Cool Water

Rating:
Summary: Very vague... Heavy references to Zen meditation --
Review: ...I was completely disappointed. Not only does William Alexander lack in providing any real substance for 'recovery' but there's an undertone that seems to say, 'hey, it's never your fault... Just get over it and forget about all the damage you've caused people because of your lack of control (drugs and alcohol). It's about not taking any responsibility and 'forgetting' what was done in the past. But one can't have any kind of future if they don't take responsibilities for their past. This book was confusing as he's slamming AA then complimenting them, going back and forth. This author is weak and doesn't even provide an email or way to contact him directly, he says, 'contact me thru my publisher...'.
So much for the help, Al. Worst self help book I ever read and wish I could return it. I've never said this about any book in the past. You can't really take anything away from this. It was a book written to make money primarily and that's sad for folks, like the friend I bought this book for who needs something much more tangible and with substance. Complete waste of time. Sorry.

Rating:
Summary: This book may not be too helpful.
Review: 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 & living.

Rating:
Summary: Great book.
Review: I really enjoyed this book a great deal. Don't buy it expecting a detailed treatise on either AA or Buddhism, but an wonderful positive journey that shows how the two approaches each have great value. It is a very honest, brave, and heart-felt book. My experience is that many books in this genre are either too flowery, dogmatic, or impersonal to be meaningful, but not this one, IMHO.

Rating:
Summary: Great book.
Review: I really enjoyed this book a great deal. Don't buy it expecting a detailed treatise on either AA or Buddhism, but an wonderful positive journey that shows how the two approaches each have great value. It is a very honest, brave, and heart-felt book. My experience is that many books in this genre are either too flowery, dogmatic, or impersonal to be meaningful, but not this one, IMHO.

Rating:
Summary: Mindful Recovery
Review: In a refreshing blend of experience, Zen, and AA, William's book gives both hope and simple mindfulness methods for those in recovery. For me, this book relied too much on the AA program; I was hoping for more Zen. For others, particularly those who follow AA to the letter and tolerate no criticism, William's occasional comments about the shortcomings of AA might be too much. But for many recovering (recovered) addicts/alcoholics who take what they need and leave the rest, this book provides a welcome example of how two apparently different spiritual paths can be brought together to form a greater unity. For those who wish a more complete introduction to Zen, I would suggest "The Miracle of Mindfulness" by Thich Nhat Hanh for warm/fuzzy Zen, and "Hardcore Zen" by Brad Warner for those who like a shot to the head. Either one may help you along the path to recovery.

Rating:
Summary: This book may not be too helpful.
Review: The semantics woven throughout Alexander's book will not be helpful for an individual who is lost and suffering, or newly sober and looking for insight. Instead, this is a book of arguments aimed at the community of people who have been in AA for a long time or are well established in the "recovery" community. Not seeing value of anonymity, Alexander sets up straw men and then shoots them down, misrepresenting (or perhaps not understanding) other traditions and steps of twelve-step recovery. Many who turn to this book looking for a way out will be mystified while finding no solace. For those, Alexander's piece may do more harm than good.

"The real definition of my alcoholism is that when I drink my life goes down the toilet. How about you?" This is the definition offered by Alexander, an explanation that scratches the surface. Equally disappointing is Alexander's lack of depth in the understanding of monotheism. Divinity is rejected as "capricious." Picking his way around steps, Alexander displays little or no insight into the program he would rewrite.

If you are interested in brief discussion of Alexander's version of twelve-step programs contrasted with Alexander's version of Buddhism this is the book for you. If you want to go to an unbiased source about modern Buddhism, read the beautiful writings of Thich Nhat Hahn instead. If you are desperate and looking for a way out of a deadly trap, skip Alexander's book for a couple of years and look elsewhere. This one's more about Alexander than you might find helpful.

Rating:
Summary: The Zen of Recovery
Review: While a large part of addiction is an escape from feeling and living in the pain and suffering of the present moment, this book offers a profoundly inspirational, yet simple perspective to guide recovery from alcoholism and other forms of addiction.

William Alexander uses mindfulness teachings and meditation to ultimately help achieve transcendence from the addiction. In the present moment, Alexander explains, is where we achieve our healing and wholeness.

Rating:
Summary: As tattered and marked up as my Big Book and Twelve & Twelve
Review: While many "self-help" or recovery books seem stilted or caught up in their own wisdom, Bill's thoughts are very elegant and illuminating... Elegant in their simplicity and comforting in their honesty and apparent truth. This book has been a great comfort to me in a time of great turmoil in my life. Thank you for sharing with us....