Dreamseller: An Addiction Memoir Kindle Edition

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As a parent of an addict that started using at an early age, I understand a little better the way they think when you have an addiction. I was in denial and didn’t understand why but Dreamseller helped me realize the mind altering effects of drugs. It’s not always a parents fault but you can be the solution.

I strongly recommend the book “Dreamseller” by Brandon Novak and Joseph Frantz because it gives you an insight on a junkie's life. Within its 252 pages, it puts you through intense experiences, shocking moments and unimaginable situations. One of the most intense moments is when Brandon Novak, or “Novak”, receives sexual favors for money so he can buy heroin. In the book “Dreamseller” about Novak's life, we get to live in the junkies life. “In a flash, I am struck with several past-tense reflections: I was once a skateboarder with a promising career; I had been engaged to the most beautiful girl; I did live in a nice home with a mother who loved. And now, in the present tense: I am selling my body to a middle-aged married man.” (19) Soon after this part the man performs a sexual act on him and gives him $40 so Novak can get his next “fix”. Novak realises what happened is disgusting and wants to go to rehab the next day, but before he goes, he wants to get high one last time.An intense experience in this book happens when he’s at the airport getting ready to pass through the metal detector with an abundant amount of drug money strapped to his body. In Novak’s book, we experience the stressful situations a junkie can go through. “My turn to step through the metal detector. I wait for the guard to wave me through. He looks at me. I feel the urge to swallow, but I cannot let myself. The guard waves for me to walk through. Here I go. I step through the machine. No beep. Thank God! But wait, are they suspicious because I was the only one in line who did not set the damn thing off?” (147) This is very intense because if the detector goes off, he will be searched and they will find all the money. If the money is found, not only could he go to jail or prison, he risks being killed by Dwight or one of his men for losing the money and ratting him out. A very shocking moment in the book is when Novak decides to quit his professional skateboarding career with Powell Peralta to go smuggle drugs for a man named Dwight. In “Dreamseller” we follow a junkie and are with him through every decision he makes. “That night, I went out with Alexia and my drug friends and celebrated the fact that I had quit my lifelong dream. At this point, the drugs were deteriorating my morals, my value system, and all that was positive in my life.” (175) We can infer that he regrets this decision he made and wants it back, but at the time drugs were more important to him. Smuggling drugs for Dwight brought him more money and allowed him to live like a king, which is ideal for a junkie. Brandon Novak and Joseph Frantz’ “Dreamseller” places readers into many situations. I strongly recommend this book for people who are dealing with drug problems, have someone they know that have drug problems or are interested in the life of a drug addict.

As someone in recovery, this book is a must read! On my new list of favorites. Once you pick this book up, you won't be able to put it down. Highly recommend it to anyone interested in knowing more about addiction.

Devoured this book in 2 days. It was hard to put down. A truly heroic and wonderfully written memoir.

I remember when I was a teenager watching Novak on Viva La Bam, jackass etc and thinking to myself. "god what a druggie, I'll never be like that!"Well, I'm 29 and an alcoholic. I finally seeked help 15 days ago and hit my rock bottom. I get the urge all the time to drink. My mind is always playing tricks saying "dude 15 days sober?! Go have a drink and party!! Huge accomplishment! You deserve just one beer. You definitely know how to moderate"I know I will get back to my old ways and I'm done with that old self. When I get those thoughts I clean, walk outside and now reading. I am a non fiction type of reader. And this book "Dreamseller" has been one of the best if not the best book I've read.I can't remember the last were I actually stayed up reading a book because I was so into it.Thanks Mr. Novak for allowing us to read your story and thank you for being so open.I even went on his website and bought his second book "The streets of Baltimore" I know I'm paying more for it but it's so worth it bc I want to support Novak directly and not go thru a 3rd party. Plus you get his autograph which is dope.

Even if you don’t know a damn thing about skateboarding or the jackass / bam crew this book is so wild and full of really interesting stories you’ll really enjoy it. A true story about how one had it all and lost it.

Awesome book! Hopefully there is going to be a second book. Frantz is the most underrated talent ever! Novak is so lucky to have the close friends that he does. Sadly I have seen to many people die before realizing that. If I was a religious man I'd pray for Novak. But I'm not so all I can do is set back and watch from a public distance. It's strange following Cky as a band and the crew all these years. Watching, reading and occasionally meeting them us as fans sometimes feel like we are friends already. It's a weird connection and creepy at the same time. Like when I meet one if them I know a lot about them and they have no clue who I im obviously. It's got to be strange on there end. We are fortunate that deep down under all the shenanigans there is some extremely great talent and there able to use that talent and create entertaining things for us to watch listen to and read. I'm a charm wearing old school member of the alliance. Everyday I wear my Cky and Å charm. It's sad though. The "good ole days" are gone. There will never be a young Dunn pissing in dicos face in Iceland again. The greatest of that era has passed and I'm just so happy to of been if just for a fan part of it. Traveling 14 hours to see Cky play a Halloween show with 7 guys in a pickup. Then when we get there rake let's like 15 people go back to his house to sleep and hangout for 2 days, awesome groups of guys. Hopefully we get a second book soon.

In 2012 I met Novak and Bam at a CKY gig. We travelled from Ireland for it and they got wind and invited us to party with them. We drank beer and ate pizza and had a laugh with the rest of the gang. Leaving that night myself and my husband were saying how great the night was but Novak must be on drugs, really nice guy but he has to be on drugs. Well now I know he was. Super nice guy when we met him. Reading this book it’s clear to see how honest Novak is telling his story, there is nothing held It’s painful to read as you feel right there with him through it. I’m glad he is now living a great sober life and has his family and friends back. Great read. Highly recommend

For anyone who has suffered with addiction or has someone in their lives battling with addiction or even and especially teenagers who haven’t yet tried any drugs this is an absolute must read. Honestly I thought I had a good understanding of what an addict goes through and how I could help them but once I read this I read loses I was so wrong. This is so helpful and honestly will help.

Literally received the book today!I can not put it down!I’ve had to force my self to not ready any more of it today as I don’t want it to end!Really good read. Defo ten out of ten from me.

Easy to read and also very interesting, especially if you knew of Novak from his skate days but still a good read, educational too

I read the book within 24 hours just because it was so damn good. You felt his struggles, you felt his euphoria and you felt it wish to be better. Incredible story that has the potential to really help someone change their life.