Book Feedback

Hey everyone. A fellow Long Beach musician friend of mine Todd A. Zalkins went through a living hell with a presciption medication drug addiction (as well as non prescription substance abuse) for a huge portion of his life. He wrote a book about it and I just finished reading it. It’s called “Dying for Triplicate.” You can get it at www.dyingfortriplicate.com. It is a heartwrenching tale that only is bearable because it ends in triumph. Definately not for the kids as it it is graphic and gritty but all addicts need this book. God bless Todd for baring his soul for others who may be in the same situation…….
– Bert Susanka Aug 31, 2010
Best recovery book I have ever read! Todd has done what few other authors can do….he has made himself 100% open to the reader. The effect of this honesty, I believe will be saved lives. This amazing story should be required reading for all teens and college age kids. To be honest, I am not sure why the kindle price is so low. It is worth much more than all of the “rock star” memoirs that price at $14.99. I read this book in one day, and will be buying a hard copy to pass around.

God Bless you Todd…..thank you for baring your soul to those in need.
– Bryan J. March 19, 2011

I want to say thank you for the message and hope. If it wasn’t for your book I would not have considered even trying for help. I went to my first N/A meeting last night and will continue going. I loved the people there and I know I am still using ( Nothing like I was) but there is no judging from anyone and I will stop. I have to say I have cut down to almost nothing and hurting especially in my legs. I have ever intention on Friday being my sober date. Thank you for everything and even though I don’t know you personally I feel like have known you for years. I have to say I love you as a friend and greatly appreciate what you have done for me and a lot of others. You have changed a lot for people and gave hope to their future. Keep it up and don’t forget to let me know when your show is being aired. Thank you,.
– Rachel March 2, 2011
The book was amazing! I read the whole thing in just a few days. I can relate to many of the stories and situations. I feel that the message this book sends out is so positive. After so many negative things that happened to you throughout your life, it’s nice to read about your success. How you over came everything, and made it!! I am truely grateful that I have read this, it gives me great hope. You are an inspiration to me! – Tiffany W. September 30, 2010

Dying for Triplicate is the most interesting book on addiction that I have read since A Million Little Pieces by James Frey. One main difference is that Mr. Zalkins speaks the truth. I know this because I have witnessed some of this behavior first hand and even participated in some of it!! This book is a great read for people that do not suffer from addiction, but for all of us addicts out there, this is a tremendous story about how you can make it back, even from the deepest of addictions. If Mr. Zalkins can turn his life around after everything he went through, so can you!! – Mark Carl G. September 9, 2010

Wow. Did you hear that WOW! I just finished your book Todd. People who read it and didn’t know you back in the day might think you were exaggerating or making some of those stories up. As one who was fortunate enough to witness your antics over several years I know there is no fabrication. I say fortunate because I was not aware of the horrendous suffering and addiction you were going through. If you had not been making me laugh so hard perhaps I would have been a little more observant and maybe a better friend and influence.

Although it has been many years since we have spent time together I have been telling stories of the chaos you created ever since and the result is always the same, disbelief and huge laughs. Please know that I have fond memories of that time. Although you were suffering addictions there was no doubt that you had a huge heart and cared deeply for your friends.

All the best to you Buddy. You are hugely brave to put out this book, I pray it helps countless people avoid similar pitfalls. – Kent D. September 3, 2010

Todd, I read this book within a day of receiving it. Even though I have heard many of these stories before, they took on new meaning to view them through your eyes and what you were personally going through at the time. I’m proud of you and I commend you for opening up your soul for the sake of helping others. This book will give hope to those who feel hopeless. It also provides a good insight to the dark world of addiction that many of us will hopefully never know. – Matt August 25, 2010

An often funny, yet gut-wrenching look at a man who struggles through years and years of addiction, Todd Zalkin’s “Dying for Triplicate” is an inspiring book with a quick pace and genuine writing. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop; Zman’s humor and down-to-earth writing mix for a unique and engaging story, one that I would recommend to anyone. Triplicate still resonates with me even after finishing, and I can’t say that about any other book. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy if you haven’t already! – Matt F. August 25, 2010

Thank you for sharing this brutally honest, funny and hopeful book with us all. It was painful to read and I also laughed out loud. I was rooting for you to get well -not junkie well- but really well throughout the book. Having known you as a naked child, I’m so proud to know you as the man you have become. I have been a social worker for 20 years and have watched friends and family members struggle with addiction and recovery. We can all learn from your message of hope and love. – Monika L. August 22, 2010

I just loved Todd’s book. There was alot of laughing and crying on my part. My oldest son is an alcoholic and his message does give me hope, as well as my son. I could hardly put it down. Thanks, Todd, for entertaining me so well and teaching me alot about addiction. I can’t wait to be entertained again with another book from you! – Karen B. August 21, 2010

A friend of mine gave me a copy of this book. Wow! This guy Zalkins really seems to air out his dirty laundry and not just for the sake of dramatizing. I mean he goes into agonizing detail of the hell that he went through due to his addiction. I had some trouble with drugs and alcohol in my past as well so I can relate to some of the craziness and extremes that he describes. The situations are sometimes hilarious yet, always profoundly sad as you see this guy destroying his life. I love that he is sharing his story with the world as a way to pay back for his gratitude for his new life. I think he is trying to show others that if he can go through this kind of living hell, beat addiction, and recover, then others can too. Mr. Zalkins, my hat is off to you. Good work & God bless! – J. R. C., Jr. Aug 8, 2010

I really feel like I have been waiting for this book to come out for years now bro. In fact I couldn’t wait for the hardcopy (which i will be sending you dough for soon) so I spent some hours figuring out how to get the e-Book version. that’s how much I needed to start reading this. so somewhere around 2 or 3am I dug in man. I stayed up till dawn reading and to be honest I’m not sure if I was tired, wrecked, or what but I was like shaking a bit as I read a lot of it. I think it was just the way it was resonating with me – I think it made my blood pressure rocket or something. I’m really only at the section where you start getting into the oxys so after all the sublime stuff. I’ve realized over the years that everyone in the pill game, no matter how they got there, are so similar in stories. The part about all the lying and getting to the point of reaching way back to grab a story from an old lie – bro this hit home more than anything could. I can’t wait to finish it and I will definitely let you know when i do. – Chris S. Aug 13 2010

I couldn’t put down the book. Read it in less than 24 hours in two sittings (and I read slow). I laughed, cried, and commiserated with you through your journey to hell and back. This book should click with everybody, as everybody knows an alcoholic and/or addict. Your style of writing is honest, witty, direct I felt like I could visually picture the scenes you describe. One of the best books I’ve ever read! – H. P. F. Aug 13 2010

I had the honor and privilege of reading Todd’s original manuscript in January 2010 and once I started reading this I realized this was a down to earth honest story about a young man’s addiction to drugs and alcohol. Todd’s crazy and wild antics was almost hard to believe, but the more I read, the more I realized how drugs and alcohol can take over a persons life. I have seen Todd in recovery for the past 3 & 1/2 years and have seen his life turn around completely,by helping others and living life to the fullest. I am glad Todd is in my life. An awesome book to read. Your friend. – Rick C. Aug 10, 2010

The word Dying in the name of the book is very appropriate as that is exactly what we were doing, killing ourselves day by day. Thank God Todd and I both found the strength to recover from an addiction that would no doubt have eventually killed us both one way or another. This is a great testament to the fact that faith, willingness and surrender can lead you to a life filled with hope and happiness instead of fear and despair Today I choose life over death and my life is amazing. No, I won’t go pick up your laundry and by the way you owe me an ammends. I’m so glad we are here today healthy and happy! Love You Todd! – R. H. Aug 3, 2010

Todd,
Congratulations and I wish you much success on your book. That is fantastic that you are able to put the pen to paper and give inspiration to others. I look forward to exploring some of your personal adventures through your book that I’m sure will reveal 3 pertinent ideas… I appreciate your fellowship and wishing you all the best to you and yours. – Markus F. Aug 6, 2010

Dying for Triplicate is honest and raw. A journey through devastating physical and mental chaos from the most warm hearted man. – Shawn V. Aug 6, 2010

What a great story! What a great website. Thank you for allowing Bis Kids to be a part of your recovery. We are truly blessed to be on this journey. – Victoria M. Aug 7, 2010

Wow!–The first word that comes to my head after reading this book. Being someone who participated in plenty of these “debaucheries”, I never knew the severity of his demons. He did so well in hiding it, making it seem like casual partying. It was normal for him to be in this state of mind. The people around him expected it, liked it and unfortunately, encouraged it. Who knew… ? This “hard to put down” book made me laugh, cringe, hurt and even shed a few tears. As a friend, I’m very proud to see Todd on the road to recovery, taking in life, looking healthy, feeling healthy, but even more important, seeing him passionately determined to help others. I hope this book helps or touches someone. I know thats why it was written. Arty…. – Arty H. Aug 7, 2010

This book is amazing! Thanks for sharing your story Zman, it was inspiring, touching, funny, sad and everything else inbetween. And since I’ve known you for quite some time, as I read your story, I could literally hear your voice telling it. It really hit home. I couldn’t put the book down!

My sister just started reading it also, she’s a recovering heroin addict, clean and sober for almost 5 years now. She’s had her nose in the book since yesterday and absolutely loves it!

Thanks again for sharing your story and congratulations on your sobriety Todd!

All my best, – Lisa X. September 15, 2010

I know how hard it is, Just the front cover got me drawn in to reading more about your book. I was raised in California, and was addicted to meth for a little more than 8 years. It was a crazy life and until I got deported no matter how badly I wanted it, I couldnt stop. Ive turned my life around ironically in Amsterdam. Im going to the concert on the 5th! Sublime has been with me through all my fazes in life. I cant wait to find an english version of your book! A lot of people say they respect me for how ive turned my life around and I never know how to react. I had no choice! But now by reading about you I get what they mean. Its a miracle, and we have made it happen. :)
Take care. – AnonymousOctober 10, 2010

Just finished your book. Thank you. Don’t know what else to say. Its been 35 days since I shot oxy, the first 23 of which I Didn’t sleep. So many similarities, some differences, and you helped me realize the booze has to go too. The alcoholic denial was dead on, “I’m only a junkie”. Still in the infant stages, but staying in Vermont meant dying there. Grabbed my dog and some clothes and kicked in siesta key Florida. Oceans beautiful and a shit load of live music. Your book really helped me see What I have ahead of me, thank you again. By the way I got the e-book cause after I saw the ad on Facebook I had to have it right away. Now I gotta order a hard copy so I can pass it on.
– Mike October 10, 2010

Hey todd its me jesus, you meet me at wilson and singed my shirt. I also told you about my dads addition wich caused him to die, since you came it really made my day, I have taking thearopy for the death, i am doing much better since i told some one about the death. i feel like a heavy burden has been lifted. You are the one that made my day and helped me fill a gaping hole in my heart, thank you.
– Jesus October 21, 2010

I just finished the book. I’m 36 hours into kicking booze and it’s been a ten year battle that has left me minus a fiance, minus a career and minus whats sorted out to be a fine stable of exceptional and varying people I once called friends. It’s somewhat hard at this point to articulate how your story has touched and helped me as I’m fucking brand new in this venture….. regardless of the posturing, Thanks for helping a misfit to feel normal for a hot minute. Infinite more to follow.
– Paul November 6, 2010

Dude, your book is awesome. i just finished reading it the other day. i loved reading about you growing up in california and all the shit you and your buds use to get into. in a lot of the ways, i can seriously relate to some of the things you talked about in the book. i live in cocoa beach florida, and i grew up surfing and partying hard my whole life. when i read your book, i felt like you were saying all the things my mind cant say its self. the way you described your addiction, and how drugs became just a natural daily ritual to you, it was as if you were literally reading my mind. i feel like each and every part of your book was describing a different aspect of my life, but in a totally different way than i ever could have described it myself. your book helped me realize a lot of things about myself that i otherwise may have never realized before. you’re an extremely inspirational person Mr. Zalkins. i have absolutely nothing but the highest respects for you.
– Bronson November 16, 2010

This book is amazing, and it’s going to help a lot people. The totally raw honesty, humor and humanity in your writing has a lot of power. Even for non- addicts…everyone has their stuff. Perfectly mundane habits/beliefs/fears can keep us half asleep and not Really Living. I identified with a lot in the book, and it encouraged me to be more honest with myself about things in my own life. There’s a statement about transformation in our lives requiring first a transformation in ourselves. I’ve heard that before, but I Felt the meaning of it here, and it really hit me over the head. Anyway, thank you for writing this, and sincere love and support for to those battling addiction.– Jamie N. Jan 23, 2011

I just finished your book. I found it to be incredibly inspiring buy yet extremely gut wrenching at parts. I have battled with addiction my entire life, and I can relate what you have told. I have been in rehab centers before and have since relapsed. Your story has not only given me hope, but it has planted that tiny seed that says, “Maybe I should give this another try.” – Jon February 2, 2011

Todd, I just finished your book and your story is amazing! It made me laugh, cry, relate and realize how lucky I am to be living a sober life. Thank you so very much for your humor and your heart. I can’t wait to share this book with fellow survivors and the ones still going through it.
– Jessica March 1, 2011

Todd, I just finished your book and it was at the perfect time for me. I have been “in love” with pain meds for roughly 6 years now and I have finally made the choice to clean up. I actually read your book on one of my withdrawal nights. it took some of the pain and misery away as i read and i was actually able to laugh cause i truly identify with every aspect, except for the doses. i generally take 8 to 10 oxycodone 30’s per day until about 6 months ago when i discovered suboxone. it has helped but now i have put those behind me too and looking forward to finishing these wd’s. your book was inspiring to say the least. we have had very similiar lives, only difference being my dad is in a vegetable state from a severe stroke induced by large amounts of alcohol. anyways, you are inspiring and i hope to be successful at putting this shit behind me as you did. i cant imagine doing the amounts of oxy you did so i thank god for you and pray i never go back down that road. thanks for this book.
– CJ April 21, 2011

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