Rating: 
Summary: An annoying but inspirational work
Review: Suzie Powter has a personal presentation style that grates, like fingernails on a chalkboard. Watch her on TV and see what I mean.Paradoxically, in this book she uses this style to very good advantage, and talks very frankly about something that few people would have the courage to admit -- yet alone do anything about. I read this book cover-to-cover, initially out of curiosity more than anything else. I came away from it with profound admiration for Suzy's personal courage and a changed view of her as a person. I have re-read it many many times since. Suzy courageously puts everything on the line, using her high public profile to showcase a serious health issue, and offering very valuable insight into the Alcohol Dependency Treatment industry. She reveals a fascinating depth of character that can only be the result of writing the book herself, rather than using a ghost writer. She transforms her personal style masterfully and becomes a well-meaning, brash, best friend, ever-present with helpful advice. She is the sort of person you would want to have in your corner if you were going through a serious problem, like alcoholism. (Or, in my case, clinical depression). This book does Suzy Powter credit. And if it becomes her sole, ongoing legacy and contribution to World History, I believe she would not be at all unhappy with this result. Read this book and you, like me, will probably want to meet the author.
Rating:
Summary: An annoying but inspirational work
Review: Suzie Powter has a personal presentation style that grates, like fingernails on a chalkboard. Watch her on TV and see what I mean. Paradoxically, in this book she uses this style to very good advantage, and talks very frankly about something that few people would have the courage to admit -- yet alone do anything about. I read this book cover-to-cover, initially out of curiosity more than anything else. I came away from it with profound admiration for Suzy's personal courage and a changed view of her as a person. I have re-read it many many times since. Suzy courageously puts everything on the line, using her high public profile to showcase a serious health issue, and offering very valuable insight into the Alcohol Dependency Treatment industry. She reveals a fascinating depth of character that can only be the result of writing the book herself, rather than using a ghost writer. She transforms her personal style masterfully and becomes a well-meaning, brash, best friend, ever-present with helpful advice. She is the sort of person you would want to have in your corner if you were going through a serious problem, like alcoholism. (Or, in my case, clinical depression). This book does Suzy Powter credit. And if it becomes her sole, ongoing legacy and contribution to World History, I believe she would not be at all unhappy with this result. Read this book and you, like me, will probably want to meet the author.
Rating:
Summary: Sober and Staying That Way: The Missing Link in the Cure for
Review: These 2 tapes are quick and easy to listen to and a good eye opener in some of the many things that are going on in today's world about alcoholism. I have gone to and continue to go to AA meetings. I continue to go even though I felt that something is not quite right in them. I believe in and support the AA system and process, but, there are some holes in that program. Susan Powter points some of these things out. She also gives a respectful nod to the AA way of life. She makes a point that any system that remains closed to change for the last 60 years, with evolution in our sciences and society dramatically changing, will become a little antiquated. She also discusses the large millions and billions of dollars that the liquor market is made of and how that marketing message gets through to you so you can doubt your own sanity about not drinking! She mentions medical fact about the metabolic changes in your body that take place in alcoholic and non-alcoholic people. She is a little light in the psychological contributions to the disease, however, that is a separate road which is huge. Should you wish to tackle that component; a - go to AA meetings and work the steps with a sponsor, b - seek guidance from a trained counselor, and c - read more on the psycological, vitamin, nutrition, and spiritual aspects of the disease. The 2 tapes are not the whole alcoholic picture, then again, there is no such single resource out there.
Rating: 
Summary: It's working for me
Review: This book has changed my life. Susan Powter may not be everybody's cup of tea - indeed I would never have thought this kind of book would work for me. Having found AA depressing, one-to-one counselling a waste of good money and the NHS old-fashioned, negative and next to useless I was fairly sure that my alcoholism was going to kill me in the not too distant future. I bought this book nearly 3 months ago and not only have I not drunk a drop of alcohol since (and I was a litre of spirits a day girl)! I have easily been able to control any cravings I've had. I realise I'm not out of the woods yet but the book is a constant inspiration. Powter's basic message being that alcoholics are suffering from malnutrition - cure the malnutrition first and you have a good chance of curing - yes, curing (not fighting) the alcoholism. The dietary and nutritional advice is sketchy but she gives plenty of alternative reading to supplement that. Even if you can't bear slightly hysterical "in your face" type self-help books, if you have a drink problem it could work for you!
Rating:
Summary: One of the best descriptions of the disease I've ever read.
Review: This book is all there. Though her writing is simple and quick - it reads like her videos - fast and furious and is as colorful as ever! She knows the disease and through this book, Susan Powter offers alternatives that could help alcoholics that AA can't reach. It's filled with answers.
Rating: 
Summary: She's No Different Than the Organizations She Knocks
Review: This book is nothing more than an informercial exhorting you to buy 'her' vitamins. Throughout the book she slams the 'boys' who have, in her opinion, made the bio-chemical connection to alcoholism a secret. Then what does SHE do? Makes the vitamin dosage, her key to rehabilitating battered cells, A SECRET! Of course you can always buy her vitamins. Just mail in the coupon at the back of the book, or dial this toll-free number... It's absolutely shameful that someone with her intimate knowledge of the devastation of alcoholism would try to profit from it. Not content to settle for the book profits Ms Powter? You had a chance to help people. Apparently your greed took priority. It's enough to make you want a drink.
Rating:
Summary: This book changed my opinion of my father's alcoholism.
Review: This book isn't just for alcoholics. It's for everyone whose life has been touched by alcoholism. Finally, I understand why my father drank (drinks!) so much, and why he was (is!) so crazy sometimes. The years I've spent hating and resenting him are over. I know I can't put this book in his hands and expect a miracle. But I can be ready to help.
Rating:
Summary: Susan Powter Gives You the Power!
Review: This review is short but sweet - Susan's audio tape saved my life. After a bad drunk, I'd lay in bed hungover and pop in her tape. That's when you really pay attention! You KNOW that what she's saying is true. She says that motivation is not going to come and knock on the door, that you can't wait to be 'motivated'. Well, she has GIVEN me the motivation to stop drinking, and through diet and by reading other self-help books on the subject, I don't have to suffer through any more maudlin AA meetings, either! Susan gets a big thank-you just for that!
Rating:
Summary: Contradictory
Review: What bothered me about this book is that I found Susan Powter contradictory with her other books. In her wellness books, she talks how she wouldn't pollute her body with diet drinks, eating meats and such. Then she writes how she was unhappy with her life because she was/is an alcoholic. What did she think she was polluting her body with all the beers and such? I thought when I skimmed thru this Sober book, that if I drank alcohol, I guess my weight loss would of been easier too. In her question and answer book called Pocket Powter, she stated that if you drink and drive and hit her child, she'd come after you. Was she taking taxis home or had a designated driver for her and her children? She claimed in all her books before the Sober one, that she had no secrets as she was open to everything. When I read this alcohol book, I wondered what other lies she told. This reminds me of the saying--the lady doth protests too much.
Rating:
Summary: Contradictory
Review: What bothered me about this book is that I found Susan Powter contradictory with her other books. In her wellness books, she talks how she wouldn't pollute her body with diet drinks, eating meats and such. Then she writes how she was unhappy with her life because she was/is an alcoholic. What did she think she was polluting her body with all the beers and such? I thought when I skimmed thru this Sober book, that if I drank alcohol, I guess my weight loss would of been easier too. In her question and answer book called Pocket Powter, she stated that if you drink and drive and hit her child, she'd come after you. Was she taking taxis home or had a designated driver for her and her children? She claimed in all her books before the Sober one, that she had no secrets as she was open to everything. When I read this alcohol book, I wondered what other lies she told. This reminds me of the saying--the lady doth protests too much.
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