"Cooked in L.A." is Paul Cook's story of getting a media career going and getting a marriage going, while facing down the demons of booze and drugs.



While the book focuses on Paul's battles with addictions, this is not a downer book. It has entertaining stories of Paul's move to Los Angeles and his work with Fox TV network and KIIS-FM radio. He rubs shoulders with some well-known individuals including movie producer Jerry Bruckheimer.



Later, after moving back to St. Louis, Paul returns to L.A. for Grammy Awards remote broadcasts and has memorable encounters with Sean Penn and Hunter S. Thompson, among others.



Throughout the book, Paul shares details of his desire to give up booze and drugs---all the while using and abusing substances at an amazing pace. It's a tough road that reaches a happy destination.



I recommend this book to anyone with addiction problems (or a family member of someone with an addiction). I also recommend "Cooked in L.A." to anybody who enjoys media stories and behind-the-scenes celebrity tales.



This is a book to read and then---instead of storing on a shelf---to pass along to someone who might benefit from reading it.