Reviews (12)

Does not help at all
I actually returned this book because it had very little , if anything, to do with WHY you actually compulsively eat. it did not go into or even explained the psychological factors that influence C.O. all this book talk about is how women's self-image is polluted with diet ads etc, etc. it does not deal at all with how to actually stop, in an effective way.
true story
This book is full of good information on why a person overeats. It isn't a book you can read in one evening. It will take some time to read it thoroughly.

Its not about food
I wish I could say I lost 20 pounds but I haven't but am on the way too. I'm 5'4 and 120 pounds and obsess about food. Although it focused on undereating which to me was very annoying because overeating is more of an epidemic than undereating, yet the authors chose to equate the two. Anyways, this book is a worth read because for once in my life they made me believe that food is not your friend, it is not a panacea, it is just food, and it doesn't solve your problems. For years I have hid in food, now I am mad because I can no longer do so. It was easy, but it didn't work. For the first time in 2 years I cried, I stopped myself, but at least I did it a little. Anyhow, I recommend this book for the sole fact that it broke up my relationship with food, which is very painful but I am no longer a coward. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Eating Disorders - General    2. Eating disorders    3. Obsessive-compulsive disorder    4. Popular works    5. Psychological aspects    6. Psychology    7. Psychopathology - Eating Disorders    8. Self-Help    9. Psychology & Psychiatry / General   

Editorial Review

In the bold and heartbreaking Read more

Reviews (343)

I know, I know, it's not all true .....
We all are more than aware that James Frey's books are not all based on his experiences but that doesn't change the fact that both "A Million Little Pieces" and "My Friend Leonard" are powerful stories. The characters are riveting, the story line is completely engrossing, and Frey's writing style adds so much to the story. "My Friend Leonard" was intense, funny, painful, and inspiring.I just finished it last night and would recommend it to anyone.I think that people/the media need to stop judging James Frey for taking creative license in his writing and just accept both books for what they are: very strong, readable stories that draw you in from page 1 and move you.

A wonderful book, even if it is fiction...
I remember vaguely hearing about James Frey and the whole Oprah thing, which seemed a little ridiculous. But I was still curious about his book "A Million Little Pieces". So I bought the book and read it, I loved it. For me it was eye opening, everyday I work with criminals and drug addicts but I have never been one myself. As much as I want to help them, I don't understand what they have experienced. Mr.Frey's books have laid out a story of addiction and recovery that is butural, yet honest and accurate. "My Friend Leonard" is a touching story that nicely finshes off the saga that "A Million Little Pieces" begins. I would recommend them both to anyone, they are captivating and honest about the horrors of drug addiction. Even though parts of what Mr.Frey wrote are not true, you cannot deny good writing and a good story.

that man can write...
regarless of the controversy over the fact that portions of this book, along with "a million little pieces" is fictional... there is one undeniable fact... james frey can write. i loved this book... i cried though over half of it... he easily sucks you into his life... you root an cheer for his relationships, mourn for his loss' an feel a sense of pride with every good decison he makes. this is a must read for everyone. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Crime And Criminals    6. Criminals & Outlaws    7. Criminology    8. Drug Addiction (Psychiatric Aspects)    9. Entertainment & Performing Arts - General    10. Ex-convicts    11. Male friendship    12. Personal Memoirs    13. Recovering addicts    14. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    15. United States    16. Biography & Autobiography / Literary   

Reviews (8)

Pretty good
This book is pretty good. But when I went shopping for a professional interventionist, every one I interviewed suggested that I read the book "Love First." I've read both, but Love First really lays out the whole process in detail and takes you through it step by step. And yes, the intervention was successful. Thank God!

Here's a thought ...
How to deal with someone who doesn't want your help?Here's a really radical idea: leave the person alone.

A Classic Text
...the disease model is settled science. The American Medical Association has recognized alcoholism as a disease since the 1950s and long-term research of high validity supports the fact that addiciton is a disease...I do hope potential readers of this classic text will not be dissuaded by an unknown source's unfounded personal beliefs. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholics    2. Drug And Alcohol Abuse Treatment    3. Drug abuse    4. Family Relationships    5. Rehabilitation    6. Self-Help    7. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Drug Dependence    8. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    9. Treatment    10. Alcoholism    11. Coping with drug & alcohol abuse    12. Drug addiction & substance abuse    13. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Reviews (10)

Perfect Daughters
This book was so helpful with it's insight into the experience of having an alcoholic parent.It is written well, easy to follow and answers questions you didn't even know you had.I highly recommend this book to anyone, but especially to people like myself who are at the beginning of their quest for the truth and don't want to read a book that feels too clinical and complicated.

A cheesy way to earn a living
Having recently come to understand the role of my alcoholic parents' habits in my development as an adult, I have been seeking every possible source for information and strategies for dealing with my own behavior problems.I have found some wonderful sources -- Janet Woititz' books, for example.I had high hopes for this book, Perfect Daughters since I am such a freak but what I got was a book written in large print, at a level merely approaching 6th grade, that is 40% this man's clients' letters.His analysis is facile and offers nothing new.Yes, we all feel this way; yes we all share certain qualities, but anyone who's done only minimal research will discover this very soon.This book offers nothing new.I feel ripped off by the book's "promises", insulted by the writers' tone and plethora of marginally relevant quotations clearly pasted from quotes.com.Don't buy this book; check it out of the library and get what good you can from it. There is some there, but not $10 worth.

The Perfect Daughter
I am a child of an alcoholic Mother.I try very hard to avoid books that talk about adult children of Alcoholics becuase they usually make things sound very over technical and impersonal.I am not a very emotional person and I know the decisions I make in my life are because of my families alcoholic issues.However, this was a book that was not very hard to read and I would highly recoomend it.After reading the very first story and bawling my eyes out about that little family princess who never understood and was always trying to make it okay,I knew the book was for me to read.That's ME!!! That's ME!!! I kept saying over and over. Ironically I highlighted every sentence and passage that had to do with my childhood and feelings in the book and I believe I ended up with 90% of it highlighted.I couldn't help to think that someone had a hidden journal on my heart and feelings growing up.If only that person had stepped in when I was young what a difference it would have made.I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adjustment (Psychology)    2. Adult Children of Alcoholics    3. Codependency    4. Daughters    5. Self-Help    6. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    7. United States    8. Coping with drug & alcohol abuse    9. Drug addiction & substance abuse    10. Self-Help / Adult Children of Substance Abusers   

Reviews (3)

GreatBook!
This is truely an easy to read, step-by-step book.Explaining first the teenager's brain and thinking and what stresses a teenager has in their life, then going on to reasons for drug use, and practical, tangible ways to deal with it.This is a great book for any parent of a teenager to read, whether or not they have found their child trying drugs.It is a great "heads up" informative sourcebook.I esp liked the section on what special emotional needs that teens are looking to have fulfilled during adolescence.It is really helpful to read that as a parent of any teenager.

Author Survival Meditations for Parents of Teens
It's so important for parents to DO SOMETHING when they discover their teen using alcohol or other drugs. This no-nonsense approach is one of the best I've seen, and I've been counseling for over 20 years.

Know a drug using teen? Read this book--You can help!
Of all the books I've read on the subject of teenagers and drug/alcohol abuse, this is by far the best.The authors clearly spell out exactly why you're right to be worried and how to help.They explain how to conduct an"intervention" to cut through the teen's denial thatdrugs/alcohol is a problem for her or him.By presenting treatment optionsand contracts as her or his "choices," parents and others canalso give up the sense of fear that leads to ineffectual efforts to controlsomeone else's drinking or drug use.Once you let go and realizethat--just as the teen you care about has a choice (including using)--youhave a choice to impose consequences that range from mild to severe.Thebook is oddly reassuring and direct.A must-read for any parent or friendof a substance using teen. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcohol use    2. Alcoholism    3. Drug use    4. Family & Relationships    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Family/Marriage    7. Life Stages - Adolescence - Drugs/Drinking    8. Parenting - General    9. Prevention    10. Teenagers    11. United States    12. Adolescent children    13. Adolescents    14. Children    15. Coping with drug & alcohol abuse    16. Drug addiction & substance abuse    17. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Reviews (4)

An excellent approach to a very difficult problem
After over 15 years of watching my mother's drinking problem worsen, my family came to the conclusion that there was nothing we could do to help her. We thought, "How can you help someone who doesn't want help or doesn't think there is a problem?" This book very clearly shows you that with the right approach, there is something that you can do to help your loved one get the necessary treatment required to overcome his/her addiction. Bruce Cotter uses a very clear, personal approach that everyone can understand. After reading this book, I felt empowered to help my mother into the treatment program that she desparately needs.

Alive Magazine
"The primary beneficiaries of this work would be those who are Powerful, helpful information.
I was so caught up in the pain and confusion of the addiction of my friend, I could not see straight.After reading the book I can see more clearly what I can do to help, and what I can't do. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Recovery    2. Self-Help    3. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    4. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Drug Dependence   

Editorial Review

This startling look at desperate, drug-addled inner-city lives ranks as one of the grittiest--and best--examinations of underclass America available. Like Alex Kotlowitz's Read more

Reviews (56)

excellent
I had to read this book for my criminology class, and finished it early. This book is hard to put down, it draws you in. I read 200 pages in one night. The book is hard to read, not tounderstand butbecause it is heart-breaking. the book is a real-eye opener to the harsh realties of the inner-city. This book is excellent , highly recommend.
not for everybody
this is one book where the movie was better.however, i always like to read the book to get the actual details. this book is over 500 pages .it is very detailed , but not a page turner.

A Treasure
One of the outstanding books of our times.A powerful and compelling read.Will appeal to people from across the political spectrum.The Corner is a gem of a book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baltimore    2. Drug Crimes    3. Drug abuse    4. Drug addicts    5. Drug dealers    6. General    7. Maryland    8. Politics/International Relations    9. Poverty    10. Social Science    11. Sociology    12. Sociology - Urban    13. Urban Sociology    14. Alcoholism    15. Crime & criminology    16. Current Events / Poverty    17. Drug addiction & substance abuse    18. Urban communities   

Subjects:  1. Drugs    2. Medical    3. Medical / Nursing    4. Pharmaceutical Research    5. Pharmacology    6. Pharmacy    7. Testing    8. Toxicology    9. Drug addiction & substance abuse    10. Medical / Pharmacology   

Subjects:  1. Criminology    2. Psychology    3. Psychopathology - Addiction    4. Psychotherapy - General    5. Addiction & therapy    6. Drug addiction & substance abuse    7. Psychology & Psychiatry / Addictions   

Reviews (30)

Ifyou are reading this review you might be an addict!
THE MESSAGE IS HOPE, AND THE PROMISE IS FREEDOM, AND JUST FOR TODAY YOU NEVER HAVE TO USE AGAIN! If you've found this book give yourself a break and read it. You will find your story on every page. See for yourself! I have truly found a new way to live, to live a life free from active addiction. There are two additional things that go hand and hand with the Basic Text: attending NA meetings regularly, and working the 12 Steps with a sponcer. I am a recovering crystal meth addict and I have 23 months clean, and for that I am forever grateful. If your whole life was/is centered around drugs, the getting and using, and finding ways and means to get more, concider yourself an addict. Come to an NA meeting and I'll be the first to say "Welcome home, you never have to use again."

DO try Rational Recovery...
NA is a reasonable way for an addict to recover, but so is "self recovery" where you simply make a commitment to never use again -- and then *really* never use again.If this sounds impossible, it may be because AA and NA have declared it's impossible and so many people have come to believe it that it's folk wisdom.However, most people who quit a substance and then stay quit over the long haul do so on their own, without ever attending a recovery group.This is verifiable fact!
The Bible for us recovering addicts
I have owned this book since about 1995 when I was given a copy at my first inpatient program, White Deer Run, out in Allenwood, Pa. I was a hardcore heroin and coke junkie from the mean streets of Washington Heights who was also only 19when the threat of jail or homelessness forced me into recovery. Of course, being the hardcore addict/hardhead that I was, I ended up both places and had to learn the hard way. I read this book daily in rehab and THOUGHT I had got it, but like it says in the book and in the rooms you have to WANT it in order to recover. Nobody can do it for you, recovery and surrender is up to the addicted person. This book showed up a handful of other times between the years of 1996-2005. Those years were miserable because I was in the grip of active addiction. But more or less, this book sat on my shelf for 8 years gathering dust while I slowly committed suicide. In early January of 2006 I picked it up once again, blew the dust off, and cracked it open. It still had a "new smell" believe it or not. I opened it up and a few minutes into it I broke down into tears. This was MY story, everything explained in the NA basic text is the life I have lived and have been living. I am FAAAAAR from a recovery thumper BELIEVE ME but what I can say is this much, this is the Bible for recovering addicts as the Big Book is to AA. I belong to both fellowships but it was NA and this basic text that saved my life. Within it, IF and the key word being if one is willing, are the steps and traditions and hope to stay clean, one day at a time. I have 79 days clean, a freaking MIRACLE for a junkie like me, and I attribute it to the basic text of NA and the fellowships. I agree with one other reviewer, even if you never touched a drink in your life but shot heroin or smoked crack or whatever, it won't hurt to pick up the AA "Big Book" as well. And I'll go on to say that picking up the CA fellowships Bible "Hope, Faith and Courage" is a good move too. Don't worry about mixed messages as my sponsor would say, all of the above have positive, life affiriming messages. But it is really the NA Basic Text which opened my eyes, over 10 years I owned and even read this book, but never really READ it until I was ready. If you are willing to surrender your addiction to the will of God of your understanding instead of your own selfish will, this is the book that you should have by your side. Another thing is that this is NOT a religious text it is spiritual, don't forget that! God simply means GOOD ORDERLY DIRECTION or can mean a million other acronyms, it is the SPIRITUALITY that is so prominent. There are Muslims, Orthodox Jews, Christinas, Buddhists, Taoists, Satanists, Scientologists, Agnostics, Atheists, and others too many to mention within the rooms who have read this book and found a better way to live. The other book one reviewer mentioned concerning Rational Recovery is pretty silly and I tell you why. YOU CAN'T DO IT ALONE! I don't care if your Tom Cruise or a bum from skid row, in order to recover you NEED fellow recovering addicts and you NEED the NA basic text.! It is just that simple, I tried recovering on my own and that was anything but RATIONAL. Again, I'm far from brainwashed by the fellowships, I just want to stay clean one day at a time and never have to shoot cocaine it into my arm EVER AGAIN. NA Basic Text= a GREAT way to start onto your new drug free and spiritual life! It is funny by reading this review I sound like the perfect NA poster boy but I have to drag my [...] to meeting half the time! Cracking open thebasic text, however, is ALWAYS a pleasure as well as a learning experience. Even if you are not an "addict" this is a very REAL and relatable book because it touches on LIFE problems as well. Reason being is that most addicts were addicted LONG before they ever picked up that needle, that crack stem, or that bottle, or the pill or the joint. Life goes on but through reading the NA text and working it's steps, it can go own CLEAN AND RENEWED and reading one page of the basic text is better than 1 gram or 1 kilo or 1 million!! The NA Basic Text can teach you things about LIFE and it is written for addicts, by addicts. The 12 steps and traditions are based on the 12 and 12 of Alcoholics Anonymous, the Grandaddy of it all, but back then in 1952 when Jimmy K founded NA as we know it today, addicts 9 times out o 10 were not welcome in AA. This book is all about CHANGE and RECOVERY. There isn't a better book out there about how to live clean and serene. Forget about picking up "Rational Recovery." I guarantee the author of that book never stuck a needle into an oozing abscessbecausee he was desperate to hit a vein. Sounds disgusting yes but this book "keeps it real" where other so called recovery books just fake the funk. All that aside, recovery has to be WANTED and then this book can help you along that journey, one ay at a time. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Case studies    2. Drug addicts    3. Narcotics Anonymous    4. Reference    5. Rehabilitation    6. Self-Help    7. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Drug Dependence    8. United States   

Reviews (1)

FINALLY!AReal,Hopeful Approach to end the Hell of Crystal Addiction.
If you have ever thought of trying crystal-meth, or think you have a problem with the drug- this book is essential reading.It speaks to you in a language that today's "users" will understand and have difficulty denying the truths put forth about using meth, sex, sexuality, work and day to day life.After a two year long serious and sometimes seemingly hopeless escape from the world of Meth and "Party life" ...this one book hit every chord of day to day life and real strategies for the tough road of recovery.When every MD, and Psychologist told me that there is no cure for Meth addiction, this book showed me that there is a way and I've been living it everyday now for almost a year. I would recommend this book to anyone who has any questions about using Meth.Required reading for all parents of all teens, and all teen homosexuals! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drug abuse    2. Healing    3. Methamphetamine abuse    4. Patients    5. Prevention    6. Recovery    7. Self-Help    8. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Drug Dependence    9. Treatment    10. Coping with drug & alcohol abuse    11. Drug addiction & substance abuse    12. Health & Fitness / Healing   

Editorial Review

One thousand Americans die each day from the effects of smoking. There are 45 to 50 million nicotine addicts in the United States alone, and most would like to quit. If you are one of them, this book is your guide. Based on the American Lung Association's Freedom from Smoking program, it acknowledges that each smoker is different and requires different strategies. You identify the places, times, moods, and conditions that trigger your need to smoke. Then you learn many techniques that you can choose from and adapt to fit your personal needs, lifestyle, and smoking habit. Read more

Reviews (6)

Even you can quit too!!!
This book helped me realize that I too can quit, and for good!!!It carefully explains statistics, effects and mortality rates, be it gender or age.Each step is very clear and very easy to follow.The Pack Track, notes and defense mechanisms that are given to you in this book will help anyone kick the butts for good!!!Very easy reading and easy on the eyes.Step by step until you are smoke free is the success that comes with this book.Mr. Fisher and Mr. Koop did an outstanding job on this book.The alternatives and attitude changing methods toward smoking are simply superb.Realizations are met on all sides of quitting in this book.From the ones who have quit numerous times to the struggle of relaspes.This book has it all covered.Hypnosis, gum, patches, fading, or whatever method exists, is clearly explained and can be tailored to suit anyone's need on any level!!!

Stay Smoke Free!!!
I found this book to be full of helpful ideas to keep you or a loved one off tabacco.It takes you through pre-quiting with great ideas to help you prepare, all the way through to staying smoke free forever.I have been very greatful for this book and recommend it to everyone!

It has been now 2 years!
I got a note from an amazon customer, congratulating me on my quitting.For all the ones that will be cosidering this book now and feel it is impossible to quit, I strongly reccomend it and its methodology.I myself, after seeing my father quit smoking when he had his third heart surgery and my mother after her eye surgeries, thought I would not be able to do it.However, as of Jan 19,2001 and since Dec 20 1998 I have been smoke free. Should you know someone who needs help to quit smoking, I am willing to be part of the network support. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cigarette habit    2. Exercise    3. Health & Fitness    4. Self-Help    5. Smoking cessation    6. Smoking cessation programs    7. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Drug Dependence    8. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Smoking    9. Tobacco habit    10. Giving up smoking    11. Health & Fitness / General   

Subjects:  1. Psychology    2. Psychopathology - Addiction    3. Substance abuse    4. Substance-Related Disorders    5. Drug addiction & substance abuse    6. Physiological & neuro-psychology    7. Psychology & Psychiatry / Addictions   

Reviews (1)

Todd Crandell is a true inspiration & roll model since his recovery
Racing for Recovery: From Addict to Ironman is an inspirational story. How it conveys that if a dream exists, even the darkest depths of addiction can be overcome once you decide to and make the effort to get help. The way Todd Crandell brought himself from these depths and has dedicated his life to the pursuit of preventing drug and alcohol in children and showing those currently battling addiction that, through a lifestyle of fitness and exercise, proves that you can recover and dreams can come true. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. General    3. Personal Memoirs    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Sports - General    7. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Drug Dependence    8. Sports & Recreation / General   

Reviews (58)

I quit, I'm happier
I hear all the AA stuff.My wife is into even though I think she is looking for the "folk wisdom".But hey, wisdom is wisdom.So AA is on to something.I tend to see Jacks view of AA more strongly about AA in the larger social context.And I hated the AA program.
Trash the competion
Good book. Helpful ideas on substance abuse & how to end it,however too much energy put into trashing AA & other treatment options that could help people

Helpful
I found this to be the type of book that I could skim, mark up some, and then go back to the parts that were helpful to me. I decided to write this review because it worked for me. Wow, did it ever work! Easily! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholics    2. Alcoholism    3. Drug addicts    4. General    5. Rational emotive behavior ther    6. Rational emotive behavior therapy    7. Recovery    8. Rehabilitation    9. Self-Help    10. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    11. Drug addiction & substance abuse    12. Literary Criticism & Collections / General   

Reviews (11)

Great Resource for Overeaters
I really appreciate this book. I loved the caring tone and the way the author seemed to reach out and give the reader a hug! I think that so many of the stories and descriptions spoke to my heart about myself and friends that I found myself calling friends or emailing parts of the books so we could talk ideas! This is a gem! Thank you for writing it, Doreen.

Thank you, Doreen !
without giving too many details as it would be too personal, I consider this book a "gift from above"... : it helps people understand WHY they eat too much, and how to get your eating pattern back in control to lead a successful weight loss. Doreen gives plenty of tips, such as affirmations.There is no pretention in her book and it helps people who have been struggling with emotional overeating and who have been victims of abuse,whether the "facts" happened during their childhood or later in life. It's a powerful self-therapy book, highly recommended !

Excellent for emotional eaters
I had never made the connection between my emotions and my eating until I started reading this book.After tolerating abuse from my parents and my husband, I had no idea why I seemed so nice and happy on the outside but one little thing could make me lose it and throw a temper tantrum.By doing the exercises in this book, I began to see how I had been keeping my emotions stuffed and as I released them, I also released the weight.Great book.I highly recommend it for emotional eaters. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Compulsive eating    3. Eating Disorders - General    4. Inspiration & Personal Growth    5. New Age    6. Obesity    7. Psychological aspects    8. Psychopathology - Eating Disorders    9. Self-Help    10. Coping with eating disorders   

Reviews (14)

Seems More than a Bit Off the Reservation -
Dalrymple believes that reasons (excuses) for taking drugs are self-serving and imply lack of control and lack of blame.Evidence offered include the statement that people exposed to strong opiates in medical circumstances rarely become addicted (why, then, is treatment access so restricted?) - but offers no statistics.
One of the Best Books on the "Treatment" Industry
Finally, a book that university students in my course, Drugs and Society, can read that exposes the myths surrounding addiction and treatment.Beautifully written and compellingly argued, Dr. Dalrymple's newest book is his best yet. The engaging narrative has already captured students' attention and helped them begin to question what they had taken for granted about the value of the treatment industry. While the course supplements Romancing Opiates with additional readings on the "other side," many students have found the arguments expressed in this book to make the most sense.

Dalrymple leaks his interest in alcohol.
Dr. Dalrymple makes an important point about addiction, that it is a moral and spiritual, not a medical, problem.
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Subjects:  1. Drug Addiction (Psychiatric Aspects)    2. History    3. Medicine in literature    4. Opioid-Related Disorders    5. Opium abuse    6. Psychology    7. Psychopathology - Addiction    8. Recovery    9. Self-Help    10. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    11. Addiction & therapy    12. Drug addiction & substance abuse    13. Non-Classifiable   

Reviews (5)

helpful background
in depth history of aa beginnings, including much insight into the formative reasons for the successes and failures of this program. very helpful for someone new to aa, trying to grasp the essence of the program.

Not God
Wonderfully insightful for all. Splendidly illustrates the history and formation of AA and it's painstaking growth through the early formative years of AA.
Inciteful history that provides a good read.
Not God provides an inciteful and thoughtful study of the history of AA.It will provide the experienced 12 stepper further understanding of their program.Additionally, readers not already conversant with the subject will learn and grow from this introduction. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Self-Help    2. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    3. Twelve-Step Programs    4. Drug addiction & substance abuse    5. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Reviews (20)

"hard core" book
This book is a 5 for awakening of what was Harlem NY and for a sociological book, but a 4 because it is not something you will enjoy reading 2x.It is deep, complex, and if you are a young person reading it or someone unfamiliar with the mentallity of the oppressed being an oppressor in a unfeeling world...you may have to stop for a second and take a breath.The book is well written from a sociological and anthropological perspective and it will go from your heart and mind to the pit of your stomach, but it certainly is a wake up call to the social changes and conditions of poverty, drug use & abuse and the people sucked into that world.

An Amazing Ethnography
Concidering Bourgois's choice for an ethnographic site I am suprised this book is as non jugmental as it is.While some times limited in scope due to his almost complete forcus on the crack community of East Harlem, instead of venturing out and looking at this cultural groups inpact on the greater community around it, it gives a quite amazing portrayl and discusssion of drug culture in the neighborhood.The insights he makes on the effect of streat culture and challenges many from poor innercity communities can have in negotiating the licit economy is worth note.In particular the chapters School Days and Going Ligit are wonderful peices of ethnographic annalysis and study.That he chose not to glorify or shugar coat the lives of those he spent five years living with adds much to the power and incite of this work.

Interesting, Informative, and Flawed
This book was good in that the author went down into the ghetto area of East Harlem and befriended some crack dealers and then proceeded to write an account of their life, showing the difficulties and how outright pitiful their existence really is. It becomes relatively plain that selling crack isn't a glorious life but is an outright lame existence.
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Subjects:  1. Crack (Drug)    2. Drug traffic    3. Drug use    4. Hispanic Americans    5. New York    6. New York (State)    7. Social Science    8. Sociology    9. Sociology - General    10. Drug addiction & substance abuse    11. Social & cultural anthropology    12. Social Science / Sociology / General   

Reviews (25)

The Canabible is dank
If you love nugget then this is the book for you.It has every thing you'll ever need to know about earths sweetest plat, cannabis. If you need to learn more about how to grow weed or even how to smoke or what to smoke out of then you need this book.But if you're just some one who loves chronic like me you will probly just sit there somkeing a blunt reading about the dankest plants on the earth for hours. Happy burning!

Perfect coffee table book.
What a great book. Very informative with excellant photography. Highly recommended!

Outstanding!
This author deserves at least five stars for his unparalleled effort!The Cannabible is a monumental work that will form the base of marijuana identification in the future.King has dedicated his life to writing about and photographing cannabis.His passion permeates every page of the book.We need more dedicated author/photographers like him.Traveling the world collecting information about an illegal plant is difficult and dangerous.King has risen to the occasion and provided great photographs and engaging text on my favorite plant.This connoisseur-quality book is a welcome addition to my library.My Cannabible II is on the way now! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cannabis    2. Gardening    3. Gardening/Plants    4. General    5. Marijuana    6. Nature    7. Plants - General    8. Popular Culture - Counter Culture    9. Reference    10. Cultural studies    11. Drug addiction & substance abuse    12. General cookery    13. Plant life: general