800 Meters: A Journey of Addiction, Recovery and Redemption, published in January 2008, is an alarming recounting of the downward spiral of a young athlete into the world of alcohol, sex, and drugs. From the high school track star whose future seemed so bright to the addict on the run from the law, Mikael Luman shows what can quickly happen when something as unexpected as a knee injury turns your dreams upside down.
Titled for his favorite competition in track, 800 Meters shows how one bad choice can lead to a hundred more. For Mikael, it began with the first time he said “yes” to a drink, desperate to numb his disappointment growing inside. The results? The devastating decay and decline of a young life that had held so much promise. From drug user to dealer to manufacturer, Mikael’s story is gut wrenching and eye opening. Fortunately, however, 800 Meters also shows that there is hope. It is a must read for parents, educators, addicts, and young people who think, “It will never happen to me.”
“The writing was so real and raw that I was immediately pulled into a world formerly unknown to me—of drugs, addiction, crime rings, and the thought processes of a teenage boy. Through such an intimate and unflinchingly narrative, I felt closer to understanding how someone with such promise could find himself so far from where he began and then fight to pull himself up again. Ultimately I felt this book inspired me, as an adult, to question my old assumptions about why and how people become addicted to drugs and to further open the lines of communication with my own teenage children.”Kym Croft Miller, Portland, Oregon
For Interviews or Book Signings call Susan Burnash at Purple Duck Marketing: (425) 896-8959
READER TESTIMONIALS
“Everyone of us will be affected by drug use; whether it is a loved one, a parent, a sibling, a child, a friend, or ourselves. It is empowering to know that someone, like Mikael Luman, could break away from this cycle of addiction, turmoil, and pain.”
By Kelianne Crapo (Lehi, Utah)
“Every parent should read this book and realize it only takes one bad choice and you can change a life forever. This is by far my favorite book of the year.”
By Steve J (Los Angeles, Ca)
“Wow, what a read! The moment I started reading I couldn't stop. I read the book in 2 days. This is a great book for anyone who loves a great fiction book but this isn't fiction. This is Mikael's real life. It is a miracle that he is alive to tell the story.”
By C. Wang (Elmhurst, NY)
“How could Mikael Luman, a talented young man from a loving and stable family, end up risking his unlimited potential for drugs and a criminal lifestyle? Reading 800 Meters- helped me understand how unhealthy and poor choices are often symptomatic of deeper and unresolved issues. In this case, Mikael's fear of failure and the loss of his athletic career led him to dangerous choices. A Great Tool for Teachers and Coaches!”
By Ken- Teacher/Coach (Beaverton, OR)
“Life turns quickly, sometimes too quickly. This true-life story shows us how a person who has everything going for them can fall into a hellish and lonely life of addiction and destruction. You absolutely can not put it down until you reach the final and painful conclusion.”
By Jeremy Cain (Scotts Valley, CA)
