Reviews (2)

Serenity Bible
I have been using this Bible for 6 years now, I see no conflict between it and the 12 steps of recovery.I may disagree, but that is on me, not the written word.

Great COMPANION to the Big Book!
I love how this Bible helps Christians in recovery use Scripture to understand the Twelve Steps.The only thing about this bible that I disagree with is where it says, "Our codepency became the root of our later adult addictons!"Not so!Our PHYSICAL and mental disease did that.Besides this, I love this Bible! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bibles    2. Recovery    3. Twelve-Step Programs   

Subjects:  1. Alcoholics Anonymous    2. Life skills guides    3. Recovering alcoholics    4. Self-Help    5. Self-help techniques    6. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    7. Twelve-Step Programs    8. Alcoholism    9. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    10. Popular psychology    11. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Subjects:  1. Self-Help    2. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    3. Twelve-Step Programs    4. Drug addiction & substance abuse    5. Family & Health    6. alcoholism   

Reviews (3)

This book describes our own spiritual journey out of slavery
The fascinating thing about this book is that it takes the familiar biblical account of the children of Israel leaving Egypt and going to the Promised Land and shows how it applies to each person's life.We are allslaves to various forces in our lives - addictions, anger, other people'sopinions, etc. - and we all have an invitation to the promised land wherewe are free from those forces. This book shows how our journey parallels ajourney taken thousands of years ago, and gives helpful tasks to work on atthe end of each chapter.It is a great resource for groups.

Publisher's Weekly
Review from Publisher's Weekly :In his latest book, Schnarr (Unlocking Your Spiritual Potential: A Twelve Step Approach) describes a method of slaking our spiritual thirsts by correlating the spiritual methods followed in 12-step recovery programs and in biblical stories of bondage and liberation. Focusing in particular on the Israelites' escape from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land, Schnarr parallels this people's liberation with his own, and other addicts', spiritual recovery and growth. Each chapter opens with several scriptural passages and a brief quote from 18th-century scientist and theologian Emanuel Swedenborg, and contains exercises designed to lead readers to recognize the tyranny of their own addictions and to move toward spiritual recovery. Schnarr's readings of the Exodus material are lively because he offers these readings through the lenses of his own recovery from alcohol addiction. The combination of personal testimony and biblical interpretation that Schnarr offers in this book will enable those seeking spiritual recovery to move "from the fury of inner spiritual warfare to lasting spiritual peace." (Apr.) -Publisher's Weekly Review from Library Journal : Schnarr, a Christian minister, draws on the psychological influence of 18th-century scientist and theologian Emanuel Swedenborg to interpret the Exodus of the Jews from Egypt as an allegory for spiritual growth. Egypt is a symbol of the tyranny of addictions and past errors. The plagues represent spiritual conditions that we precipitate by our own doings. Wandering in the desert, the Jews grapple with hunger, thirst, enemy tribes, self-doubt, and the unshakable reality of God throughout one spiritual crisis after another. Each chapter ends with a few well-chosen exercises designed to ground the insights in practical application. Schnarr's understanding of the archetypal depths of the journey home to Canaan will inspire readers to revisit this Old Testament story. Recommended for most public libraries. -Library Journal

A must book for 12-Steppers
Carl Jung said that alcoholism, on a primitive level, was the equivalent of a spiritual thirst.Grant Schnarr, in Return to the Promised Land, the Story of Our Spiritual Recovery, details the means of slaking that thirst.I recomend it highly for anyone on a spiritual journey. George Nash, M.D., Cottonwood Centers for Recovery ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Topical Studies    3. Bible.    4. Criticism, interpretation, etc    5. Exodus    6. General    7. History    8. Jews    9. Judaism - General    10. O.T.    11. Religion    12. Self-Help    13. Spiritual life    14. To 1200 B.C    15. Twelve-Step Programs    16. Coping with personal problems    17. Judaism   

Reviews (2)

Codependent Forevermore:The Invention of Self in a Twelve St
I was ultimately dissappointed with this book. Although scholarly & objective Ms. Ervine never got to the meat of 12 step programs.She gathered her information & conclusions by sitting in meetings and interviewing members within the group. I found this a little disconcerting but at the sime time ironic. I don't understand whyCoDA members would tolerate such a violation of the traditions & inherent breech of trust (these people may need boundries).She attempts to describe the twelve step phenomena without ever addressing the life changing process of working the steps that is the heart of these programs.People come and go in twelve step programs but little happens unless they actually do the work. I thought Ms. Ervine did an admirable job of remaining objective and was very diciplined in drawing conclusions but would be much more interested in her impressions if she had actually worked the steps. In retrospect she might have chosen different individuals to interview.Very scholarly but not very satisfying or insightful for me.

A valuable tool for understanding codependency and the self
Codependent Forevermore is a small book with a grand scope. Within its pages, the reader will find a clear explanation of the cultural phenomenonof codependency, an economical yet comprehensive review of current theoriesof selfhood, and a well-balanced and unbiased perspective of the impactthat the societal changes of the last century have had upon our intimaterelationships and the concepts people have of their identities. Inaddition, Irvine presents a convincing viewpoint of the changing role ofinstitutions in American cultural life.Read more

Subjects:  1. Co-Dependents Anonymous    2. Codependency    3. Identity (Psychology)    4. Pathological Psychology    5. Psychology    6. Psychopathology - General    7. Self    8. Self-Help    9. Social Psychology    10. Social aspects    11. Sociology    12. Twelve-Step Programs    13. United States    14. Counselling    15. Self-Help / Twelve-Step Programs    16. Social welfare & social services    17. The self, ego, identity, personality    18. USA   

Subjects:  1. Meditation    2. Meditations    3. Religion    4. Self-Help    5. Twelve-Step Programs    6. Mind, body, spirit: mysticism & self-awareness   

Reviews (1)

Provocative, innovative approach to the recovery process
This book offers alternatives to recovery for those individuals who desire a secular approach, or who have non-traditional religious beliefs. The exercises and discussion questions will speak to anyone interested in the recovery process, regardless of their religious beliefs. Bob Allender ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Addicts    2. Alcoholics    3. Rehabilitation    4. Self-Help    5. Twelve-Step Programs    6. Workaholics    7. Self-Help / Twelve-Step Programs   

Subjects:  1. Diets - General    2. General    3. Nutrition    4. Recovery    5. Self-Help    6. Twelve-Step Programs   

Editorial Review

What turns a happy, healthy relationship into a pairing full ofboredom or even anger and hostility? Couples therapist Kirshenbaum,author of the bestselling Read more

Reviews (7)

Making love and making love work
Mira Kirshenbaum truly illuminates the meaning of a loving relationship. A "no nonsense" sort of person, she methodically lists what might be causing pain in a loving relationship, and teaches the reader to fix the problems and rekindle the joy in loving.
Sound relationship advice even for veterans
I was very impressed.While the book is intended for those with troubled relationships, which mine is (thankfully) not, I still found it very helpful.It kind of gives you a new perspective on your relationship;you'll look at day-to-day problems in different ways.Most of the adviceis not revolutionary, but in the same way that cars need tune-ups, the bookis helping me keep my relationship running well. Unbelievably helpful to my life and marriage
This book, the paperback version of "Our Love...", did for me what no advice from friends or family could do.It gave me real tools to work out my problems with my husband. We can talk to each other in a clearway, and love each other in a healthy way. With all my heart I want tothank Ms. Kirshenbaum for writing this book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Human relations    2. Interpersonal Relations    3. Interpersonal communication    4. Love & Romance    5. Love / Sex / Marriage    6. Man-woman relationships    7. Self-Help    8. Twelve-Step Programs    9. Romance   

Reviews (1)

Tools for daily living in a user-friendly format
Mrs. Schloss navigates through the hectic lifestyle of modern America using2 simple and time-tested tools:Torah and the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. The character weakness of co-dependency is examined.The author shows that Torah and Twelve Steps are not only compatible, butuseful together. She then uses these tools to give instruction to themodern Jew on what can seem an overwhelming task: starting over and movingforward, one day at a time, in harmony with Jewish values. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1955-    2. Biography/Autobiography    3. Codependency    4. Jewish way of life    5. Jews    6. Judaism    7. Judaism - Sacred Writings    8. Recovery    9. Religion    10. Religious aspects    11. Return to Orthodox Judaism    12. Schloss, Sima Devorah,    13. Self-Help    14. Twelve-Step Programs    15. United States    16. Schloss, Sima Devorah   

Reviews (3)

From a member of Al-Anon
Carol's writing style is like velvet while her clear knowledge and experience of using the twelve steps to recovery is detailed in an accurate and extremely credible fashion.A member of Al-Anon since 1989, I was excited to be given the opportunity through Carol's book to experience the steps in a new way.Sometimes fresh guidance is exactly what the doctor ordered.A deeper understanding of the healing process is awaiting you at the end of the journey using this practical guide.

Remembering Who We Are: A Workbook - NOT just for Newcomers
It's not about them~it really is all about me... until I get to Step 12.
KHLT Recovery Broadcasting Reviews "Remembering Who We Are"
I have read many 12 Step workbooks, but until now I have never seen one that is as simple as this.Simple and yet extremely effective.The AA Big Book is considered an essential tool to bring along side the workbook.Also something I have not seen before.
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Subjects:  1. Family & Relationships    2. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    3. Family/Marriage    4. General    5. Family & Health   

Reviews (12)

The Truth
I did stop drinking when I went to AA.For that, I will always be grateful.However, after a year or so, after being told that I was "too smart to stay sober," told that friends who drank again were "losers" and to stay away from them, and realizing that my choice to back off on meeting attendance brought threats of dire consequences in my future, I just stopped going.
little insight
an amature evaluation that takes too many words to make her point... rather tedious to read but makes some valid points

Thanks, Anne!
Finally, the truth is coming out about 12 step programs.I went to AA for about a year.I did get and stay sober, but believe me, it wasnt because of AA.I tried several different meetings, to see if they all had the same affect on me.Yup, they did. Every time I left a meeting I felt so depressed - I had to be powerless, I would NEVER recover, and I would have to continue go to these really awful meetings and follow the "big book" which is nothing but a bunch of contradictions and coercion to keep going to meetings.Otherwise, I would start drinking again and the result would be "prison, institutions, or death."Leaving meetings, many times, I would want a drink to get over the craziness in the meeting itself!All I saw were old timers that were addicted to meetings and being "in recovery."So many of them were suspicious of people who arent 12 steppers, even if those people dont have problems with alcohol or drugs.Anyway, thank goodness for this book.They should hand it out to first timers in 12 step meetings so they can tell the myths from the truth. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Self-Help    3. Coping with personal problems    4. Alcoholics Anonymous    5. Al-Anon    6. Debtors    7. Alcoholism    8. Twelve-Step Programs    9. Reading Group Guide   

Features

• Unabridged

Subjects:  1. Family & Relationships    2. Family/Marriage    3. Interpersonal Relations    4. Twelve-Step Programs   

Subjects:  1. Education    2. Education / Teaching    3. Methods Of Instruction And Study (General)    4. Methods Of Instruction And Study In Higher Education    5. Study Skills    6. Twelve-Step Programs    7. Advice on careers & achieving success    8. Study & learning skills   

Reviews (1)

Review of The James Club
Dick B.'s recently revised title, The James Club and the Original A.A. Program's Absolute Essentials, 4th ed. is a book that every A.A. member, study group member, church group, treatment center, or counselor should have in their personal library.In Dick B.=s The James Club and The Original A.A. Program's Absolute Essentials, 4th ed., you will find all the important verses from the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5 to 7), the Book of James, and 1 Corinthians 13 discussed, analyzed, and presented in terms of its specific relevance to A.A.=s ideas, Big Book, Twelve Steps, and the cures in Akron=s Christian Fellowship. This is a perfect book to utilize in personal study groups, Christian treatment programs, recovery groups, church-related groups, etc... because it reveals the real history of Alcoholics Anonymous. It also is an important reference title to study each bible verse associated with early A.A.'s very high success rate, and the book describes how the early A.A. members utilized this material in their recovery.
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Subjects:  1. Religion    2. Self-Help    3. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    4. Alcoholics Anonymous    5. History    6. Twelve-Step Programs    7. Christianity - General   

Reviews (7)

A powerful and recommended guide with a message of hope
Tony Schwarz's Phoenix Rising: 12 Golden Keys To Unlock Your Depression is an informative, effective, step-by-step process and self-help guide to becoming "the director of your own recovery" from depression. Golden Key principal number one is "Discover a Higher Power that Makes Sense To You," and the other Golden Key principles range from "Form Your Own Professional Support Team" to "Perform Physical and Spiritual Exercises Every Day." Numerous appendixes offer information and flesh out a variety of mental health issues related to depression, from contact information to selected mental health organizations to the twelve steps of Co-Dependents Anonymous. An index allows for easy reference. Phoenix Rising is a powerful and recommended guide with a message of hope for those undergoing bleak travails.

A first-hand account of recovering from depression.
It is important to keep in mind while reading this book that it is an anecdotal account of one layman's recovery from severe depression.The major theme of the book is a sound one - a depressive must take control of his own recovery.The author has done some research on the medical issues, and there are several helpful suggestions throughout the book.He is most adept at setting forth a plan of how to get through a day-to-day recovery.Making a daily task list and getting out and interacting with other people are good cooping mechanisms and give a depressive concrete goals to accomplish.However, the book won't speak to everyone.This is basically a 12 step program for depression.Like most 12 step programs it includes a spiritual element of discovering a "higher power". If this is not something that is right for you, you will find this book of limited utility.It begins with a lengthy discussion of the variety of religions and personal growth movements the author has dabbled in.Some will find it helpful, others will be put off by it.It is the nature of such anecdotal accounts that some readers will be able to relate to the author's experience and find it incredibly useful while others are not particularly moved.Nevertheless, even those who can't buy into the whole program will find valuable suggestions for dealing with depression.

A good book to have on hand
Pheonix Rising,12 Golden Keys to Unlock Your Depression is quick to inform the reader a very basic truth about depression....The patient is the key to their own recovery.If you are a partner seeking a key to helping a loved one with their depression this is not what you want to hear, if you are in the middle of the morass of depression and the self-defeating behaviors this is one more thing you have to deal with.Anthony Schwarz and his son Mikel have crafted a well written book that is focused on helping a person survive the depression.It is humane and kind.Often books on depression and recovery get caught up in jargon and the current trend in mental.Mt Schwarz is focused on a course of trying to stay in touch with life.He provides appendixes with inventory lists, how to approach dream journals, journal writing,looking for a therapist that meets your specific needs, simple approaches that may be overlooked that really provide sustanance and comfort in the trying time of depression.There are many approaches suggested, but it is the suggestion that we remember that we seek to strengthen our physical selves through eating better and gentle exercise that ring most true.And Mr. Schwarz also tells of reconciling his past religious upbringing with a new spiritual awakening to aid in his quest for peace of mind.This is a very up front book that blends medical and holistic and spiritual approaches.It encourages the patient to take responsibility and to seek joy.Some may be put off by the first person approach of the book.I found it to be validating, It made the therapies real.As with any self-help book it is a given that all the suggestions may not work for the reader.Mr. Schwarz is very upfront with his acknowledgement that the reader remember that he does not have all the answers, that he is simply telling his story and providing a guide, andthat he wants other others to realize that they are not alone in their hard times.He encourages others to keep seeking.He tells of his searches for help and how he was able to blend his life experiences to aid in his recovery.I found this to be an extraordinarily brave book.I have already loaned my copy to a friend who I know will find comfort in the story.I know I did. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Depression    2. Mental Health    3. Psychology    4. Self-Help    5. Self-Help / Depression    6. Self-Help / Twelve-Step Programs    7. Manic-depressive illness    8. Recovery    9. Self-Help / General    10. Twelve-Step Programs   

Reviews (1)

From the Back Cover
"The Joy of Spiritual Growth: Real Encounters offers a practical approach to waking up to the spiritual life and to climbing this vertical dimension through spiritual growth. Various techniques developed by Frank Rose and Robert Maginel provide firm footholds for the ascent toward more meaningful relationships with God, self, and others. The reader clearly sees how to forgive, to release false cause, and to live in the present."
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Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Conduct of life    4. Emotions    5. Mysticism    6. Religion    7. Religious aspects    8. Self-Help    9. Spiritual life    10. Twelve-Step Programs   

Reviews (1)

Best in print on Steps 6 through 8! Great on 11, too.
Written to rescue the 12-Steps from the grip of any particular program or addiction, A POCKET GUIDE . . . brings realism and optimism into line.Instead of dealing with resistance and denial as basic motives, it takesthe point of view that most readers actually want to get the things causingthem trouble to take a back seat to a better way of life.Calm andempowering, it works well for those who have found some success in recoveryand are looking for a way to get the good stuff to work "in all theiraffairs." ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Addicts    2. Alcoholics    3. Recovery    4. Rehabilitation    5. Self-Help    6. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    7. Twelve-Step Programs    8. Complementary Medicine    9. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    10. Popular psychology   

Reviews (2)

A treasure house of new information on A.A.'s spiritual history
I have just published 4 new titles on various aspects of early A.A.'s Christian Fellowship and Biblical roots. This book was sent to me by Hazelden, and I read it to find that it presents history most AAs have never heard. I've used and quoted it frequently in my titles A New Way In and A New Way Out as well as The Conversion of Bill W. And here's what the author's diligent research and perception have disclosed: (1) Silkworth should not be remembered by AAs so much for his "Doctor's Opinion" in the Big Book, but rather for the very close relationship he established and the influence he brought to bear on his patient Bill Wilson. (2) Silkworth was a Christian, a member of Dr. Norman Vincent Peale's church, and later a communicant at Rev. Sam Shoemaker's Calvary Episcopal Church; and also became a close friend of these two important clergymen. (3) It is Norman Vincent Peale who tells in meticulous detail the story of "Charles", the seemingly hopeless alcoholic, who was being treated by Dr. Silkworth. Silky said he could not bring about a cure but that Jesus Christ could. The story is well told in Peale's The Postive Power of Jesus Christ and also in this author's account. And what it shows is Silkworth's persistent opinion that alcoholism could be cured by relgious conversion. (4) Silkworth had lengthy discussions with Bill Wilson at Towns Hospital; and on Bill's third visit, Silkworth explained to him about the power of the Great Physician (Jesus Christ)to cure alcoholics. This led Wilson to conclude before his final hospitalization and after his conversion at Shoemaker's Rescue Mission that he, Bill, should call on the Great Physician for help. Then Bill checked into Towns Hospital for the 4th and final time. Shortly, he repeated his statement that he should call on the Great Physician; and he cried out "If there be a God, let Him show Himself now." This was followed immediately by Wilson's "hot flash" experience where he felt the presence of God in his room and exclaimed "So this is the God of the preachers." After that, Bill never doubted the power of God, nor took a drink for the rest of his life. (5) Following the conversion experience at Towns, Bill summoned Silkworth and asked him if he felt the experience was genuine. Silkworth confirmed that it was. And the two men agreed that Bill had had a conversion experience. This was the very solution that Dr. Carl Jung had suggested to Bill's Oxford Group mentor Rowland Hazard--a conversion. That Bill's friend Ebby Thacher had passed along to Bill. And that precipitated Bill's going to the Calvary Mission as Ebby had done, and answeromg the altar call at Sam Shoemaker's Calvary Mission where Bill that night made a decision for Christ and soon remarked in writing "For sure I'd been born again." This diligent biographer is a fine writer and is one of the few who have dared to look at the evidence regarding early A.A. instead of just repeating A.A. myths. And the book is a corker for information, reading, research, and entertainment. It is embellished with appendices that contain much of Silkworth's own writings; and in that respect fleshes out the importance of what the author covers in the biography. I recommend this as perhaps the most useful recent A.A. history book I've seen--one that dares to look for and report spiritual truths so hungrily sought today in A.A. by bewildered Christians who just don't understand all the idolatry and "higher power" nonsense they hear in meetings and about A.A. There's a fresh new breeze blowing among the ranks of some of A.A.'s most recent biographers and history writers. For one thing, they search for facts. For another, the report them fully and truthfully. Something that hasn't occurred for decades. Join those who want to learn "Old School A.A."
AA's silent partner
This book is a biography of a very interesting and persistent man, Dr. William Duncan Silkworth. Dr. Silkworth was a pioneer in the treatment of alcoholism in the early 1930's. The book's author Dale Mitchel does a fabulous job of researching Dr. Silkworth's background and detailing Dr. Silkworth's contribution to the treatment of alcoholism. It was one of Dr. Silkworth's patients who went on to form the basis of the most effective treatment of alcoholism today, Alcoholics Anonymous. Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Medical - Physicians    3. Recovery    4. Self-Help    5. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    6. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    7. Twelve-Step Programs    8. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Subjects:  1. Self-Help    2. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    3. Twelve-Step Programs    4. Coping with drug & alcohol abuse    5. Mind, body, spirit: mysticism & self-awareness    6. Popular psychology