The Thinking Person's Guide to Sobriety

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Summary: A must read for those questioning their alcoholism
Review: Bert Pluymen, in his book "The Thinking Person's Guide to Sobriety", brings forth a wealth of information on alcoholism that is both humorous and fascinating. He calls alcohol's bluff and depicts it for what it truly is - cunning, baffling, powerful! If you are struggling with the idea of whether you are or aren't an alcoholic, pick up this book and honestly see if you find yourself between the pages. A book I couldn't put down and wished it would never end!

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Summary: A Life Saver
Review: I bought this book as a last hope for a former boyfriend who has issues with alcohol. In turn, he did quit drinking for several months after reading the book but then reverted back. This book is an excellent read for those living with people with drinking problems in their lives. It shows that the regular business person is an alcoholic not just someone who goes out and drinks too much after work. It is a great book to show those dealing with alcoholics in their lives how to proceed. And for those out there once you try to help and it fails you need to leave for you and for them. Then hopefully they will revist the issues that this book talks about and get help. This is a must buy book. It's approach is excellent.

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Summary: The Bridge
Review: In Alcoholics Obvious, all of my waking time it seemed was spent thinking of drinking, drinking or passed out from drinking. When I was "sober", my thoughts where influenced by alcohol, and I made a choice to pour more into my body. And I felt miserable and when I became miserable "enough", I came into AA screaming for help. The bottom was when I stopped digging.

The Thinking Persons Guide to Sobriety was the bridge to AA and early sobriety. What I really wanted to know is "There a Solution"? I wanted to find the loophole. The easier softer way. I did not want to sit with a bunch of old guys, drinking coffee and smoking cigarettes. Tell me Bert... please.. is there such thing as hip sobriety, happy sobriety, and a content life? It opened my eyes to the possibility that I could not drink and be happy. I learned that Same Man, Same Result, Changed Man, Changed Result. This book provided the opportunity to explore intellectually my options prior to making the decision, the decision to change.

I have been blessed with a life without alcohol or drugs for over 5 years now and the truth is that no one is more surprised than me. As it states in one of the promises of AA, I have truly found a new freedom and a new happiness. I have found in AA a fellowship, a wonderful mosaic of true friends, a common solution to my problem, opportunities to be of service and a relationship with a Power that not only keeps me sober, opens my heart to the possibilities and an ability to wonder.

One last thought, I have a Native American sponsor, and not once has she suggested that a sweat lodge would be a solution, never have I been told that The Buddha, Jesus, Mohammed or Allah is the "solution". Neither does this book. I have many friends in AA who have a religious affiliation and many that don't. This book guided me to know, my conception of a "Higher Power" is my choice.

I do not know if the reader here has a problem with alcohol. I do know if you want conscious information by someone who has walked the path and are looking for your own, this book might be helpful. What is at risk really, the cost of a two or three cocktails or a life of unimaginable possibility?

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Summary: No one is bulletproof
Review: Like Bert, I'm a lawyer.
Like Bert, I'm an alcoholic.

We went to law school together...and played rugby together..
And chased women together...drinking pitchers like they were water.

By chance, our paths crossed again...after 20+ years...when I decided to get sober...a law school reunion brought me to his book...a great, great book. Funny how things work, isn't it ?

Please read it.

Bill W.

Rating:
Summary: Not For Everyone
Review: Save your money. Trade in your addiction to alcohol for a dependency on AA meetings. Trade in your girlfriend for a dog. And fill your empty meaningless life with religion. That sums up this book. Although this book tries to hide its religion under the guise of spirituality it is overtly religious. The first sixty pages were so filled with religious connotations I almost stopped reading the book several times. Once I made it past the first section of the book I actually enjoyed reading the stories people had submitted to the author. Even the author's story is enjoyable to read if you ignore the fact that it is peppered with religious overtones. The individual stories are pretty good and I can identify with many of the people who wrote them but you don't need to read about people like you to know whether or not you are an alcoholic. Suffice it to say if you're buying this book you are. If you are like me you are looking for some insights on how to cope with the struggles of overcoming alcohol addiction not someone telling you to go to AA and church and that's what you get here. After hundreds of pages of reading the reader should walk away with something more than the recommendation that he should go to AA and church. If you want to go to AA than you don't need to buy this book, just go to AA and save yourself the time you would invest reading this book. But realize this: when you go to AA it is for life. Most people who stop going to meetings end up going back to drinking. AA is not a cure it is a substitute. And religion, don't get me started. Go to AA, go to church, if you like, but don't buy this book. Needless to say I am very disappointed with this purchase. I was so perturbed by this book that I had to write a review, which I never do, with the sole intent of letting people know this book is not for everyone.

Rating:
Summary: Personal Life Saver
Review: Search far and wide before committing your hard-earned to this piece. Unfortunately, those of us who are searching for a different approach to life, without or with reduced alcohol intake, can often be bunnies for organisations looking to ram their viewpoint down your throat. And some in need are so desperate for it, they welcome it with open arms without looking deeply enough into the courting organisations motives. This book starts fine, offering informative facts and information on the destructive effects of alcohol on a person, physically, mentally and emotionally. Unfortunately, after that it dissolves into nothing more than a vehicle for AA, along with the church, to sign you up as a life-long member. This book is one-dimensional, and offers no alternatives for a release from alcohol addiction outside the walls of a religiously inspired AA seminar. The book preaches for you to be in control of your own life ; however it merely places a crucifix in your hand instead of a bottle. Buy another book.

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Summary: Dishonest 4/19/02 Review "Not for Everyone"
Review: This book is not about religion and never recommends church. It is a SEXY, HUMOROUS, AND SCIENTIFIC journey through the joys and pitfalls of drinking--and the joys of sobriety. I highly recommend it to anyone who is curious enough about their drinking to have searched this far. If you are an intelligent, accomplished person, who enjoys wine, beer, and fine scotch as much as I did, but wonders about partying too much--you have found a home in this great book.