Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Review of The Heroin Diaries

The Heroin Diaries
The Heroin Diaries
Author: Nikki Sixx
Genre: Arts & Photography
Book Type: Hardcover
thunderweasel avatar reviewed on + 147 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1


If the D.A.R.E. program is a bit too cheesy for you, consider this nitty-gritty, no-holds-barred memoir for your next read. If this doesn't frighten you away from needles and the white stuff, nothing will.

Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx provides an almost day-to-day account of his life in 1987 through his journal entries, delivering a disturbing inside look into the mind of a heroin addict (hence the book's name). His wild overly-sowed oats, his supposed sobriety (assisted by Jack Daniels and cocaine), and his lightly-taken downfalls are all emphasized in this 400-page memoir decorated with equally disturbing blood-splattered stationary and an occasional image from his young and wild days. Nikki and his partners in crime also give present-day commentary on the uncovered entries, giving new light to his behind-the-scenes rock 'n' roll exploits.

This book isn't for the faint-of-heart. Many an f-bomb is dropped and sexual encounter described throughout his crazy year; but his experience with thhe drugs he longs to conquer his battle with are the most impacting and troubling of his many experiences on the Crue's rightfully-named Girls, Girls, Girls tour.

His two death-defying experiences with drugs are what help him seek assistance and sober up. And his following post-'87 wrap-up of his lfie to its current state (including the birth of his several children with really cool names, his two divorces, and the make-or-break moments of the Crue) is fast-paced, but leaves a lasting impression.

Not many rock stars with this many needle marks and belt notches have lived to tell their tale. But thankfully, this one has a happy ending.