William Borchert

When Two Loves Collide

What a wonderfully written book by William G. Borchert about Dr. John and Dot Mooney.

Mr. Borchert chronicles the lives of Dr. John and Dot: their never-ending
love for each other and their children - through thick and thin;
the history of their alcohol and drug addictions; how the addictions almost destroyed
their lives, impacted the lives of their children, and harmed their careers;
their attempts at rehabilitation and eventual road to recovery;
the rewarding days of helping others with addictions; and, the establishment of
Willingway.

When Two Loves Collide would give excellent insight and understanding to families
and friends of those with addictions, as well as hope and guidance for those
suffering from alcohol and/or drug dependency.

I received a free copy of When Two Loves Collide through Goodreads First Reads.


… (meer)

When Two Loves Collide
By William G. Borchert

WHEN TWO LOVES COLLIDE is a straight forward telling of Dot and Capt. John Mooney, M.D. and their struggle with, through, and spectacular recovery from, alcohol and drug addiction. Like similar stories, the distance they fall and the depths they hit make their recovery, well ANY recovery, seem miraculous.

Author Borchert's matter of fact style is deceptive considering just how compelling and dramatic this story is. It is very educational on the subject of addiction and what that meant to its sufferers back in the 50's and 60's before the current medical treatments and before AA was a household term. The Mooney's journey is also revealing of the realities of codependency and enabling, and raises questions about when the love and faith of good friends become simply agents that extend problems and hold off the inevitable and necessary crash at the bottom before the journey up can begin.

As young people, John and Dot, each in their own worlds, enjoy the raucous and rebellious hilarity of moonshine and speakeasies in the 20's and 30's; but it is when John returns from his time of service in WWII that he comes home addicted to painkillers and alcohol. Nevertheless, he manages to set up a successful medical practice and meet and begin a life of love with Dot. As a medical doctor, John has immediate and easy access to painkillers and mood enhancing drugs of all kinds which he lovingly makes available to Dot who becomes similarly addicted. It's a fairly steady downhill slide for these two, but what's amazing is that they not only claw their way out of it through AA but make their own home a recovery center. The experience of their four children growing up in a home literally full of recovering addicts is unique, and one comes to see how these children were blessed with a singular window onto unconditional love that few of us get to see and many of us need.… (meer)

Inspiring is the perfect word to describe When Two Loves Collide: The Inspiring Story of Dr. John and Dot Mooney. It is a story of love, addiction and the endurance of the human spirit. Well written and not too medically technical, it takes the reader on the roller coaster ride that is addiction. This book is so well written, I felt as though I was an eyewitness to the chaos that surrounded the Mooney family.It would be a great addition to a university curriculum and should be read by professionals who work with addicts.
The day after I finished this book, I had the happy coincidence of being invited to a graduation for people who completed an addiction treatment program. Because I had read this book, I was able to fully appreciate the hard work the graduates put into reaching their graduation milestone. When Two Loves Collide has given me a better understanding of the disease that is addiction and a deeper admiration for those people who are able to overcome it.… (meer)