me, and you believe in me. And that’s the precarious, precious cycle that keeps me going. Thank you for not needing the whole story to understand the story. Currently listening to: “Most of All” by Brandi Carlile |
Track Six
I implore you crawl out of that grave before the dust settles before the grass returns. Before you get too comfortable with death, with oblivion. Before your fingerprints and footprints are wiped clean. Before the world gets used to spinning without you. You’re too priceless to remain lifeless in cheap pine. In a dress you didn’t choose. In caked-on makeup. You never slept well on your back. Break your nails. Scuff your knuckles. Swallow the ground. Bloom. You belong here on the surface, with pomegranates and rain and fig trees, with traffic and lavender and morning breath. Not wherever comes next. Not yet. Not on a day like this when your existence helps others exist. Currently listening to: “Reasons Not to Die” by Ryn Weaver |
BOOK LAYOUT DESIGN
Photo Credit: Kamelia Ani Photography
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Alicia Cook is the author behind 2016’s bestselling book of poetry, Stuff I’ve Been Feeling Lately, 2018’s I Hope My Voice Doesn’t Skip, and 2020’s Sorry I Haven’t Texted You Back.
Alicia dedicates much of her life to shedding light on how drug addiction impacts the mental health of families. An essayist and speaker, her activism to fight the opioid epidemic is far-reaching and has garnered a worldwide readership and her very own episode on the Emmy-nominated PBS series Here’s the Story. Stuff I’ve Been Feeling Lately was a finalist in the 2016 Goodreads Choice Awards. Alicia was the recipient of 2017’s Everyday Hero award from NJTV and 2018’s Women with Voices award from the Women with Voices Foundation. She was named a 2019 Healthcare Hero finalist by NJBiz. Her undergraduate alma mater named her its Distinguished Alumni of the Year in 2020. Alicia’s songwriting has been recognized by American Songwriter Magazine (four-time honorable mention), Music City Song Star (semi-finalist), and the American Songwriting Awards (winner). |
