For Gina Mast, each day was darker than the last. She was hiding a major problem from all of her loved ones. As she drank just to get drunk, become numb, or even function, she maintained a brave face. To the outside world, she was happy, healthy, and living her dreams.

And that, as Gina emphasizes in the introduction of Hopelust, was one of the problems. She is sharing her personal experience with the world to change readers' perceptions of what an alcoholic or addict can look like.

Gina's authentic journal entries from this dark point in her life expose the extent of her struggle. She juxtaposes those dark thoughts with the bright and happy pictures she posted on her social media. Gina was living two lives, and most people had no idea of the despair she held within.

As Gina examines her addiction and depression, she also shows readers how she saw the light and became hopeful about her life. To Gina, hope became more powerful than the nihilistic thoughts and anxious behavior. It saved her from herself, and she wants the same for others who are suffering.