Tag Archives: books about addiction

An Unsolicited Plug

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For several reasons I make it a point not to review books or accept ads, “infographics,“ and guest posts on this blog, except in extremely rare situations.  When I tried it the first one led to more, and to requests that didn’t meet my standards (never easy to refuse for a codependent like me), plus other complications, like conflicts of interest, etc.  I don’t like hassles, and promoting business in whatever fashion is not the purpose of this site.  However, it’s my blog, and I occasionally make exceptions for myself when I think it’s important enough.  This is one of those times.

My long-time readers will probably have noticed the blurb in the sidebar for Joe C’s book, Beyond Belief, Agnostic Musings For 12-Step Life.  No doubt the word “agnostic” turned some of them off.  I’d like to comment on that, and explain why the ad, recommendation, or whatever you want to call it is there.

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A Novel’s Twists Immerse a Writer in the World of Addiction

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Her first Narcotics Anonymous meeting was on the Lower East Side in Manhattan in what she called “a vaguely scary, sad and disturbing neighborhood.” As she was searching for the entrance to the building, she found herself down in a little, secluded basement area off the street. She heard someone behind her and looked up to see a large, disheveled man coming down the steps toward her. She thought, “Oh, God, I’m going to die doing research for this book.” Then he spoke, she said, and his voice was gentle and friendly.

Inside the meetings, she found herself in an environment that felt safe: courageous people struggling hard with their demons. The least frightening people in the world, she said. “I felt enormously moved and humbled.” she said. “You have never seen such courage.” She began to understand so much more of what it’s like to be haunted by an irresistible and shaming passion, she said.

Books – A Novel’s Twists Immerse a Writer in the World of Addiction – NYTimes.com