Book Description
This beautifully written, heartfelt memoir touched a nerve among both readers and reviewers. Elizabeth Gilbert tells how she made the difficult choice to leave behind all the trappings of modern American success (marriage, house in the country, career) and find, instead, what she truly wanted from life. Setting out for a year to study three different aspects of her nature amid three different cultures, Gilbert explored the art of pleasure in Italy and the art of devotion in India, and then a balance between the two on the Indonesian island of Bali. By turns rapturous and rueful, this wise and funny author (whom Booklist calls “Anne Lamott's hip, yoga- practicing, footloose younger sister”) is poised to garner yet more adoring fans.
Customer Reviews:
Loved it!.......2007-10-11
Not much else to say! I walked into a bookstore at an airport looking for a good read, and the owner suspected I'd enjoy this book. She was correct! I highly recommend it!
Read, Roll Eyes, Continue.......2007-10-11
I work at a bookstore, and this book has been flying out. I picked up a copy to see why. You've gotta admit, it's funny in parts. I don't expect it to have any "weight." But if you can keep moving over the speed bumps of neurotic self-indulgence, you can definitely get a few laughs. I'd say it's a quick and enjoyable read, unless you're expecting something with more meat on its bones. Borrow it from a friend: there are plenty of copies out there.
BRAVO Elizabeth!.......2007-10-10
I thoroughly enjoyed this book start to finish and plan to pass it on to my daughter and nieces. It was very disheartening to read the "slams" this author got from other women. I admire Ms. Gilbert; you don't get to where she is by being a slacker. That woman is well-educated and very disciplined. Writing a book is damn hard work and if any of the naysayers ever attempted one like this they would be eating their words. It also takes sheer guts to step out of the box like she did and brave foreign countries (alone, no less).
Don't knock it until you've tried it! (and succeeded)!
Exhibit "A".......2007-10-10
To those who can find mostly fault in this book and little good, I have included in this post a small but absolutely beautifully written passage from Ms. Gilbert's work that totally made me want to read the rest of EPL. It appears early on in the book, after her husband has finally signed the divorce papers after a protracted, hostile standoff, and she has arrived in Rome. To me it doesn't read like someone who is all about "ME" but rather someone who is aware enough to get to the heart of emotions that afflict all of us at one time or another.
"Depression and Loneliness track me down after ten days in Italy. I am walking through the Villa Borghese one evening after a happy day spent in school, and the sun is setting gold over St. Peter's Basilica. I am feeling contented in this romantic scene, even if I am all by myself, while everyone else in the park is either fondling a lover or playing with a laughing child. But I stop to lean against a balustrade and watch the sunset, and I get to thinking a little too much, and then my thinking turns to brooding, and that's when they catch up with me.
They come upon me all silent and menacing like Pinkerton Detectives, and the flank me--Depression on my left, Loneliness on my right. They don't need to show me their badges. I know these guys very well. We've been playing a cat-and-mouse game for years now. Though I admit that I am surprised to meet them in this elegant Italian garden at dusk. This is no place they belong.
I say to them, "How did you find me here? Who told you I had come to Rome?"
Depression, always the wise guy, says, "What--you're not happy to see us?"
"Go away," I tell him.
Loneliness, the more sensitive cop, says, "I'm sorry, ma'am. But I might have to tail you the whole time you're traveling. It's my assignment."
"Id really rather you didn't," I tell him, and he shrugs almost apologetically, but only moves closer.
Then they frisk me. They empty my pockets of any joy I had been carrying there. Depression even confiscates my identity; but he always does that. Then Loneliness starts interrogating me, which I dread because it always goes on for hours. He's polite but relentless, and he always trips me up eventually. He asks if I have any reason to be happy that I know of. He asks why I am all by myself tonight, yet again. He asks (though we've been through this line of questioning hundreds of times already) why I can't keep a relationship going, why I ruined my marriage, why I messed things up with David, why I messed things up with every man I've ever been with. He asks me where I was the night I turned thirty, and why things have gone so sour since then. He asks why I can't get my act together, and why I'm not at home living in a nice house and raising nice children like any respectable woman my age should be. He asks why, exactly, I think I deserve a vacation in Rome when I've made such a rubble of my life. He asks me why I think that running away to Italy like a college kid will make me happy. He asks where I think I'll end up in my old age, if I keep living this way.
I walk back home, hoping to shake them, but they keep following me, these two goons. Depression has a firm hand on my shoulder and Loneliness harangues me with his interrogation. I don't even bother eating dinner; I don't want them watching me. I don't what to let them up the stairs to my apartment, either, but I know Depression, and he's got a billy club, so there's no stopping him from coming in if he decides that he wants to.
"It's not fair for you to come here," I tell Depression. "I paid you off already. I served my time backing New York."
But he just gives me that dark smile, settles into my favorite chair, puts his feet on my table and lights a cigar, filling the place with his awful smoke. Loneliness watches a sighs, then climbs into my bed and pulls the covers over himself, fully dressed, shoes and all. He's going to make me sleep with him again tonight, I just know it.
I loved this book.......2007-10-10
truly one of the best books I have ever read
so inspiring .. couldn't put it down didn't want it to end
Book Description
A new edition of the revolutionary bestseller, with four million copies in print. Allen Carr’s innovative Easyway method—which he discovered after his own 100-cigarette-a-day habit nearly drove him to despair—has helped millions kick smoking without feeling anxious and deprived. That’s because he helps smokers discover the psychological reasons behind their dependency, explains in detail how to handle the withdrawal symptoms, shows them how to avoid situations when temptation might become too strong, and enables them to stay smoke-free. Carr discusses such issues as nicotine addiction; the social “brainwashing” that encourages smoking; the false belief that a cigarette relieves stress; the role boredom plays in sabotaging efforts to stop; and the main reasons for failure. With this proven program, smokers will be throwing away their packs for good.
Customer Reviews:
The only book I've seen on Amazon with no rating below four stars.......2007-10-08
Allen Carr knows your pain. He has walked the walk. This is the first completely sensible advice I have ever seriously taken to heart about how profoundly stupid it is to smoke, even casually (if there is such a thing--I now know there is not!) I've read the book over and over again and haven't touched or craved a cigarette since. The problem is that smokers are reluctant to read this book. They fear it. They won't touch it. It was sent to me by the publisher and it sat on my desk for months before I actually cracked it open. Then it took a few more months for me to read it. I wish I had received this book when I was in my twenties, rather than thirties. I could have saved myself a decade of smoking! Please buy this book. It will save your life.
IT WORKS!!!.......2007-10-07
I was a smoker for 10 years... at one point, I was smoking 2 packs a day. I came across this book and bought it, not with the intent to quit smoking, but out of curiousity. After reading reviews of people who said they read this book and quit smoking, I just wanted to know what this book said. This book opened my eyes to see smoking for what it is and made me see smoking as I had never seen or though of it before.. Let's just say this book works. After reading the book, I quit smoking.. I don't crave cigarettes and don't even think about smoking. Please, do yourself a favor and READ THIS BOOK!!!
This is a must buy!.......2007-10-05
This book turns your mind around and enables you to see cigarettes for what they really are.
They are not your friends and they really don't calm you down, help you to think straight or help you cope. They are merely a vehicle for a drug which is nicotine and smoking simply relieves your withdrawal symptoms.
This book was my first step in becoming a successful non-smoker.
You will not regret reading this book and this comes from someone who smoked for 30 years and had tried stopping numerous times. Please read if you are considering becoming nicotine free.
IT Worked (for me).......2007-10-04
Anyone who uses nicotine products would benefit from this book. I read the book and was able to quit (three weeks without a cigarette as of this writing). But more importantly, Allan Carr gives the reader some mind opening truths about smoking. Whether you quit smoking or not after reading the book, you'll see the truth in yourself about the nicotine.
So, I recommend the book. It was written twenty-some years ago, but the truth ages very well, indeed.
Now, honestly, the quitting wasn't "easy" for me, but I was able to stop smoking. I was a pack a day smoker for thirty some years, six or seven real attempts to quit. This time is different,I'm not miserable trying to sneak cigarettes. I'm not punching walls. The cravings are gone. I've never had this happen before. I'm really a non-smoker.
My intention was to come back to this review in six months and tell those interested if I was still a non-smoker, which I believe is a better review of the book.
I don't know how and I don't know why but..........2007-09-28
It worked for me too. I am EIGHT months "smober" this month and I don't miss the evil weed one bit. The first few weeks were a bit difficult but not nearly as difficult as pre-Allen Carr. I was a former pack a day smoker for at least 15 years and I too had tried everything else under the sun.
Just give it a try with an open mind. It is repetitive and it does tell you lots of stuff you already know. Don't worry about it. Just read it. Sometimes it seems silly. It doesn't matter. Just read it. Smoke to your hearts content while doing it, but read it.
Book Description
It's more than a book. It's a way of life. Alcoholics Anonymous-the Big Book-has served as a lifeline to millions worldwide. First published in 1939, Alcoholics Anonymous sets forth cornerstone concepts of recovery from alcoholism and tells the stories of men and women who have overcome the disease. With publication of the second edition in 1955, the third edition in 1976, and now the fourth edition in 2001, the essential recovery text has remained unchanged while personal stories have been added to reflect the growing and diverse fellowship. The long-awaited fourth edition features 24 new personal stories of recovery. Key features and benefits ·the most widely used resource for millions of individuals in recovery ·contains full, original text describing AA program ·updated with 24 new personal stories
Customer Reviews:
poor service, excellent book.......2007-09-17
I wanted this book on CD for a friend that needed it. After a month, I am still waiting for a refund after being charged the full price, receiving one of the four CD's, then being told it would take two weeks to receive the rest, then finally being told the entire book on CD was no longer available. Big Book on CD - A Amazon - F
EVERYONE should read this book!!.......2007-09-07
I had borrowed a copy of this book to read from a local AA group. I got so much from the text, not only as an alcoholic, but as a human being. I think everyone should read this book. I bought two copies: one to keep as a reference and one to pass around. It looks like I'll have to order a few more because both of my copies are out!
Recovery.......2007-08-31
This is the essential book needed by all who have an addiction. It is the first step for all who desire freedom from addictions.
Well, it saved my life!.......2007-06-27
I don't write reviews but I felt I needed to on this one, I truly believe in this book. The 'Big Book' was given to me by a prison chaplain and I have since read it three times. As I was reading it I was thinking to myself, "Jeez, that's me! I've done that!" This book inspired me to get help for an addiction I really didn't care about. (despite the agony it caused my family and friends.) I have since joined several local AA chapters and and am clean and sober. I am 25 years old and had no problem with the English presented within the text. I believe all addicts should read this book with an open mind and you WILL learn from it. Everybody has a diffrent 'rock-bottom' and I was at mine. Sometimes you have to be at the bottom of the pit to force you to look up. Through this book and AA, I have turned my life completly around. No addict can recover on his own, that's where the "Higher Power" comes in. If you are suffering from addiction, I beg you, at least give this book a chance. It may very well save your life.
dr bob's nightmare.......2007-05-29
just a title from the book.
arrived on time in excellent condition.
Book Description
Now there is a hand to hold . . .
Each year about eight million Americans suffer the death of a close family member. The list of high visibility disasters, human suffering and sudden loss in long and will continue to grow. From TWA Flight 800 to Egypt Air 990, from Oklahoma City to Columbine, daily we face incomprehensible loss. Outside the publicized tragedies there are many families and individuals that are suffering behind closed doors in our neighborhoods, in our own homes, in hospital waiting rooms. Now for those who face the challenges of sudden death, there is a hand to hold written by two women who have experience sudden loss. In a book that will touch, comfort, uplift and console, authors Brook Noel and Pamela D. Blair, Ph.D. explore sudden death and its role in the cycle of life. Tapping the personal histories of both authors and numerous interviews, I Wasn't Ready to Say Goodbye shows grieving readers how to endure, survive and grow from the pain and turmoil surrounding human loss. For survivors this valuable book provides a rock-steady anchor from which to weather the storm of pain and begin to rebuild their lives.
Customer Reviews:
OK, but not helpful for me.......2007-09-13
I bought this book because the table of contents looked good and it had so many 5-star reviews. However, after reading it cover-to-cover I did not find it very helpful for my particular situation. I lost both my parents when a drunk boater hit them (they were in knee deep water and he came ashore at full speed). While this book acknowledges the extra feelings that come from sudden loss, it does not address the complex images left after a violent homicide, and dealing with the drawn-out legal process.
Also, none of the self-help suggestions were appealing or really plausable for me ... I stay home with 3 kids age 3 and under, and I can't go out and shout in a forest or get into aromatherapy.
Survival! That is what grief is all about!.......2007-06-21
After I lost my son in a tragic accident, this book reinstilled my hope and helped me cope with my heart wrenching grief over a parent's worst nightmare - that of losing a child.
GIFT.......2007-06-01
Sent this as a gift to someone who experienced sudden and unexpected loss of loved one. Apparently it was a comfort and very much appreciated. It was my way of speaking words I didn't have. Good book for it's purpose!
How to handle grief when it first happens.......2007-05-13
This book helps you understand what you or a loved one is going through during those first weeks of grief. It was enormously helpful as we suffered through strange physical symptoms and thoughts. We were not crazy. We were grief-stricken. Enormously helpful reference book, without getting into too personal stories at this time of shock.
Help for those who are grieving.......2007-05-07
I bought this book 3 years ago when my mom died suddenly. It was such a big help to me to get through the stages of grief. It explained everything that I was feeling and going through at the time. It was a tremendous comfort to me and had a big healing effect. I have since bought it for a few a my friends who have lost their parents, and they have in turn bought it for others.
Book Description
Since 1954, Twenty-Four Hours a Day has become a stable force in the recovery of many alcoholics throughout the world. With over nine million copies in print (the original text has been revised), this "little black book" offers daily thoughts, meditations, and prayers for living a clean and sober life. A spiritual resource with practical applications to fit our daily lives. "For yesterday is but a dream, and tomorrow is only a vision" is part of the Sanskrit proverb quoted at the beginning of the book which has become one of the basic building blocks for a life of sobriety. In addition to a thought, meditation and prayer for each day of the year, this handy, pocket-sized volume also contains the Serenity Prayer and the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous. It is a simple, yet effective way to help us relate the Twelve Steps to everyday life and helps us find the power not to take that first drink each day. Twenty-Four Hours a Day turns 50, touches millions! Read news article on the book with a heartbeat. Article courtesy of the Voice, Winter 2004.
Customer Reviews:
Used for going on 20 years!.......2007-10-01
Can't start my day w/o this one...have used it for going on 20 years...AA now has their own meditations book;but, I never switched from this one. After all these years, it still hits home and has been a foundation of my recovery...
Awesome.......2007-08-10
This is an awesome daily morning reading for me. Starts me out on the right track
Alcohol killing you? There is life in this book ; ).......2007-04-26
"Before taking a night-club DJ's job in the 80's writer did not drink; 9 years later on especially grim days my consumption approached a gallon of cheap vodka a day and I could not function. Over the last dozen years of clean & sober living, the "grace" of Almighty God led me to AA, AA's "grace" led me to many new places including this treasured little book (head & shoulders above anything else in its field). "24 Hours a Day" is composed of a short, meditational trilogy for each day of the year, sourced from Hazelden (the world's largest addiction recovery program) and another blessed little book (buy it also from Amazon) titled "God Calling". Concluding, am surprised by the book's "only four star" rating; for me there are not enough stars in the universe to pay it, Hazelden and "AA" sufficient tribute. Succinctly put, if you have a substance abuse problem of any genre "24 Hours" WILL help you beyond words. But if you are like the chap whose impoverished review spoke of "Repetitive magical drivel for people who want to stick in a rut.", likely it WON'T help. You'll need a book on "ATTITUDE" for that. Or put another way, "Sir - did you forget to say no to drugs today?" ; )
good sobriety but heavy for the mornings.......2003-02-24
i picked up this book a little bit ago when my sober living home was using it to run its morning meditation group. i am not a morning person and because of this i found it was hard to wrap my mind around what was written. there are alot of good thoughts for the day but i prefer something a little bit lighter to start my day off with.
help.......1999-12-11
can someone help me to find the rehabcenter on internet?
Book Description
Every day headlines are filled with examples of narcissistic individuals in positions of power who are nothing more than impostors plundering and wrecking havoc on the lives of others. From the corporate moguls of Enron and WorldCom to the clergy leaders of the Catholic Church, we daily encounter narcissists and the self-serving systems that enable them. Helping people reclaim their lives from this sinister exploitative force is the mission behind Payson's book, The Wizard of Oz and Other Narcissists: Coping with the One-Way Relationship in Work, Love, and Family. Using simple metaphors from the American classic, The Wizard of Oz, Payson illustrates how Dorothy's journey captures all the seductive illusions and challenges that occur when we encounter the narcissist. Empowering the reader with the ABCs of unhealthy narcissism and the unique problems that occur when a person becomes involved with the narcissist, Payson gives step-by-step practical tools to identify, protect, and heal from these destructive relationships. Largely un-addressed in the psychology and self-help literature, this ground breaking book offers hope and help to those who have been drawn into these devastating relationships. She includes illuminating case studies that identify the problems that occur in the different types of relationships, from co-workers, to friends, to parents, to lovers. Readers employing these insights and skills will find new abilities to identify and protect against the narcissist's manipulations and take back control of their lives.
Customer Reviews:
Lightbulb moments!.......2007-10-05
The recent demise of a particularly confounding romantic relationship sent me looking to purchase my very first "self-help" book. Most of the time, people make sense to me. However, a year's worth of WTF? with this person really had me confused, as I'd never met someone quite so self-obsessed, empathy-free, and with a hair trigger temper if his knowledge/opinion was questioned. This book was really a lightbulb moment for me-- it really put into context not only his confounding behavior/actions, but also my inexplicable responses/behavior that were, frankly, not the me I thought I was. It's been an eye-opening experience to understand the overt narcissist/co-dependent relationship, and to see how I have been in this same dance (in subtle and not-so-subtle ways) a number of times with friends, family, and at work. Some of these relationships I could (and did) walk away from. For those that I feel I can't (family, co-workers), this really gave me the knowledge to understand the dynamic and deal with it effectively, rather than continue to get emotionally caught up in the situation and, ultimately, give the narcissistic personality the "knee-jerk" reaction that s/he thrives on.
The reviews really sold me on this book, and I certainly was not disappointed (in spite of my cynicism). Very well written, very highly recommended!
Helpful but specific.......2007-10-02
A friend was brave and wise enough to tell me she thought my adult sibling has this disorder. For years our family has been wondering about my sibling's difficult personality, focus on self, and lack of compassion for the rest of us. We have been living a life of self-blame and wondering what we did wrong. Receiving a "diagnosis" of NPD is like someone finally opening the window in a very stuffy room.
This book is good, but it makes for slightly more difficult reading than books such as the more colloquial _Help! I'm in Love with a Narcissist_. However, if you already know for sure that someone has NPD and are looking for answers to "what do I do?" instead of the "why," a book on setting boundaries might be more helpful--most books on NPD end up pointing you in that direction, anyway, but without much guidance themselves on the subject.
Unfortunately, most books on NPD (such as this one) seem to be about one or more of three relationships; an NPD: parent, boss, or spouse/significant other. It may be difficult for those of us who don't fit this mold to glean useful information from books which break down the NPD person into specific roles.
I also question the author's advice to write a letter to someone with NPD. A parent and I have been in correspondence many times with my sibling, and have always been surprised at how easily my sibling can misconstrue the written word, only to turn it around into a quick (or long) attack. Writing to my sibling is a scary endeavor. However, that's hopefully the only advice that seemed like it might backfire so severely, so most of the book is truly helpful and informative--especially if this topic/diagnosis is a new one.
Wizard of Oz, & other narcisists.......2007-08-07
Straightforwardly laid out with a crystal clear logic. I only wish I could have read this book 20 years ago. It would have saved me much heart-ache & confusion.
Narcissism, a how (not) to book.......2007-07-14
This book was a very in-depth study of the narcissistic personality disorder. It taught me how to recognize the pitfalls in dealing with narcissistic people, and how to manage your own behavior when embroiled in a personal/professional relationship with individuals suffering with this disorder.
Depends on what you are seeking.......2007-07-05
I am an adult child of a narcissistic parent. I found chapters 1 - 5 very interesting with a fascinating take on how different children within the same family can receive somewhat different abuse from a NPD parent and/or how those children respond to their individualized suffering. I found this book as helpful (but no more helpful) than the two others I had read in providing strategies to limit NPD abuse. From Chapter 6 on (roughly the last third of the book), the book was of limited use to me as it talked about having an NPD individual in an intimate love relationship or a social/professional relationship. I finished the book, but realized that for my purposes I had really finished it after Chapter 5.
Book Description
Originally published in 1952, this classic book is used by A.A. members and groups around the world. It lays out the principles by which A.A. members recover and by which the fellowship functions. The basic text clarifies the Steps which constitute the A.A. way of life and the Traditions, by which A.A. maintains its unity.
Customer Reviews:
Basically the best.......2007-08-25
Simply the best basic recovery and personal spirituality text of the 20th century. Universal spiritual principles explained in clear, concise language. This book is the basis for thousands of self-help, spiritual psychotherapy, and self-awareness works that came after. Wonderful, relevant & powerful spiritual philosophy of living one day at a time.
Skip it.......2007-07-04
.
Count me among the legion of AA members who think this book is a buggering mess. Bill Wilson wrote it while in the midst of a 5 year depression and it shows. Save for the essays on Steps 1 and 8, this book leaves most people more confused than enlightened.
I gave it two stars cause some of the Tradition essays have some good stuff if you're willing to wade into them.
.
EXCELLENT.......2007-06-11
IT IS VERY HELPFUL TO READ A FEW PAGES OR A CHAPTER A DAY. IT WILL KEEP YOU ON A EVEN TRACK OF YOUR LIFE. IF YOU DON'T FIND YOUR ANSWERS HERE TRY THE BIG BOOK.
Please Join Our cult!!!.......2007-02-21
The truth is that a newly-sober alcoholic named William Griffith Wilson -- a down-on-his-luck former Wall Street hustler who put on airs of having once been a prosperous stock broker -- just sat down, in December of 1938, and wrote up twelve commandments for the new religious group that he and fellow alcoholic Doctor Robert Smith had started. Those commandments were simply a repackaged version of the practices of a cult religion that was popular at that time, something called "The Oxford Group", or "The Oxford Group Movement", and later, "Moral Re-Armament" -- a religious cult that was created by a deceitful fascist renegade Lutheran minister named Dr. Frank Nathan Daniel Buchman -- a nut-case who actually praised Adolf Hitler and Heinrich Himmler.
Bill Wilson described the writing of the Twelve Steps this way:
Well, we finally got to the point where we really had to say what this book was all about and how this deal works. As I told you this had been a six-step program then.
The idea came to me, well, we need a definite statement of concrete principles that these drunks can't wiggle out of. There can't be any wiggling out of this deal at all and this six-step program had two big gaps which people wiggled out of.
Notice how Bill Wilson considered his fellow alcoholics to be a bunch of cheaters who will "wiggle out of this deal" if they can get away with it -- which Bill won't allow.
And note how Bill Wilson made himself the leader who was entitled to dictate the concrete terms of other people's recovery programs.
Also notice how Bill Wilson considered 'spiritual development' to be a business deal, with a contract that you can't wiggle out of, something like selling your soul in trade for sobriety.
Nowhere in the Twelve Steps does it say that you should quit drinking, or help anyone else to quit drinking, either. Nowhere do the words "sobriety", "recovery", "abstinence", "health", "happiness", "joy", "love", or "love", appear in the Twelve Steps. The word "alcohol" was only mentioned once, where it was patched into the first step as a substitute for the word "sin" -- Bill Wilson wrote,
"we are powerless over alcohol and our lives have become unmanageable",
instead of the Oxford Group slogan,
"we are powerless over sin and have been defeated by it".
And then the phrase "especially alcoholics" was patched into the 12th step as a suggested target for further recruiting efforts:
"...we tried to carry this message to others, especially alcoholics"...
(But regular non-alcoholic people were still fair game for recruiting into Bill's "spiritual fellowship"...)
The Twelve Steps are not a formula for curing or treating alcoholism, and they never were.
The Twelve Steps are not "spiritual principles" and they never were.
The Twelve Steps are cult practices that work to convert people into confirmed true believers in a proselytizing cult religion, just like Frank Buchman's so-called "spiritual principles" did.
1. The Twelve Steps do not work as a program of recovery from drug or alcohol problems.
The A.A. failure rate ranges from 95% to 100%. Sometimes, the A.A. success rate is actually less than zero, which means that A.A. indoctrination is positively harmful to people, and prevents recovery. Some tests have shown that even receiving no treatment at all for alcoholism is much better than receiving A.A. treatment:
One of the most enthusiastic boosters of Alcoholics Anonymous, Professor George Vaillant of Harvard University, who is also a member of the Board of Trustees of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. (AAWS), showed by his own 8 years of testing of A.A. that A.A. was worse than useless -- that it didn't help the alcoholics any more than no treatment at all, and it had the highest death rate of any treatment program tested -- a death rate that Professor Vaillant himself described as "appalling". While trying to prove that A.A. treatment works, Professor Vaillant actually proved that A.A. kills. After 8 years of A.A. treatment, the score with Dr. Vaillant's first 100 alcoholic patients was: 5 sober, 29 dead, and 66 still drinking.
(Nevertheless, Vaillant is still a Trustee of Alcoholics Anonymous, and he still wants to send all alcoholics to A.A. anyway, to "get an attitude change by confessing their sins to a high-status healer." That is cult religion, not a treatment program for alcoholism.)
The A.A. dropout rate is terrible. Most people who come to A.A. looking for help in quitting drinking are appalled by the narrow-minded atmosphere of fundamentalist religion and faith-healing. The A.A. meeting room has a revolving door. The therapists, judges, and parole officers (many of whom are themselves hidden members of A.A. or N.A.) continually send new people to A.A., but those newcomers vote with their feet once they see what A.A. really is. Even A.A.'s own triennial surveys, conducted by the A.A. headquarters (the GSO), say that:
81% of the newcomers are gone within 30 days,
90% are gone in 3 months, and
95% are gone at the end of a year.
That automatically gives A.A. a failure rate of at least 95%. But the GSO does not count all of those people who only attend a few meetings before quitting -- they don't qualify as "members". (That amounts to "cherry-picking".) If we included them, then the numbers would be much worse.
First there is the propaganda technique of "everybody's doing it": "AA or a similar Twelve-Step program is an integral part of almost all successful recoveries".
That is a complete falsehood. The vast majority of the successful people recover without A.A. or any "support group". It's what "everybody" is doing.
Then they use the propaganda techniques of use of the passive voice and vague suggestions: "It is widely believed that not including a Twelve-Step program in a treatment plan can put a recovering addict on the road to relapse."
It is widely believed by whom? And what do those unnamed people know? What are their qualifications? Are they doctors? Medical school professors? Or salesmen for a 12-Step treatment center? Why should we care what some unnamed invisible fools allegedly believe, anyway?
The authors also use the propaganda technique of fear-mongering: you will be "on the road to relapse" -- you will probably die -- unless you practice Bill Wilson's Twelve Step cult religion.
And then the fluff-headed Pollyanna attitude is outrageous: Just going to the wonderful A.A. meetings is supposedly all that is needed to fix some alcoholics.
But since A.A. has a zero-percent success rate above and beyond the normal rate of spontaneous remission, that cannot possibly be true.
An important link in the chain of sobriety.......2006-11-05
I've been recovering for about four years now, and the "12 and 12" as my sponsor calls it, was a critical component in my achieving sobriety after 38 years of drinking and drugging. The book provides -- in a very simple format -- commentary on the 12 steps of AA as well as the 12 Traditions established long ago to keep AA from turning into something other than what it is and was meant to be: a fellowship of men and women whose sole purpose is to stay sober and to help other alcoholics achieve sobriety.
Average customer rating:
- Great Book
- Excellent insights
- EPIPHANY!
- Adult Children of Alcoholics
- The book that changed my perception of myself...
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Adult Children of Alcoholics
Janet G. Woititz
Manufacturer: HCI
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Codependency
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Adult Children of Alcoholics
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Alcoholism
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General
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Codependency
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Similar Items:
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Struggle for Intimacy (Adult Children of Alcoholics series)
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Recovery: A Guide for Adult Children of Alcoholics
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Perfect Daughters (Revised Edition)
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Lifeskills for Adult Children
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It Will Never Happen to Me: Growing Up With Addiction As Youngsters, Adolescents, Adults
Accessories:
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Health o Meter HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers
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philosophy hope in a jar daily moisturizer
ASIN: 1558741127 |
Book Description
Ten years ago, Janet Woititz broke new ground in our understanding of what it is to be an Adult Child of an Alcoholic. Today she re-examines the movement and its inclusion of Adult Children from various dysfunctional family backgrounds who share the same characteristics. After more than ten years of working with ACoAs she shares the recovery hints that she has found to work. Read Adult Children of Alcoholics to see where the journey began and for ideas on where to go from here.
Customer Reviews:
Great Book .......2007-09-21
If you are the adult child of an alcoholic this book is a must read. It brings to light things that many have felt, but have not understood why.
Excellent insights.......2007-09-10
This book was amazing. The insights into personality traits and situational details was extremely helpful. If you don't understand the issues, you cannot solve the problems and this book was very clear in describing some of the problems and how they came about when living as a child of (an) alcoholic(s). I highly recommend to anyone who is interested in the issues that come about as a result of being an ACA without being too heavy-handed. I couldn't put the book down.
EPIPHANY!.......2007-08-07
This is the grandmammy of all books written about, for and by Adult Children of Alcoholics. I first read this in 1987 and it was a personal epiphany. It held up a mirror to my beliefs and behaviour, explained a lot of things I didn't understand about myself, helped me realize that I was not alone and gave me hope that I could change my life. I recommend it to anyone who comes from an alcoholic or dysfunctional home.
It's a very basic book and one that is perfect for someone just beginning the recovery journey. It is also an excellent book to return to again and again.
Adult Children of Alcoholics.......2007-03-17
Recommended by my Doctor, I was a little skeptical. But, It's really an invaluable read to anyone who has ever grown up or dealing with someone who is a child of alcoholism.
The book that changed my perception of myself..........2007-03-08
I am so glad I read that book. It saved me from a life without knowing myself. It helped me in so many ways. I would suggest this book to anyone and everyone. It is for someone who has dealt with addiction before.This book helps you deal with it in a child or a spousal way. Thank you
Book Description
This companion book to the HBO documentary of the same name sheds light on the hidden American epidemic of addiction. Blending compelling personal narratives with statistics and expert opinion, all gleaned from over two years of research and reporting, ADDICTION offers a comprehensive and provocative look at the impact of chemical dependency on addicts, their loved ones, society, and the economy. Breaking the stigma that addicts are simply weak and immoral, it delves into new brain research proving that drugs and alcohol change the chemical composition of addicts' brains, making it veritably impossible for them to quit. The nation's top experts persuasively argue that the time has come for the blame to stop and the healing to begin.
ADDICTION also features material not included in the documentary: testimonials, original graphics and images, additional elaboration on theories and treatments of addiction, and more. Featuring a foreword by Sheila Nevins, the president of Documentary and Family Programming at HBO, an afterward by the best-selling author Susan Cheever, and the writing of David Sheff, this book is essential reading for anyone who has been impacted by what is now realized to be a very real and widespread disease.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Book!! Highly recommended!!.......2007-08-26
The book reviews the newest treatments of a really complex disorder. It also has some of the most recognized experts that work with addiction. It helps you understand addiction and it is a great source to help addicts.
Very educational.......2007-07-09
This book was very informative and educational. I even earmarked a couple pages that I will reference in the future. Highly recommended for anyone who is looking to understand substance addiction, it's causes, effects and treatment options.
Highly recommended.
You'll understand that addict and know what to do!.......2007-05-14
This book and DVD set were so informative and they help the person or persons that have an addict in their life understand the decisions that the addicts make.
Does this documentary come in VHS Video? Addiction: Why Can't They Just Stop.......2007-05-07
If possible, I need to order (1) copy of the old VHS Video cassette in "Addiction: Why Can't They Just Stop".
Please e-mail me if available.
Thank you for an opportunity to respond.
very good information.......2007-05-07
Very good information given in a simple way. Important for anybody who needs to know facts about this disease.
Average customer rating:
- I don't understand the critism
- If you think you have a drinking problem....
- It works if YOU work it
- Cult Propoganda similar to Scientology
- Big Book OK
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Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How Many Thousands of Men and Women Have Recovered from Alcoholism
AA Services
Manufacturer: Alcoholics Anonymous World Services
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Alcoholism
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Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions
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Living Sober
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Alcoholics Anonymous - Big Book 4th Edition
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Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions
ASIN: 1893007162 |
Book Description
It's more than a book. It's a way of life. Alcoholics Anonymous-the Big Book-has served as a lifeline to millions worldwide. First published in 1939, Alcoholics Anonymous sets forth cornerstone concepts of recovery from alcoholism and tells the stories of men and women who have overcome the disease. With publication of the second edition in 1955, the third edition in 1976, and now the fourth edition in 2001, the essential recovery text has remained unchanged while personal stories have been added to reflect the growing and diverse fellowship. The long-awaited fourth edition features 24 new personal stories of recovery. Key features and benefits ·the most widely used resource for millions of individuals in recovery ·contains full, original text describing AA program ·updated with 24 new personal stories
Customer Reviews:
I don't understand the critism.......2007-09-12
I don't really understand the lengths I've seen people go to to discredit this book or the 12 steps in general. I am not a member of AA but I have a family member who was saved literally from the brink of death by NA. The changes in her and in her life have been nothing short of miraculous. If it was a 'cult' that brought about this change in her then I say Thank God for the 12-step cult, for it is truly a force of good.
If you think you have a drinking problem...........2007-08-12
I'm a recovering alcoholic. This book saved my life.
If you think you MIGHT have a drinking problem, buy this book and read the first 164 pages. If you identify with what you're reading, then you might want to consider hitting a few meetings.
You have to get beyond the prose of the author. It's very 1930's. Since he knew it would be saving a lot of lives, he wanted it to sound really important.
Many like me read this book, and found that in many cases, it seemed like the book someone stole a story out of our own experiences.
It works if YOU work it.......2007-06-23
As an active, voluntary member of AA I must say that the program of recovery outlined in this book works *IF* you choose to work it. AA is not a cult, expects nothing in terms of finances and only SUGGEST'S a few very simple applications to lead a successful, joyous and sober life. AA is group therapy. It is a place for people to share their experience, strength and hope with each other so that they may stay abstinent from alcohol.
The "Big Book" opened my eyes as to how I was living. Reading the personal stories, being able to identify with the pain, the misery of alcoholism and the newfound hope has completely changed my life. I finally felt as if I were no longer alone. The 12 steps are only suggested and there is no need to believe in God at all. If you are an alcoholic or a family member or friend of an alcoholic I suggest you read this book. It is one of many solutions to tackle alcoholism and statistically AA has very high success rates. It works for some and doesn't for others just like everything else in life.
For those who don't think alcoholism is a disease, I suggest you write the American Medical Association and tell them they are wrong. Or feel free to bare witness to the blameless children, the destroyed marriages, the missed opportunities and the early grave that active alcoholism guarantees.
Cult Propoganda similar to Scientology.......2007-02-21
1. The Twelve Steps do not work as a program of recovery from drug or alcohol problems.
The A.A. failure rate ranges from 95% to 100%. Sometimes, the A.A. success rate is actually less than zero, which means that A.A. indoctrination is positively harmful to people, and prevents recovery. Some tests have shown that even receiving no treatment at all for alcoholism is much better than receiving A.A. treatment:
One of the most enthusiastic boosters of Alcoholics Anonymous, Professor George Vaillant of Harvard University, who is also a member of the Board of Trustees of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. (AAWS), showed by his own 8 years of testing of A.A. that A.A. was worse than useless -- that it didn't help the alcoholics any more than no treatment at all, and it had the highest death rate of any treatment program tested -- a death rate that Professor Vaillant himself described as "appalling". While trying to prove that A.A. treatment works, Professor Vaillant actually proved that A.A. kills. After 8 years of A.A. treatment, the score with Dr. Vaillant's first 100 alcoholic patients was: 5 sober, 29 dead, and 66 still drinking.
(Nevertheless, Vaillant is still a Trustee of Alcoholics Anonymous, and he still wants to send all alcoholics to A.A. anyway, to "get an attitude change by confessing their sins to a high-status healer." That is cult religion, not a treatment program for alcoholism.)
The A.A. dropout rate is terrible. Most people who come to A.A. looking for help in quitting drinking are appalled by the narrow-minded atmosphere of fundamentalist religion and faith-healing. The A.A. meeting room has a revolving door. The therapists, judges, and parole officers (many of whom are themselves hidden members of A.A. or N.A.) continually send new people to A.A., but those newcomers vote with their feet once they see what A.A. really is. Even A.A.'s own triennial surveys, conducted by the A.A. headquarters (the GSO), say that:
81% of the newcomers are gone within 30 days,
90% are gone in 3 months, and
95% are gone at the end of a year.
That automatically gives A.A. a failure rate of at least 95%. But the GSO does not count all of those people who only attend a few meetings before quitting -- they don't qualify as "members". (That amounts to "cherry-picking".) If we included them, then the numbers would be much worse.
First there is the propaganda technique of "everybody's doing it": "AA or a similar Twelve-Step program is an integral part of almost all successful recoveries".
That is a complete falsehood. The vast majority of the successful people recover without A.A. or any "support group". It's what "everybody" is doing.
Then they use the propaganda techniques of use of the passive voice and vague suggestions: "It is widely believed that not including a Twelve-Step program in a treatment plan can put a recovering addict on the road to relapse."
It is widely believed by whom? And what do those unnamed people know? What are their qualifications? Are they doctors? Medical school professors? Or salesmen for a 12-Step treatment center? Why should we care what some unnamed invisible fools allegedly believe, anyway?
The authors also use the propaganda technique of fear-mongering: you will be "on the road to relapse" -- you will probably die -- unless you practice Bill Wilson's Twelve Step cult religion.
And then the fluff-headed Pollyanna attitude is outrageous: Just going to the wonderful A.A. meetings is supposedly all that is needed to fix some alcoholics.
But since A.A. has a zero-percent success rate above and beyond the normal rate of spontaneous remission, that cannot possibly be true.
Big Book OK.......2006-12-15
Believe nothing just because a so-called wise person said it.
Believe nothing just because a belief is generally held.
Believe nothing just because it is said in ancient books.
Believe nothing just because it is said to be of divine origin.
Believe nothing just because someone else believes it.
Believe only what you yourself test and judge to be true.
I took many ideas from this book and applied it to my own life. It was very helpful
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