“Smacked: A Story of White-Collar Ambition, Addiction, and Tragedy”
Eilene Zimmerman, who previously resided in Mission Hills, in the city of San Diego, will be back in San Diego from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 11 to launch her debut memoir, “Smacked: A Story of White-Collar Ambition, Addiction, and Tragedy” (A Random House Hardcover; February 4, 2020). The event will take place at the Women’s Museum of California, located at 2730 Historic Decatur Road, Suite 103, San Diego, CA 92106.
The bookchronicles the author’s journey to piece together the mysteries surrounding her ex-husband Peter’s unexpected death from drug abuse while trying to rebuild a life for her family in its wake. Zimmerman’s story offers readers an intimate look at the white-collar drug epidemic and its repercussions.
Her new book, “Smacked,” is a brilliant and moving memoir of Zimmerman’s shocking discovery that sets her on a journey to find out how a man she knew for nearly 30 years became a drug addict, hiding it so well that neither she nor anyone else in his life suspected what was happening. Peter was also addicted to work; the last call he ever made was to dial into a conference call.
Zimmerman is determined to learn all she can about Peter’s hidden life, and also about the drug addiction among ambitious, high-achieving professionals like him. Through extensive research and interviews, she presents a picture of drug dependence today in that moneyed, upwardly mobile world. She also embarks on a journey to recreate her life in the wake of loss, both of the person – and the relationship – that profoundly defined the woman she had become.
When this renowned journalist submitted her story for the first time to the New York Times in 2017, she was concerned about the negative feedback she might receive from the business world. Instead, her article became one of the most top-read stories the New York Times has ever published, raising awareness and torching off a much-needed discussion about drug dependence today in a moneyed and upwardly mobile world.
Zimmerman has been a journalist for three decades, covering business, technology, and social issues for a wide array of national magazines and newspapers. She was a columnist for The New York Times Sunday Business section for six years, and since 2004, has been a regular contributor to the newspaper. In 2017, she also began her pursuit of a master’s degree in social work.
During the event on February 11, there will be light refreshments, an author presentation, book signing, and the chance to meet the author and share her personal story. In addition, you will have the opportunity to meet octogenarian Jeanne McAlister, founder of McAlister Institute, one of San Diego County’s largest alcohol and other drug treatment providers.
Founded in 1978 by 87-year old Jeanne McAlister, who is now 63 years sober, McAlister used her personal experience to build an agency that is founded upon empathy and hope and dedicated to serving those who suffer. She has constantly advocated for responsive and needed treatment services and developed programs which have adapted and grown to meet the needs of San Diegans. This remarkable octogenarian is still the first person in the office most mornings and always the last person to leave. She is actively working as the agency’s CEO.
McAlister Institute provides a comprehensive range of substance abuse treatment, recovery, and supportive services. Together, McAlister Institute’s 24 programs represent a continuum of care that spans prevention and education, outreach, intervention, outpatient treatment, short-term and long-term residential care, aftercare, and sober living. Last year alone, McAlister Institute provided substance use treatment services to more than 14,600 individuals.
Category: Authors, Books, Education, Events, feature, Local News
