What can I say after reading Scumbag Sewer Rats? I can say wow! what a potent adventure. John Smethers brings to us a world of the unspoken, the underworld of those in prison and those in their own prison of addiction. The stories are real, they are gut-wrenching, they are the truth that society does not acknowledge. Smethers' own personal tales of addiction, imprisonment, probation, and recovery trickle down throughout the book bringing the reader closer to his truth and his determination to guide us to awaken to a new idea of recovery. He presents a new plan of recovery which utilizes both "steps" and "archetypes" which interplay to form a basis in spirituality and transformation for the questing addict. Sobriety may or may not culminate with this new plan of attack, however, in view of the models currently adhered to by society, Smethers' bold look at addiction recovery is certainly worth our time and investigation.

Barbara Sinor, PhD -  ****
Author of Gifts From the Child Within and An Inspirational Guide to the Recovering Soul

John Smethers has made a really great contribution to those of us who analyze the dark side of human behavior, with this book, Scumbag Sewer Rats. In helping us better understand the inner reality of the addicts and jointsters, he takes us way beyond the usual explanations of genetics and family dynamics into a powerful, story-based drama of men possessed by archetypal forces that rob them of their ability to reason about what is happening to them and how to solve their problems. Smethers makes you understand the archetype of the puer and the trickster from the street point of view. His commentary about the connection between the puer and the senex really provides a basis for understanding why we are having our current financial crisis, why we have waged unnecessary wars and tortured innocent people, and why we are in store for more of the same if we don't elect leaders who have resolved their own problem of being possessed by archetypal forces. (Hint: this would NOT be John McCain.)

Robert Lloyd (Gnostic priest) -  *****
Author of Knowledge that Leads to Wholeness

This book is packed with deep insight into the personalities of criminalized drug addicts, and the process of recovery from drug addiction. It's very worthwhile reading, especially for those whose lives have been touched by addiction of a relative or friend. The writing style and verbiage make it a little difficult to read for people not in the depth psychology field, but it is well worth the effort to read anyway. I've written to the author. He was gracious in his reply, and open to answering questions and providing further explanations.

Holly (Pennsylvania, USA) -  ****

J.H. Matthews (Queensland University of Technology) -  ****

Dr. Smethers has provided a valuable tool for understanding the criminal mind and thinking process in Scumbag Sewer Rats. I have spent years in therapy and studying psychology and family dynamics trying to understand how to help my (now deceased) younger brother. While the title of the book makes me squirm, I found that in its pages are compelling true stories that have helped me make sense of and peace with my brother's life. John Smethers' experiences are sometimes raw, but always honest, and his transformation from convicted drug-addicted felon to psychologist is nothing short of miraculous. I would recommend this book to therapists, family members of addicted convicts, prison reformers, chaplains, and any one else whose life has been impacted by the incarcerated and the addicted.

Catherine A. Held "Psychologist" -  ****

I found Dr. Smethers book intriguing. His life's experience and hands on studies work together to make this book and this concept of criminal behavior worth reading.

James Faulkenberry -  *****

Anyone who has seen an episode of "Cops" no doubt has a rather concrete idea of how criminals typically come across: dirty, disheveled clothing, neglected personal hygiene, and mangled, makeshift speech. Images such as these not only populate the airwaves, but they also dominate newspaper headlines, television shows, movies, and even video games. As a result, we as a society have become conditioned to expect that whenever we hear of a home break-in, a car chase involving a stolen vehicle, or some other criminal activity, the perpetrators will fit the physical mold to which we've all become accustomed.

What we tend to forget, though, is that underneath the hardened exterior of these societal "outcasts" lie the hearts, minds, and souls of flesh-and-blood human beings, who - were it not for the collective intervening influence of heredity and environment - may very well be us. What, then - if anything - separates them from us? And what compels them to commit the very same criminal activity that many of us instinctively eschew?

The answers to these questions and more can be found in Scumbag Sewer Rats, the enlightening analytical tome by Dr. John Smethers. Peppered throughout the pages of Dr. Smethers' informative work are both detailed psychological breakdowns of behaviors commonly deemed "deviant" by greater society, as well as enlightening anecdotes highlighting just how these behaviors play themselves out in the lives of those that we often avoid - but instead should seek to understand. By presenting such practical examples, Dr. Smethers ensures that readers are filled more with understanding and compassion and less with scorn and disdain for the subculture that, in some way or form, we are all responsible for helping to create.

Perhaps the most refreshing aspect of Scumbag Sewer Rats is the ease with which readers will relate to the various points that Dr. Smethers raises. Rather than bombard you with complex academic terms and concepts, Smethers introduces the more sophisticated elements of his analysis while at the same time buttressing them with true-life accounts that frame them in the light of common humanity. In so doing, he allows readers to see the realistic applications of his quite compelling arguments, which enhances their overall understanding of the material.

Coming in at just under 150 pages, Scumbag Sewer Rats is nonetheless a powerful, edifying presentation of a topic with which we all must become increasingly comfortable discussing. Anyone with even the slightest interest in understanding just why criminals and addicts behave the ways that they do would be remiss to bypass this highly enlightening teaching tool. Strongly recommended.

Kendra Carroll (Apex Reviews) - *****