Reviews (9)

Church get well
First step - Get Real!It's time for the church not to be afraid to admit they're dysfunctional.read this book.Also get "A More Excellent Way" by Pastor Henry Wright.Let's get the church and the body healed!

A great book for newor old 12-steppers
I read this book after I had worked through the steps, but I wish I had read it before.Miller does a great job breaking down each step and applying it to his own life.If you thought the steps were just for alcoholics, think again.This book will open your mind to behaviors that keep you stuck in the insanities of life.If your new to the steps or if you have lived them most of your life this book hits the spot.

Will Become a Classic for Christian Recovery
Our church staff recently presented a seven-part message seriesbased on Miller's book and it had a profound impact on our congregation (New Life Christian Church, Centreville, VA, see newlife4me.com).We made the book available for our folks at our information table and it was the best received book we have ever used -- running slightly ahead of Lee Strobel's Case For Christ.It was so popular and there was so much interest in it that the book and the message series led to starting a couple of Celebrate Recovery/Hunger For Healing groups for those working through their own "hurts, habits, and hang-ups," including some who had never acknowledged having a problem other than some vague recognition that there was "sin" in their lives.Miller's book has been a perfect companion for our recovery groups.I highly recommend it for anyone struggeling with control issues -- those willing to admit their own lack of self-sufficiency and ready to return God to his rightful place as Creator and Lord of the Universe. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Inspirational - Protestant Self Help    4. Miller, Keith    5. Religion    6. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality    7. Religion - Prayer & Spirituality    8. Religious aspects    9. Spiritual life    10. Spirituality - General    11. Twelve-step programs    12. Christian moral & pastoral theology    13. Personal Christian testimony & popular inspirational works    14. Self-Help & Practical Interests    15. Self-Help / Twelve-Step Programs   

Reviews (17)

Yet another "recovering alcoholic" disrespecting the program they supposedly hold dear...
This stuff makes me sick.Ms. Cheever is supposedly a recovering alcoholic, yet she chooses to deliberately ignore the parts of the program that are inconvenient to her career.
Reaction to the Deeply Dissappointed from an addict...
This story may have been inaccurate on certain details that mean very little when one is trying to find inspiration to help overcome addiction.When you are trying to figure out what is wrong with you and why you fell into this pattern of self abuse, names, dates, and the difference between methods and techniques mean very little.This story with it's flaws and inaccuracies still got my attention and gave me comfort.In fact if you think about it, there are many different versions of the Bible that only differ by one or two small details yet they all provide comfort to millions as this story provided to me and I'm sure many other addicts, the same way that Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob intented when they began.

An exploration into the root of all conflict, deeper than supposed
opposites such as sobriety/addiction, good/evil, etc.And what a deeply touching book Susan Cheever has written here, so loving and affectionate, so eloquent -- the very reasons to be suspect by our sober fellow citizens still awaiting the untarnished messiah who will deliver us from this vale of tears!Of course Bill Wilson was no saint!And JFK and MLK were promiscuous, the list goes on and on.Lincoln was a depressive, now he was even gay!
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Subjects:  1. Alcohol Abuse    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. General    6. Specific Groups - Special Needs    7. Twelve-Step Programs    8. Alcoholism    9. Biography & Autobiography / General    10. Biography: general   

Reviews (10)

An Alchemy of a step-by-step transformation
A classic method on the journey towards the psyche, an inner exploration, and the way finding of who we are inside. Underneath our personalities, ego, and attachments are our real selves ... and when most of your life you have been a stranger to yourself ...it is time to get to know YOU!

Transforming
This is a profound book that delves into the essence of what it means to be a human being. Everything is covered - from advice on efforts to face our own inner gremlins, letting them go, to advice on how to start relaxing and creating with one's consciousness.
Best book ever
I bought this book 20 years ago and even now when I read it I come to new realizations about myself.The material present in the lectures goes so deep that you can read the lectures again and again and continue to get insight from them.It is the best guidebook for life and for understanding our shadow selves that I have ever seen.If you want a true change of self and freedom from your compulsions this is the best place to start.Mind you, it is a slow process but the book is just the thing to turn to when you feel stuck and hopeless.It has the keys that will lead you to just the understanding you need to free your mind. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Miscellanea    3. New Age (Self Help)    4. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    5. Self-Help    6. Self-realization    7. Spirit writings    8. Spiritual life    9. Spiritualism    10. Sports    11. Twelve-Step Programs    12. Body, Mind & Spirit / New Age    13. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques   

Reviews (1)

A beginners guide to the 12 steps
This book is a must have for any beginning 12-stepper. It gives an excellent introduction to the understanding of how the 12 steps work and the spiritual principles behind them. This book would be an excellentchoice for any person in recovery, as well as a resource for any personthat is not in recovery, but wishes to have an understanding of the 12steps. It is clear, easy to understand, and complements Gorski's otherbooks very well. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholics    2. Alcoholism    3. General    4. Psychopathology - Addiction    5. Recovery    6. Rehabilitation    7. Self-Help    8. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    9. Treatment    10. Twelve-step programs    11. Popular medicine    12. Self-Help / Twelve-Step Programs   

Subjects:  1. Self-Help    2. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    3. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    4. Popular psychology    5. Self-Help / Twelve-Step Programs   

Reviews (6)

All the right stuff
Sometimes we need to be reminded of the simple things and how to right ourselves and how to get back on center. Great book on how to keep spiritually fit. Great book for gift giving when someone you know needs a spiritual lift.

Nice little book on change
Here are the 12 great principles that the book teaches on changing your mind so your life will then change.
Simple Truths
This small book is a gem.The principles she writes about
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Subjects:  1. Personal Growth - General    2. Psychology    3. Recovery    4. Religious aspects    5. Self-Help    6. Twelve-Step Programs    7. Complementary Medicine    8. Religious life & practice   

Reviews (6)

RecommendStrongly
The history is well documented. The procedure is clear and we're seeing good results.

There is another solution
Most alcoholics are looking for an "easier softer way," and this book affords that type of effort.The original text of Alcoholics Anonymous, named "Alcoholics Anonymous," is the perfect guide book for sobriety.Why fix something "that ain't broke?"Why speed through the steps and do them carelessly when there is no need?Don't buy this book, even if it's free.

Hope for new people and "slippers"
Our home group began sponsoring a weekly Back to Basics meeting about a year ago. In that time we have seen many new people complete the "simplified version" of the steps that Dr. Bob and other old timers in Akron advocated, going on to become stable members of Alcoholics Anonymous. Additionally, we have seen many members who could not stay sober finally stay sober, having finally worked the steps in addition to just going to meetings. The power of the program is unleashed through the 12 Steps, and the Back to Basics is an excellent way to introduce the newcomer to this wonderful, sober, spiritual way of life that AA has to offer. Read more

Subjects:  1. Medical / Nursing    2. Neurology - General    3. Recovery    4. Self-Help    5. Twelve-Step Programs   

Editorial Review

A teacher of the Twelve Steps shares his experience, strength, and hope with all those recovering from addictions, all who want to recover, and all who love them in this book of plain-spoken wisdom. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Helping Others
The Steps We Took is an ideal addition to studying the book of Alcoholics Annonimus. And or other 12 step programs.The examples give additional ways of approching recovery.

Excellent Book
Excellent interpretation of the 12 steps in clear and powerful words.Joe writes with clarity and effectiveness and keeps the reader involved and excited.Definitely emphasizes the healing potential of the twelve steps.Highly recommended.

Simplicity Explained
I found this book to be, not only easy to navigate, but also a real "eye-opener" into the complex issue of Alcoholism. Being a recovering alcoholic myself, I would have given anything to have had this book much, much earlier in my sobriety. It clearly lays out the processes to identifying the personal faults associated with alcoholism and how to address them in a format that is genuinely unique, insightful, and most of all, easy to understand. Joe McQ's expertise is refreshing, yet to the point and would be a boon to all who seek help in understanding how to work "the steps". Special attention is paid to Steps IV & V, which include diagrams for exploring one's inner self; a tool I found most useful in identifying the "exact nature" of the wrongs we had committed and why they blocked us from contact with our "Higher Power". Overall, the book is factual, concise, and easily doable.Kudos, Mr. McQ, kudos. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholics    2. Christianity    3. Psychology    4. Psychopathology - Addiction    5. Recovery    6. Religious aspects    7. Religious life    8. Self-Help    9. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    10. Twelve-Step Programs    11. Psychology & Psychiatry / General   

Reviews (5)

Theistic v. Spiritual v. Cognitive
The book was a bit too "warm fuzzy" for me (with its heavy emphasis on the spiritual v. the cognitive); so I give it a 3-stars.Those of us who have not experienced an anthropomorphic God (i.e., one who intervenes in human affairs) have an uphill battle with the religionists.And those of us who experience "spirit" as a biochemical function of the brain, have had better success with a cognitive-behavioral approach to recovery.
A Viable Alternative forAgnostics
For years I've been struggling with the AA 12 step program and the way it treats Agnositicism.Here at last is a book that offers even-handed help for Agnostics, Atheists, and Religious sufferers, all in the context of Spirituality.Well worth the read for those who believe that the spiritual experience can occur without religion.

Don't worry about God
I couldn't have done it without this book and its discussion of a "higher power" other than the traditional god. It really helps for those of us who think too much. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Philosophy    3. Self-Help    4. Skepticism    5. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    6. Twelve-Step Programs    7. Z., Phillip    8. Mind, body, spirit: mysticism & self-awareness    9. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Reviews (2)

Simple yet profound
This is a deceptively simple book, quite easy to read, yet potentially transformative. It offers insights, helps and provocative questions that, if carefully considered, can help one navigate the especially difficult currents of holiday grief. It does an excellent job of normalizing predictable crises related to grief during the holiday season, and offers a pathway through the experience with sensitivity, compassion and wisdom.

A Wonderful Resource
This book is one of the best I've seen on grief--especially at the holidays.The author has gathered thoughtful quotes and draws on experience as a counselor and pastor to offer practical, heartfelt suggestions on dealing with grief.I've given this book many times as a gift to friends who are facing the holidays without a loved one.I highly encourage the use of this book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Death, Grief, Bereavement    2. Inspirational    3. Inspirational - General    4. Twelve-Step Programs    5. Grief   

Reviews (3)

Best book for recovery not written by Bill W.!
Outstanding recovery book.Definitely deserving of a second and third read, every other year or so.Really helped me becasue I could relate, especially in the "family" aspect.Buy another copy to give away because your copy will be full of highlights!
There's More to Quitting Drinking Than Quitting Drinking
Dr. Paul probably had more information on alcoholism and drug addiction than anyone on the planet, including the founders of AA. His information on the 12 Steps, a Higher Power and the phases he went through are more than helpful to people having a difficult time identifying their problems. I recommend this book to anyone not only having an addiction or drinking problem, but also anyone knowing or caring for someone with same.

A Treasure Trove of Gems!
This is a "must read" book for couples in recovery.In fact, despite the title, any couple can benefit from the wisdom contained in its pages.Dr. Paul, as many know, authored the original "Page 449" sentiments found in the third edition of "Alcoholics Anonymous" (also known as the "Big Book" of A.A.).In this book he expands his thoughts and intentions to cover the way he and his wife of 55 years incorporated the principles and traditions of the A.A. way of life into their relationship.Read more

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

Reviews (7)

The Key to Life
I don't think we as human beings actually recognize the power of daily reading, meditation, and reflecting.Practicing these powerful principles allows us to remain mindful of the moment and reflect upon the deeper question in our lives.To devote ourself to a daily meditation and to journal on these quiet times is priceless and will certainly aid in the evolution of our soul.For me this practice has allowed an awakening to take place and opens my life up to all the opportunities that are available in this universe.Please give this practice a try!This book will help you in your journey of living and cultivating an active consciousness in your daily life.
Inspirational
I love this book! It gives me daily inspiration and a positive attitude to start my day.

Hail to the Power of Women
One of my best friends recommended this book to me last winter.She said she carried hers everywhere she went even when she traveled.It brought her peace especially after the death of her mother.It is a wonderful book for women.Each day (it's a daily reflection) offers an inspiring quote, a powerful meditation and an encouraging affirmation.The book reflects the individuality and spirituality of women and the importance of their self esteem.It's funny to me that the right words always seem to appear on the page just when I need to read them for that extra boost. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drug Addiction (Psychiatric Aspects)    2. Journal Writing    3. Meditation    4. Motivation    5. Self-Help    6. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Drug Dependence    7. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    8. Twelve-Step Programs    9. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Reviews (5)

upon reflection
The word "guide" is somewhat decieving, and unfortunately,this writting is more of a reflection of very few ideas, as opposed to a worthwhile guide. Save your money.

A Helpful Book for Sponsors and Sponsees
More Sponsors will probably read this book than Sponsees, but it does contain valuable information for both.The chapter on Steps 4 and 5 was particularly helpful; however, I do think there is some value in doing your 5th Step with someone you do not know, such as a person in the clergy or other counselor.This book certainly shows the value of the Sponsor walking through ALL the steps with the Sponsee, and doing so beginning with Step 1, instead of starting where the Sponsee wants to start.This book would also be valuable for people leading Serenity Groups, or considering the beginning of such a group.We do have everyone in our own Serenity Groups, who want to beSponsors, read this book before they take on the challenge.The book not only teaches how to do things, but what to avoid.There is real value in learning from so many people who have contributed to the book.Because this book does include answers from people in various recovery groups, it can be read with profit by anyone in any 12 Step Program.The book concludes with a section on "Writing the Steps" with Step Worksheets.These can be used by the Sponsor with the Sponsee, and could also be made available at meetings (with the publisher's permission). See also the book "Prayer Steps to Serenity" for both personal and group 12 Step questions and guides.
Very helpful
This book contains interviews with sponsors from a variety of 12-step programs like AA, NA, OA and they answer common questions like "Should you become friends with a sponsee?"One will say "No, absolutely not..." and the next will say "Yes, I always become friends with my sponsees..." and each has a valid reason for their answer.This eased my mind greatly when I was starting to sponsor because I kept wondering "Am I doing it right?" and the info in this book helped me relax and realize there is really no right or wrong to many aspects of sponsorship. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Neurology - General    2. Recovering addicts    3. Self-Help    4. Twelve-Step Programs    5. Self-Help / Twelve-Step Programs   

Reviews (3)

Wonderful Book
This book was given to me by one of the most wonderful human beings I have ever treated for addiction.I can still remember the trust and faith he had in me as a therapist and his openess to the 12 step program.He insisted that I take this book and use it to help others in recovery.What a gift recovery is and this book truly will help you on your journey.Prayer and meditation is a necessity if you are to maintain sobriety and develop a new way of living.However, remember it is spirituality we are after and we define that.Its not defined by any particular religion.They are both useful, but completely different.This book will help you on your spiritaul path to recovery.Highly recommended.And much thanks to my incredible client that gave me this book.

Wonderful gift for self or others
This is a wonderful gift to give to ANYONE (including yourself)- especially great for all who use a 12 step program. Have given at least 20 and constantly thanked for the thought.

Interested in talking to God?
This book is definitely a great buy for any one who wants to improve how they pray and their oveall relationship with God.The book provides you with daily inspirational readings and prayers that are simply awesome! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Meditation    2. Prayers    3. Self-Help    4. Spiritual    5. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    6. Twelve-Step Programs    7. Mind, body, spirit: thought & practice    8. Self-Help & Practical Interests    9. Self-Help / Twelve-Step Programs   

Reviews (6)

12 Steps for Adult Children of Alcoholics
This is a wonderful tool for anyone dealing with the issues of being a child of an alcoholic.This book assists you in an enlightening journey and provides a roadmap for the trip.A MUST HAVE for any adult child.

12 Steps, but not specifically for Adult Children
I have been in Recovery for amost two years now and I am definately an ACOA. I attend a fellowship regularly and work with a sponsor, and I am also in therapy. I have issues that stem from my childhood that include my own addictions. I have recently bought a 12 step guide for most of my major issues. I now have the AA Big Book, the 12 & 12, the NA Basic Text, the It Works How & Why, The Co-Dependents Guide to the 12 steps, The OA 12 step guide, Hope & Recovery 12 steps for Compulsive Sexual Behavior. For me, I cannot read just one text. I have alot of issues and I need to see these issues translated to my particular problem. That way, whatever problem I may have in any given day, I can "look it up" with this little 12 step reference library I have and then reflect on it.
PLAGIRISM - already published as The 12 Steps: A Way Out
This book is nothing more than the book published by the same group (Friends In Recovery)called The 12 Steps: A Way Out. They stuck a new cover on it with a different title. The words are identical. This is shameless! Since I already own the other book, if found it a COMPLETE WASTE of $$$. I returned the book to Amazon for a complete refund! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Recovery    2. Self-Help    3. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    4. Twelve-Step Programs   

Reviews (3)

Educational, Informative, and Inspiring!
This book helped me understand a lot of the reasons for my intense social anxiety.Of course, working through the anxiety with a professional Christian counselor was the biggest help for me personally, but this book was a great addition to the therapeutic process.The book offers great spiritual insight into the agony of anxiety.

Concise and practical.
This book which falls into the self-help category is a well written book that is easy to read for most. While the required writing will be helpful to all, those who are well read in this area of anxiety and worry can benefit just from reading. The most helpful things are the case studies in which one can often see one's own life mirrored. Although the authors are Christians the material is not overtly spiritual or preachy and can be read by people of all faiths or no faith at all. I give it four stars for the authors ability to say plainly, without a lot of psychological jargon, what can truly be of help to others. I am purchasing this extra copy as a gift for a friend.

Skip it!
This book reads too much like a college textbook.If you are doing a research paper for a psychology class, then this book is for you.I found this book's approach oftentimes so overly analytical that it felt impersonal.Also, many of the case studies were difficult to relate to.As a woman, I believe I need to find a book that is written by a FEMALE who knows full well the complexities of a woman's mind and can understand on a certain level. I'm looking for a book that offers me encouragement in a compassionate and meaningful way.This book just didn't do it for me, so I sent it back. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anxiety    2. Mood Disorders    3. Prevention    4. Psychology    5. Self-Help    6. Stress Management    7. Twelve-Step Programs    8. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (4)

Wisdom of the ages
This book condenses a lot of AA and Al-Anon thought into a few fast-reading pages. It contains many handy tools and techniques for managing difficult emotions and letting go of the need to control others.
Enlighteningand and entertaining
Dr.Paul O. continues his insightful views on how we see ourselves and others and why. It's a perfect followup to
You Can't Make Me Angry
I found the information in this book to be extremely helpful in dealing with my emotions (not just anger).The exercises in this book really worked for me. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anger    2. Conflict Resolution    3. Emotions    4. Psychology    5. Recovery    6. Self-Help    7. Twelve-Step Programs    8. Self-Help / Twelve-Step Programs   

Reviews (2)

Got Sponsor?
By the time I used the "Hope and Recovery" workbook, I had already gone through the 12 Steps three times, so bear in mind that I'll be comparing this workbook to how I orginally worked the 12 Steps with my sponsor. Hope & Recovery the Workbook
This is an excellent thought provoking easy to use tool to anyone seeking help in overcoming sexual addiction and/or obsessive sexual thoughts.It could be of help to other seeking a step by step approach to workingthrough the 12 steps.I am using it and have found the process of writingdown the answers is transforming my recovery.. albeit NOT perfect.. itsabout progress and this is a good progress tool.. even better when you useit working with someone else. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Self-Help    2. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    3. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Other Specific    4. Twelve-Step Programs    5. Coping with personal problems    6. Illness & addiction: social aspects    7. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Reviews (5)

Help doesn't have to be 600 pages long!
This book was a great story.Sometimes less is more.The book was entertaining in its brevity but packed a heavy punch.There are too many of us that carry heavy hearts.This was a real inspiration to me.Some of the lessons seem so simple but sometimes it's those things that confuse us the most.I think that if we can all apply the valuable lessons of this book, we'd all be better.I highly recommend this publication.

The Dragon Slayer Lightened My Heart
I read the Dragon Slayer With A Heavy Heart and felt better.
A Great Book for All Ages
As a psychotherapist I have found this to be a wonderful resource for clients.It is the best all-around book for the majority of my clients to aid them in feeling better and correcting irrational thoughts. It's fun, interesting, and makes some great points.Even my 13 year-old son read it and daily uses it's ideas to improve his view of the world and himself. A MUST for everyone interested in improving the quality of their life.
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Subjects:  1. Inspirational    2. Motivational & Inspirational    3. Self-Help    4. Twelve-Step Programs   

Reviews (5)

Great for morning meditation
Several years ago, I began the practice of reading and reflecting every morning, using "day" books.This is one of the best books I have used.The New Testament of the Bible is one of the two greatest books on recovery ever written (the Big Book is the other), so the Bible verse and related reflection by the author are a perfect combination, and it works well with the "24 Hour Book" and "Daily Reflections", and probably any other daily reflection book you care to use.Pick it up!

A must have for spiritual guidance
This is an excellent book for daily reading. It's spiritually uplifting and an encouragement for addiction recovery. It gives moral lessons and does it without a preaching attitude. It's written from the heart and I recommend it for any one that is seeking a more spiritual life.

Inspiring! Strengthens and encourages.
This inspiring daily devotional strenthens and encourages the reader.The author provides practical insights into scripture and makes the Bible comealive for living in today's world.Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholics    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Devotional    4. Devotional calendars    5. Devotionals    6. English    7. Prayer-books and devotions    8. Religion    9. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    10. Personal Christian testimony & popular inspirational works    11. Self-Help / Twelve-Step Programs