Biting Back: A No-Nonsense, No-Garlic Guide to Facing the Personal Vampires in Your Life

by Claudia Cunningham

According to lore, a vampire cannot enter your home without an invitation. Putting a spiritual spin on this well-known rule, Claudia Cunningham presents a powerful strategy for dealing with freeloading friends, suffocating spouses, harmful habits, and other "vampires" who drain your heart, mind, and spirit. This engaging and indispensable guide―based on spiritual principles the author used to overcome dependency―teaches you how to cope effectively with toxic relationships and beliefs. Cunningham features excerpts from her "Ask the Slayer" column and personal anecdotes illustrating how she vanquished her own vampires. Learn how to take responsibility for your life, establish strong boundaries, and arm yourself with an arsenal of self-knowledge and confidence. With the incisive wisdom in Biting Back , you'll be equipped to defeat any Draculas you encounter.

240 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2010

Reviews

[Bruce Grossman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here's a book that I would be ashamed to be seen with in public-- a low brow New Age book that combines vampire symbolism and the twelve steps program-- something I just was amused at, at the library-- but a really good read-- doesn't talk down to you-- comes off just like common sense-- for me, a useful guide to dealing with the quotidian jerks of everyday life.

P.S. Don't tell anyone else I read this book. But I recommend it highly.

[OGEE Substack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was recently locked in a prison (of my own creation) without a computer or any books except THIS one - which I found lying around somewhere. I was trying desperately to avoid my own thoughts and wound up reading this like three times in a row. Hardly the most profound book of all time, but it's very honest, and you can learn stuff from it. And it did say a few things that helped me through my dark, depressed mindset at exactly the right time. And for that - I am grateful.

[Shayle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the self-help book of my dreams... using vampire lore to help slay negative relationships or attachments in my life! I didn’t agree with fully everything, but I enjoyed his book very much and highly recommend it! 🧛🏻‍♂️

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

12-step spirituality meets vampire lore. This book is witty and engaging, and a great guide to "slaying the vampires" in your life, whatever your spiritual path. A real gem!