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Slogans & Solutions: 76 A.A. Slogans Discussed and Place in a Holistic Recovery Context
A central tenet at meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A) and Narcotics Anonymous (N.A.) is that anyone can pretty much say anything when they share without fear of interruption or “crosstalk.”
This is a good thing, but it can lead to confusion after the fact.
This book dissects and explains the sayings often repeated at these meetings—slogans—while emphasizing that these slogans by themselves don’t solve anything: We must work hard every day to be successful.
And—although this sometimes seems hard to fathom to those in early recovery—the nature of this work can change: It is anything but drudgery. The despair of active addiction fades into the background, and we are blessed with a joyous, busy, and full life.
Michael Wiggins has worked as an addictions counselor for the past fourteen years. He lives in Homewood, Illinois with his wife Judy. Mark Walker is the author of several articles and two previous books, Vietnam Veteran Films and Writing for Television (with Stuart M. Kaminsky). He lives in Palos Park, Illinois with his wife Mary. The authors both met and work at The Center in Palos Park (http://thecenterpalos.org). This book started with two guys sitting around talking about recovery.
This is a good thing, but it can lead to confusion after the fact.
This book dissects and explains the sayings often repeated at these meetings—slogans—while emphasizing that these slogans by themselves don’t solve anything: We must work hard every day to be successful.
And—although this sometimes seems hard to fathom to those in early recovery—the nature of this work can change: It is anything but drudgery. The despair of active addiction fades into the background, and we are blessed with a joyous, busy, and full life.
Michael Wiggins has worked as an addictions counselor for the past fourteen years. He lives in Homewood, Illinois with his wife Judy. Mark Walker is the author of several articles and two previous books, Vietnam Veteran Films and Writing for Television (with Stuart M. Kaminsky). He lives in Palos Park, Illinois with his wife Mary. The authors both met and work at The Center in Palos Park (http://thecenterpalos.org). This book started with two guys sitting around talking about recovery.
94 pages, Paperback
First published July 3, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 17, 2013
This book should be on the reading list for those in AA and similar 12-step recovery programs - and of interest to everyone. I would highly recommend it. The authors share remarkable insight into many of the slogans and sayings used that can be ambiguous (especially to program newcomers) and present real, easy to understand solutions/explanations.
I felt the unique conversation-style of the book allowed me to connect with each author individually as they each shared their thoughts and experiences. This not only made the solutions more interesting, but also more relatable and I think readers will appreciate that. I liked how each of the 76 slogans was limited to one easy-to-read page, allowing just enough room for a short but meaningful discussion. I found much interesting information here that can be applied to different areas of my life, and I'm sure others will too. In fact, my copy is now thick with highlighted passages and paragraphs. Two that particularly touched me:
[6. Practice an Attitude of Gratitude, pg. 16]
Mark: ... It's impossible to be resentful and grateful at the same time, and that alone makes it important.
[15. To Thine Own Self Be True, pg. 26]
Michael: It's kind of a definition of humility: You're being yourself, stripped away of masks, having no pretenses.
I was provided this book by the authors through the Goodreads Giveaway program in exchange for an original and unbiased review.
I felt the unique conversation-style of the book allowed me to connect with each author individually as they each shared their thoughts and experiences. This not only made the solutions more interesting, but also more relatable and I think readers will appreciate that. I liked how each of the 76 slogans was limited to one easy-to-read page, allowing just enough room for a short but meaningful discussion. I found much interesting information here that can be applied to different areas of my life, and I'm sure others will too. In fact, my copy is now thick with highlighted passages and paragraphs. Two that particularly touched me:
[6. Practice an Attitude of Gratitude, pg. 16]
Mark: ... It's impossible to be resentful and grateful at the same time, and that alone makes it important.
[15. To Thine Own Self Be True, pg. 26]
Michael: It's kind of a definition of humility: You're being yourself, stripped away of masks, having no pretenses.
I was provided this book by the authors through the Goodreads Giveaway program in exchange for an original and unbiased review.
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June 13, 2016Casual and relaxed dialogue between two friends with long experience in AA, discussing the axioms and aphorisms for which the program has become famous...or infamous, depending upon your perspective.
September 17, 2013
I enjoyed this reading from the very beginning, it is refreshing to hear opinions that are based on common sense and directly to the point of approaching recovery from this killer disease. Surrender and Action, Action, Action, is the key to this, and Mr. Wiggins and Mr. Walker have done a fantastic job in displaying the common sense with simplicity that I believe has been lost for a bit within the world of 12 step programs!!!! I encourage all to explore with an open mind!!!!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews