Rating: 
Summary: kasl disease
Review: This book has little to do with addiction it is instead a diatribe against males and the heterosexual family, which she has deemed to be sexist. At the same time she wants us to laud her bi-sexuality and women's Chakra (now that sounds dysfunctional) The book abounds in gross generalities and historical inaccuracies: No Charlotte nine million people were not burned at the stake in Europe, and no they were not mostly female healers either). Of course the usual feminist bromides about patriarchy are here to: according to Kasl this (patriarchy) is created when little boys are taught to seperate from their mothers between ages 3 and 6 (what nonsense). Of course the main emphasis of this book is about blame, according to kasl women (esp. women of color are perpetual victims, why they even drink for different reasons, with those evil men drinking to get power and women beause they are lonely. Unfortunately some of her methods have been put into practice, in one film I observed three women (of color..ech) talk how the MAN (white man) made them use cocaine and become prostitutes..In short Kasl's book is of little value, it is filled with her hostility and anger, perhaps she should look at her definition of narcassism it is an excellent description of this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Many Roads One Journey
Review: This book is a treasure. I am a black female. I read this book last year. I was making 10,000 a year working as a clerk and, I was in a relationship with an abusive, sex addict. I attended several traditional CODA 12-step groups where they were telling everyone to become more humble, less egotistical and ask others to forgive them for all the bad things they've done and so on. I guess that works if you are a member of a group/several groups who have always had social and economic power and priviledge in America. I would always leave feeling even less self-esteem that before I came. This would have the effect of making me try even harder to put up with this "relationship". Now I understand why the 12-steps did'nt work for me. Her insight and compassion for women and other races/socio-economic groups is unbelievable! If you have found that the 12-steps are not working for you, (even if you are financially independant/white male--her approach is intelligent and loving to everyone) read her book and you may get insite that can give you strength and hope. Thank you Charlotte. Now if only I could find a group that uses the "empowerment" model she discuss in the book...
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent, life-changing book.
Review: This is one of those rare books that can change your life. Not because it's telling you something else new you have to work on or change. Because it's telling you what you already knew before your life got off track and it's affirming your existence.Any man or woman of color who is in any of the twelve step groups should read this book. You'll want a copy of your own you can write in and highlight as well. You can tell this was a labour of love for the author and she is to be commended.
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