Click here to read an extract from Wasted, Mark’s account of his descent into addiction and criminality — and the struggle to save himself.
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April 28th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
What a fantastic story. I read Wasted on holiday and returned this morning and had to check out the website as soon as I could. When reading books we all build up mental pictures from descriptions from the book, but I was hoping to see some actual images on this website. Do you still have photos from your art / photography projects? Even putting a face to some of the names you mention throughout your life would be great? Is the front cover a picture you took yourself?
June 5th, 2008 at 11:57 am
From start to finish this book had me hooked, I had it finished in a couple of days. It was a very honest and true account and truly inspirational and am so pleased that there was a a happy ending and that Mark has chosen to use his experiences to help others. Well done!
August 31st, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Hey,
i am 16 years old and i am not much of a reader but as i picked this book up i read the back and a bit from the first page, i had to get it.
As i strated reading it i was hooked i am now half way and i can NOT put it down!
This book iz a great read.
Great work Mark!
October 15th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Mark,
your life and the way you have turned it around is truly remarkable. I had never heard of you or the work you had done, but what you wrote for the guardian about changing the curriculum to accomodate emotional well-being is an argument I have been trying to explain to my uni friends who are all teaching under graduates like me. All I can say is awe-inspiring.
I read the extract and now have a copy of your book in my hand. I just cannot put it down.
Keep Going your an inspiration to all.
March 29th, 2009 at 10:59 am
Mark, i read the book to help me to understand my clients while on placement in a prison during my training to become a mental health nurse. this is a truly remarkable account from any perspective. one of my clients could have been you, his story was nearly identical. sadly my placement lasted only 5 months and have no way of knowing how he is doing. having read your account helped me to understand his situation from his own perspective. i was able to build a sound therapeutic relationship with him, and offer information about rehabilitation. When my placement finished he claimed i was the only person who understood him. i think reading this book should be part of all training for professionals working with this client group. brilliant. you are an inspiration.
March 30th, 2009 at 2:51 am
Mark, I have been looking forward to Reading this book since I bought it. I have only had time to read the blurb in the shop, and I knew I would love it. I have only just started Reading it, and I am already hooked. It is amazing how honest and descriptive it is!!! I have already told all of my friends that they have to buy it!! It is such an inspirational book, and I love it!!! You are a very talented man, and I am so glad you found the strength to turn your life around and share your story!!!
October 10th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
I have just finished this book and, as an ex junkie and struggling alcoholic with a history of violence, prison, homelessness and depresion, I have to say it is the most inspiring piece of writng I have read in a long long time. Thank you Mark, you are an incredible individual and have given me hope. I love you for that and wish you the best of everything you encounter.
November 27th, 2009 at 12:13 am
through out my life, i have experienced many types of addiction and struggled to understand why and how this happens to certain people! my mother is an alchoholic and was abusive throughout my childhood. my three older brothers are heroin/crack/alcohol addicts in various states of recovery/relapse. i myself am struggling to contain my alcohol dependency!
and then i was given this book!
i have been able to relate to so many things and feel i have gained a certain level of understanding towards my brothers. it feels like someone has opened a window just a little and i can feel the tinyest breath of freash air.
i dont yet know how this book will change my life, but i know it will!
what an inspiration mark is & yet what an incredable burden he has to bear in trying to keep giong and keep spreading his message of hope!
if there is a god, may he bless this man!