This isn't a read-once-and-put-in-storage book. For me, it's for savoring; it's a reference book. Daily Reprieve is not written for the masses. It's cThis isn't a read-once-and-put-in-storage book. For me, it's for savoring; it's a reference book. Daily Reprieve is not written for the masses. It's carefully and thoughtfully written for a niche. No one knows what the future holds in store but this niche could be mainstream some day; it's growing group of alcoholics and addicts who are looking for a secular view of the 12-Step philosophy.
Based on a peer-to-peer book that has 35,000,000 copies in print and counting, there are plenty who love the "Big Book" of Alcoholics Anonymous just as is; "Don't mess with what works!" If folks in this camp did read this book this would be delightfully eye-opening for them.
For realists, skeptics, humanists of people of faith who don't subscribe to the Judeo/Christian narrative, you couldn't blame this audience for feeling the Big Book doesn't include them. An atheist/agnostic may feel slighted, insulted or hostile towards the 1939 folk-wisdom of AA and not have much time or energy for a book about the Big Book. That's a shame.
Then there are those of us, who understand how, as a means of communication, the English language is an imperfect instrument. AA members didn't create the 12-Step program from scratch; the principle author, Bill W said, "A.A. was not invented! Its basics were brought to us through the experience and wisdom of many great friends. We simply borrowed and adapted their ideas." I fall in this camp and I would describe AA's ideas about affliction and recovery as being timeless principles that were codified in a 1930's, middle-American language. For people who appreciate that book, who could blame for feeling that these principles have a sacred quality; that's fine. But many have over-shot the runway and treat the words (the original religious language) as sacred. While that's anyone's right; the original writing limits the message's reach. Thankfully, these fluid ideas aren't locked-away just because of this resistance to change. Alex M has reinvigorated these fluid, timeless ideas with a secular translation that widens the gateway and modernizes the language of these same trusted principles.
I know that to write such a book is a labor of love and a great sacrifice. Being an avid reader of addiction/recovery literature, I can say that this thoughtful effort fills a previously unmet need. This book is the type of book whereby those who like it - me included - will like it a lot.
Merged review:
This isn't a read-once-and-put-in-storage book. For me, it's for savoring; it's a reference book. Daily Reprieve is not written for the masses. It's carefully and thoughtfully written for a niche. No one knows what the future holds in store but this niche could be mainstream some day; it's growing group of alcoholics and addicts who are looking for a secular view of the 12-Step philosophy.
Based on a peer-to-peer book that has 35,000,000 copies in print and counting, there are plenty who love the "Big Book" of Alcoholics Anonymous just as is; "Don't mess with what works!" If folks in this camp did read this book this would be delightfully eye-opening for them.
For realists, skeptics, humanists of people of faith who don't subscribe to the Judeo/Christian narrative, you couldn't blame this audience for feeling the Big Book doesn't include them. An atheist/agnostic may feel slighted, insulted or hostile towards the 1939 folk-wisdom of AA and not have much time or energy for a book about the Big Book. That's a shame.
Then there are those of us, who understand how, as a means of communication, the English language is an imperfect instrument. AA members didn't create the 12-Step program from scratch; the principle author, Bill W said, "A.A. was not invented! Its basics were brought to us through the experience and wisdom of many great friends. We simply borrowed and adapted their ideas." I fall in this camp and I would describe AA's ideas about affliction and recovery as being timeless principles that were codified in a 1930's, middle-American language. For people who appreciate that book, who could blame for feeling that these principles have a sacred quality; that's fine. But many have over-shot the runway and treat the words (the original religious language) as sacred. While that's anyone's right; the original writing limits the message's reach. Thankfully, these fluid ideas aren't locked-away just because of this resistance to change. Alex M has reinvigorated these fluid, timeless ideas with a secular translation that widens the gateway and modernizes the language of these same trusted principles.
I know that to write such a book is a labor of love and a great sacrifice. Being an avid reader of addiction/recovery literature, I can say that this thoughtful effort fills a previously unmet need. This book is the type of book whereby those who like it - me included - will like it a lot....more
Full disclosure: I published this book. I read the manuscript before I published it and fell in love with this newest of my “go-to often� gems. 30 ThiFull disclosure: I published this book. I read the manuscript before I published it and fell in love with this newest of my “go-to often� gems. 30 Things has earned its place on a smallish bookshelf beside my desk, which I can reach when on the phone or computer or when I need a pause.
These “things� are challenges, experiences, tests, and samples of one's journey in life. Bill Schaberg stands above “advice columnist� types of authors, leading with the vulnerability of these very personal stories. He is not simplistic, preachy, or sensational. In other words, this is not one of those disposable �30 ways to finally have the joy you deserve� books.
Schaberg’s writing legacy has been research-based, a systematic unpacking that shines a light on someone else or something else. 30 Things is a legacy book, handing over the spoils of one seeker's findings to another, not as the teacher but as a fellow who clearly recognizes the finitude and fragility of one life to live....more
11 years of research--I always wonder if an author would sign-up for such a journey if they really knew ahead of time, what was in store. William answ11 years of research--I always wonder if an author would sign-up for such a journey if they really knew ahead of time, what was in store. William answered me, but the answer doesn't stick with me, I think he went back to topic he was so passionate about. Is it helpful for an author to be realistic about their endeavor? I guess it's not a yes/no answer, even if the question if framed that way.
What impresses me, beyond the dedication and discipline with which the evidence is laid out, is that this 800 page behemoth reads more like a detective novel than a history book. Schaberg is obviously enthusiastic about letting the documentary research tell it's story. Much of the history of AA didn't start getting asked about or written down until about 20 years later. What was recalled, told and repeated for the next 60 years doesn't line up with with what the recorded documents tell us about the 18 months that led to the publication of a book that the Library of Congress would call one of 88 books from the 20th century that shaped American life. Some myths fall by the wayside, including the popular idea that the book was a collective effort and that the Twelve Steps were born of a widely practices six-step process from the gutter to right living. A clearer, more factual story isn't any less remarkable.
Great organization goes into notes and sources. At the time of this review, the publisher is initiating a third printing. Anyone who had at least a passing interest in the self-help/mutual-aid movement ought to find much they like in this work. ...more
My kind of book, unabashed memoir meets investigative journalism. This is intelligent and well researched. It doesn't have the dispassion of a strict My kind of book, unabashed memoir meets investigative journalism. This is intelligent and well researched. It doesn't have the dispassion of a strict journalistic work because of the personal candor which I think adds - not distracts - from this story telling of Americana drunkards, some of which find themselves sober and wondering, "Where will my inspiration come from if not from the bottom of a bottle?"
In a world of disposable content, I expect this book will still be meeting-after-the-meeting chatter for 20 years to come. ...more
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