Mother Noise

By: Cindy House

Narrated by: Cindy House

A poignant, “raw[,] and tender” (The New York Times Book Review) memoir told in essays and graphic shorts about what life looks like twenty years after recovery from addiction—and how to live with the past as a parent, writer, and sober person—from a regular opener for David Sedaris.

In the opening of this “unexpectedly uplifting...masterfully crafted memoir” (Shelf Awareness, starred review) Cindy, twenty years into recovery after a heroin addiction, grapples with how to tell her nine-year-old son about her past. She wants him to learn this history from her, not anyone else; but she worries about the effect this truth may have on him. Told in essays and graphic narrative shorts, Mother Noise is a stunning memoir that delves deep into our responsibilities as parents while celebrating the moments of grace and generosity that mark a true friendship—in this case, her benefactor and champion through the years, David Sedaris.

This is a powerful memoir about addiction, motherhood, and Cindy’s ongoing effort to reconcile the two. Are we required to share with our children the painful details of our past, or do we owe them protection from the harsh truth of who we were before?

With dark humor and brutal, clear-eyed honesty, Mother Noise is “a full-throated anthem of hope, [that] lends light to a dark issue” (Publishers Weekly, starred review).

Thank you

As a mother of little ones and person who struggles with addiction, I especially found inspiration in it, (even going to try to read ‘ Wonder’ to my deeply emotive 5 yr old)… thanks for writing both such a detailed and yet plainly spoken account of everything. It’s really a treasure.

Simply Amazing

In both the spoken and written versions, I had a hard time pausing this book. I wanted to hear more, but took time to savor each chapter. What a beautifully described memoir of this recovery journey!

Raw and honest. Beautiful writing.

So, so good. Cindy perfectly describes how it feels to be a mother - the shame and guilt, worry, and joy.

Absolutely fabulous!

David Sedaris certainly knows talent when he sees it‼️ Cindy’s stories are even better getting to hear her voice!

Great job Cindy!!

this book brings back many memories. ci dy did a great job and I hope she writes more