Crooked Smile Audiobook By Jared Klickstein, Michael Schellenberger - foreword cover art

Crooked Smile

What It Took to Escape a Decade of Homelessness, Addiction, & Crime

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Crooked Smile

By: Jared Klickstein, Michael Schellenberger - foreword
Narrated by: Graham Rowat
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Featured in the Wall Street Journal

Crooked Smile details one man's journey that left him homeless on Skid Row, and what it took to escape a decade of addiction.

"Darkly humorous" is an understatement when it comes to this tale of addiction, homelessness, incarceration, and redemption. Jared Klickstein, the child of two heroin addicts who eventually became addicted himself, takes listeners on a raw and personal journey from his unsettling and secretive childhood in the suburbs to the slums of Skid Row. Through tales of violence, relapse, and deep inner struggle, Klickstein provides a harrowing account of his personal encounter with near-death.

But this story is not just about one man's life—it's about the hundreds of thousands of homeless and drug-addicted Americans who are on the streets right now. It's about those who need help the most, and what can be done to address the growing addiction and homelessness problems. Klickstein offers a fresh take and solutions to both epidemics, providing firsthand experience and insight into what policies should be put in place to mitigate the suffering. Crooked Smile recounts one man's escape from a hellish life—and carves a valuable path for others.

©2024 Jared Klickstein (P)2025 Tantor Media Homelessness Politics & Government Poverty & Homelessness Public Policy Social Social Sciences Witty
All stars
Most relevant  
If this guy can get his life together
Then anyone can
Good story
Good book
Brings hope for the hopeless

Wow, crazy story bro

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What a great book! Very informative, hilarious, sad all in one! It’s a book you don’t want to put down (or in my case stop listening)

Wonderful!

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I first heard about Jared's story on the Adam carolla podcast. I'm glad I purchased it. It was interesting the entire way through.

Storyline

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Even with how many people are living on the streets right now, hearing an extended first hand account is rare. It’s even more rare to hear the story of somebody pulling themselves out of it. Super cool to see that people can still heal after something so awful.

Crazy story

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An absolute must-listen. This book offers an unfiltered, deeply personal look into addiction and recovery while bringing humor, raw emotion, and captivating storytelling. The radical transparency and vulnerability make it truly stand out, pulling you into the journey with unrivaled authenticity. Heartbreaking then uplifting. The performance is top-notch, making every moment feel intimate and real. If you’re looking for something that is both thought-provoking and entertaining, this audiobook delivers in every way. Highly recommended with no reservations!

Incredible insight into addiction, hilarious, captivating, raw, vulnerable, brilliant

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