Recovery Books

I received my copy of this book late one day just before I was to leave the office and ended up sitting down to read the whole thing right then! It is so powerful.

If you're a therapist, I recommend this book as a tool to aid your clients. If you're a relative/friend of a survivor, this book will encourage you that recovery is possible! The American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, and the American Medical Association do not recognize "False Memory Syndrome" as a legitimate medical condition. They do, however, recognize the validity of Recovered Memory Therapy.

I'm amazed at the human brain and the defense mechanisms that kick in and take the person on auto-pilot through a traumatic situation. This book is a heart-rending collection of insightful letters from adult Zandra to her inner child. Zandra's touching letters to herself sparked repressed feelings and memories long buried. Adult Zandra was not conscious of the part of her named "stupid" until Little Zandra felt safe enough to reveal her secret. When asked why she named her "Stupid," Little Zandra replied, "She's not smart enough to stop what's happening." What Little Zandra didn't know was that "Stupid" was just as smart and creative--she dissociated herself from the pain and found her own way to escape the nightmare. It sounds like there were several inner children here??

I read DEAR STUPID from the point of view of a professional and as a survivor. I'm a counselor and I believe this book would be an invaluable tool to help survivors understand the healing process.
To the author: I admire your courage and ability to share your pain and healing with others. You are definitely a dragon slayer.

My wife asked me to read this book because I want to support her through her healing process. This book made me feel angry--because somebody took something away from a child that cannot be given back. As a man I want to protect and defend. I really believe this book will help so many people and touch their hearts and even help them on their way to recovery and happiness.

This is the first of the O'Reilly books I have been disappointed in. I bought the book for one reason-- to find out how to restore a / and /usr file system off a remote tape drive. Unfortunately the book does not answer this question, all of its examples assume the server has a local tape drive attached. The authors spend their time touting freebie utilities at the expense of a thourough discussion of the backup and restore capabilities that come with the operating system.

Even though I was still very new to Linux/UNIX, this book was able to help me create a fully automated backup routine as well as how to restore from those backups. I found the book very easy to read and not at all dry.

This book is important for System Administrators and DBAs. The book is well-written and have discussed all the major UNIX flavors back and recovery. The author went further by discussing the Backup and Recovery of major databases on these UNIX operating systems.
I give 5 stars.

As a former Unix system administrator, this book proved invaluable to me. Backups are a dreaded responsibility for most as they are not glamorous, but when a backup is needed, the administrator can become a hero or out of a job very quickly depending on thier backups. The author provides some deep insight into the art of backups, drawing upon real world examples that provide insight into the recommendations. The authors quips on real world backup stories is worth the price alone as there is great knowledge to be gained from someone else's mistakes and failures. Truly a gem that should be on EVERY system administrators bookshelf.

This is *THE* Computer System backup book. It contains all the basics of why you want to backup computer systems, plus many of the real world experience details. It is written from a Unix perspective, but is still applicable to Windows and other non-Unix environments.

I've been using this book as a general guide for several years now. It was a book I watched work it's way through the O'Reilly system from first announcement to general release. I bought it when it first came out. I have not been disappointed in it.

Many people think of computer system backups as a dry old musty topic of interest to nobody in particular. But 9/11 showed how important good disaster recovery planning and procedures could be to a business.

Some of the specifics are now a little out of date, but not by leaps and bounds. It is still very good for its core reason for being - Backups. It is very much less out of date than other computer books on the market today.

I have been dealing with large-scale computer system backups and disaster recovery for large employers for years... and I still consult this book regularly to make sure have not missed anything important. It covers all the topics you need.

Gordon Page's Warbird Recovery is a book that once you pick it up, you will not put it down until you finish it. And finish it you will quickly as it is a true to life page turner. Fittingly I finished mine sitting in an airport waiting for my plane. Fortunately I didn't wait as long for my plane to arrive as Gordon and his team did waiting for their's. However, during my wait I got to enjoy Warbird and it made my wait fun and exciting - just like the book. Buy it, read it, enjoy it! I know I did.

As soon as you start reading the first page you will not be able to put this book down! It is an incredible story that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Gordon Page puts you right with him and you will ride the emotional roller coaster he endured throughout this adventure. Read this book and you will wonder why this story has not yet been made into a movie!

I definitely knew nearly nothing about warbirds, or much about airplanes in general, when I picked up this book, but I walked away from it wishing I had a pilots license - a victim of Gordon Page's passion and determination having rubbed off through his recollections. The travel adventures of Page and his companions are sometimes funny, sometimes disturbing, but consistently entertaining, and the book is very easy to engage with, which makes it a quick page turner, as well as a quirky introduction into the passions of warbird enthusiasts.

I love travel. I love stories and gritty, difficult, joyful interactions with peculiar locales and cultures, and I cherish being able to sample those adventures through the stories of others. If you're like me, this travel memoir will get you excited. Sketchy helicopter rides, run-ins with the Russian mob, shady bribes organized by shady contacts, etc. - it's all there! And through all the action, you come out with a solid appreciation for the preservation and restoration of history as experienced through these important WWII warbirds.

When Gordon sent me the book, I was excited to dig into it, but life is busy, and I didn't get a chance to read it right away. I am sorry I delayed reading it as it is an excellent story. I couldn't put it down once started. Gordon's undying passion and perseverance in the recovery of these WWII relics is impressive. I thought that I have had some pretty crazy adventures moving aircraft around here in the United States, but they are nothing compared to the situations that Gordon and his group had to endure. It makes me very thankful to live in America. Warbird Recovery is a well written story that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone, even if you are not an aviation fanatic like me. Thanks Gordon!

This book is a narrative of tenacity, grit, adventure and very real danger. This book is for anyone that enjoys a concise and quality read, as it is informative on a variety of topics. Gordon Page crafts an intense tale of his quest for a WWII aircraft as an "Americanski" in various settings throughout Russia in the early 90's. The story is exceptionally well-written and fast-paced. No fluff here, and great descriptions of the horrid accomodations, delectible menu items and treacherous, exploitative and sinister characters Mother Russia offers up for Gordon and his companions to navigate throughout this quest. Gordon was one of the pioneers in military relic treasure-hunting in Russia. Lots of guys have done it since, but Gordon is very lucky to alive as he ran into all of the initial life-threatening obstacles, before the Russians realized the profit opportunities, and became receptive to Westerners looking to buy the remnants of war. Reads like a spy novel, meets travel guide. Excellent. Read this book!!

The book arrived as promised, in like new condition and on time. Much appreciated!

If you have a loved one that is an addict this is a great book to read. It clears up a lot of myths and common misconceptions about addiction. However if your an ex-user I would get the book but it's not the best at helping you develop coping skills. Either way solid B.

This is a very good book. It is well written, it is clear and concise, and I get the feeling the author is coming from a good place. I say that because I think most self-help books are useless, flakey and full of half-baked ideas. This is not one of those books.

Like all good advice, this book says nothing new, however it does contain penetrative reminders about self-acceptance. It does this without being wishy-washy since it appears to be based on solid psychological principles. The author has done his homework.

Even if you do not suffer from addictions yourself, it is a useful and educational read. It helps you understand why people get addicted, and gives useful insights on how you can help (or at least not add to the problem.)

I would just like to add that I personally do not think reading a book on your own is enough. Having a good friend, councilor, or support group to monitor your progress and encourage you along the journey is essential for permanent change. But that is just my opinion.

This book is one of the best I have read on addictive behaviors. Most of these titles have one or two chapters that are helpful, while the rest are mediocre. This volume has valuable insight from cover to cover. Although not a specifically Christian work, the author does encourage people who struggle with an addiction to call upon a higher power. I recommend this book highly.

Wow, what can I say. A book that really helps the user to understand themselves and why they continue to do what they do and ways to help themselves as well as reach out for the help they need to break their addiction. Helps them to understand relapse and what it really means and how to deal with it. Highly recommended for the family too. ANOTHER GREAT BOOK [ASIN:156838999X Addict In The Family: Stories of Loss, Hope, and Recovery.]meant for the family how to really understand the user and how we enable the user without knowing it... how to stop enabling while giving love and support to the user leading them to recovery Helps the user understand how their substance use really affects the ones they love and the family dynamics.

In the interest of full disclosure, I was a marine geologist at the US Geological Survey (USGS) in Menlo Park CA during most of the time span that Howard Wilshire and Jane Nielson were there. Although we never collaborated on any projects at the USGS, I was aware of their reputations for cutting edge research and conclusions that at times were controversial, but were always based on solid facts and clear, careful reasoning. Howard and Jane "stirred the pot" at the USGS in ways that were beneficial and added to our understanding of complex geologic processes. Together with environmental geologist Richard Hazlett, the authors boast more than 75 years of experience in the geology and natural systems of the western states. I can't imagine three more qualified earth scientists to tackle the monumental task of describing the current condition of our Western lands, how we got where we are, and what we should do now to hopefully reach a happy ending. This book is definitely not a Disney movie version of land use in the West; if that's what you want, you came to the wrong department. Neither is it dry, dull or dispassionate. It is a carefully crafted, fully documented and readable scientific account of what happens when we ignore the laws and processes of "Nature". Whether the consequences of our actions are intended, the product of ignorance, or unintended, Nature does indeed have the last at bat in this ball game. The history and effects of land abuse in the West are mostly quite disturbing, and the authors do not pull punches, an attribute I greatly admire. However, if all we got were disturbing environmental stories, the book would not have fulfilled its potential. Thankfully, the authors carry a theme of respect for Nature from beginning to end and each sad tale of land abuse is balanced by a discussion of what went wrong and how we can promote recovery and sustainable use. This book, or excerpts of it, should be required reading in high school and college science classes and it clearly should be within easy reach of all environmental managers, scientists and politicians. It is truly a gift to every American from three outstanding concerned scientists. Thank you!

First off, I am totally with the authors on their conclusions and concerns. But that is my opinion. For what should be a straight-forward scientific book, where were the editors? The stunning amount of information is fairly well organized but is rife with "agenda" and constant conclusion by association. Every few pages made me scream out for a less passionate, more objective treatment of the materials. The ecological disaster upon us is bad enough to stand on its own. My fear is that with such rampant and open prejudice this book will be dismissed by those with the political power to actually affect change. In addition, when what appeared as a spurious conclusion was made and footnoted, I would often find the footnote to be of no support, though I must say I did not read the original cited work. As I read this otherwise wonderful compilation of facts, the unnecessary extension beyond fact just tired me out. In sum, the presentation simply left me doubting the integrity of their sources. Power brokers who prefer to turn a blind eye to these monstrous human problems have every excuse to do so.

This may be one of the most important books ever written. The title and cover photo don't do justice to the alarming thesis that our entire civilization is at risk, with a multitude of problems coming to a head this century. My children, ages 7 & 4, may face such gigantic problems by middle age as to make one despair. But never despair; these problems have been created by humans and we can grapple with them and solve many. But planning is critical, lest we once again be like naked people in a dark room with a hot stove in the middle--bumping into the stove and then each other, reacting only to the moment. Many of us do live for the moment and that could be our downfall as a species. We need to shift gears to a new mode of thinking that abandons continuous growth in all areas--easier said than done!

With great good fortune and apparent wisdom the United State became a magnificent country from sea to shining sea. How tragic that our enormous, fertile and bounteous western lands should be so ill-used that, indeed, in many cases, they are crumbling and disintegrating before our very eyes. We have not been good stewards of our land and its resources; this book tells the story. Backed by years of experience at the U.S. Geological Survey, the authors make a meticulous, reasoned, well-documented and comprehensive argument. If we don't pay attention we are in danger of squandering our natural bounty to greed, mismanagement and indifference. Every federal, state and county policy maker, every earth science professor, every geologist and ecologist, every library, indeed every citizen who has the barest inkling of what's at stake should have this book. Halting and reversing years of land, water, waste, mineral and air mismanagement will not be easy, but must and can be done. This reasoned and thoughtful book proves that we are on a collision course with a tragic destiny if we don't begin to care and care properly for our land. This cry and program for better land stewardship gives us the technical know-how and the hope that it can be done.

This book is an ideal source book for environmental studies programs at the university level. It provides objective, largely dispassionate discussions of a broad range of human activities that have fundamentally shaped and degraded the natural landscape of the American West. These activities include: logging, mining, minerals exploration, oil and gas production, road building, military training, chemical and nuclear weapons manufacture and testing, waste disposal, water diversion, grazing, and motorized recreation.

The authors provide comprehensive discussions of the more significant environmental impacts of each of these activities; general scientific background for understanding the nature and interrelations of these impacts; and historical/political insights for understanding how these adverse environmental situations have developed through time. Each discussion attempts to provide an even-handed treatment of these complex and often controversial issues. Moreover, the book is very well documented. It includes a 23-page glossary of terms, a 25-page index, 45 pages of factual appendices, and 150 pages of clearly referenced footnotes.

In summary, The American West at Risk is an excellent guide and text for the serious study of environmental issues in the western United States.

It is very hard to know what to do when entrusted with the care of a FAS mind.
The in depth practical look given in this book is such a breath of fresh air.
The many facets, the sadness and the ultimate joy and all the possibilities.
This book is so comforting in many ways. I highly recommend it!.

This is the book I've been waiting for -- a practical, hands-on guide for people living with FASD, and for those who love them! This book is full of stories and ideas that are easy to put to use. I will definitely recommend it to families and professionals.

Really pleased that the author Stephen Neafey has shared his experiance of living his life with a diagnosis of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome(FAS). This book will give readers HOPE! The book also shares coping strategies which will also help. Living with FAS for many due to the lack of information and ignorance throughout the professional sector especially here in the UK, is a nightmare for all.

I took the book to a support group meeting here within the UK and one of the members took the book to read. This says it all.

Thank you Stephen.

Gloria Armistead
Founder & Full time volunteer coordinator and parent to a Teen with a FAS dianosis.

www.fasaware.co.uk

The Long Way to Simple, you must get it. It is the best book and makes understanding FASD much clearer. I highly reccomend this book!

Barbara V

This is an amazing book which can help adults with FASD learn more about the condition, and find ways to help themselves in their daily lives. Steve's story and the ways he has discovered to get around the problems of a person with FASD can show how the brain can function in different ways to achieve a better way of living. I highly recommend this book to those with FASD and those working with them.

This book is an excellent resource for easily looking up verses pertaining to a particular topic. I have used it numerous times during the summers I was a camp counselor and it proved most useful. Sometimes I use it to focus on a particular topic in my own personal devotions. I try to give a copy of this book to prospective counselors in my college ministry.

I work with Alcoholics and Drug Addicts. This book covers it all. Wonderful.

This is an excellent resource for everyday life issues. Highly recommended for anyone who counsels others and for those who just want to be able to find scriptures quickly by subject. I absolutely love this book and have purchased it for others.

For a pastor, or someone who does Christian counseling, this book is a good resource.

Handy, superb quick reference to the super passages, Ideal for any counselor. Even excellent for those just to study deeper into the Bible

AA is a wonderful program and I recommend at least trying it. It is not always a perfect fit, however. This book can either compliment AA of give you alternatives.

Some books get better and better with each passing edition. This is the case of "AA Not The Only Way", written by Melanie Solomon. In 2005, the first edition of this book was published, and this writer gave it an enthusiastic, in-person endorsement at the 2006 meeting of SOS International. What I was surprised to discover in this "new and improved" 2ND edition, was the honesty with which Melanie communicated about her relapse since the first edition was published, as well as her admission of being "dually diagnosed" with the mental health issue of "bi-polar 2" (one of the forms of bi-polar disorder). Melanie's book is a jewel in this respect, as it shows that SOMEONE is willing to be honest about their own dual diagnosis connection between both a substance abuse issue and a mental illness, as well as point out that the treatment of the "dually diagnosed" is sorely lacking (that "gap" is just now beginning to be "bridged" in the addiction treatment industry!).

Overall, this is a book whose existence needs to be shouted from the rooftop, evangelized on street corners, and should be REQUIRED READING in EVERY Alcohol and Drug Counselor certification program in the United States!
A copy should be sent to every drug and alcohol treatment center in the U.S., and most importantly, this book should ON THE DESK OF EVERY "coercing authority" that has the power to "force" people with addictive disorders, into treatment facilities. This book will NOT bode well for "12-Step program zealots", as its approach is about the MULTITUDE of non-12-step resources available both on and off the internet. If you are in recovery, or know someone who is, or wants to be, this book is a MUST READ! Don't start or continue a recovery path without it!

John McCready, NCAC-I, M-RAS
Oceanside, CA

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

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.

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.

I was reading another novel when I thought I would quickly read Lynn Voedisch' opening page. Well, I was hooked and could not stop reading. Should you click on 'buy' you would not regret it: I actually recommend that you do order this book. Ms Voedisch skillfully draws one into the lives of her characters. One wants to hug ten-year-old Alex Griffin; one wants to shake Allegra Bellini, his mother, and tell her to pull herself together, and one wants to turn one's back on Raf Neri. And before you go, you would want to walk through Julie's garden ... I know I spent a few delightful moments in it.

This book is wonderful and beautifully written. I recommend it to any readers here to make the purchase as you will enjoy this moving story!
You will experience so many emotions showing you just how human you are! What a talent Lynn Voedisch has for taking us another step closer to the realm of angels!

With strong narrative, descriptive scenery and memorable characters, talented author Lynn Voedisch weaves a moving tale of a family stricken by addiction. From the security of his bedroom, a young boy will embark on a magical journey to reach his mother as she tumbles deeper into alcoholic self-loathing and depression. An unlikely seer and an evil one are just two of many influences pulling against the soul of a woman on the brink of destruction. Between light and darkness, how real might be the imaginary world contained in a child's mind? Excited Light - a truly enjoyable read! James R. Larson

The debut novel of journalist Lynn Voedisch, Excited Light is the story of a ten-year-old boy's spiritual journey through contact with a higher power. Living with his alcoholic single mother, he confides his secrets to his toy duck, Dudley - and Dudley answers him. When his mother gets caught in a whirlwind romance with a nightclubbing lover that brings her dangerously close to death, Alex, guided by Dudley, steps forward to help set her free from her terrible addiction. A serious-minded yet heartwarming spiritual story.

What did I like about this novel? I like the imaginative vision of endless, unseen forces behind normal, visible events, sweeping in from glorious infinity to aid one needy child. I like the purity of Alex's feelings. Love and anxiety for his mother, admiration for the interesting Jack. Is this why the angels speak to him? Because his feelings are simple, central and intense, those of a human not yet dirtied by the grubby world of compromise and hesitancy?

I like the portrayal of his mother, caught in the all too familiar trap of a struggling single parent. A once skilled dancer and choreographer, Allegra struggles against her growing alcoholism only to recreate herself as a posturing doll, inwardly longing to be again a good mother to her son, yet drawn by her destroying thirst to pose as a tasty little trophy for the predatory Ralf Neri.

This is an imaginative novel, a skilful blend of the magical unseen and tragically everyday.

Graham Worthington, author, Wake of the Raven

I am not much of a book worm, but could not put this book down once I started reading it. To read about where Dr. Brown came from to where she is today, spiritually, personally and professionally...should be an inspiration of hope for anyone facing addiction issues.

This book bares a woman's soul as she struggles with seemingly irrecoverable addictions and unimaginable psychological devastation. Yet she courageously recovers and gives readers HOPE that no pit is so deep nor compulsion so strong that an effective recovery program cannot overcome.

Anita's book should be read by all who have experienced - or know someone who has experienced - the desperation of addiction, insecurity, and deep emotional trauma. Her story provides a reference for all who seek to help themselves or others put their stories in context and feel life is worth living!

Don Arthur, M.D.

This gripping ,intimate story covers a beautiful womans saga from a suburban middle class upbringing to pot smoking, alcohol- use then abuse. Her journey in and out of education, bars, sex, drugs and rock and roll....After years of stupid, self destroying behavior...She finds a 12 Step Program,learns to live a complete life then Graduates at the Top of her class from 2 of the Nations finest Universities and emerges as one of Washington DC's most respected,dedicated and devoted Counslers/Psyco Analysts. Her story is riviting and an inspiration.

This is a remarkable story of courage and perseverance, but most of all hope. And one of the most important "take aways" is that recovering from addiction is more than not just using - it is about allowing changes in attitudes, beliefs and actions to permeate the rest of your life. Dr. Smith does a wonderful job in allowing this part of the story to unfold, as she takes us through her journey through a "new life."

I've read it 3x since purchasing it about a month ago. And I never fail to find something worthwhile even when picking it up to peruse a few pages. Lots of lessons here!!

I very recently read this book and would recommend it to anyone who is in recovery and looking for answers on how to get better emotionally and spiritually after addiction. While many books have accounts of the active addiction, this book is more about understanding the underlying causes and the way out to spritual growth. The author's deep understanding of the addictions that have affected many in our society, gives hope to the newly recovered alcoholic and drug addict looking for a reason to continue in their search for sobriety and meaning in their lives.