we are all made of scars

by
Christopher morris

What is "normal" anyway?

As Chris’s home life deteriorates and he descends into an abyss, he’s showing up for high school finals so high he can’t even remember his locker combination. While other kids are having Thanksgiving dinner, Chris is chasing his drunk mom down the sidewalk of a strip mall, trying to take her to rehab. He’s winning a cruise to the Bahamas, drinking and pretending to be in his twenties to hook up with someone much older. Bad decisions and misadventures abound when Chris tries his best to be “normal” having no idea how.

Set in the mid-90s outside of Chicago, this riveting memoir—by turns heartbreaking and uplifting—chronicles how a family broken by alcoholism creates an uncertain world for Chris as he stumbles through suburbia, trying to find a way out. Both a cautionary tale and coming-of-age story, “We Are All Made of Scars'' is also a rarely seen glimpse into the world of addiction from a teenage boy’s perspective.

"A perfect family read whose voice and moral lessons will echo for years to come. Readers are bound to incalculably draw strength and hope from this new magnum opus." - Bestsellersworld.com

“‘We Are All Made of Scars’ contains vital insight into the generational trauma of alcoholism. Honest and open throughout, author Christopher Morris is unafraid to confide in the reader and, by sharing so many personal truths, manages to create a vivid memoir of hope and survival.” - Indie Reader

“Chris's profound words of advice at the end are my favorite part of the book, as he speaks about being conscious of how the past affects the present and healing from early negative influences.” - Readers’ Favorite

A portion of the proceeds of this book are being donated to alcoholism treatment centers and Al-Anon groups in the area where the author resides.

“An honest, painful journey that inspires hope.”

“Come for the life lessons, stay for the records he spins.”

"Impactful, raw & honest.”

“I couldn't put the book down.”

“I don’t think a memoir has ever made me root harder for a happy ending.”

“This literary gem is an emotional masterpiece.”

“an extraordinary journey of resilience, hope, and self-discovery.”

“will leave you forever changed.”

“Everyone needs to read this book.”

— from reviews on Amazon



Recent Interviews

Video interview with CUbroadcast

Anxious in the Liquor Store” Essay (Feb 24) in the Isthmus

About Christopher

Christopher Morris is an adult child of an alcoholic and believes that sharing his experiences will help others find fellowship, strength and hope. He also wants to give an honest "peek behind the curtain" for a better understanding of alcoholism and its effects on those closest to the disease.

Christopher resides in Madison, Wisconsin and has been working in the credit union industry since 2005 holding various positions, including Director of Communications. He has won many industry awards and holds a bachelor’s degree in teaching English in secondary education from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

An active community volunteer, Christopher enjoys working with local food pantries and organizing frequent group volunteer opportunities. Christopher is also a veteran of the United States Army, including NATO peacekeeping operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Twitter: @morrischris

Instagram: @morrischris