From Publishers Weekly
The author, a chemical dependency counselor, is a member of Alcoholics Anonymous with more than 20 years of sobriety. He has targeted this guide specifically toward teenagers and young adults in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction, with the hope of demystifying the basic text for young people who may be put off by the length or language. Alcoholics Anonymous, more familiarly called The Big Book, was published in 1939 and is now in its fourth edition. The Big Book describes the basic AA 12-step program, including the personal story of Bill W., credited with founding AA. In this clearly written manual, John R. devotes an interpretive chapter that corresponds to each of the 11 chapters in The Big Book. Although many of the chapters will be useful to adolescents in recovery, chapter four, "We Agnostics," will be particularly helpful to those who are uncomfortable with AA's spiritual component. John R. includes eight personal stories of recovering alcoholics from the 42 in the original text that, according to him, speak most directly to young people. He strongly suggests reading a chapter or a personal story in The Big Book before turning to the guide for assistance with the meaning or information provided. In addition to those in recovery, this guide will also be useful to their family, friends, counselors and teachers. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Book Description
John R. says it best when he asks, "Know how to keep a secret from an alcoholic? Put it in the Big Book. For some reason, we alcoholics and addicts are reluctant to read the Big Book." Maybe it's because the book seems so big and was written so long ago, but for whatever reason, the wisdom in the Big Book remains a secret to many alcoholics, young and old. Big Book Unplugged was written specifically for teens and young adults who are new to recovery. This straightforward guide will help young people discover the Big Book's hidden treasures while discovering common-sense advice, lots of personal stories and touches of humor. John R. introduces the first eleven chapters of the Big Book and explains how a Twelve Step program works. He also introduces eight of the people whose stories are shared in the Big Book and hold special relevance to young people today Topics covered include: How to get past denial and resentment, How to make a plan of action to stay clean and sober, How to make peace with "religious stuff," How to repair past mistakes and damaged relationships, How to tell other people about your addiction, and How to reach out to others.
A lively graphic design enhances the author's message and special care was taken to avoid jargon and slang that would quickly date it. Big Book Unplugged is compatible with the new fourth edition of Alcoholics Anonymous.
About the Author
John R. sobered up at seventeen-before he was even old enough to legally drink. With more than twenty years of continuous sobriety, he has worked as chemical dependency counselor with young people in high schools and residential treatment centers. He also has written extensively on the subject of adolescent addiction and recovery.
Big Book Unplugged: A Young Person's Guide to Alcoholics Anonymous FROM THE PUBLISHER
John R. says it best when he asks, "Know how to keep a secret from an alcoholic? Put it in the Big Book. For some reason, we alcoholics and addicts are reluctant to read the Big Book." Maybe it's because the book seems so big and was written so long ago, but for whatever reason, the wisdom in the Big Book remains a secret to many alcoholics, young and old.
Big Book Unplugged was written specifically for teens and young adults who are new to recovery. This straightforward guide will help young people discover the Big Book's hidden treasures while discovering common-sense advice, lots of personal stories and touches of humor.
John R. introduces the first eleven chapters of the Big Book and explains how a Twelve Step program works. He also introduces eight of the people whose stories are shared in the Big Book and hold special relevance to young people today Topics covered include: How to get past denial and resentment, How to make a plan of action to stay clean and sober, How to make peace with "religious stuff," How to repair past mistakes and damaged relationships, How to tell other people about your addiction, and How to reach out to others.
A lively graphic design enhances the author's message and special care was taken to avoid jargon and slang that would quickly date it. Big Book Unplugged is compatible with the new fourth edition of Alcoholics Anonymous.
FROM THE CRITICS
Publishers Weekly
The author, a chemical dependency counselor, is a member of Alcoholics Anonymous with more than 20 years of sobriety. He has targeted this guide specifically toward teenagers and young adults in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction, with the hope of demystifying the basic text for young people who may be put off by the length or language. Alcoholics Anonymous, more familiarly called The Big Book, was published in 1939 and is now in its fourth edition. The Big Book describes the basic AA 12-step program, including the personal story of Bill W., credited with founding AA. In this clearly written manual, John R. devotes an interpretive chapter that corresponds to each of the 11 chapters in The Big Book. Although many of the chapters will be useful to adolescents in recovery, chapter four, "We Agnostics," will be particularly helpful to those who are uncomfortable with AA's spiritual component. John R. includes eight personal stories of recovering alcoholics from the 42 in the original text that, according to him, speak most directly to young people. He strongly suggests reading a chapter or a personal story in The Big Book before turning to the guide for assistance with the meaning or information provided. In addition to those in recovery, this guide will also be useful to their family, friends, counselors and teachers. (Sept.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
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