Rating: 
Summary: I'm Speechless
Review: Obviously if you are searching this topic there is a deep need for something. You will find it here. I did. I found comfort, understanding, and hope. I think you will too.
Rating:
Summary: A Life Changer
Review: Reading your own biography is quite an experience. I can't reccomend this book strongly enough to anyone who has (or had) an alcoholic parent. So many things make sense to me now that I didn't understand before. If you have (or had) an alcoholic parent or if you care about someone who has, read this book!
Rating: 
Summary: Sobering truths!
Review: Several years ago I read this book and have just finished reading it again. It had the same profound effect on me. Easy to read and very much on target. A sobering accounting of the lasting impact of alcoholism. Topics include trust, communication, acceptance, honesty, compassion, respect and more... Worth the read!
Rating: 
Summary: Very disappointing
Review: This book as a very noble intent and if it can help some people improve their lives, that's great. However, after reading so many great reviews about this book, I was extremely disappointed having read it. Among the things I didn't like was the author's authoritative tone when she'd describe things that allegedly happened in your family (as if she had been there herself). Of course, she is gleening common events from the "typical" alcoholic home, and of course SOME of those probably occurred in your situation. However, after the 20th time reading that both my mother and father treated me such-and-such a way and that I had such-and-such thoughts - none of which actually occurred in my situation - I started to get a little annoyed and felt that this book did not really describe my experience. (It would be much better if she had said "this MAY have occurred in your home" or "you MIGHT have felt such-and-such", but when she tells you that this or that DID occur and that you DID have these feelings, you begin to wonder just how much of this book really does apply to you.) Another big problem was the verbatim quotes of people going through recovery. These really should have been edited to make them clearer and more relevant. It's one thing to want to show people's feelings and experiences in their own words, but sometimes people's own words leave a lot to be desired as far as clarity and cohesiveness. The quotes often lacked relevance or were written in such a way that you got the feeling as if you were overhearing an inside joke. (Of course, none of it was joking material, but you got that same sense of not being privy to the full context of the situation - making you lose your train of thought while you tried to figure out what they could possibly be trying to say.) There were some helpful parts of the book and as I said, if it helps others, great. Personally, I didn't get much out of it, mostly due to the author's style and the poorly executed use of "testimonials" from recovering children of alcoholics.
Rating:
Summary: This summed up my whole life and helped me heal
Review: This book crossed my path in my early twenties and helped me
recognize a life pattern as the result of being born into
a family of alcoholics. Due to its guidance, I joined the
12-step programs adult children of alcoholics and codependents
anonymous (among others).
Twenty years later, I am happily married and successfully
dealing with my codependency patterns. I now set boundaries,
now have self-esteem, and am able to discern whats "my stuff"
and "your baggage" and don't take yours on as "my problem" any
more. Thank you very much Janet Woititz! By the way, I have
recommended this book to more than 500 people in my counseling
work over the years. No one ever reported back that it was a
waste of time.
Rating:
Summary: This summed up my whole life and helped me heal
Review: This book crossed my path in my early twenties and helped me
recognize a life pattern as the result of being born into
a family of alcoholics. Due to its guidance, I joined the
12-step programs adult children of alcoholics and codependents
anonymous (among others).
Twenty years later, I am happily married and successfully
dealing with my codependency patterns. I now set boundaries,
now have self-esteem, and am able to discern whats "my stuff"
and "your baggage" and don't take yours on as "my problem" any
more. Thank you very much Janet Woititz! By the way, I have
recommended this book to more than 500 people in my counseling
work over the years. No one ever reported back that it was a
waste of time.
Rating:
Summary: the man in the mirror is here
Review: this book described me. although i did not grow up with my alcoholic father, all of my dilemnas and personal crises are in full detail here. the reasons for my loneliness, my sadness, my seriousness, and more are all told here. it's a short read; i've read the earlier version, and although i have not seen the expanded version, it makes sense 4 everyone to pick this up if you feel the need for help due to your past with parents who drank. it does also seem to hit other dysfunctions, such as co-dependency. i have read quite a number of self-help books, and i did see some of the same type of problems and advice. not to worry if you find the same thing to be true. reading essential, life-nurturing advice is something that cannot be heard or seen enough. valuable reading.
Rating:
Summary: I am eternally grateful for this book
Review: This book literally saved my life! Even though I am college educated with an advanced degree in social work, I always thought I was "crazy". When I worked professioanlly with truly "crazy" people, I lived in fear that one day, I too, would be diagnosed as crazy. I was introduced to this life altering book through an Adult Childrenof Alcoholics group. I devoured the book as soon as I got my hands on it. I couldn't believe what I was reading...it described MY LIFE, and more importantly, it described MY FEELINGS, which I had never been able to sort out. Thank God I know I am not crazy. I now realize I was not responsible for my parents' behavior. This book gave me tools to use to change my life. My life is so much better after reading this book. If you can only read one book, read this one. In my opinion, it's the best there is.
Rating:
Summary: I am eternally grateful for this book
Review: This book literally saved my life! Even though I am college educated with an advanced degree in social work, I always thought I was "crazy". When I worked professioanlly with truly "crazy" people, I lived in fear that one day, I too, would be diagnosed as crazy. I was introduced to this life altering book through an Adult Childrenof Alcoholics group. I devoured the book as soon as I got my hands on it. I couldn't believe what I was reading...it described MY LIFE, and more importantly, it described MY FEELINGS, which I had never been able to sort out. Thank God I know I am not crazy. I now realize I was not responsible for my parents' behavior. This book gave me tools to use to change my life. My life is so much better after reading this book. If you can only read one book, read this one. In my opinion, it's the best there is.
Rating:
Summary: Worthwhile effort
Review: This book offers an excellent overview and introduction to the impact of growing up in a family where one or both parents abuse alcohol. It is a terrific resource for counselors or individuals alike. The book gives readers excellent information to help them make changes in their lives. The vignettes give the book a more personal feel. It doesn't come across like a dry, academic textbook. I found that the information made sense and was quite useful. It helped me grow and come to terms with some things from my childhood. Counselors who read the book will find that it is short on theory. It's also a little shorter and more general than I would like. The author does make some broad generalizations. It would be worth reading as a text to guide discussion in a support group. It could also be given to clients to augment individual counseling/therapy. Some of the stories may give a professional added insight that a college course, which is by its very nature more theoretical and academic, may not provide. Despite the few flaw I've noted, this is a very worthwhile book for either laypersons who grew up in a home where alcohol was a problem, or for the professionals who seek to support and help them.
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