If you have an interest in memoirs about addicts, alcoholics, mentally ill or people who are just generally self destructive this book has it all! In The Splendid Things We Planned author Blake Bailey, known for his biographies of John Cheever’s and Richard Yates, in this book tells the story of his own family.
While Bailey is truly open and honest in his depiction of both his own chaotic life and that of his parents; Burck, his father, a lawyer from Oklahoma and Marlies, his narcissistic, German born mother, the memoir primarily focuses around his brother Scott, an undiagnosed, mentally ill addict and alcoholic.
Bailey takes us on a journey where he is the awkward teenager; and Scott is the golden boy, fair haired and handsome; to a time when they both struggle with addiction. All the while the entire family is going through their own personal turmoil. Finally, everyone finds their place, everyone but Scott, who continues to struggle with whatever demons he may have.
A quote from the father, Burck describes the book best: “When a child is young you can catch him if he falls. Then he gets a little older and falls from a higher place. Maybe you can still catch him. But finally he’s a full-grown adult and falls off the top of a building then you have to decide: either get out of the way or be crushed.” ( )

Bailey is a lucky man. He came so close to following in his brothers footsteps. I found this to be a very realistic portrait of an addict, charm, disappointment, excitement and betrayal. The is also an exploration of the complex sibling relationship. Very well done. ( )