Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Although I have struggled with alcohol, other addictions, and depression for years, I had always previously burned through it (largely - my thanks to JTK, DSH, Electro, who I have called at 2AM) alone. I quit smoking cold turkey, and have been free some 2 years, though it took me five years of starts and stops before I could do those 2 years. Alcohol was the next drug, and I found it to be bigger than me.

This book has its basis on the AA 12 step program. I read it in four nights because I couldn't fit into three. The book is not about alcohol. It is about life, and how we fit into it, and although Mr. Bear may make suggestions, he largely allows the reader to draw his (her) own conclusions.

A note of caution, though: If you read this book, and I mean really read it, not just run your eyes over the assembled letters, you will face some difficult issues and make some hard discoveries about who you are. Is it worth it? You bet it is. There is only one person you go to bed with every night, and wake up to every morning: you. Might as well be the best you possible.

Just like the other reviews, I would NEVER have guessed this book would be such a joy. My friend gave me this book, because I was in deep despair and could not find peace. Her concern and prayer guided her to this book for me, and in turn she gave me a copy. At first I thought ... "oh boy, here we go -- ANOTHER book...yuck" I set it aside for 2 days, and finally cracked the book on a Saturday morning. You couldn't tear me away....and I found Peace. I found comfort, hope and love. I wish I could talk to Tyler!! And someday -- if I ever have 33 years of sobriety, I will STILL be giving this book to my friends!

This book is excellent for us overly intellectual alcoholics. I was just on the verge of discovering some of this on my own and WHAM there it was. I can't say enough about it.Divine intervention or what?

This book made me laugh and cry. It's simple story of a man hitting bottom, reaching out for help, and struggling to accept that help was a joy to read. The insights and spiritual tools helped me to realize/remember that it is not the specifics of religious or spiritual dogma but the practice of a spiritual quest that brings grace.

This is the best book on recovery I have ever read at any time at any place. I have been in AA for 28 years and this tops all the self-help books known to man!

What a surprise, a book dealing with recovering one's true identity and direction that is well written, incredibly insightful and has wit and humor to boot!

We all wrestle with problems of dysfunction and despair on some level and this small volume provides us with enlightening questions and answers- also on a number of levels.

Who, pray tell, knew there was so much wisdon in the Bird Sutra (the what? Don't worry, all is made clear as you read)?

You will find THE DARK NIGHT OF RECOVERY easy to read. You will delight in sign posts along the path from such esoteric sources as Kabir and Rumi and Hector the Mendicant to the AA Big Book, Winnie the Pooh, the Velveteen Rabbit, Yoda and Luke Skywalker.

Ignore the dreadful cover and buy this book anyway. Then tell your friends to buy their own. You'll want to re-read this...often.

May The Force and The Great Pumpkin be with you, or, as is said in Alice in Wonderland "...then turn not pale, beloved snail, but come and join the dance."

i recently read this book at the urging of a friend of mine who is a recovering alcoholic. at the time, i was at a crossroads in my life with regards to my 10 year marriage and in my professional career. i felt like it was time for a change in my life and actually envied my friend in a.a. for having a forum to help him find his way.

i started this book with few expectations it would be of any relevance or assistance. after all, how could a story about a "drunk" help me? what i found was a story interesting enough that i have since given a copy of this book to my business partner as well as a few other friends.

the main characters are a yale lawyer and a grizzled old convict who develop a bond that helps them find how really alike they are. in the tale the author uses inspirational literature from a.a. as well as from the ages to develop this idea. some of the quotes he uses to make his points are reminders to me, a "nonalcoholic", that the human condition makes us more alike than different.

for saints or sinners,drunks or normal folk, this book is a must read for anyone who ever thought there may be a better way to live or who just want to read a good book.

I read this book because my friend said how great it was, and I was pleasantly suprised! Although you may be tempted to simply dismiss this tiny little book because of it's unsuspecting size, don't be. The story as a whole, is quite unpretentious, yet, I was sincerley charmed throughout the entire book. This man's journey through life, is depicted in such an honest way, that the story unsuspectingly succeeds in conveying the spiritual truths and knowledge of life in many ways. It is a realistic look at our struggles in life with what seems like complicated problems and offers simple spiritual solutions. By using references to Winnie the Pooh and Alice in Wonderland, it makes it easy for anyone to realize that there is always hope in life; the answer is always easier than we might think. All in all I would give this book a "spiritual two thumbs up!"

I was doing my weekly service committment answering phones at the Santa Cruz County, CA., Central Office, and in walks this dynamite, enthusiastic lady with 14 months sober. I've got eight years and have been hitting my second bottom. Agony! We talk and she tells me about this book, which I proceed to order - and IT'S about second bottoms! A perfect book for me. I've seen stuff in it that puts things in the right light - like a passage from the Tao that reads: "The Proverb has it that/The way of light often looks dark./The way that goes forward appears to go backward./The flat path looks hilly./The power that is lofty looks like an abyss./The power that stands firm looks flimsy./What is in its pure state looks faded./Great talents ripen late./Great sound is silent./Great form is shapeless./The Tao is hidden and nameless./ Yet it alone knows how to render help and fulfill." Well, I tell ya, folks. That really made sense to me. It's about giving up the struggle and letting God, because this AA Higher Power is just like that, and always kind.
I'll finish this review with a little plug for the people at Evanco who took my order and sent this used book to me in very good shape and in very good time. Great people!

Keep Coming Back!
Thomas

This book is a must read for those in recovery but I think it would help almost anyone. I got it from someone who bought 10 copies and gave them to everyone close to her. Now I want to buy 10 copies and give it to those I care about. The twelve steps are presented to you in a way that allows you to appreciate the journey. Trudging the road to happy destiny, I couldn't put the book down! I'm starting to read it again and have formed a group w/several other women, we will meet monthly and go through each chapter so we can continue to grow together -- one day at a time. Bless you Tyler and Bob...and Edward Bear wherever you are!