Bravo Summer House Star Carl Radke Announces New Book Cake Eater — See the Cover! tram

Carl Radke is getting real in a new memoir.

In Cake Eater, the Summer House star chronicles his journey with sobriety "in a world that equates fun with alcohol," a press release reads — a side of his life that the cameras barely capture. He also reckons with the weight of toxic masculinity, the loss of his brother and his search for self discovery in this candid account, set to hit shelves at the end of 2025.

Radke celebrated four years sober in January. His memoir seeks to prove that "fun and authenticity aren't only compatible with sobriety; they can thrive because of it," and even in the midst of major family and career challenges, finding peace is possible.

"Whether processing grief, navigating sober relationships or confronting the public’s perceptions, Carl’s journey is one of resilience, growth and self-discovery," a synopsis reads. "Through vulnerability and humor, Carl redefines 'fun,' reminding readers that the most meaningful transformations come from within."

The synopsis adds that Radke's memoir is "a must-read for anyone seeking the courage to redefine their own path."

On an episode of the podcast The Viall Files, Radke recently opened up about his drinking and drug use after his brother's death in September 2020. He fell into a "downward spiral," he said — as media outlets praised how he had been coping with the loss, Radke was using a range of drugs. And while he knew it was a problem, it took nearly two years to commit to getting sober, he said.

Intrigued? Below, read an exclusive excerpt from Chapter 11.

My friends and I gathered around to celebrate my mom's wedding through the screen. It was bittersweet knowing that Curtis and his family never went to her wedding because of that argument about the house. Our family was fractured at what should have been a moment of joy.

I remember feeling torn that day — happy for my mom finding love again, but heartbroken that our family couldn't all share in it together. As I watched her say her vows through a laptop screen, surrounded by cast members instead of family, the reality of how disconnected we'd all become hit me hard.

Despite my doubts, I pushed through Season Five filming, thinking I could manage my demons and have just a few drinks without going off the rails. Some nights I did OK; others, the old urges took over. I was walking this tightrope, trying to convince myself and everyone else that I'd changed and was in control. Deep down, though, I knew the truth. Moderation sounded great in theory, but in reality? It was a f---ing mess. I was constantly on the edge of falling back into old habits while trying to show the world this new, improved version of myself.

There'd be nights where I'd tell myself "just two drinks" and somehow end up doing shots at 2 a.m. Then I'd wake up the following day hating myself, promising "never again," only to repeat the cycle a few days later. The cameras caught all of it — the struggle, the backsliding, the morning-after regret. It was exhausting trying to maintain this facade of having my s--- together when I was barely hanging on.

Aug. 11 was the day my world stopped spinning. The phone rang at 7 a.m, and seeing my mom's name on the screen, I immediately knew something was wrong. A voice inside me whispered, "It's about Curtis," before I even answered.

When I picked up, my mom's voice was shattered. The kind of pain only a parent losing a child could have. The weight of her words knocked the wind out of me — Curtis was gone. Tears poured down my face and I just lost it, sobbing uncontrollably, the sound echoing through the quiet house. It was then in my heart I knew that everything is changing.

It wasn't just sadness. It was this overwhelming emptiness, this void where all our history, shared moments, and complicated love between brothers used to be.

I remember sitting on the edge of my bed, phone still in hand, unable to move. It felt like my body had forgotten how to function. How do you process something like that? Curtis wasn't just my brother — he was my first friend, childhood rival, and reference point for understanding myself. He was a constant in my life despite all our complications and distance. And now he was gone.

Cake Eater will be released Dec. 30 and is available now for preorder, wherever books are sold.