“…on this virtually Grand Guignol model that invokes such surprisingly revered figures as Dennis Cooper, Hubert Selby, Chuck Palahniuk and early Poppy Z. Brite. (In any case, if you are going to write a darkish novel about drug dependancy, why not make it actually The Darkest Novel Ever Written About Drug Habit.)”- Chicago Heart for Literature & Pictures “William S. Burroughs as soon as mentioned, ‘Desperation is the uncooked materials of drastic change. Solely those that can depart behind all the pieces they’ve ever believed in can hope to flee.’ Ryan Leone, in his debut novel Losing Expertise proves this. Leone’s uncooked model and life experiences create a novel inconceivable to place down and equally inconceivable to overlook. ” – James Ward KirkHis music might have made Damien Cantwell the star of his technology.However dwelling quick has its penalties, and Damien quickly finds himself spiraling right into a darkish world filled with unfettered debauchery and brutal violence.The horrors of drug dependancy are painted in sharp, biting prose on this novel about throwing away all the pieces and discovering that some issues are too valuable to lose.
tim brown –
Jesus. Ryan Leone writes like lightning. I finished and closed this book a few nights ago and I have yet to open anything else. I’m still glitched. It’s been a really long time since this has happened. Leone KNOWS what he’s writing about. He has found a way to make the main character, Damien, both witness and identify with addiction while blasting through everyone that will help him cop and everything that will give him the space to fix. And while Damien finds one experience after another to make this happen, Leone finds a way to make the violence of being an addict unapologetic. It’s not a choice. It’s a life that makes getting high the only reason to keep breathing. The vulgarity of what ensues on each page for Damien made me think of Bob Forrest when he said a long time ago, ” I knew drugs were gonna kill me but it wasn’t gonna be tonight.” The format of the text for this book was a wise choice. Every sentence feels like a situation. It’s relentless. When you’re in the grips it’s not a fight. It’s an assault. And only an addict knows that. Damien shows us first hand that surrendering to that reality is a place where fear becomes something else without words. If you’ve never got down with drugs – or you love Stahl and Little and Burroughs and PKD and Sartre – or you’re rallying and been clean a while – or you’re in Detox chewing on Benzos and watching Family Feud on mute in the day room… read this book. Leone will get in your blood and change your circulation.
Amanda Reyna –
This is the darkest story I’ve ever read. I don’t know If the author was trying to be humorous or not but I found the only parts that were not suffocating me were the moments of really sophisticated comedic relief. This book seriously disturbed me on so many levels, but it was like a terrible wreck, I couldn’t stop looking at it. This is part of a small number of books that I actually read in one sitting and the style used makes it really fast to get through. I thought it was greatly written but also very, very depressing.
Kathy Trazzare –
Not my usual type of book, but it was recommended by a friend of the author. It really gets down and dirty and into the head of addiction. You can really feel what the main characters are going through and I think I understand a little better the traps and pain drugs can cause for reading it. It is profane, but so is the lifestyle described in the book. It’d be a rated R for content, but I really came to know the characters and it is very well written. Very realistic.
Alameda Hiker –
Ryan Leone puts it all out there. In fact, he scares the hell out of his readers. And yet there is an honest realism that makes this book impossible to stop reading. For younger readers. Leone lays out a narrative that they can imagine and feel. For older folks (like this reviewer), a picture is painted of young drug addicts that they would perceive as some type of science fiction. But Ryan Leone’s greatest gift might be his ability to paint a picture of life in the extreme fast lane that portrays truth through fiction. A must read!
John Nagy –
Once you start reading you wont put it down until its over. Very intense read the story telling puts you in the moment.
L Devereaux –
This book pulled me in from the very beginning and kept me engrossed — while I was both spellbound and repelled. It is a brutally honest tale of an addict — frank, graphic, with an assortment of clearly defined and colorful characters. Their fates are heartbreaking, while sometimes the events are exhilarating. It was hard to put down — but there are moments that made me have to — and then it was equally hard to pick up, from fear of what would happen next. — Which, of course, made me continue, and I was pulled right back into it. Though Ryan Leone has written a fictional version of his throwing away of his talent and life — his talent for writing utterly shines from first page to last.
Amazon Customer –
Ryan Leone, the book was great! I believe in you buddy. Love your content on YouTube as well. You have come along way. Make your fam proud dude! 2020 is your year!Polabra….
sharon b –
This book will capture you and hold you hostage from the very first page. It’s a clever twisted story about the dark and edgy life of a drug addict. The author’s style is unique and he writes in a way that you feel the drug highs and the withdrawals. You step into the shoes of an addict where life threating choices are a daily way of life. The life style is shocking and Leone describes it brilliantly. Just when you think you’ve heard it all, you turn the page to have the author throw yet another shocker your way. Once you start this book, you simply cannot put it down. It will haunt you long after you read the last page.
Stephanie Westling –
This book is amazing! It sucks you in from start to finish.
Elliott –
There are some books in life that you read and they just change you as a person or at the very least change your outlook on life. What can I possibly say about this book that wasn’t already been said. It’s funny, it’s dark, it’s tragic, it’s honest. All these things aside I found myself laughing at the crudely brilliant dialogue, feeling sad at the tragic sense of lose for someone, and an all around enjoyment while reading this book. For me personally it seemed like a refreshing taste on the typical I’m a junkie storyline. It also helps that the book moves at a great pace. All in all I really enjoyed this book and hope to see more from this author.
Brittany –
It makes me smile that someone of the recent generation has written a drug tale that is actually worth something. This book was gloomy but satirical, it shows how the addicted mind desperately clings on to humor to try and water down the severity of what they are going through. This was a smart, dark, funny, and highly addictive read. I recommend it to anyone who wants an honest look into the life of an addict or for an addict who would like an honest look at life.
Dani Bee –
Captivating. I personally cannot usually finish an entire book without getting distracted and this is one I couldn’t put down. A phenomenal come back story, the writer’s style reminiscent of Palahniuk but with a tenacity that can only come from personal experience. Highly recommended!!
jon –
Really enjoying this book and cannot wait to see Ryan’s documentary and other films coming out.
shellyturtle –
After her the author on the Brittani Furlon podcast I wanted to hear more. Great style of writing that keeps the reader engaged. Loved all the familiar drug addict behaviors always propelled by the greed for more drugs. Great read and an ending not expected.
T K –
This was a gripping read from start to finish. Ryan Leone has a knack for beautifully describing the most chilling situations. This book read like a white knuckle ride the entire time and I had a difficult time ever putting it down until I had finished it. Firsthand insight into the ugliness of addiction and what it means to be “wasting talent.”
Jamie Thompson –
Best book I’ve read since a million little pieces by James Frey hoping I’m able to find a book a fraction as good as this one was you know a books good when your devastated that you’ve read it all.
Amazon Customer –
The author captured me with his poetry written book. This was a heavy read that had me engaged from beginning to end! Very real and captured the grit in every page. Loved it!!!
Gil L. –
From watching his YouTube series to reading this, at this present time, 1 of 2 books (hopefully more in the future). Ryan is able to evoke emotion in any reader or viewer. I highly recommend to any reader of all interests and genres to be able to gain an internal look of what it’s like to live in America and have grown up to survive and create a life given countless chances and opportunities, most lost, and big ones won. This is been said literally and figuratively. Great write Ryan! Wish you the best man!
Kathy Artmont –
It’s hard to put this book down and the reality of heroin use is very scary. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about the effects of drug addiction.
Lindsay Ludden –
WHEW! Effing WHIRLWIND! I loved it. Kept me into it from page 1. Sometimes I felt like it was a little TOO much but the details were spot on. As someone who has lived “the life” and has been through the recovery process, I can honestly say not one detail was off. Shooting and eating various narcotics, the combination of drugs and lack of sleep – and particularly the part about methadone clinics- all of it is detailed so truthfully, it puts the reader in a very realistic point of view. It’s a love story, albeit super messed up but that’s also another very realistic aspect of the book when combined with the “live fast, die young” lifestyle.All in all, A book I am telling all my friends to read. Even those who don’t really care to read, this could interest many.
Anthony Giancola –
I know a lot of people who have issues with substance abuses, family and friends. Reading Leone’s book is a cathartic release while at the same time standing as a work of true gonzo crime fiction.It doesn’t dwell in the dark subject matter too long before the next ridiculous situation happens. The best part is no matter how crazy things get, they’re all authentic and real. It flies by and the only regret you’ll have at the end is that there isn’t more to read.
Clifford Family –
Junkie memoirs are tough. You don’t want to glamorize the drug lifestyle, but you also don’t want to bog it down with joylessness, because if drugs were terrible all the time, no one would ever use them. That said, this isn’t a junkie memoir. I don’t know what it is. Besides great, great writing. It reads true, with insights only a survivor of the lifestyle garners, but it’s also wildly, delightfully outrages with a liberal dose of fiction. All I know is Leone takes you on that addiction roller-coaster, the ups and downs and WTF moments, showing the reader death and wretchedness, while still infusing a sense of fun. One of the best in the genre I’ve ever read.
Andrea –
Mr. Leone presents a compelling story about addiction: DON’T START with this stuff! True grit and candid from the window of his soul. Highly recommended reading for those who are addicted or are heading down that path. A virtual textbook on how to derail a promising life…. A must read for those who are addicted or want to understand the underpinnings of addiction. Broke my heart!
amormontes –
One of the best addiction books I have ever read. You can’t put it down once you start,,,,stayed up all night reading really couldn’t put it down, it’s that good
Doreen –
Order this book as gift the shipping was fast and it was a great price.
Ivy Johnson –
Not gonna lie, haven’t read the book yet because I’ve been busy but the author’s stories on YouTube are worth more than gold. Do yourself a favor and go watch them.
Bryce David Salazar –
Intense. Gritty. Raw. Brutally honest. Leone doesn’t pull a punch.Second novel isn’t going to write itself, sir.
Amazon Customer –
this guy is amazing his talelents are extraordinary the book itself is a reflection of his telling of stories and putting them into words to build pictures
Disheveled Peasant –
What a book!The descriptive detail and nature in which Leone writes is remarkable and reminiscent of some of the greats.”Wasting Talent” is worth the read as you are drawn into a world that most people don’t experience, yet the vividstyle makes everything come alive.Definitely worth the read!
Paul –
I felt inclined to write a review after reading the 1 star review belonging to the person who was disgusted by this book and thought it was sick/crossed the line. They must of read this completely by accident because anyone who can see the cover should obviously know it’s not going to be Sex in the City. If this book “crossed the line” then so did every horror movie ever made. I actually very much dislike violence for shock value’s sake. I think it’s stupid and doesn’t take any thought. Wasting Talent is graphic in parts but is not in anyway what the book stands on. It is heavily character driven. That is the meat and potatoes here. Another strong point of this author is the stylish description of environments and atmosphere to really draw you in so you get a real feel and vibe of the energy of the scene. Puts you right there in the same room with these fascinating and insane people. So five stars, great book, the story sinks it’s teeth in chapter one and doesn’t let go making you NEED to know what is going to happen next. If I had to put this book in a genre I would call it dark suspense comedy. Because as serious, bizarre and dark this book can be, it can also be equally as funny. Especially readers familiar with the drug world will easily find the humor. As well as give you panic attacks. 😉
stacy thomsen –
This book is a MUST read its not only hilarious but very on point with the addiction part!!!Ryan Leone please don’t stop writing!!!!
chris walter –
Ryan has been there and injected that. He knows his subject inside and out, almost TOO well. You will go into withdrawals when this book is over and lay there shivering in the cold, grey dawn, forsaken and alone.
Amy Allgoodazon Customer –
This book was one of those experiences that is so disturbing but I couldn’t stop reading until I finished. When people leave their humanity for self-indulgent urges, all gets lost. If you can handle in your face total debauchery then this book is for you. I went on the ride. It was a intense one. I am sure truth also exist, however broken up.
Elizabeth Hare –
I could not put this book down. For 2 days I was lost in this crazy story. I have no words to describe what I read. There is no part that is slow or boring or page fillers. It is non stop insanity. Read at your own risk.
Haley M. Upton –
Think of the wildest story you have read.That was child’s play.Damien’s life is the big leagues, and Ryan Leone tells his story with the unrelenting singe of a whip striking your conscious. Over and over, you are plunged into nail biting moment after moment where you think that Damien is done for this time only to find out he has only snorted half of his drug quota that day. Through his voice, you learn the dark reality that is drug addiction. It isn’t glamorous, it isn’t fun, it is slow suicide, and the drugs make you like it until they kill you in a poetic bang out finish with a Smith and Wesson and the subtle shade of Charles Manson lurking around a party Damien has, through many missteps, found himself racing through the hallways of.This isn’t a story written to make you laugh, or smile, or even like it, this is a story written to make sure you never forget it, and you won’t.
Sweet P Pj –
I very much enjoyed this book, a little sad, but also very real. It was very entertaining and sometimes relatable. I very much recommended this book.
KyndleKustomer –
One of the best books I have ever read. Witty, well written. Just very fun to read. I recommend anyone with a sense of humor read this book.
M. Nicole –
Make sure you have a few hours to spare before you open up “Wasting Talent” — I was reeled in by the first page and couldn’t put it down until I finished.Luckily, it was a quick and easy read. But don’t be mistaken: Ryan Leone’s prose is dark. I found myself going back to re-read parts of a chapter, thinking, “Is this really happening!?” The world according to Damien Cantwell is thrilling in it’s drug-induced state, but it’s also scary as hell. The author does a brilliant job of personifying the protagonist’s experiences in a way that makes you feel frightened, enlightened, intrigued, and humored all at the same time. At times, the plot seems outlandish, but then you realize how real a life like Damien’s could be. I couldn’t help but feel attached to the authenticity of his character.Wasting Talent was one of my more memorable reads this year. The stuff definitely isn’t for the faint of heart, but I enjoyed every bit of it.
Crystal –
Such a good book of real life of addiction and in the mind of an addict. This book was absolutely amazing worth getting and reading read about 3 times now and getting it for my family and friends that been through same things. Beautiful written and message was beautiful know matter what u can get through anything your going though addiction is hard and getting out and getting back ur life is very harder then anything. Well worth the read.
Jason Donohue –
This is one of the funniest books I’ve ever read. Although some parts of the book are very poignant (Note: You’ll understand what I mean after you read the book) overall I found the book to be hilarious. I literally had to get up out of bed at night because I kept waking my wife up from laughing. Buy it, enjoy it and don’t take the serious parts too serious.
WendyF –
If you know of anyone struggling with an addiction to drugs, this will tear your heart out, stomp on it and break it some more. If you don’t know of anyone struggling with addiction, it will still tear your heart out, stomp on it and break some more because the author of this book, like so many in our country today, does not survive his battle. The drugs are winning and it feels like there’s not a damn thing anyone can do about it.
Rory Flynn –
It sounds like a cliche bit I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! This book is a work of pure genius.
D Michael Hardy –
From its first pages, Wasting Talent grabs you by the throat and squeezes just enough to keep you gasping, turning the pages to see just how far down the protagonist, Damien, will drag you. I found myself both rooting for him to pull himself out of the dark depths in which he almost seems to thrive, and for him to sink so low he could never escape. By the end, without spoilers, I wasn’t sure which way things would go. I read the book in less than two days and haven’t been able to forget Damien, or the shady circle of characters that inhabit his world. Leone’s prose evokes a modern day Bukowski, and the poetic structure keeps the pace fast and almost dangerous. This is not a book for the timid, but an excellent piece of fiction. Leone is a writer to pay attention to.
Sara Lunden –
Without a doubt the funniest book I’ve ever read about dope addiction! This book had me dying laughing. I really loved the text message format of the book. It took some getting used to but it really added to the fast pace of the story. Hunter S. Thompson for the internet generation!!! A little bummed that this author only has one book out. It has me craving more.
Lauren S. Edson-Fisher –
Wow, this was as intense as it gets: there were times reading this I felt like I needed a long shower to clean myself off..The drug-infested gritty account of polysubstance abuse and all the horrors that go with it was so ugly it was beautiful. This book us like resin under one’s fingernails that you need a safety pin to scrape out….
Kindle Customer –
this has been a great read. if you have ever been a little off you will love it. Very good work unable to put it down.Sherry
Joe Grata –
As a senior citizen who thought he had heard/seen it all, I found Wasting Talent to be repulsive, frightening and disgusting…but hard to put down! I read every page. It’s hard to believe drug addiction can be so awful. How can any human body withstand such punishment and abuse? And for so long? I wondered where and when these people ate, showered, washed their clothes and carried out other “normal” activities. How they could hide such egregious activities from police for so long? I was curious about their parents, their education. But that’s not what the book was about, was it? Bottom line: I loved it; I hated it. I’m happy I read it in order to gain better understanding of the despair, the get-drugs-at-all-costs issues, lifestyles etc. Wow!
RWHart –
This book is brutal. And funny. And heart-breaking. And nearly impossible to put down. Leone’s writing style is intoxicating–short, declarative, confident–so that it feels like the story is happening in real time. But more importantly, his narrator discovers real moments of clarity and humanity. I was underlining stuff in this book. Not for the faint of heart, but definitely the kind of book that puts a writer on your radar screen.
Durham Jones –
Wow, what a ride.The author has obviously lived this lifestyle and it shows in his work. It’s a cracking read, I can only say I hope not too many of the occurrences are based on real-life!If you’re on the fence about buying this, don’t hesitate a moment longer it is well worth the price of admission and you’ll be left soaked in sweat by the end!
Dustin White –
Ryan Leone is a very talented writer: I had the good fortune of reading this in its raw unedited version and it captivated me from start to finish. An amazing and surreal story that entertains til the end.
Jessica –
I could not put it down. I started the book thinking it was a memoir but it’s obviously fiction….I mean right?
Laurel –
This book was so good and well written i could not stop reading.
Amazon Customer –
Perhaps the best book I’ve ever read, and I read lots. Ryan Leone is a literary genius, he writes like Picasso paints.
Amazon Customer –
Felt like I was reading something Gus Van Sant would direct. Really deep and impactful book. Read it in one day!
DavidWatts –
Wasting Talent is a superb novel, written with an unsparing – almost machine-gun – cadence… as if the author is grabbing you by the lapel and urgently whispering his story into your ear. This is not only great literature, the type that can only be born of desperation and pain, but it’s also a screwed-up voice of a generation: Wasting Talent is an inside look at the great post-millennial opioid epidemic, a roman a clef written with lashings of black humor, unflinching honesty and a great deal of talent.Fans of books like Jesus Son, Permanent Midnight, Junky, Digging the Vein or Young Adam will LOVE Wasting Talent… it’s a fresh take on one of one of the edgiest literary subgenres.
Amazon Customer –
Kept me on the edge of my seat! It was truly like I was along for the ride! Very engaging! Great work I look forward to more!
Michael B. Mushlin –
“Wasting Talent.” gripped me from the beginning. It is an exciting violent out of control tale of a man living a drug induced life on a wild ride; despite the dire frightening circumstances it also is at bottom a tender love story. Once begun it is hard to put down. The work taught me more than I ever knew about the reality (and attraction) of the reckless world of drug and alcohol addiction. I am moved by the power of the writing, and by the honesty with which the author treats the journey of an intelligent and feeling human being living the life of an addict. The power of his insight combined with the vivid way in which he paints his characters left a deep impression that will be with me always. I recommend this book highly for anyone who wants an adventurous read that will also reveal in ways that no newspaper article or book ever can the real world of addiction in 21st Century America. Ryan Leone is a gifted writer who has so much to teach us. I look forward to more.
DIY man –
A good story that had excellent dialog and insightful and interesting introspective. The best book I read
this year.
Courtney fix –
Got it as a gift & he loves it. Will be reading after done. Great author! Highly recommend. Ryan leone writes/speaks so you can literally picture everything. Its dope.
Travis Nelson –
One of the funniest books I’ve read, and by far my favorite “junkie” book. Fast paced and interesting, really rings true in a lot of senses.
Peter Sproul –
Wasting Talent by Ryan Leone is simply the best book about heroin I’ve ever read and I’ve read them all. He needs to release another book already. Maybe he’s dead lol
Rebecka –
Ryan tells his story with all the honesty you don’t expect. The stuff that most would keep to themselves, he tells us and it’s not things to be proud of, but things drugs can bring you to do. It’s a love story, it’s an addiction story, there is murder, really bad guys bad cops and innocence being robbed. I imagine this was hard to write, to relive all the bad things and decisions he made that cost other’s, and himself so much. We know he is doing well and has a great, sober life now, I thank him for sharing his experiences.
Ash McGuire –
As addictive as the drugs it so eloquently describes, I couldn’t put it down, even when I was disgusted – because in the next few paragraphs came payoff.Smart, funny, darker than most anything I’ve ever read, (and I’m addicted to junkie stories) and cleverly written in the frenetic half prose that is an addicts thoughts, a must read.
Heather RN –
Awesome book, super descriptive. After reading it I felt like I had watched a movie.
Lucky* –
This book was so raw and intense I couldn’t wait to see what would be next! The substance abuse in this tale was so vivid I felt like I needed to go to rehab just for reading it.
Marcie Goyette –
Title pretty much sums it up!
Kindle Customer –
Anyone who doesn’t love this book and its brutally honest depiction of addiction has never been an addict or loved an addict.I love the raw honesty and humor the author was able to bring to every disgusting and horrible aspect of life as an addict. The story is fiction but I find it hard to believe that anyone could understand and describe drugs as intimately as the author did without actually living through at least some of the novel and drug use himself.The writing is creative and unapologetic. In a world where most of us want to hide the horrible things we have done Leone shines light and exposes the ugly secrets that accompany a life of addition while still finding a way to bring humor and relief to the situation so that the read is not a depressing and horrible ordeal but a gripping page turner that keeps you laughing.
Amazon Customer –
Shorter stories are usually my thing, as I am easily distracted and loose interest. This book not only kept my interest but I stormed through it and found it hard to put down. A window to the disturbing life of drugs, and what bring meaning to your life. Dark, nasty, and at times hard to filthy to imagine. Overall appreciate the style of writing, the ability to admit ones own failures and look in the mirror. Impressive first book.
Cara Rubinstein –
I couldn’t put this book down! The writing style and the story were truly transportative and I found myself mesmerized by every word.
Mary Braiske –
I finished this book over a week ago and have not been able to get it out of my mind!!! It is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. The characters are so intense that you can’t get them out of your mind. I love the way the author wrote the book, easy to read but impossible to put down. This is a sad, dark look into the world of a drug addict, but some parts are humorous. The rave scene will make you feel like you are right there with them! I am hoping for future books from this extraordinary author. Wonderful dark and twisty must read. Sit back and enjoy the ride!!!!!
Tami –
This book is so gritty and real! I had read it before but started seeing the author Ryan Leone on YouTube recently so wanted to support his journey to becoming a better man and now a father.
Bryan s. –
Great book!!
Liz Stivers –
It was so detailed I felt like I was there the whole time! Well written, and I’m looking forward to the movie!
Julie –
This is an intense book and it drew me in and i just couldnt stop . i didnt expect the ending to be what it was .
BrenS –
WOW what raw explicit story telling. I couldn’t put this book down because page after page I kept wanting to see what happened next. Heroin is a horrible epidemic. This is one ride that leaves you feeling like….whoa, that really happened to Ryan?!?!?!. Kudos to his sobriety today!!! Great book!
Gina McGinnis –
Wasting talent is one of the best books I have read! I am the type that can not finish a book because I get bored, but I finished this book in two days. Very exciting and entertaining to read.
Susan Kern –
Theres no denying it: Wasting Talent is far from your garden cariety literature. Where it lacks in conformity it sure makes up for it with originality. If you’re willing to open yourself up to new perspectives, then Ryan Leone is qualified to take you places. Damien’s seemingly intangible life experiences- no matter their degree of obsurdity and chaos- somehow managed to crawl their way into my head and capture my attention with a death grip from beginning to end. Try to put it down.
An Old Hippie Chick –
I literally stayed up all night and read this. As an addict in recovery for some years, I can tell the difference between someone who has been there and who hasn’t. And even those who have been there tend to write totally boring memoirs. This was neither. It was accurate to a fault, and I couldn’t put it down…If I could give it more stars, I would.
Dex –
A wildfire of hedonism through California via extensive drug use, sex and violence. Has a slight satire edge and never takes itself too seriously which is refreshing.
Theresa Denaro –
What can I even say about this book?!?! Words can’t describe it good enough, I read it in 2 days, I’d walk around reading it! Now every other book I read is like mehh because this book knocked it out the park. Ryan was so raw and real about how ugly addiction can really get! Cannot even wait for a second book!!!
Heather Palmer –
This book captures exactly what it is like to be a drug addict. The thoughts, feelings, emotions, ect are exactly on point. The suspense leave you not wanting to put the book down! Its a page turner for sure! Its got everything you look for in a good drug addict story, drugs, sex, rock n roll, violence, drug deals, lies, stealing, chasing the hih, detox, withdrawl, and much much more!!!! Loved it!
Dwight Turner –
Raunchy but bold. The poetic style was the only way to convey this fast-paced story of Damien and his fellow junkies. At times I found myself reeling as if as high as the main character was. Laughed out loud a few times at the wry humor. Edge-of-seat suspense at times. Reading this book makes me appreciate the brighter side of life. Don’t stumble over the graphic images of drug induced sex penned by the author Ryan Leone. I found the characters believable, more so than other books on the life of drug addiction at its worse. Kudos Ryan. In its own dark way, this is a masterpiece of literature.
DiehardSaints –
Loved reading Wasting Talent! Ryan has a raw writing style in the same vein (sorry, couldn’t help it) as Tony O’Neill. Wasting Talent is an honest, gritty, kick-ass story that is laugh out loud, funny!! Just finished reading it for the 2nd time and it was even better the 2nd time! Great read, highly recommended!
Elisa B –
Once you pick this book up, you simply cannot put it down. Leone’s captivating and descriptive writing style keeps you engrossed in the book, and on the edge of your seat at all time. Although, it can be dark at times, it is also extremely funny and is a very easy read. Highly recommend it!
Johnathan barrett –
Haven’t finished it yet , but already it’s bringing back memories of my heroin addiction I struggled with for 9 years . This is a super raw look inside the life of an addict. I’ve been to prison , rehabs , and comas . Even after 6 years of sobriety this book gives me chills. It’s an awesome book tho . Rest in Peace Ryan Leone
Melissa E. Humphries –
This is a great book!If you are into dark and twisted stories about street life, drugs and prison,Check out this book, Ryan is a good dude who has been to hell and back through his addiction, great stuff. Funny as hell.
Lee Tilton –
Awsome book, from a talented author. Love Ryan’s YouTube page as well.
me likes it –
Amazing book.Ryan Leone is very cool.