Zen of Recovery
Author: Mel Ash

Mel Ash is an alcoholic, addict, and abused child, he shares his wonderful wisdom and experiences pertaining to recovery from addiction. The practice of Zen introduces an alternative Spiritual insight as an 11th step in which Mel shares his own recovery through. The practice of Zen will enhance and empower you spiritually. Through the practice of Zen applying powerful meditation and wisdom will help you live a fuller and happier life 'a day at a time'. Zen of Recovery is enlightening and uplifting.

Book Reviews:

1. Very well written.
2. I have given away several copies of this book, and own one of my own, which I enjoy re-reading. Many people struggling with addictions also have difficulty with Alcoholics Anonymous' emphasis on a "higher power" (generally conceived as "God"). This book serves the important function of introducing a non-theistic (non-"God"-based) approach to AA, and to a personal meditative practice.

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The Serenity Principle
Author: Joseph Bailey

Finding Inner Peace in Recovery

The Serenity Principle can be your path to freedom and inner peace once it's understood. Joe Baily teaches us to apply the principles of psychology of the mind in order to bring peace, tranquility and contentment within ourselves. Applying these principles in addiction treatment will free your mind, and leave you with inner peace and serenity while on the road to recovery. When serenity is reached within us, we are full, happy, content and at peace.

Book Reviews:

1. This book has changed my life. I am not an alcoholic but I used the same concepts in my everyday life. I really recommend this book to any one who wants to live a serene life needs to read this book.
2. Bailey has presented easy to grasp ideas that really work for the person in recovery. I have used it on both a personal and professional level and would encourage others to do the same.

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Cool Water
Author: William Alexander

Alcoholism, Mindfulness, and Ordinary Recovery

William Alexander teaches us that we can be free from alcoholism as well as any other type of addiction and the answer is right in front of us. Using mindfulness and meditation William teaches us to embrace life in the moment. Cool Water is an inspiring book that teaches alcoholics and others suffering with addiction they can find healing and recovery not tomorrow, but right now in the present moment.

Reviews:

1. A very special book, indeed. I found this book to be one of the best I've ever read on recovery. The author is an eloquent and honest writer, who creates a powerful and poetic guide for simple everyday recovery and living.
2. I was immediately pulled into this book. Not only does the author share helpful strategies and philosophies pertinent and inspiring for someone struggling with recovery, but he also shares his humanness- his story and struggles- even today. I laughed out loud numerous times while reading this book. I highly recommend this book.

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Peace is Every Step
Author: Thich Nhat Hanh

The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life

Thich Nhat Hanh teaches us to be aware and mindful of every step we take on a daily basis. He shows us how to keep our consciousness alive in the present moment and how everyday events can bring internal peace to us. He reminds us to slow down, breathe, truly appreciate and be aware and it can change your life. When we change our lives and find inner-peace, we can then change the lives of others around us. Thich Nhat Hanh shows us that there is Peace in every step we take.

Book Reviews:

1. Love this book and bring it out from time to time. Easy to read and very inspirational, touching and insightful.
2. This is now one of my favorite books ever. It's simple, engaging and full of everyday wisdoms. After you read this you will re-discover yourself and learn to love again.

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Mister God, This is Anna
Author: Fynn

This book isn't really geared toward addiction and recovery but it will definitely warm your heart. This true story is about a very special friendship that will definitely make you think and that you won't soon forget. In a sweet, simple, and beautiful way, Mister God, This is Anna will bring a smile to your face and broaden you spiritually in every way. This story is one you will want to share with someone who may need to be spiritually uplifted.

Book Reviews:

1. From the outset, let me just say that this book thoroughly captivated me when I read it. I was hooked and I basically fell in love with Anna, as I suspect many other readers have done.
2. I love this book. I have read it over and over again, and each time I find a little comment or thought of Anna's that I missed before. Her simple way of understanding "Mister God" is refreshing and thought provoking. I have given this book away to many people and I still keep buying another for myself.

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Alcoholics Anonymous

The Story of How Many Thousands of Men and Women Have Recovered from Alcoholism.

This is the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous and is a traditional 'must read' for those coming into Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). This wonderful Big Book goes into detail teaching you how AA works, it's also referred to as AA's Bible. This book is full of personal stories from men and women sharing details of their lives abusing alcohol and other substances and how they have recovered from alcoholism. These stories are sad yet inspiring and uplifting. Thousands of people from every walk of life has benefitted from AA and will continue to do so.

Book Reviews:

1. This book saved my life, and my marriage.
2. This is so helpful for anyone who has an addiction, or hurt by someone with an addiction. Any Addiction! I would recommend this book to those who needs structure for the journey of recovery.

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The Thinking Person's Guide to Sobriety
Author: Bert Pluyman

This book is an excellent read for anyone who questions their own use of alcohol and worries that they may have a drinking problem. The Thinking Person's Guide to Sobriety shares the author's experiences with alcohol addiction as well as other's stories. This book is full of facts and will answer many of the questions an alcoholic may have when going into recovery. After reading this book many people will examine their own relationships with alcohol.

Book Reviews:

1. I found this book to be an excellent addition to the AA Big Book. The author isn't nearly as "dry" or antiquated as the BB, in his writing, and the book is a great, up-to-date read on alcoholism.
2. I would give this gem 10 stars if I could. It has helped me and two others come to grips with our problems. Delivered through intelligent stories and some astonishing facts and figures that surround alcohol, this is book that must be at the top of the list of anyone who suspects they need to look at their drinking or the recovering alcoholic. Buy it and keep it. Share it with your friends.

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Many Roads, One Journey
Author: Charlotte Davis Kasl, PhD

Moving Beyond the 12 Steps

Charlotte Kasl is the author of this book and she offers a much broader view for recovery. Everyone is unique and different and she realizes recovery programs don't always offer everyone what they need. She encourages the readers to find their own voice and their own sources of strength and spirituality to guide them with their healing and recovery. The goal of recovery is the same for most people but the road that takes you there isn't the same for everyone. It's important to find what's right for you.

Book Reviews:

1. I'm in recovery and loved this book. I've been looking for more and this book provided it. Recommend it to all my 12-step friends.
2. This is one of those rare books that can change your life.

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Hour To Hour
Author: Shelly Marshall

The First 30 Days

Hour to Hour is an inspirational meditation book that can fit in your pocket and also includes short prayers. Recovery from mind altering drugs and addiction is hard and the first 30 days can be the hardest. This book contains inspiration on the hour for 30 days to help you on your path to recovery from drug and substance abuse. Hour to Hour is especially helpful during the hard moments when there are cravings to repeat drug use.

Book Reviews:

1. This is a lovely tool for a person to use who is trying to get clean and sober.

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Addiction & Grace
Author: Gerald G. May, MD

This wonderful and brilliant classic is inspiring and offers hope to people that need to find out who they really are. Gerald May is the author of this spiritually enlightening book and he explores the various addictions that affect people's lives, not just alcohol and drugs. Other addictions many suffer from include intimacy, responsibility, performance, sex, and work. Truly a classic read for anyone.

Book Reviews:

1. This is an absolutely great book. I see myself as having a lot of addictions I wasn’t even aware of, it certainly opened my eyes. I recommend this book to everyone.
2. This is a very excellent and potentially transformational book.

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Simple Steps...Costly Choices
Author: Bob Lively

Bob Lively is the author of this book and is also an ordained minister and pastoral counselor. He has taken the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and translates into biblical, spiritual and psychological language that can be applied to all addictions. Bob shows you how you can take the wonderful 12 Steps from AA to a further Spiritual Path.

Book Reviews:

1. This captivating book has done more for me than any book I've ever read!
2. This book is one of the best I've seen on 12-Step Recovery.

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A Gentle Path Through the Twelve Steps
Author: Patrick Carnes, PhD

This is a helpful workbook that will help those recovering from addiction. This unique workbook includes special forms and exercises that will help those recovering to integrate the Twelve Steps into every area of their life. While working Steps many times there is a need to keep notes or jot down feelings. There are generous size margins provided at the top of each page to record thoughts, feelings and insight if needed. This workbook will help you build a foundation in your recovery.

Book Reviews:

1. I have used this book for almost 12 years. And I recommend it to any one battling any addiction.
2. Excellent. Great guide and workbook for a thorough passage through the Twelve Steps of Alcohol Anonymous. Highly recommended!

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The Hidden Addiction and How to Get Free
Author: Janice Phelps, MD & Alan Nourse, MD

The authors of this book are both medical doctors and they believe that many people are addicted to certain drugs and substances due a genetic predisposition they are born with. They believe that these addictions are due to a genetic flaw in the body. This argument of both Janice Phelps MD and Alan Nourse MD puts an interesting twist on the disease model of addiction.

Book Reviews:

1. The outstanding book here is a must for every person who is addicted to caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, sugar, marijuana, antidepressants, sleeping pills, and much more.
2. You'll be glad you read this book, and like me you will recommend it to countless people.

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Under the Volcano
Author: Malcolm Lowry

This true compelling modern novel classic was written by Malcolm Lowry. This book is about Geoffrey Firmin who is a former British consul and he has let drinking overshadow his life. Malcolm documents an entire lifetime in the course of one day. You will get a painfully realistic look at alcoholism at its lowest level throughout the context of this fascinating and compelling story.

Book Reviews:

1. Whether you want to discover or revisit this masterpiece of literature, I highly recommend this recording well presented in a box of 14 CDs.
2. This is probably the best book I have ever read and I have been reading for over 40 years.

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Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions
Author: AA World Services, Inc.

An Interpretive Commentary on the AA Program

This book is the companion to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Big Book. Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions are used by A.A. members around the world. There are principles that an AA member goes by when working toward recovery. This book gives you an understanding of how the 12 Steps and the 12 Traditions relate to each other within the AA program and recovery. This book is also referred to as a 12x12 and it has saved many lives.

Book Reviews:

1. The steps in this book work, if you do what they suggest! A Power greater than yourself, is all its suggesting and in some cases you can use 'the book' as a Higher Power and NOT get into any Religious Dispute. Get it, Read it, Use it.
2. This is a terrific book whether or not you consider yourself to be an alcoholic. It's a great guide on how to live your life productively and peacefully. In terms of building relationships with others, this beats most self-help books out there. I wish I'd read it when I was in college instead of midlife. Better late than never.

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Living Sober
Author: AA World Services, Inc.

Living Sober is not to be confused with AA's 12 Steps and AA's 12 Traditions. Here you will find helpful methods to use for living without drinking. This is an excellent informative book that gives useful advice for STAYING sober. Living Sober is another one of Alcoholics Anonymous classics that will help you stay in control.

Book Reviews:

1. This is the best book I've read on understanding alcoholism and the process of recovery.
2. I know that this is by far the most useful book I've read for people who are pretty sure their drinking is not normal, but are still afraid to seek help. I can't recommend it highly enough.

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The Road Less Traveled
Author: M. Scott Peck, MD

This national bestseller has stood the test of time for over 20 years. This book by M. Scott Peck, MD will truly enlighten you emotionally and spiritually. This true modern classic offers a beautiful and understandable approach to spirituality and has made a difference in many readers' lives. The Road Less Traveled will bring you closer to self-awareness, self-acceptance, and spiritual enlightenment and growth.

Book Reviews:

1. I bought it on CD as I travel a lot. Had to listen to it twice. There was so much to grasp. A great book
2. This is the best self-help, spirituality, relationship and how to live your life book ever. Buy immediately.

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Slowing Down to the Speed of Life
Author: Richard Carlson & Joseph Bailey

In this day and age, life is stressful, fast-paced, and it feels like you're on a rollercoaster sometimes. This book will help you to create a more peaceful, calmer and simpler life from the inside out. Slowing Down to the Speed of Life will help you change your attitude during stressful situations creating a happier and healthier you.

Book Reviews:

1. These concepts have literally saved my life, and any book by Richard Carlson is definitely worth the time and money spent.
2. I highly recommend this wonderful book!

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Confessions of a Closed Male
Author: Kenneth Byrd Chance

Kenneth Chance wrote this inspiring book about one man's empowering spiritual journey. A woman reading this book will walk away with a much better understanding of how a man thinks and feels. Confessions of a Closed Male will send a message of hope to men spiritually and a much better understanding for women regarding men's feelings and male issues.

Book Reviews:

1. For anyone feeling alone on the path, this is a good choice. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
2. A Definite page turner! I couldn't put it down. This is a book everyone should read to further their growth in all areas of life. I give it 5 stars!

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Ishmael
Author: Daniel Quinn

Ishmael is a very extra-ordinary novel. It's about a man and a gorilla as they embark on an intellectual adventure. This intellectual adventure redefines what it means to be human. This story addresses a much broader issue of spirituality from an intellectual viewpoint.

Book Reviews:

1. You will go on an amazing journey. This is certainly worth sharing with those you love and reading again (out loud).
2. Truly inspiring, thought provoking text. I've had a few friends read it. This book had ideas and knowledge I've never even heard suggested before. I recommend to everybody (and basically already have)!!!

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Codependent No More
Author: Melody Beattie

While reading this excellent classic you will come to realize just what it means to be codependent, how it can start, and how codependency affects not only yourself but others in your life. When you have someone in your life that you love and they're addicted to alcohol and other drugs, the addict isn't the only one affected by the addiction; those who love them are too. You will walk away understanding how important it is to take care of yourself and how to stop controlling others in your life.

Book Reviews:

1. This book is wonderful. It has some great gems of wisdom. This book has helped me and my family and friends.
2. I highly recommend this book. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and I recommend this book to people that come to see me for relationship issues.

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Codependents' Guide to the Twelve Steps
Author: Melody Beattie

This informative book will help those that are codependent to understand Twelve Step Programs like AA as well as many other excellent treatment programs. You will also learn how you can apply these excellent steps toward your own healing. Codependent’s Guide to the Twelve Steps provides you with a directory of these 12 Step programs and shows you how they can help and inspire you concerning your own personal issues.

Book Reviews:

1. I really love this book. I am still using it and have made a little reminder in the form of a power point.
2. This book is THA Book..., not even passing chapter 1 it was already for me a major reality check, and eye opener and is giving me many directions to be on my way to be free, find peace and joy. I could not even pass chapter 1 without reading it a second time... this is how deep this book is.

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The Language of Letting Go
Author: Melody Beattie

For those that are codependent, this book of daily meditations and reflections will help you focus on your own self-esteem and acceptance. Reflecting on these encouraging words of wisdom daily by Melody Beattie will inspire you and as you go through the process of recovery. Let Melody guide you through the day as you work toward your recovery and self-care.

Book Reviews:

1. Excellent for any group, among family members or between friends. Enriching lives one day at a time! Highly recommended!
2. I love this book. It is a very helpful tool in my Al-Anon recovery process. I will point out though; this book is not Al-Anon approved literature. I personally, highly recommend this book for anyone in recovery or anyone struggling with relationships and life in general.

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Facing Codependence
Author: Pia Melody

For those that are codependent, many times the reasons for this can be traced back to our childhood. There is a wide range of emotional, spiritual, intellectual, physical, and sexual abuses that may contribute to codependency in adulthood. Pia Mellody talks about some of these reasons and offers effective ways to treat codependency. This book will help you get a better understanding of what codependency is and where it may have originated from.

Book Reviews:

1. A great book to recommend clients, due to its simplicity in explaining concepts complemented with the use of stories. I have recommended it to many of my clients who have greatly benefitted from the book's profound truths as it pushes them towards introspection and self-awareness.
2. I think this book is wonderful for all those who are dealing with codependency. I'm going to get the workbook too.

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The Drama of the Gifted Child
Author: Alice Miller

The Search for the True Self

Alice Miller is the author of this classic book. Alice explains why many of the most successful children and adults are tormented and troubled by feelings of emptiness and alienation. Reading this book will provide you with the answer and help you apply it to your life.

Book Reviews:

1. I read this book years ago when I was in therapy. It helped me a lot then. Every time I read it over again, I learn something new. Fifteen years later, I am still learning from this book.
2. This is an amazing book. Normally, I never read a book more than once, but I read this one three times in a row. Highly recommended.

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The Dance of Wounded Souls
Author: Robert Burney

A Cosmic Perspective of Codependence and the Human Condition

This book is a persuasive take on the new age by a Twelve Step enthusiast. This inspirational book can lead to a life-changing Spiritual Awakening as it reminds you of who you truly are, why you are here, and why you are here at this special time in human history.

Book Reviews:

1. If you are soul searching this is another one of those good books to help you look inside and see the real you.
2. I have listened to this incredible audio book. I know that my journey in recovery will not be the same again. The information presented in Robert Burney's book, is what EVERY soul needs to hear - it is the Truth. It certainly awakens me to MY Truth. I highly recommend this to anyone, who is seeking to grow and heal; who is in trouble of any sort, or who is just seeking to explore their spiritual origins. If I had the money, I would buy this 3-CD set for everyone I love...

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