The Painting and the Piano is the heartbreaking combined autobiographies of John Lipscomb and Adrianne Lugo. The two survived hard childhoods, toxic relationships, and near-death addictions before finally breaking free.
Told in first-person, John and Adrianne weave their stories as part flashbacks, part nightmare, in such detail that the reader feels a part of their lives. As they each grow from small children to adults, recognizing but unable to control the damage inflicted by their mothers, each find ways to cope with the trauma they’ve endured.
Johnny is the product of a privileged society in which there are no instant consequences to actions. Though his mother is present, her actions rob Johnny of a love and trust that each child deserves to know. As a result, nearly 20 years of his adult life are spent losing everything, almost his life, until he finally seeks help.
Adrianne is born addicted to heroine, and her story is a perfect example of a broken foster-care system. Though she survives an incredible custody battle between her birth parents and her foster parents, she again finds heartbreak as an adult and has to make the decision between maintaining a facade and getting sober.
When the two meet, both rebuilding their lives, the wounds begin to scar over as they help each other—and others—battle and overcome addiction.
When a child’s best interests are not always put first, it is that child—and eventually, that child as an adult—who will suffer the consequences.
This book is a must-read for any parent, addict, or person close to an addict. The stories are heartbreaking, but every word is true and will pierce your heart.
Review of The Painting and the Piano, co-written by John Lipscomb and Adrianne Lugo, Boynton Beach, Florida, ALJ Marketing LLC, 2016, 1st Edition, 312 Pages, $16.95, ISBN 978-0-9980031-1-5
