The Dark Night of Recovery: Conversations from the Bottom of the Bottle

by Edward Bear

This inspiring work shows readers what it feels like to "hit the wall" or "hit bottom" on a spiritual path, and gives them insight on how to move forward toward a better life. It deals with the darkness, the despair and the joy that are inherent in the quest for enlightenment and self-knowing. Though focused mainly on issues relating to recovery from various kinds of addictions, the principles presented in this tale hold true for all spiritual journeys. The story of The Dark Night of Recovery is in the form of an ongoing dialogue between a relative newcomer to recovery (Lawyer Bob) and an old-timer (Tyler) who meet every two weeks to discuss life and turmoil and love and lust and everything else. Each of the twelve chapters deals with one of the Twelve Steps, using the wisdom of the Tao, the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, Winnie the Pooh, Yoda, Thomas Merton and many others. The story line follows Bob as he struggles through personal and spiritual problems, trying to apply the principles he is learning. At the end of the twelve sessions, Bob (and hopefully the reader) has acquired a few more skills to apply to the art of living one day at a time.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction

204 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Jiro Dreams of Suchy]

If you’re reading this with an open mind you WILL be able to pull a few nuggets from the disparate sources from ancient philosophy and religious texts to Winnie the Pooh and Yoda. I liked the message but I honestly didn’t love the conversational style writing and wish it was written in a more direct manner but I’m wearing this world like a loose garment and am happy I read it.

[Leighann]

This book just supported me as I journeyed through my own dark night of recovery, and blew my mind with all the light bulbs it turned on for me. 15 years sober but I was as crispy as they come for several years. Read this if this book mysteriously comes across your path like it did mine.

[Sergio Medina]

Short, but profound. These are real conversations with real advice. Useful for anyone, not just addicts. We're all trying to control something.

[Vanessa]

The book was ok, not what I was expecting. I have an internship working at Salvation Army with alcohol and drug addicts and I wanted to learn more about addiction and recovery so I asked a co-worker what books she would recommend and she gave me this one. The whole book is a conversation between a sponsor and his sponsee going through the 12 step program. I was expecting something geared more towards counselors and something more educational but instead it was like sitting in on their sessions as they go through the 12 steps. Also, from the blurb on the back of the book, the author is not a licensed counselor. If you want a book on addiction and recovery that's educational, I would not recommend this book but if you just want to see how one person's experience going through the 12 step program is then this would be a good book to read.

[James]

A great book for people in recovery, but even more, for anyone interested in living the examined life. The author portrays a number of the hurdles and spiritual growth experiences common in early recovery, and also common in the lives of "normies." This book could be a useful part of the process of self-exploration and education of the soul for any of us.

[Sharon Rainey]

It had some good one-liners; just not as insightful as i was hoping for.

[Eric]

If you think this is for you, it is. If not, it's not.

[Breeze]

A wonderful book with engaging characters that explores taking responsibility for our choices and exploring what part God plays in our lives.