Description
Book SynopsisIn January 2014 sixteen year-old Daniel Spargo-Mabbs - a popular, big-hearted prom king - took a fatal overdose of MDMA. Her determination to make sure that other parents are better prepared to protect their children from harm has driven every word in Fiona Spargo-Mabbs' compelling, life-changing and life-saving book about teenagers and drugs.
Trade ReviewIncredibly powerful and also very practical. Fiona wants to make sure no mum or dad ever has to go through what she went through. This book is a must-read. * Victoria Derbyshire *
This is such an important book[...] Fiona has used her devastatingly sad experience with Daniel to help all of us and this book should be essential reading for parents of teenagers. * Gabby Logan *
Incredibly powerful. I can't imagine what it must have been like to write [this book]. But in amongst the heart-breaking story, the information, advice and evidence is meticulously researched, and navigates every parent's worst nightmare without scaremongering. Every parent should read this: it's not a frightening message, it's empowering, and a message of hope. * Dr Suzi Gage, psychologist, podcaster and author of 'Say Why to Drugs' *
A powerful and important book... Beautifully and poignantly written. I would recommend this book to every parent I know. * Professor Sarah-Jayne Blakemore *
Written with determination, humility and sadness - any parent or carer will be better informed and wiser after reading it. * Professor Dame Carol Black *
Fiona's story is heart-breaking, but her honesty and generosity in telling it will undoubtedly prevent other parents from finding themselves in a similar situation. This book is an absolute must for any parent wanting to have a meaningful conversation with their children about drugs. * Alicia Drummond, MBACP Accred., Founder, Teen Tips *
A vital book which has the power to prevent tragic drug related deaths among young people. A must read for any parent. * Paul North, Volteface *
Dan's beautiful, intelligent, witty, big-hearted character is the golden thread in
I Wish I'd Known. There are excellent practical, achievable ideas for parents and professionals; there are also personal testimonies and insights into the legal and medical systems that make for essential reading for anyone concerned about young people's drug use. [From] living through the most painful experience a parent can face, I know
I Wish I'd Known will grow many good things from a very bad thing. * Emma Crawshaw, CEO, Crew2000 *
Beautifully written... a personal journey through the loss of a son, the book [also] provides a valuable resource of factual detail about drugs and alcohol. A must for parents, those working with young people, and young people themselves. * Betsy Thom, Professor of Health Policy, Middlesex University *
Enlightening and informative... A book that educates as much as it moves, it deserves to be read far and wide, by parents and professionals alike. * Dr Ronny Cheung *
A testament to parental love, and a resource of tremendous importance for all those who care about young people. * Lady Kate Cayley, Deputy Head of Boarding, Marlborough College *
This book is a very significant achievement. * David Mackintosh, Global Public Health Network *
An ambitious and important work. Moving, informative, honest and practical. * Dr Eric Carlin, Director, Director of Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems *
This may be a life-saving book. Deeply personal and moving, yet packed with relatable, practical and expert information and advice, I Wish I'd Known is an invaluable guide for parents in supporting children to make safer choices about drugs and alcohol.
Every parent should read it.
* Laura Bunt, We Are With You *
This book is unique and will transform many of the lives of its readers. * Professor Janusz Jankowski *
This book is going to save so many young lives... Thank you, Fiona, for all you are doing to change the course of history * Elizabeth Burton Phillips MBE; Author, Founder of DrugFAM *
If there was a national curriculum for parents, this book should be on it. * Stuart George, BBC Radio Stoke *
