Customer Reviews

Codependence and the Power of Detachment

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

After reading the descriptions and reviews of about a dozen different books on co-dependency, I chose this one because, based on the description, it seemed exactly what I was looking for. I wanted a book that would tell me what co-dependency is, and then give me specific information about how to use the art of detachment to overcome it.

That is not what I got from this book.

This book contains extremely repetitive anecdotal accounts of people with varying levels of co-dependency, all weaved together to make an overwhelming message: GO JOIN AL-ANON!!

Really, that's all this book is, a 170-page advertisement for Al-Anon. There are a few insightful comments scattered about, but they are not organized in any coherent or logical way.

I definitely have some codependent traits, and it is definitely something that is impacting my marriage to an addict who is resisting recovery; however, this book really did not give me any useful information that I can now apply to my life. So, I'll be looking for another book to do that I guess, because it's harder to find an Al-Anon meeting in small towns than you might think and I'm not convinced that Al-Anon is the answer to all things plaguing relationships.

Get a different book.

I highly recommend this book for anyone trying to recover or is in the process of recovering from codependency. After having read many of Karen Casey's books and attended many of her workshops: I have found her to be very knowledgable in this area. I recently read this book and am reading it again because there is so much information to absorb. Karen uses other's stories to emphasize what so many of us are going through or have gone through to reclaim our life. It makes it more personal to read about a particular person's situation, how they dealt with it and how their life has changed.

I had high hopes for this book, but I was disappointed. The book contains 21 stories of friends and family of alcoholics who improved their lives by going to Al-anon meetings. By itself, that should have at least been inspiring, but the stories are written in a very boring, wooden, detached style that makes them all seem exactly alike.

In addition, there is really no discussion about what codependency is, where it comes from, or what the reader can do about it (besides going to Al-anon.) The book is really only a collection of stories with no real context or synthesis. And, since the author's writing style manages to strip all emotion and inspiration from these stories, the book is pretty much a waste of time.

The back cover of this book is misleading. It is not a self-help book for the reader; it's just a collection of poorly transcribed Al-anon member stories. The author doesn't even really define codependency or detachment, and seems to assume we all already knows what she means.

Also, this book is specific to alcoholism. There is no information for people who are codependent to other types of addicts.

After reading Jamie's review, I feel drawn to respond. Jamie, I am sending you love and best wishes in your search for help with codependency. As a long time member of Al-Anon I have found I cannot "read" my way to recovery. I tried it and none of the books were just what I needed because what I actually needed was support from others who were walking my walk. For me, Karen's newest book is a summary of what I have experienced. I could relate to every woman's story in some way or another and Karen's analysis and insights are right on target. They help crystalize each issue. The way she time and again, in the book, shows examples of LOVING detachment is a wonderful reminder for me to keep the focus on the kind of woman I have decided I want to be. I am delighted at the way Karen shares herself and her own experiences along this path of recovery. She is an author who walks the walk. Her sharing is empowering and gives me hope. This book is a brilliant beacon lighting the way for me. I give it a FIVE STAR rating!
Becky A.

Detachment with love, as Karen so deftly describes, is what is required to live a contented, peaceful life, regardless of our life circumstances. Codependence is overreliance on others for your own happiness. Overcoming it, or perhaps better stated, managing it, requires a personal shift in thinking, and "how this works" can best be understood through example and personal stories, such as are shared in this moving documentary (as well as through Alanon). There is no magic bullet, here, and others have travelled this path. I am grateful to Karen for her persistent efforts to share her own and others' experience, strength and hope. If you are open to learning from others, then this book will be helpful. It was to me!

The book was quite interesting to read. I think I had different expectations then the author put forward, a lot of the book dealt with experiences the author had an Al-Anon. It was a well written book, however, it was not what I was expecting.

Haven't finished reading yet, but author Karen Casey has a powerful message in what I have read. I would recomend Codependence and the Power of Detachment to anyone who thinks they have a problem with codependency.

KA

Excellent practical book for those needing help defining and setting boundaries in their relationships. I bought three books and have recommended it to numerous others. If you can't get to an Alanon meeting, buy this book!

This book is the first step in my journey toward repairing my dysfunctional relationships within my family. My goal is that I learn to not react to stress within my family, and that I am proactive instead.
This book may help you recognize codependence where it wasn't noticed before. It outlines various cases, identifying the flaws and source of problematic patterns.

I have bought six of this book in the last month ( and probably will buy more!) to give to various friends. I highly recommend it for recovering people, especially those in Alanon and A.A.. The Author is obviously very knowledgeable about 12 Step recovery and gives much information describing co-dependent behaviors throughout her story-telling format. I particularly enjoyed her interpretations and application of the Twelve Steps in chapters 18 through 21. Dtteachment with love along with setting boundaries seems to work and ms. Casey's clear and personal stories should be beneficial to anyone in recovery. Peggy K.