This bestseller, written by Patrick Radden Keefe, covers the Sackler family who is to blame for the opioid epidemic that swept America like an ominous force that we weren’t alerted the perils of. This is a long book that covers a span of twentieth and twenty-first century business practices that the Sackler family exploited–for generations–to build their billion dollar fortune.
Empire of Pain takes you on a journey through the lives and generations of one of the most affluent, private, and privileged family dynasties in America. You will be annoyed, angered, but always entertained and enthralled.
I did read both the physical and audiobook and I would recommend a mixed media read: it can be a chore at times. The author does a great job of telling the story. The last few chapters read like a telenovella or trending hashtag on Twitter.
I rarely reread nonfiction, but this was so good; I definitely see myself reading it again whenever I need a reminder that everyone gets what they deserve!
This is a great book to read, in addition to Dopesick by Beth Macy, if you are looking to extend your knowledge of the opioid crisis, after watching the limited series Dopesick.
I should warn you, the ending is not as satisfying. This is not the fault of the author, but because of the Sackler’s continued manipulation to control the end results. They should have gotten worse but the government did give in for the greater good of the American people.
Junkie 4 A Story 