AA Books

Michael's book is wonderful!!! It is a weekly read for me and has added so much to my gratitude for my recovery. This book truly embraces and passes on to it's readers the BEST of the 12 step recovery rooms. So much wisdom is found in AA, yet... filtering through some of the "nonsense" shared by individuals at an AA/NA/OA,etc. meeting is not always easy for the person seeking recovery.
Seeking "the Wisdom to know the difference" for our recovery is when God truly blesses us with that very GIFT! I suggest we use the Wisdom of the Rooms as a format for some awesome recovery meetings! Michael Z. has given us the perfect book to do that. with!

Each time I read this book I get something new from it. Reading a quote from this book is like attending one of those meetings that changes your soul, and Michael Z's interpretations seem to reach out connect with me on almost every level. The spiritual wisdom in this book touches those in and out of recovery, and the people I've given it to not only identify, but often buy copies to give as gifts - it's that's kind of book.

Quotes like "When fear knocks on the door and faith answers, no one is home", seem to be just the thing I need to read when I pick it up. I can literally just glance at any page and find something that speaks to me right when I need it. Whether I'm struggling with my concept of God, or with my fear, or even with setting healthy boundries ("No is a complete sentence"), it's all here for me.

If you're looking for a book of spiritual yet practical wisdom that can fill your well with faith and hope, this book will become a favorite of yours, too. I love "The Wisdom of the Rooms" and look forward each week to the new quotes Michael Z puts out for free (visit the website: www.thewisdomoftherooms.com) and you can sign up.

This is a must have for those in and out of recovery, and it will enrich any spiritual practice you currently have. For those of you who haven't read it yet, you're in for a wonderful treat. Enjoy the wisdom!

An outstanding spiritual guidebook for those in recovery or those who just want to embrace their higher power. It helped me stay connected to what's really important and not feel so alone in this world. It's one of those books you can read again and again and always grasp something new. Thanks Michael Z!

For an "on the go" person in recovery like me, this is like the blackberry of 12 step meetings. Any page I open in this book, seems to give me exaclty what I need to read at that time, to give me a spiritual perspective on any situation. The way the author explains the quotes with ease, and then allows the readers to internally answer some questions regarding the quote, can bring tranquility to a turbulent head.

I wish more books on recovery were written this way.
Thank you Michael Z!!

I have been in AA for 15 months and love the new life that I have been fortunate to receive. I first became familiar with Wisdom of the Rooms a year ago when a recovery center in Arizona sent me my first one. Since then I look forward to receiving my weekly mailings from Michael Z. When I found out that Michael was compiling a book, I bought 20 of them. The reason being is that there are 12 people who, in my early recovery took me under their wing and helped me to work the program of AA, to have the Promises come true and to have a Spiritual Awakening. The least I could do is share the love that Michael has put into this book with them.

Fox captures a time and place that is so hard to replicate, Hollywood circa 2007. Buzzkill is a winner, I couldn't put it down. The characters are all people you know, even though you're not willing to admit it. The only thing better than who actually done it is how Fox gets there.

I've read tons of books in my day, so when a friend recommended Rob Fox's "Buzzkill" I felt obligated to at least skim through it. Well, I'm glad I did! This truly is a book I couldn't put down! As I entered the world Mr. Fox created...right here in my hometown...I couldn't stand to leave! I kept trying to figure out how this was going to turn out, and I was constantly wrong!
A real updated Hollywood Film Noir, with characters that jump off the page and a lead character you just cheer for the whole way. You might not want to live next door to these guys, but you'll be glad they do!
Thanks Mr. Fox for a terrific ride! I look forward to reading more of your work.

Buzzkill is an entertaining read, filled with bizarre characters and plot twists that are still somehow believable. Rob Fox's sharp wit and ironic observations of the Hollywood industry hit spot on. I especially enjoyed the hilarious and mocking physical descriptions of the characters.

Buzzkill by Rob Fox is smart, sexy, and funny. Fox's insider view of Hollywood is spot on. His characters are wonderful. Buzzkill is an entertaining book that makes you think!

Clever & enjoyable read; Mr. Fox makes our sad but hopeful hero loveable and sympathetic. Can't wait for another book....

I was given this book as a gift from my son. I read it on an airplane and laughed and cried so much that at the end of the flight, the man sitting next to me said, "you are quite an emotional lady!" I bought a copy of this book for the lady that helped me when I got stranded when the flight was delayed a day. She read one of the stories in it while I was changing clothes and I found her in tears when I returned. It's a great feel-good book.

In this collection of stories from and about mothers, there is something for everyone. Whether you need to be inspired, comforted, or amused, whether if you are looking for a laugh or a cry you can find a story for your mood. The Chicken Soup authors always know how to pick a collection of stories that truly brings the subject to light, a tear to your eye, and a smile to your lips! This time, what a worthy topic: mothers. As a positive psychologist in private practice I certainly know the powerful and permanent importance of our mothers in all of our lives!

I CAN NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN! Some real tear jerkers too. A must for all moms.

my family got this as a gift about 8 years ago. I don't remember much about it but I remember the stories about the mother losing her son during a skiing accident, the girl who bought her mom bobby pins for her birthday and the story where they're celebrating a grandmother's birthday and she dies at the end of the party after seeing her entire family at the celebration.

AFTER READING THIS I AM REASSURED THAT GOOD HONEST BOOKS ARE FINALLY MAKING A COME-BACK!!!!!!

buy it used. good read for the beach. then see her movies.

I enjoyed Lauren Bacall's autobiography better than any autobiography I've ever read. Her style of writing is so personal, it's just a pleasure to read. It's written with heart, it's witty, poignant, and so honest. You'll also learn about the original "Rat Pack", and other celebrities. I can't say enough about this book!

I read this book 20 years ago when it first came out and I couldn't put it down. The love story between her and Bogey was sweet, but tragic. His death was so detailed in this book that when my own father was dying I couldn't help but relate back to her description of Bogey's final hours. It made me sob for her. The mention of Hollywood in the 50's and all of the corrupt politicians trying to blackball performers is deplorable. I believe Ms. Bacall is our current Kate Hepburn - a no BS kind of Hollywood woman that is still well-respected and greatly admired.

I have never considered myself a Lauren Bacall fan but having recently rewatched To Have And Have Not, her film debut, I became intrigued about her and Bogart so I picked up this book after reading such positive reviews here at Amazon.

Well, was I surprised. First this is a very well written autobiography that demonstrates a keen intelligence and a reflectiveness on the past that is truly admirable. It is also incredibly honest and not just a recitation of a Hollywood star's accomplishments.

From Bacall's youth in New York where she tried desperately to find a place in the theater to her ultimate return to the stage as a star after spending years in California as Mrs. Bogart and raising a family, every stage of her life is well examined.

Bogart emerges as a truly good guy, not perfect but clearly they were a great match despite the obvious age difference.

Some of the episodes in her life with Bogart have the added quality of capturing a period in Hollywood and the film industry that is long gone. Bacall isn't and doesn't need to be a name dropper but so many famous characters pop in and out of her story that it is a virtual who's who of 1940's Hollywood.

What I initally picked up as a casual read turned into something much deeper. Lauren Bacall , who I knew little about before reading this is a woman who I came to really like as a result of this book.

Well written and well worth checking out for filmfans, fans of Bogart or anyone interested in acting and theater and the celebrity life of the 40's and 50's.

Lauren Bacall's 1984 autobiography details her humble beginnings, how modeling led to acting, and her marriages and love affairs. She met Bogie on the set of her first movie when she was 19 and he was 43 and married. They fell in love at first sight and had a good marriage until his death. Her next husband was Jason Robards, Jr.; his drinking made for trouble from the start. The ups and downs of her movie and Broadway careers and her love of politics (and politicians) round out the book.

The woman who emerges from the pages is pretty much what I expected - strong, independent, and passionate - but also quite self-centered and spoiled. She's had a charmed life and makes no excuses for her shortcomings.

The book is full of famous tinseltown names and fabulous jet-set locations. She writes as if she were talking, often using ungrammatical half-sentences which slowed me down sometimes, but that is a minor quibble. I heartily recommend it to her fans.

This book helped me save my own life and the lives of many of my friends. It's become a handbook for recovery for me. Not a one time read. Thank you Chuck C.!

Few books have had such a profound and unforgetable impact on me. A New
Pair of Glasses was given as a gift to me over fifteen years ago. My re-
action was too powerful at times to continue reading. I needed to close
the book and ruminate, or go off the scale in an emotional overload. In-
side the book was a little portrait of Chuck C., I framed it and kept it
prominently displayed all these years. Today, I can look fondly at Chuck's smiling face, and smile back in gratitude for the wonderful gift
he left.

First of all, "new look publishing" is a very small non-profit which exists for the sole purpose of providing this book to bookstores and the genral public.
You can order yours directly by calling 949-650-6433 its only [...] for a single copy .. or .. [...] for a case of 18 copies. The first 164 pages of the A. A. big book are included in the current printing.
Also, although the quality is not that great ... you can find a free download of the retreat this book is taken from at
[...]
As a matter of fact there is a pdf download also.

All I can say is that this book cured me of trying to self-improve my way thru my sober life. After over 10 years in recovery I realized that there is little if any peace in trying to constanly improve myself. I found true peace when I found self-acceptance and a measure of humility. Thats what I got from this book. Thanks Chuck !!!

The latest 9th printing has the first 164 pages of the Big Book included (2nd Edition,1955).
This book is available from the publisher, New Look Publishing in Irvine, Calif. for only $6.00--brand new.

Just a great story by one of the old guys. You know, at the risk of blaspheming, there are other programs out there. Not for me. But others may have had successes in the attempts to moderate and live with this disease. Bill Wilson and Bob Smith couldn't, thank God, and we are here today to listen to the founding people, and their experience, strength and hope.

AAers get criticized by those who feel it's too religious. Too cultish. That we're all automatons. Did you ever hear someone who has had consecutive years of sobriety say those things? "Well my whole life has changed, I have less but I have more. My wife trusts me. I haven't missed a day of work in thirteen years. My daughters-in-law let me take my grand kids out for the day. But the AA Program is just too damn cultish!"

"We think not."

Great stuff by an old guy. These are transcriptions of conversations so they're not necessarily seamless. But all in all, great life-saving stuff. 5 stars. Larry Scantlebury

Always good to be open to all choices.
Very detailed and helpful.

provides insightful thoughts and alternative viewpoints to attacking route causes and focus to vexing problems -- not just alcohol

Kuddos to Ms Solomon for helping break us out of this religious tyranny. A much needed resource guide
to other approaches to alcoholism and addiction. My impression is that AA is just about the best recovery
program the 12th century has to offer. It is time to get into reality based programs with some scientific
basis as opposed to this faith based psycho-christian nonsense.

Reviewed by Louise Landeta for Reader Views (2/07)

The author's main point is that there are many other programs and approaches to dealing with addictive behaviors besides Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and its twelve steps; yet the alternatives, while perhaps known within the recovery community, are not widely made known or available. She contends that AA is not as effective as most people think--her statistics are quite dismal, and some of the other programs have much more success. Mainly, Ms. Solomon wants to drive home the fact that while AA might be good for some people, and she has nothing against it, there are numerous other approaches that are effective as well. People are diverse and need diverse approaches to fit their individual needs.

Ms. Solomon shares the pitfalls of her own journey with addictive substances and her attempts to find help and support through AA to no avail, even though her own father was quite successful with the program. Her inability to recover through AA was a source of great sadness for her until she came to realize that lots of other people fail to recover through it as well. It was only through her own unrelenting search for alternatives that she found other programs and eventually something that worked for her.

The author is a good writer--her verbiage and syntax are on par, she provides data to back up her contentions, the content is well-organized and she cites her sources.

The basic theme in her thesis is that not everyone accepts the concept of a higher power and the basic assumption that they are helpless in the face of addiction. I believe this is a valid point. My only suggestion is that she seems to soft pedal this. I would be more comfortable if she would come right out with it--don't skirt around it. Be right up front with it.

I was interested in reviewing "AA Not the Only Way" because my work as a chaplain brings me into contact with various types of addicts. It will remain in my library as a useful future resource. I give it an A for all of the reasons cited above.

AA Not the Only Way is a resource for those seeking addiction counselling. Everyone has heard of AA but this type of program quite simply does not work for everyone. The author has personal experience in this situation. She tried AA and like many people when she kept relapsing she blamed herself for somehow failing the program. This pattern changed when the author found a program that suited her needs and specific issues.

Since AA does not suit everyone's needs and because most people don't realize that they have other options, the author has compiled information on alternate programs. Some programs require total abstinence and others look to teach moderation. There are also programs specifically tailored for women or specifically for men. The overlying philosophy, background, and contact information is included for each of these programs. Lists of licensed professionals, treatment centers, and other useful resources are also included.

I picked up "Grace" about a year ago when I found it in my mom's old book closet. Although I am relatively young, something about the stars of yesteryear attracts me more than the glitz surrounding contemporary celebrities. Grace Kelly is no exception. I knew nothing about this icon, except that she was an American princess and a Hitchcockian heroine. Mr. Lacey certainly did his share in informing me about this classic movie star. I enjoyed how he provides us with immense background on the Kelly's, a prominent family in their own right. Mr. Lacey also does a fine job in giving us the "low-down" on Monaco and its interesting history.
Also of note would be the fact that Lacey attempts (and succeeds) at presenting the seemingly ethereal Grace as a person, not the sex symbol or ice queen she is usually remembered as. He does give a lot of insight into her love life and various affairs, but you never lose sight that Grace had this innocence about her. It seemed as if she could do no wrong.
Aside from being a talented actress, Grace was a true beauty and a dedicated mother and wife. She will always be remembered as our very own princess.

Everyone remembers his first screen love.

Grace Kelly was mine, and I can still remember her clear Teutonic skin, lugubrious soft hair, her casual sophistication, all completely new fascinations to my mundane childhood. Years later, the only thing that's changed is I've grown older and she's still impossibly perfect.

What Robert Lacey has done in Grace is bring us all a little bit closer to that Snow Princess whom we all would have made our Princess were we a Prince. Behind the camera, behind bedroom doors, behind the veneer of an idyllic fairy tale that proves that fairy tales are exactly that, each anecdote is like a stitch in a grand painting that is sometimes bleak (Grace ages and somewhat pathetically begins to fool around with younger men), sometimes inspiring (her persistence at overcoming her natural dramatic flaws), and always sensual (her intimate fashion shows for her boyfriend Don Richardson).

Unlike many biographies of screen legends, Lacey largely eschews extended back lot stories that might involve but not support the basic image of Grace that he believes must be told. So while we learn High Noon's screenwriter Carl Foreman meant his film as an allegory about Communist witch hunts, we are spared a complete A-Z on the Hollywood Blacklist and its artistic implications. A great biography of a great person must not necessarily take on the great issues of his day. Of which Lacey understands.

Grace is a woman of terrific sexual energies and ambitions but just as importantly, sports a marvelous capacity to mask those penchants. So instead of becoming Jenna Jameson, she turns into Princess Grace, a woman who sleeps her way to the top but seems so inevitably suited for the position that no one can possibly begrudge her it.

As Lacey says "She managed to be naughty while appearing very nice."

It's become axiomatic that the greatest personalities are deeply contradictory. Nearly every biographer, when faced with the compelling weight of his research, is forced to concede that mankind is a very complex being (thank you, Mr. Stevenson). And Grace was no different. Lacey talks of Grace's growing conservatism, her disputes with her daughters over their flagrant ways, all while engaging in her own illicit love affairs as Princess Grace. And what of her devoted Catholicism? How to resolve her piety with her philandering?

Questions which can only be answered by Hitchcock's own. This is a snow covered volcano we're dealing with here.

And sometimes, you can't guess; you can only watch.

The media reviewers quoted here harp on Grace Kelly's supposed "promiscous" behavior, the main point of the book, as far as they are concerned. Anyone who actually reads the book will find someone who had a few discreet affairs before she was married, who took her marriage vows and commitment to her family and role as princess seriously, who worked very hard throughout her life to meet her commitments, and who had a comforting relationship with a kind younger man when her marriage turned lonely as she got older. If she wasn't quite the cold, virginal image presented by Hollywood, good for her.

It's a very good book about a real woman of extraordinary beauty who could have settled for a society matron's life in Philadelphia but who made an extraordinary life for herself through her own efforts. Read it for that and not the sensationalism.

This book has a great deal of detail. I feel as if there was too much emphasis on her sex life versus her screen image, and frankly that was her business, not important in the book. Otherwise a good book.

I wanted to know all about the men in Grace Kelley's life, both before and after her marriage. This book told me everything, but in a classy, well-researched way. I learned a lot about Monaco, and just the things I would have wanted to know about her family members, too. After reading this excellent book, I plan to read more of Robert Lacey's works.

If you are planning on doing any driving in New Zealand this is the atlas for you. It is rather large but it makes it easy to follow the roads. I have a friend that lives there; she begged me to leave it for her.

The AA Zealand map/guide is an excellent source for all your driving & touring needs in New Zealand. Highly recommended.

This is an excellent detailed resource for travel in New Zealand.

This is the equivalent of the Rand McNally Road Atlas for New Zealand. I highly recommend it if you are planning a road trip through New Zealand. It helped tremendously with our trip planning. It also includes a table of distances between major cities and towns and estimated drive times.

If you're planning on renting a car in another country to do some sightseeing, I highly recommend this series of Road Atlas. I have several of them from different countries and all of them are extremely helpful when you want to make your own route for a driving excursion. It is large scale, with excellent detail on roads and routes. A must have for driving in other countries.

If you love The Boxcar Children books, you will love this one. It follows book no. 2 very well. It will keep you on the edge of your seat as the adventure unfolds. Hard to put down.

in book number three of the boxcar series, the children find themselves yet another mystery. they find a yellow house that they are forbidden to go into because the man who lived there vanished. the boxcar children are on their way to solving the mystery....but when they solve it, can they heal a broken heart?

I love the Boxcar Children books - these are great adventures for kids. The entire series is worth reading.

This was the first real mystery story I ever read, when I was about eight or nine years old, and I madly adored it, except that for some reason the part about the grating brick freaked me out. It has never scared any other child I know who read the book, but for some reason after reading that I couldn't go to sleep for a long time many nights! It really is a well-thought-out mystery - I always thought it was, but after it scared me I didn't dare to read it again for years!

But last week I read it again, and enjoyed it very much again. Of course nothing is as exciting to the adult mind in such a book as it is to a child, but I can still see the appeal in the story and get pleasure from reading it all the same.

Basically the story is... Grandfather's "Surprise Island" has a little yellow house on it. The children sense there is a mystery about it, so they ask Grandfather to tell them about it. He says that a man named Bill lived there with his wife. He disappeared one day, presumably with a large amount of money, and no one was ever able to find where he went. But the Boxcar children are always ready for a challenge and they set off to look for Bill.

Excellent story that all boys and girls should read or have read to them.

In this third entry in the Boxcar Children series the Alden children (Henry 16, Jessie 14, Violet 12 and Benny 7), ask their grandfather about the mysterious yellow house on their island. He tells them a story about the long missing Bill McGregor, husband of the family housekeeper. The children and their cousin Joe and his new bride Alice decide to locate the missing man when they uncover an overlooked clue to his whereabouts. The six set out to Maine following the clue and along the way have many adventures.

This book was originally written in 1953 by a teacher who combined a basic vocabulary and exciting storyline in order to entice young readers. Her formula was and is a great success. To an adult the mysteries involved are rather simplistic, the situations more than a little unrealistic and the characters quite wooden but to the children the stories are written for these are exciting stories with thrilling adventures around every twist and turn. Just the thing to get a reluctant reader inspired to read for fun.

In the early sixties one of my teachers kept our 5th grade class entralled by reading to us the last few minutes of each day. The Boxcar Children were always a popular choice, the short cliffhanger style chapters kept us anxiously waiting for the next reading and stirred up more than a few schoolyard discussions on what might happen next. It inspired me to go canoe camping in the northwoods years later and share that adventure and The Boxcar Children with my children.

My copy of Beth's book is full of underlines and earmarks! Her insights are timely and help us to focus our energeries where they will do the most good. Thanks for a great resource!

Beth's book saved my relationship with my youngest boy when I discovered that he is an intuitve, thinking type when it comes to temperament; one of the most challening types of children to raise. Beth taught me how to look at my child's actions from a different point of view so I wouldn't take certain behaviors personally and could deal with them more creatively--for both of our sakes. In fact, I consulted with her personally and she was an incredible help to my husband and me. I highly recommend this book to all parents who are truly interested in raising the child you were given instead of forcing a personality on him or her. Great book!

I just finished this book and it was full of wonderful teachings to apply to
children. It equipped me with a new set of eyes for observing and guiding children into a balanced and healthy life. On-top of the abundance of information this book provided it was full of helpful references on specific topics which was very helpful as well. I would recommend this book to anyone that has children or works with them in anyway.

What a wonderful book! It is a holistic, comprehensive, user-friendly tool for parents, teachers and health care practitioners. Beth is an intelligent and down to earth writer. She acknowledges children with the same respect as adults and reminds us that children are the bearers of light. If we provide the right environment for them, they will be illuminated throughout their lives.

Beth is such a wise writer! This book reflects a weath of tools to help us find a way to raise our children in a sane way. Truly comprehensive and loving and spritually uplifting.