Wasted is the story of Mark Johnson, a former homeless drug addict who has turned his life around to become a successful, award-winning businessman.

The scene is set in the West Midlands during the 1970s, when the writer
was a child. We are immediately introduced to his family, a cold-hearted mother and a drunken, abusive father.

Johnson spends his early years in one scrape or another, the usual tribulations of childhood being interspersed with darker, life-altering elements. Despite earning a place in college, he eventually ends up in prison and there his life continues to spiral
out of control.

He had already started dabbling in drugs at an early age and his usage continues to grow, escalating once he starts to date Rosie, a childhood friend and fellow drug user.

He eventually ends up on the streets of London, begging and stealing to survive. It is only a chance meeting with an old friend from his past that leads the writer to rehab and the ultimate choice – whether
to live or die.

Johnson is painfully honest about his history and makes no apology for what he has done. Whether describing the joy and relief from each hit, or the guilt and terror expressed when he believes he has killed someone, he hides nothing.

Writing in a first person narrative allows us to share his journey more personally, and his quick-witted style of storytelling suits this book perfectly.

Johnson's anti-hero acts as perfect fodder to the characters in the book and as an overall experience, it is well worth sharing.