The Dark Night of Recovery : Conversations from the Bottom of the Bottle

Rating:
Summary: A roadmap for spiritual watershed
Review: Although I have struggled with alcohol, other addictions, and depression for years, I had always previously burned through it (largely - my thanks to JTK, DSH, Electro, who I have called at 2AM) alone. I quit smoking cold turkey, and have been free some 2 years, though it took me five years of starts and stops before I could do those 2 years. Alcohol was the next drug, and I found it to be bigger than me.

This book has its basis on the AA 12 step program. I read it in four nights because I couldn't fit into three. The book is not about alcohol. It is about life, and how we fit into it, and although Mr. Bear may make suggestions, he largely allows the reader to draw his (her) own conclusions.

A note of caution, though: If you read this book, and I mean really read it, not just run your eyes over the assembled letters, you will face some difficult issues and make some hard discoveries about who you are. Is it worth it? You bet it is. There is only one person you go to bed with every night, and wake up to every morning: you. Might as well be the best you possible.

Rating:
Summary: A must read!
Review: I just ordered my 9th or 10th copy of this book. I've lost count. I keep giving it away because it is the most helpful book on recovery I have ever read. I seriously want Tyler to be my sponsor but I guess he's pretty busy. P.S. The Deadly Fears and Needs books are also excellent (in fact I just re-ordered those too!!!) I'm beginning to think I should buy these books by the gross. If you are at all interested in improving your spiritual life and wondering what its all about, this is the book for you. You don't have to be a recovering alcoholic to get it but if you know a recovering alcholic this is the perfect present. You might also want to pick up the Velveteen Rabbit. Thank you Edward Bear.

Rating:
Summary: a surprisingly interesting read for a nonalcoholic.
Review: i recently read this book at the urging of a friend of mine who is a recovering alcoholic. at the time, i was at a crossroads in my life with regards to my 10 year marriage and in my professional career. i felt like it was time for a change in my life and actually envied my friend in a.a. for having a forum to help him find his way.

i started this book with few expectations it would be of any relevance or assistance. after all, how could a story about a "drunk" help me? what i found was a story interesting enough that i have since given a copy of this book to my business partner as well as a few other friends.

the main characters are a yale lawyer and a grizzled old convict who develop a bond that helps them find how really alike they are. in the tale the author uses inspirational literature from a.a. as well as from the ages to develop this idea. some of the quotes he uses to make his points are reminders to me, a "nonalcoholic", that the human condition makes us more alike than different.

for saints or sinners,drunks or normal folk, this book is a must read for anyone who ever thought there may be a better way to live or who just want to read a good book.

Rating:
Summary: A fast reading book full of insights and wisdom
Review: I started this book not sure if I am an alcoholic, not sure of anything. The help and hope and LIFE giving forces that come tumbling out of these pages have less to do with alcohol than you may think. As Tyler says, "alcohol is a neutral substance - it is like Pepsi, Gatorade...." It isn't about the drink. It is about the soul.
I have read it 5 times. I have bought 4 copies and given them to the people in my life that I really do love. I will re-read this book countless times for the rest of my life and along with my Thanks be to God, will be Thanks be to Tyler.

Rating:
Summary: One of the finest books I have ever read
Review: I started this book not sure if I am an alcoholic, not sure of anything. The help and hope and LIFE giving forces that come tumbling out of these pages have less to do with alcohol than you may think. As Tyler says, "alcohol is a neutral substance - it is like Pepsi, Gatorade...." It isn't about the drink. It is about the soul.
I have read it 5 times. I have bought 4 copies and given them to the people in my life that I really do love. I will re-read this book countless times for the rest of my life and along with my Thanks be to God, will be Thanks be to Tyler.

Rating:
Summary: A fast reading book full of insights and wisdom
Review: I thought the flow of conversation in this book made for interesting reading and discussion. A good read for anyone in recovery. Do you need a sponsor? This book answers the question clearly. Yes. A poignant look at how we are all in this together and here to help those who remind us of how we used to be.

Rating:
Summary: Higher Power Brought It To Me
Review: I was doing my weekly service committment answering phones at the Santa Cruz County, CA., Central Office, and in walks this dynamite, enthusiastic lady with 14 months sober. I've got eight years and have been hitting my second bottom. Agony! We talk and she tells me about this book, which I proceed to order - and IT'S about second bottoms! A perfect book for me. I've seen stuff in it that puts things in the right light - like a passage from the Tao that reads: "The Proverb has it that/The way of light often looks dark./The way that goes forward appears to go backward./The flat path looks hilly./The power that is lofty looks like an abyss./The power that stands firm looks flimsy./What is in its pure state looks faded./Great talents ripen late./Great sound is silent./Great form is shapeless./The Tao is hidden and nameless./ Yet it alone knows how to render help and fulfill." Well, I tell ya, folks. That really made sense to me. It's about giving up the struggle and letting God, because this AA Higher Power is just like that, and always kind.
I'll finish this review with a little plug for the people at Evanco who took my order and sent this used book to me in very good shape and in very good time. Great people!

Keep Coming Back!
Thomas

Rating:
Summary: This is one to keep and re-read as needed.
Review: What a surprise, a book dealing with recovering one's true identity and direction that is well written, incredibly insightful and has wit and humor to boot!

We all wrestle with problems of dysfunction and despair on some level and this small volume provides us with enlightening questions and answers- also on a number of levels.

Who, pray tell, knew there was so much wisdon in the Bird Sutra (the what? Don't worry, all is made clear as you read)?

You will find THE DARK NIGHT OF RECOVERY easy to read. You will delight in sign posts along the path from such esoteric sources as Kabir and Rumi and Hector the Mendicant to the AA Big Book, Winnie the Pooh, the Velveteen Rabbit, Yoda and Luke Skywalker.

Ignore the dreadful cover and buy this book anyway. Then tell your friends to buy their own. You'll want to re-read this...often.

May The Force and The Great Pumpkin be with you, or, as is said in Alice in Wonderland "...then turn not pale, beloved snail, but come and join the dance."