I’d like to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who came to the launch party of my latest book “CHEERS – The Hidden Voices of Alcoholism” last Saturday.  It was a two fold occasion also celebrating the opening of my Retrospective Art Exhibition.  Given the responses I have had I’m pleased to say that everyone had a great time!

Although I’m not that comfortable with being the centre of attention, I had no time to be nervous as friends turned up to offer their support and my guests began to arrive to find out what it was all about.   I introduced them to my art exhibition, of work from periods when I lived in Italy, Holland and now Spain and my much talked about book  “Cheers, the hidden voices of alcoholism” revealing amazingly frank real life stories about alcoholism and the effects of alcohol abuse.

I was honoured to have the whole event launched by the Deputy Mayor of La Herradura,  D.Juan José Ruiz Joya, who was accompanied by the president of ARDA (La asociación Alcohólicos Rehabilitados de Almuñécar y La Herradura), a Spanish association similar to AA for helping people suffering from alcoholism.

I am donating 10% of any proceeds of my exhibition to ARDA and 10% to the Shingirirai Trust .  This trust is a community development organization that empowers women at grassroots with the leadership skills they need to provide support programs to the most vulnerable in Zimbabwe.

I briefly explained my artwork and then moved on to my latest work “Cheers” a book that I am really proud of.  This is not a book about alcohol statistics but about human beings, feelings, shame and isolation but also about hope and compassion.

“Cheers” doesn’t pretend to have found the answers to the complex subject of alcoholism but it does provide help to those affected by alcohol abuse and over-consumption.  It aims to raise awareness and show the human face behind the problem of alcoholism.   It offers a tool of recognition that can help to break the isolation, the silence and the feelings of shame that are so often exprienced by those who suffer from the effects of alcohol.

“Cheers” is now available to buy on this website either by clicking  the eBook download link on the top right or you may prefer a physical copy via either Amazon link.

I am always delighted to receive feedback so please feel free to leave a comment.

Enjoy the book.

Cheers!

Renate