A Fearless and Moral Inventory

Inspired by Step 4 in Alcoholics Anonymous, I wrote a semi-autobiographical novel that chronicles the love affair between Abby Scheffler and Mike Polka, a relationship loosely based on my first marriage. Along with struggling to save the marriage, I describe my lifelong battle with alcoholism. Each chapter goes back and forth between flashbacks of the love story between Mike and Abby the deterioration of their marriage, and Mike's current struggles with alcoholism as he hits rock bottom and goes in and out of detox and rehabs. It is an examination of the fragility of love, and the harrowing experience of addiction and recovery. It is a story that is driven by love, loss, and redemption. There are many existential themes that are addressed such the passage of time, the psychology of alcoholism and depression, purpose, and faith. I try to use satire, surrealism, and absurdist humor to add levity to the heavy topics of addiction, divorce, regrets, and the everyday struggles within the human condition. A Fearless and Moral Inventory is a funny and informative book that is written with endearing vulnerability and unbridled raw emotion. Michael Polkanowsi is a recovered alcoholic, former guidance counselor, former prison administrator, and licensed therapist.