Customer Reviews

Courage to Change: Personal Conversation About Alcoholism with Dennis Wholey

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When I read The Courage to Change the first time (1987, the original edition) it changed my life because it explained alcoholism in a concrete way that was easy to understand. The stories from alcoholic (and some nonalcoholic) celebrities go a long way toward illustrating the damage this disease causes while showing that you don't have to be the proverbial falling-down drunk or daily drinker to be an alcoholic. The stories also, by the way, are entertaining and show the humanity of some of the household names who tell them. Wholey mixes up the rhythm of this book enough that you don't get bored. Something here for everyone--I've personally bought literally more than 12 copies to give away. I recommend it highly. Thanks, Dennis Wholey!

Alcoholism cuts across all divides, afflicting the young, the old, the rich, the poor, the famous, the unknown. In this very absorbing book, author and interviewer Dennis Wholey meets with a few of them and presents their thoughts on how they became alcoholics, how it affected their lives, and what they did in an effort to control their disease.

The book breaks down into several sections. After a short introduction by actor, singer, and alcoholic Gordon MacRae, Wholey describes his own journey--and then launches into sections titled "The Beginning," "The Progression," "Quitting," and "A New Life," in which the likes of Doc Severinson, Shecky Green, Gary Crosby, Bob Welch, and Thomas Tryon describe their personal experiences with the disease at various stages. Other sections include "The Woman Alcoholic," "Alcoholism and Homosexuality," "Wives and Alcoholic Husbands," and "The Families of Alcoholics."

Although the book finishes out with information on Al-Anon and A.A., it does not actually "preach" either organization as a cure-all for every alcoholic, and several of the interview subjects found relief through various other organizations or techniques.

You might suppose this book will be of interest only to other alcoholics, but that is far from the case. With a broad range of personalities involved--Gale Storm, Jason Robarbs, Grace Slick, and Billy Carter to name but four more--it offers a truly fascinating look into both the individual and the disease. It also offers inspiration for any one who has ever faced the need to make substantial life-changes for any reason.

If there is a flaw in the book, it is that it has a slightly dated quality. Although it offers a section on "The Woman Alcoholic," the emphasis is on men, and the "Alcoholism and Homosexuality" section consists of a single interview that has, in many respects, suffered a great deal from changing attitudes and better research. Even so, while an update would be welcome, COURAGE TO CHANGE remains a powerful testament and inspiration.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer

I have read this book twice now and have told many of my friends about it. If you or someone you know is battling with alcoholism I highly recommend this book. The stories vary from person to person, and it's interesting to read all the different stories. If someone thinks they might have a problem with alcohol, this book will certainly shed some light on whether they may need more help with their problem. The book is inspirational, heart-wrenching and stories of the individuals are courageous. There is help, and you're not alone. Change is possible.

I bought this for my husband who goes to AA. He has read the personal stories many times and shares them. He is known to not only share stories but his books also. So this book was a replacement for the last one he gave away. It's his personal favorite and says it has done more for him than the AA Big Book.
I also can identify with the stories and find them helpful and inspirational. Read this book if your life has been affected by alcoholism.

THis book was a powerful and emotional one for me. Maybe I read it just at the right time, or maybe the right time made me choose this book.... but in any case it helped me through my recovery. I have been in recovery for three years and I will read it again and again to keep on the right track.
Excellent

Great buy, would definately recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with the affects of alcohol in their life.