Abuse Books

A well-written and powerful story, Snapshots isn't a casual read. However, those with an interest or specialty in the social services field will gain precious insights from viewing the cycle of abuse from a child's point-of-view-- including how sometimes the system fails to protect the innocent. Survivors of childhood abuse likewise will find much in the book to strengthen their resolve to break free from the vicious cycle and start down the road towards a brighter future.

A wonderful book! This is a remarkable survival story by a courageous woman. This should be on the reading list for counselors and any practitioners in the helping professions. It is a gift that reminds you of the tenacity of hope, the endurance of love, and the capacity to construct and restore.

I was given the gift of understanding and compassion greater than any I've felt by reading this book. It is written with purity of emotion that draws you in to understand without unnecessary details what feelings a person goes through who is being abused. I could not put it down! My family was touched by abuse and this book drew all of us together. It is life changing and should be read by everyone to open their hearts and minds to the souls around them. Life becomes more precious and makes you realize how important and precious childhood is.I have the blessing of working with "Jeff" and can do nothing but sit back in amazement when I see what he has accomplished in his life when you compare him to all the "victims" around us. "Cassie" is as real as she appears... that's why this book will be successful.

Snapshots by Kimbra Martin, is a unique look at an issue that has received much attention the past few years - child physical and sexual abuse. The book describes Martin's childhood in rural Oregon. She, her two brothers, and a sister grew up trying desperately to survive in a family rigidly controlled by a monster of a father who felt that his children were his to do with as he pleased.

Interspersed with Martin's memories of her childhood are more recent memories of her adult life as a mother. She describes the way she is raising her own son, and how she has created a safe, nurturing place for him to grow, so very different from her own experience as a child.

Two qualities make this book different and well worth reading. The first is the sheer beauty and strength of the writing. Martin's style is almost poetic in form. She conveys events and emotions in simple, elegant images that imply, as much as state, what is happening. Considering the subject matter of the book, it is inappropriate to say that I "enjoyed" it. Yet, the beauty and power of the writing is remarkable and riveting. I read the book in a single sitting. Yes, I had to put it down at various times to recover emotionally; but I was driven by the quality of the writing to finish the book.

The second quality of the book that makes it a must-read is that Martin is not content just to describe what happened to her and her siblings. Rather, she seeks to inspire others who have endured a childhood as traumatic as hers. It has become a cliché of late to assume that adults who were abused as children will likely become either abusers or victims themselves. They may commit crimes; they may abuse drugs; they may be involved in a series of abusive relationships, either as the perpetrator or as the victim.

What Martin demonstrates in her book is that these are not inevitable consequences. We all have choices; we don't have to continue to be victims for the rest of our lives. The author says it best when she states "A person can pick just about any point in life and say `This is the beginning. This is where I start'"

Juxtaposed with Martin's recollections of her childhood are vignettes of her parenting of her own son. There are such striking differences between the two. Where she learned fear, she teaches love. Where she learned cruelty, she teaches kindness. Where she learned that she was worthless, she teaches her own son that he is the center of her world.

One wonders where Martin developed the wisdom to become the kind of parent she is.

This is a book well worth reading, and I strongly recommend it.

Unbelievably well-written -- SNAPSHOTS is an extraordinary window into the immediate and long-term effects of child abuse. I will admit to being both a professional in the field of abuse and recovery and a rather avid reader, and SNAPSHOTS is at the top of my list of recommendations.

I bought the book after seeing the author on an ABC program kindly taped for me by a colleague. Martin had quite a story to tell about what she went through as a child, and how she survived to become a compassionate, thriving adult, with her own child. The book is EXQUISITELY written--hauntingly beautiful--with such a poetic feel about it. As sad as the subject is in the main, I feel as though Martin shared, as well, the most beautiful moments of her childhood.

Prominent in those remembrances is her brother, Jeff, whose gentle display of resistance offers Cassie the hope of survival. One cannot read of this sibling relationship without tears, as it touches upon the desire in all of us to experience such a closeness in our own lives. Martin's description of the adult "family" she and her brother have formed, together with spouses and children, is remarkable, and offers true insight into the ways each of us may transcend difficulty and reinvent ourselves.

I think it's important to note that the television interview that introduced me to Martin's work also featured another writer, Dave Pelzer, who wrote A CHILD CALLED IT, which is on the bestselling list at this time. The day after the program, I went to the bookstore for both SNAPSHOTS and A CHILD CALLED IT.

My impressions of both were entirely different. Pelzer's writing is rough and cumbersome, and seems, unfortunately, to sensationalize this very delicate topic. Where Martin quite obviously avoids plunging the reader into extreme detail of horrifying experiences, Pelzer appears to have no such restraint.

Martin's book was well represented in her conversations on the taped program. It is clear that she is articulate and equally clear that the matters discussed still caused her pain. Pelzer, on the other hand, seemed almost cavalier when reporting his experiences, which seemed quite odd.

I was also quite disturbed after reading A CHILD CALLED IT to find that there were a great many discrepancies between what Pelzer said in the taped interview and what he wrote in the book.

I certainly do not wish to minimize the trauma experienced by any adult survivor, but neither do I care to be manipulated for the purposes of selling a book. I was more than a little curious as to how Mr. Pelzer's story made it past his editor's and publisher's fact checkers. Conversely, if the book is accepted as authentic on its face, how is it that Pelzer ignores published "fact" and goes on to tell quite another tale in person?

I digress. I was, as I stated at the start, hugely impressed with the calm and spare writing style of Martin's SNAPSHOTS. Here is one author from whom I would like to hear more -- particularly about her adult life, how she and her siblings (particularly Jeff) are faring, and what recovery advice she might offer others. I hope readers will be fortunate enough to benefit from her future writing.

I found "A Soft Shoe" at a little art store in Milton-Freewater, OR. Mr. Glass has shared his incredible life in a way that is an inspiration for all who read his book. I cried when Adrian found the shoe. Such a clear demonstration of God's Amazing Grace. Thanks Mr. Glass! I plan to share this with everyone I know.

A Soft Shoe is one of the most inspiring books I've ever read. It's fast paced and kept me glued to it well into the night. I would recommend this book to anyone over the age of thirteen, (because of some graphic violence and language). I would especially recommend this book to anyone who is strugglig with difficulties that are seemingly beyound their control.

Vicki Bender
Weston, OR

This is an incredible story of survival; a journey through the depths of powerlessness and despair, and into light and life. Randle's story shows that no one has to be without hope.

I read this book twice and then purchased a copy for my mother to read. Randle shows great strength of character to have survived his life to adulthood. Randle's story will inspire and encourage you.

I came across this book by way of a co-worker and recommended it to my daughter. Both of us found this story to be engaging, hopeful, and insipring. This book is about putting the demons to rest that are challenging your successes in life. Randle had us fighting for him, angry at him, and loving him all at the same time. The greatest thing was reading along and knowing what he meant (alaskans have there own language, LOL) where he was, and what it looked like because his setting takes place in our home state of ALASKA.
Our take away from this book is that if you have the will to survive you can beat anything, and Randle, your strenght is an insipration, thank you for sharing this and A Soft Shoe with us. Wishing you continued success in all things.

This book is a compelling rebuttal to all those who claim that corporal punishment does not harm children. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about how experiences in childhood can and do affect our adult selves.

There are a mere handful of insightful, non-dogmatic, loving authors who understand the vulnerability of children (we, who were children, and those who now are children for awhile), and who can open up for us those feelings which arose in childhood and mold us the rest of our lives. Mr Greven and Alice Miller are the two I admire most. This book is honest, insightful, non-judgemental and enlightening. Do not be afraid to question the wisdom of your forefathers in regards to punishing your children - read this and learn.

Mr. Greven is very intelligent. He is also very brave. I think this is a must read for every parent. He tells us why it is wrong to hit our children. People hit their children all the time and then they wonder why they turned out so bad. Violence is never the answer. Kids need love, attention and to be guided. I thank Mr. Greven so much for writing this book.

I found out about this book through the bibliography of a parenting book I enjoyed. I almost did not buy it, because I needed no further convincing that corporal punishment was a bad idea. But I decided to buy it anyway, to better help me understand how the way I raised might have influenced the way I think -- I'd identified some connections, but suspected I hadn't found them all. I was right.

Greven pursues the connections between violence against children and depression, dissociation and apocalyptic thinking (all of which resonated with me). And he describes many others as well. Learning the beginnings of these problems does not necessarily solve them entirely, but it helps a lot.

Everyone in our society could benefit from reading this book. It provides a powerful argument against an all too common parenting tactic. It sheds light onto how corporal punishment has far-reaching emotional and psychological effects. And perhaps most important of all, it shows a strong connection between the apocalyptic thinking characteristic of evangelical Christians and the corporal punishment so many of them believe crucial to raising children.

Every Christian should read this book. Watch out though, there is some scary truth in there.
Love, love, love your children with all your heart. They are a true blessing from the Lord.

This book is an honest and truthful account of what it is like to live with and through abuse. I highly recommend this book for everyone in our society to read. The story that is captured is similar to that of Nightmares Echo and Beauty For Ashes. It is time we as a society started to read what is happening around us. Time to open our eyes and become cautious for them.

This book is an honest and truthful account of what it is like to live with and through abuse. I highly recommend this book for everyone in our society to read. The story that is captured is similar to that of Nightmares Echo and Beauty For Ashes. It is time we as a society started to read what is happening around us. Time to open our eyes and become cautious for them.

This is my second review of the book "Stolen Innocence" For some reason the first review was not published. I pray that this review will be read. The topic of child abuse is often secreted in the closets of families, but the damage of the secret, haunts the survivor throughout their lives. The end result we see today in the mental instititions of the world, in the drug rehabilitation programs, on the streets at night and teen pregnancies statistics. All these cases are a great socio-economic cost to society. Too often the victim becomes a law enforcement statistic, and the story behind the behavior is rarely investigated. Prevention is always better than cure and Carlton J. Buller in his book "STOLEN INNOCENCE" has given the world the chance to identify, prevent, detect, and treat survivors of child abuse. We must all listen to the lesson the book gives. I thank you Carlton for your bravery. The book helps the survivor, and parents to recognise their role in breaking the cycle of child abuse in all it's forms. I am glad that Carlton came public in denouncing this universal evil. I am sure that the guiding forces and divine intervention in the writer's experience exists in all of us who have survived as victors and not victims of abuse. To God be the glory.

Stolen Innocence left me with the desire to guard and treat all children as precious gems. As you read you realize it does not take a total stranger to ruin ones life. It can be a close or distant relative. This book has made me a stronger believer in raising your own kids and not having baby sitters or the like. Excellent reading, once you pick it up you won't want to put it down but if you must there'll be a burning desire to get right back to it's unmistakable message. A great source for enlightenment, and awareness. Congrats, Carlton B. I look forward to your next book... Thanks for sharing, Bon chance! khb...

Society seems to put so much energy into saving the Manatees, saving the endangered species, well I think it is high time that we save our children from being abused, sexually, physically and verbally. Stolen Innocence is an incredible insight to how abuse affects a child through his/her growth into adulthood. As the author journeys back to when his first memory of the sexual abuse started and through his teen years and then adulthood it is so plain to see the trauma and pain that he has suffered. The book touches on areas that as a survivor myself I related to in more ways than one. It is very painful to read but refreshing to know that we survivors are not alone in experiencing many of the same emotions and confusion that we go through as children and into adulthood. It is only in taking charge of our lives and healing will any of the pain and suffering be removed. We survivors suppress so much of the painful incidents from the abuse, and reading the book gave me the strength to remember and cry and then let go. It is only in letting go that we begin our healing. This book is definitely worth reading as it stresses breaking the silence on this atrocious act against our children.

Erin's book helped me in ways that I cannot even begin to explain. She told her story in an open, honest way, not holding anything back. I too was sexually abused by a family member, and being able to relate to her story has helped me more than years of therapy has. Being sexually abused has made me feel removed from the world, and that I will never be able to truly relate to another person. I believe this is because my family has turned against me and my friends, although supportive, do not understand what I am going through.

I have read many books on the subject of sexual abuse, but they were all very clinical, writting about the facts and effects more than the actual expierence. That is because those books are written by experts on the field, not survivors themselves. Although they did help me understand why I am suffering the effects now, years later, they did not make me feel any less alienated and alone. Anyone who has been abused, or know someone who has should read this book. Erin is an amazing author who is going to change many people's lives.

Jennifer

The first I ever heard of Erin Merryn was back in June 2005 when I came across this riveting treatise and gut-wrenching narrative of one of life's most devatating of experiences. What I read penetrated deep within my soul and I cried from cover to cover. What she recounts are the very same emotions that I dealt with having been a victim of male/male rape back in my teens as well. Like Erin, I too struggled with the constant fear of wondering when this viscious depravment, this heinous violation of my body, my emotions, and of my mind was going to be perpetrated against me yet again. It is a living hell, especially when the perpetrator threatens physical harm or violence forcing his victim to capitulate. I suppressed my overwhelming shame and guilt for the better part of four decades and it wasn't until I read Erin's book that I gained adequate strength to face down the adverse aftereffects. She also taught me that if thorough and complete healing were to come about, then it had to be my decision. I had had enough of the diminished self-worth, the self-doubt, the panic attacks, the night terrors, the nightmares, the flashbacks, and yes, decades of the resultant self-injury. Erin's determination to come out of hiding gave me the courage to come out completely to my friends and family alike. This has proven to be a very liberating and freeing experience and it was then that I knew that my recovery from this nightmare and my self-injury was secure. And yes, like Erin, I too ran into some denial from those around me, but likewise I refused to recant and cower at their intimidations. To date I have read this truly helpful book no less than four times and am into it yet again!! Of all of the rape books that I have read this past year, Erin's has been the most helpful. She has given me hope beyond words and I know that she will do likewise with whoever thirsts for freedom from this brutal and unbelievably violating attack. By her candor and her faith she also has guided me back to a very close relationship with my Creator. Like Erin, I am now peace-filled and I too have made it my life's goal to reach out to other crushed souls that have been devastated by this horrible bodily and emotional offense. Thank you very much Erin. Together, one by one, we will change the world!!

As the author of Stolen Innocence if you'd like to read more about Charlie Deimer AKA Uncle Mike please turn to page 64 in my book.

Touching, comprehensive, and informational. Made me cry, and I don't ever cry.

You go Girl! Can't wait to read another book from you!

Terre Sadler is a new breakthrough literary voice that must be heard! She writes with such clarity-her characters with depth. This is a mature book that deals with adult subject matter allow s the reader to face the context head on. This is a GREAT thriller- a "must read"! I look forward to reading her next book!

This is an amazing first novel, one of the best books I have read in a long time. It deals with the unpleasant underworld of child poronography and prostitution, yet this story also focuses on the the healing power of friendship and caring. There is plenty of action with unexpected twists and turns as this thriller moves toward resolution.
Ms. Sadler is a strong writer and we look forward to her continuing success and to her next books. It is an honor to support and recommend this work.

A friend of mine sent me a copy of "Tell me that you like it" knowing how much I enjoy a good read and I found this book by Terre Sadler to be a real page turner which I highly reccommend. The story opens with the return of a young girl of 13 years of age name Maggie Harris, who was kidnapped at age 8 and held captive in the sordid world of child pornogography and servicing the customers of a sinsister man known as Jonathan Fiske who is the devil himself on earth. Her escape takes on much excitement and the ending is very dramatic. I would consider this book a great addition to the library of anyone who enjoys a good mystery and a thriller.
Jean Orton
Ottawa, Canada.

I received this wonderful "review" in my email this morning, and decided it was appropriate to share here:

Terre, I really enjoyed the book. I picked it up on Tuesday evening and finished it on Thursday. I am a fairly avid reader, a big fan of James Patterson and few other authors, and now have added you to my list. I can always tell, as most of us can, when you pick up a book and get through it more quickly than you want to. I really enjoyed `Tell Me That You Like It'. It was captivating and most entertaining. I'm not quite sure I have ever read anything like it. It has its' own style and when you start reading it, before you know it, you are half way through it. Thanks for sharing this with me. It was simply `OUTSTANDING'!

Michael N.

If you are compiling your summer reads to take to the beach, you should include Terre Sadler's "Tell Me That You Like It". It engages the reader in an interesting quick read and should definitely be tucked into your bag of books for your trip. Let's hope this is the first of many offerings from this new and talented author. P.Motley, Richmond, VA

After reading the true story of an abused survivor I felt as if I had been stabbed in the gut. "To Save One" by Theresa (Trudy) Magliano details the life of a family at the mercy of a father from hell... abuse in all forms were all the kids knew as "family life." The author writes exceptionally well and gives the reader a bird's eye view of the horror that was her life...and yet she leaves the reader with hope that if a person can let go of that horror they may be able to heal and be the person they were always meant to be...Outstanding must read! BRAVO!

What would you do if your father beat and sexually abused you? Being thrown against a wall with his strong arms around your neck. Being forced to do things no child should have to do. Being beaten for stating home from school when you are legitimately ill. He did the same to your brothers and sisters and your mother was oblivious. What if for the longest time you didn't even realize that there was anything wrong with what your father did?
To many people, this image is one that only happens in the movies, or in books. But for Theresa (Trudy) Magliano, this was an all too real reality. In her book, "To Save One" Trudy bravely describes her experiences of living with an abusive father. Her words are brutal but they tell the truth. A truth that not many speak of but one that needs to be heard. I highly recommend this book to everyone so that we might "save one."
(..)

Theresa Magliano gives a true, heart wrenching story of a childhood infested with physical, sexual, emotional, and mental abuse by her father. Trudy, her brothers, sisters and cousins suffered at the hands of this man while disaffected motherhood encouraged his abuse. In this humanity-at-its-worst book, you will find the heart of a true survivor who not only had to save herself but took on the responsibility and guilt of trying to save her siblings. Ms. Magliano is a hero, and resources for child abuse hotlines as well as web sites are found in her book in order to help the reader to save, at the very least, one.

To Save One tells the author's story of struggling with life while growing up with an abusive father. Theresa Magliano openly and honestly depicts the horrifying occurrences of her childhood and overcoming all obstacles she met with. Never have I read a book by such a courageous author, coming forth with her story to help victims of child abuse know that they are not alone. The author connects with the reader on a personal basis, making it feel as if she wrote the story for your eyes alone. I could not put this book down. I had to find out how the author went from such a disturbing and traumatic childhood to being able to write all the pain down and share it with the world. An overall uplifting novel of survival, maintaining your sanity in the most dire of situations, and having the strength to face tomorrow. Definitely not a book to be passed up. ~~ Laura Pfalz, author of "Going Down Memory Lane"

TO SAVE ONE is an honest, upfront journey into the insidious world of child abuse. New author, Theresa Magliano, shares her life with readers. She grew up in a world that was the epitome of the dysfunctional family. Many readers will get an education on child abuse; many will relate all too easily.

Theresa didn't know that her life was not "normal" while growing up. It's a common side effect of abuse. It is the dirty little secret that nobody talks about. Her strong will to survive and overcome the poverty, low self-esteem, and guilt associated with physical, sexual, and mental abuse will have readers cheering quietly from the sidelines for her survival.

This story is often raw and graphic. I would not recommend it for readers that want to believe in the "Ozzie and Harriet" myth. But for readers that want to be more cognizant of a life that is lead by our smallest, most vulnerable victims, it is a must read! Understanding abuse, and recognizing the signs of it will make us a more compassionate society that will report suspected abuse and protect the children. Authors like Theresa Magliano and Dave Pelzer should be commended for sharing their stories. It is often painful, but the determination to survive and move forward is compelling. I could not put this book down. It is a fast paced, powerful read.
(Reviewed for Denise's Pieces Book Reviews)

From page 1 I couldn't put the book down. OMG - how I saw myself as I read this - she doesn't pull punches and you can actually understand how she is feeling. It gave me tremendous incite on myself and things I need to change to start moving forward. Gave me the encouragement I needed. Sobriety, here I come!

As a recovery coach and moderator of a Women for Sobriety Group in San Francisco for eight years, I decided to weigh in on what books have been the favorites of my clients and group members. Number one is Sober for Good (Fletcher), which is stories of how people got over. Number two is Turnabout, which some women find difficult because Kirkpatrick was a heavy duty vodka drinker (sure, get a couple of gallons, might be having a party). I've found that it helps to revisit the book after early sobriety to learn the profound lessons she had to teach. I also recommend her Goodbye Hangovers, Hello Life. She founded an amazing organization, and she is sorely missed.

Oh yes, and book number three of our favorites is Happy Hours (Jersild), beautifully written and full of information on the physiology and psychology of women as drinkers. Has interesting case studies and does not seem to have an agenda.

If you want to know the almost-won books, email me. . .

The book was very good. An alcoholic woman can relate and has good information in it to change, but I still feel AA or some support is needed to stay on track.

I couldn't put "Turnabout" down. Dr. Kirpatrick shares the details of her struggle with alcohol, and how she overcame her addiction. It's written with honesty and truth - no soft-peddling what alcohol can do to a person who is alcohol-intolerant.

She also wrote "Good-bye Hangovers, Hello Life", which was another page-turner. This companion book to "Turnabout" is a little less personal, and more of a self-help book for women who are struggling.

Both books changed my life, and I am grateful to Dr. Kirkpatrick for writing them. Her books are easy to read and her concepts are easy to grasp. She understands the alcohol-related issues that are unique to women.

Jean Kirkpatrick and Women for Sobriety saved my life and my self-esteem. No one should deny herself the strong and wonderful program that WFS and Jean Kirkpatrick provide. I am a huge fan, and have and will read this book over and over again.

Carey Sipp captures the essence of saving your "self" to save the life of others...her children. You think this story only happens in movies. This is the real thing. Overcoming emotional abuse from growing up with her father's alcoholism, Carey shares a story of unique survival. With two children by her side, she overcomes wounds that would have left many too hurt to heal. Carey shares both concrete suggestions and inspirational ideas to encourage those who may be facing similar addiction histories or current lifestyles. Her spiritual and physical strength has the ability to resonate on so many levels. Every chapter brings you closer to finding your own truth...and feeling proud of living it.

In The Turnaround Mom, Carey Sipp digs deep into her past to share her tortured childhood in the home of an alcoholic and violent father. She uses her prodigious insight and considerable writing talents to demonstrate how it is possible to break the cycle of addiction and raise healthy, happy children.

You may find yourself trembling as you sit beside her when she was four years old, hiding under the kitchen table during one of her father's alcoholic tirades. But the book offers great comfort by showing that, even under the spell of such powerful influences, victims of family abuse and domestic violence can overcome their pasts and be good role models for their children.

Brilliant, funny and full of tips. Keep it handy so you can pick it up and open it for emergencies -- i.e. when you feel overwhelmed, alone, clueless or hopeless. Though I did not grow up in an alcoholic family I lacked a healthy environment and had no good model of family life. Now as a mom of two teens I look for any and all useful resources. This book is a daily help.

Anyone who was raised in an abusive family atmosphere,
whether it was alcoholic related or not, should read The TurnAround Mom. Carey Sipp's frighting journey through childhood, and as a young adult, gave her the insight, experience and courage to write this remarkable
road map to a healthier family life. Sipp gives you all the tools to end once and for all the vicious cycle of abuse that is so often passed from one generation to the next. Her words can really make a difference to anyone or any family ready to turnaround and walk away from alcoholic abuse
and it's terrible consequences. America will be a better place to raise happy, healthy children, because of this Mom's determination to make a difference!
Bravo Carey Sipp!

Not in hypothetical but in real, concrete, terms the author talks about her own addictions to things that interfere with her being the loving supportive parent she wishes to be . She sites reasons and background for her own shortcomings but has obviously decided that all of this isn't written in concrete, that with a little thoughtful quiet time for herself and a lot of thinking about what is really important there is time even for a single, working, Mom, to be wholly present in the present with love. The book is never saccharine, is always straightforward about the author's shortcomings, and even for parents who are now grandparents, it's engrossing, delightful, and insightful.

I purchased this bood so I could better understand the 12 step recovery programs from a Jewish perspective. There is some language in the 12 steps that is difficult for Jews to reconcill with Jewish beliefs, this book gives you the tools to do that. I say it is a good companion book because it takes the 12 steps form AA, NA etc. and while it does not change the content of those steps, this book explains the steps in accordance with Jewish beliefs, gives guidance based on Jewish traditions and offers prayers grounded in Jewish beliefs. It is an important for any Jew or non-Jew, in recovery to own.

my order arrived in an undamaged package. Twelve Jewish Steps even though about the same as the original twelve steps it's a must have for anyone of the Jewish faith seeking to recover.

I am a rabbi and I work as chaplain with inmates in the jail system as well as people who suffer from the disease of (various) addictions outside that system. This series of books By Rabbo Olitzky has been a extraordary help in tying recovery, increasing spiritual exploration and helping those I work with to begin 'real' recovery possibilities: one day at a time.
It is both easy to read and layered with information/quotes from texts, opening the way for questiond, practical ways to get started/continue. I highly recommend this book.

A group of us recently organized within the Jewish community of Phoenix to start a local chapter of JACS, Jewish Alcoholics, Chemically Addicted Persons, and Significant Others. We use this book as our text. A brief description of the JACS organization, and its relationship to and with other 12-Step programs is included in the Afterward section. Our group has grown steadily week to week, using "Twelve Steps" as both a source of inspiration and as an educational tool. It is not a replacement for other 12-Step programs, and doesn't try to be. Each chapter is devoted to one of the 12 principles, a concept that is not in the Big Book of AA, but which often triggers the introspection and self-awareness that is crucial to persons in recovery. Many Jews in our group are people who felt uncomfortable in traditional 12-Step meetings, for many, often different, reasons. This book reaches out to those people especially, helps ease their suffering, and brings all of us closer, ending the isolation which is so devestating. People get to recovery through many paths. We have found "Twelve Jewish Steps" to be both inspiring and community-building. So far, we've bought 24 books and we continue to need more. People use this book, reading it over and over. It increases compassion, understanding, and hope in both the person in recovery and in his/her family. There is no higher praise I can give.

Although the twelve step program of recovery from alcoholism and addiction was developed by religious Christians, these programs are nondenominational and, in fact, adhere to key tenants of Judaism. The type of introspection, righting of wrongs, and doing better in the future are part of the Jewish process of teshuva which means "return" and is the Jewish way to repentance. Rabbi Olitzky and Dr. Copans set forth this process, offering meditations, aphorisms, psalms and prayers relevant to each of the twelve steps.

I have a close family member who is in recovery. He went to a world class rehab center and was visited by an orthodox rabbi who has shown him great kindness and compassion. The rabbi presented him with a copy of this book. Although it is written by a reform rabbi, saving lives through recovery unites all Jews as an orthodox rabbi recommended the book. Furthermore, the emminent orthodox rabbi and physician Abraham Twersky wrote the introduction to this book. Thus, I recommend this book to any Jew (and even non Jews) in recovery as well as their families and anyone else interested in the subject of recovery.

When the high holidays approach, a review of the concepts in this book is worthwhile for anyone who wishes to be intrspective and seek teshuva during that holy season. I highly recommend this book even if you are not in recovery. Furthermore, although written from a Jewish perspective, the twelve steps are made so understandable by the use of the concepts in this book, that recovering addicts of any faith will benefit from this book.