The Least of Us

This is extremely well written and it’s interesting to read. This gives an in depth understanding of these drugs, their histories and the politics that surround them. This opened my eyes to why we have such challenges with drug addiction in our society. The personal stories were heartbreaking and riveting at the same time.

Also terrifying. New drugs come in waves. Quinones analyzes the waves, what they’re made of and why Americans love them, can’t quit. Wonderfully done.

Wow Sam! Did we ever imagine sitting in Chemistry class that a lab set up could produce more death and destroy cities, families and kill souls? Chronology and background are magnificent and scientific details appropriate and compelling. The drug war has begun, started by China, in the shape of a pill, not a nuke.

good intro into the opioid crisis in America

The author has done detailed research and interviews and has gotten to the bottom of some of the issues in the opioid supply chain and the biology of opioids and especially the life of addicts.I think this is an important book. I learned things from it and found it useful especially since this opioid epidemic has touched my extended family.However, the author repeats himself a lot — repeating statistics, his opinions, and more. Plus, he periodically goes off on tangents against sugar as pretty close to opioids on the spectrum of addiction-I think he overreacts here! The stories of individual addicts interspersed throughout the narrative are very powerful. And often heartbreaking.I found the information about fentanyl especially useful; the historical information also provided context.I wish the author or his editor had tightened up this book, then it would be even better. It is worth a read if you want to understand more of what is going on with the opioid crisis, as well as some emerging solutions for communities and some paths to recovery for addicts.