Back to the Garden: An Alcoholic's Journey Home

by Anonymous

Join the author as he refocuses his very personal descent into addiction and with unusual clarity is able to present it and his ongoing recovery in the language of the awakening human spirit. Unlike many, this is not a story of trial and despair, but one of openness to life's many voices and a willingness to seek ever-deeper into its meaning. If you've ever sensed that there might be more to life and living than what is apparent on the surface then this book will have a place in your personal journey.

99 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 6, 2015

About the author

Books can be attributed to "Anonymous" for several reasons:

* They are officially published under that name
* They are traditional stories not attributed to a specific author
* They are religious texts not generally attributed to a specific author

Books whose authorship is merely uncertain should be attributed to Unknown.

See also: Anonymous

Reviews

[Zainab · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 Supportive stars.

This book is Literally an alcoholic's journey home. It shows that sometimes we become blind to our truth and we do not accept to admit it even though all the facts are proving us wrong.

In order to have any chance of survival, I needed to trust and ask for help.

I loved it when this person decided to get help just to save their marriage, I thought it was an act of love and proved that even "selfish" people(as the author call himself) can be caring for other than themselves.

I decided to see a counselor and have a chemical dependency evaluation. In truth, I did this more to save my marriage than for any self-interest.

I do recommend this book to whomever have a problem with addiction in any way possible. It's sad how it took this anonymous human being decades to reconcile with himself but very grateful that he decided to share his story with the world so WE do not make the same mistakes.

[Susan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I find it ironic that the author talks of moving on from a “me” vs “you” mentality of his days of alcoholism, when he has proceeds to focus on his individual journey of spiritual enlightenment. He makes little effort to address the harm he my have caused others or any efforts he has made to make amends to them as suggested by 12 step programs.

He shares few insights on alcoholism gained from his years working as a physician. Since he spent time working on indian reservations, the reader might have expected some discussion of addiction problems encountered as there is a common perception that problems are not unusual on reservations.

The author’s choice to remain anonymous (aside from a photo of himself with his grandmother as an infant) detracts form his credibility as a recovering alcoholic.

[Goth Gone Grey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but powerful story

This is a quick read, with chapters only a few pages each. It's factual, often removed from the emotion of the situation. The author shows the progression of his disease/addiction.

From partway through the book, not quite at rock bottom:

”I was distant, drinking all the time, and not turning out to be the father she wanted for her son. One day she came home from work to find me drinking beer in the garage. I was caring for our son and when she arrived he was playing on the floor with some empty beer cans. It was then that she realized this couldn’t go on. She told me that I had to quit drinking. "

His journey after deciding to break the addiction cycle is similarly documented, including physical, psychological, and spiritual. I wish him peace and continued success on his journey.

[Debbie Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest and insightful

This is a story of one man's journey into alcohol and drug addiction and his subsequent path of recovery. Toward the end he draws parallels between an individual's dis-ease and society's.

[Diana Snedeker simmons · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too simplistic

The story was too simplified...not enough detail. Unable to make an emotional connection. Also too preachy, especially at the end.

[Kimberly Westrope · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I appreciate the author’s attempt at enlightening those who struggle or know someone who struggles with addiction, or is in recovery, I think this book really lacks the emotional impact it needs to be taken seriously. Having gone through the addiction/recovery process recently with a loved one, I can say for certain, in my case anyway, that there is much more to it than this author portrays. It is a very difficult undertaking to choose recovery, but a very rewarding one as well. This book could have been so much more worth reading had the other really dug deep and made that emotional connection with the audience.

[Pragya · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book didn't add to my knowledge. It didn't really give a florid version of the personal experience. The meditation experiences of the author were eerie at best. The author's feelings weren't expressed. The book read from event to event and perhaps some thoughts but due to absence of feelings, I was unable to connect with the author at all.

[Amanda Story · Rating 4 out of 5]

Journey of the spirit.

Nice insight. How fantastic it could be to all accept his view on religion. I wish there was a bit more of his inner struggle with his wife leaving, and how he learned to bounce back from that.

[Julie Blair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Copyright when?

I can't find a copyright date. When was this published? Is it an AA book? No judgment just curious.
Thanks