Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
A Very Fine House summary
Brief summary
A Very Fine House is a captivating memoir by Barbara Cofer Stoefen. It chronicles the author's journey through her daughter's addiction and offers a raw and honest look at the impact of substance abuse on a family.
Topics
Table of Contents
A Very Fine House
Summary of key ideas
Understanding the Unthinkable
In A Very Fine House by Barbara Cofer Stoefen, we are introduced to a seemingly perfect family living in Bend, Oregon. The Stoefens are a close-knit family, and Barbara's daughter, Annie, is a bright, beautiful, and talented young woman. However, their idyllic life is shattered when Annie's experimentation with drugs leads to a full-blown addiction to methamphetamine.
Barbara's initial reaction to her daughter's addiction is one of disbelief and denial. She struggles to understand how her daughter, who was once a promising student and athlete, could have fallen so far. As Annie's addiction worsens, she becomes unrecognizable, engaging in criminal activities to support her habit and distancing herself from her family.
The Struggle to Save
As the story progresses, Barbara's denial turns into desperation, and she embarks on a relentless quest to save her daughter. She tries everything from tough love to enabling, from rehab to jail, but nothing seems to work. The toll of Annie's addiction on the family is immense, straining Barbara's marriage and affecting her younger son, who feels neglected amidst the chaos.
Despite the heartbreak and frustration, Barbara refuses to give up on Annie. She continues to believe that her daughter is still in there somewhere, buried beneath the drugs and the criminal behavior. She holds onto the hope that one day, Annie will find her way back to the family and the life she once had.
Acceptance and Letting Go
It is only when Barbara hits rock bottom, emotionally and physically, that she begins to accept the reality of Annie's addiction. She realizes that she cannot control her daughter's choices or force her to get clean. This acceptance marks a turning point in Barbara's journey, as she starts to focus on her own well-being and that of her younger son.
Barbara's journey of acceptance is not easy, and it is marked by moments of intense grief and anger. She grapples with the unfairness of the situation and the loss of the daughter she once knew. However, she also finds moments of peace and clarity, understanding that she cannot let Annie's addiction consume her entire life.
Recovery and Redemption
In the latter part of A Very Fine House, we witness Annie's journey towards recovery. After several failed attempts, she finally commits to getting clean and rebuilding her life. Her recovery is slow and fraught with setbacks, but she remains determined, supported by her family and a newfound faith in God.
Barbara, too, undergoes a transformation. She finds strength in her vulnerability and begins to rebuild her life, focusing on her own well-being and the needs of her younger son. She learns to let go of the guilt and shame associated with Annie's addiction, understanding that she did everything she could as a mother.
Hope and Healing
In the end, A Very Fine House is a story of hope and healing. While the scars of Annie's addiction will always remain, the Stoefen family emerges stronger and more resilient. Annie's recovery is a testament to the power of perseverance and the possibility of redemption, while Barbara's journey towards acceptance and self-care serves as a reminder of the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.
Through her poignant and honest narrative, Barbara Cofer Stoefen sheds light on the devastating impact of addiction on families and the complex emotions that accompany such a journey. She also offers a message of hope to those who may find themselves in similar situations, showing that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of light.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is A Very Fine House about?
A Very Fine House by Barbara Cofer Stoefen is a poignant memoir that delves into the author's personal journey as she navigates the challenges of raising a child with mental illness. Stoefen offers a raw and honest account of her experiences, shedding light on the impact of mental health on families and the importance of finding strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
A Very Fine House Review
A Very Fine House is a thought-provoking memoir by Barbara Cofer Stoefen (2016) that sheds light on the harrowing reality of addiction within a seemingly perfect suburban household. Here's why we recommend giving it a read:
- This book offers a raw, unfiltered account of the author's personal journey, making it both honest and relatable.
- With its detailed exploration of the impact of addiction on family dynamics, it provides valuable insights and raises important societal questions.
- The author's remarkable resilience and her ability to find hope in the midst of adversity inspires and captivates readers.
Who should read A Very Fine House?
- Individuals who have been affected by a loved one's addiction
- Those who are seeking a personal account of overcoming challenges and finding hope
- Readers interested in mental health, addiction, and the power of resilience
Categories with A Very Fine House
Book summaries like A Very Fine House
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
A Very Fine House FAQs
What is the main message of A Very Fine House?
The main message of A Very Fine House is the destructive nature of addiction and the power of recovery.
How long does it take to read A Very Fine House?
The reading time for A Very Fine House varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is A Very Fine House a good book? Is it worth reading?
A Very Fine House is worth reading for its honest portrayal of addiction and recovery. It provides valuable insights and a hopeful perspective.
Who is the author of A Very Fine House?
The author of A Very Fine House is Barbara Cofer Stoefen.
What to read after A Very Fine House?
If you're wondering what to read next after A Very Fine House, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
- Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser
- Why We Get Fat by Gary Taubes
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- Savor by Thich Nhat Hanh and Lilian Cheung
- Eat to Live by Joel Fuhrman
- Nutrition and Physical Degeneration by Weston A. Price
- Salt Sugar Fat by Michael Moss
- Mindless Eating by Brian Wansink
- The Twenty-four Hour Mind by Rosalind D. Cartwright