Customer Reviews

A Man's Way through the Twelve Steps

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It's rare in the culture today to be in a place where men speak deep and brutally honest truth about themselves and their lives. A Man's Way Through the Twelve Steps offers readers a taste of that kind of experience and the enormous healing power that results. This book is a gift for any man who wants to better understand his core masculinity and a powerful resource for those who have wondered about or who have ever sat in twelve step circles.

A Man's Way is not so much a "how to" recovery book, but one that sets a new bar for the kind of very non-traditional dialogue between men, based on openness, vulnerability, and heart-based connection in the process of recovery from addiction. Dan Griffin and the courageous men who have so honestly shared their stories give us all a look inside of men's souls and show us how men, together, can face the challenges of sobriety. I am a man with twenty-four years in recovery, and an author who has been involved with groups and organizations that focus on men's issues and development. From that perspective, I think this book offers a necessary and helpful fresh look at the twelve steps through very masculine eyes. I also think that Dan Griffin might just become the new voice of men in recovery.

Earl Hipp
Author
[...]

This book offers a comprehensive review of the 12 steps of recovery, and how they impact and affect the different facets of a male's life. This book would be a phenomenal tool for a person new to recovery in a 12-step program. It addresses, and assists to overcome, some of the biggest fears facing a man new to sobriety. For a veteran of recovery, it offers fresh perspective, and forces one to take a look at whether they are "walking the walk". The book invites an honest self-evaluation of how close you toe-the-line.
For a person newly sober (or in any form of recovery), or for a veteran that's trying to further his growth in spirituality and sobriety, this book is an invaluable tool to add to your library. When read with an open mind, you'll be forced to evaluate if you're in pursuit of the four absolutes, or if you're simply coasting through sobriety.

Having not grown up with alcoholism/addiction, I did not realize the profound impact it has until I married a man in recovery. This book is not only going to help men talk more openly and honestly about their experiences in recovery and their struggles as men, but it will also help many women, like myself, gain insight into and support the men we love. This book gives a revealing look at men and has helped me to better understand the man I love, how to support him, as well as how to best communicate with him. I recommend it for men and women alike!

Dan Griffin's insightful examination of many of the root causes of the behavior of men is enlightening. Men in recovery seeking to lead an examined life will find this book very relevant in that there are many myths that are so ingrained that they are often overlooked. Mr. Griffin's research and use of interview material makes his message even more meaningful and powerful. Because the subject is discussed in the context of the 12 Steps, this book will become a valuable resource for me as I work with others.

As the author states in his book, "This book is meant in part to be a wake-up call." And that is exactly what it was for me. Actually eye opening. It gave me new perspective into who men are and how they deal with issues such as alcoholism. I now have a new understanding of what my husband has gone through and continues to go through everyday of his life. This book is clearly written with a real understanding of the unique experience of men with addictions. Highly recommended.

I liked Dan Griffin's approach because he integrates wisdom gained in Men's work since the 1980's with the fundamental, dynamic process that characterizes 12-step recovery to rebuilding self-esteem. His chapters on "Men and Grief", "Men and Relationships" and "Men, Violence and Trauma" spoke directly to my life experiences. Griffin's incorporation of the new technology of treating trauma in the context of recovery is a breakthrough.

I work with many people in recovery, and many who are trying to achieve recovery. This book is a wonderful, culturally proficient guide for many men who are trying to find a place in this world to be true to themselves in recovery. Many cultural precepts make it difficult for men to work through the issues that trouble all human beings. This book helps people find the path through acceptance. A great book for those who are men, and for those who have men in their lives. The author's style is engaging. This is an especially good resource for persons who are not challenged by standard treatment discussions. This book provokes thought and will really work well with bright, educated persons who suffer with addiction issues.

This book is relative to all men in all phases of recovery. It is powerful to read other mens' perspectives and ideas of masculinity. Very impressive and applicable to applyling the steps in day-to-day life.

For men seeking insightful wisdom and new perspective in their recovery, this is a valuable resource. Griffin, along with excerpts from Bill W. himself, Carl Jung and a cast of anonymous characters, takes us on a journey through the 12 steps, providing encouraging and palatable methods for creating a rich life in sobriety. Sharing emotions and feelings with others are not necessarily typical guy practices, but A Man's Way assures us that this is a powerful way to heal. I would recommend this book to those trying to improve their lives with or without AA and those looking to overcome some of the barriers and misconceptions that are faced by men in sobriety.

I found myself in the pages of this book. I appreciate the author's approach to masculinity. I have spent years in the recovery community attending meetings and applying the steps to my life. I have rarely, if ever, heard anyone discuss the role of masculinity to the spiritual work. The quotes from members of the recovery community really reflected my own experience of getting and staying sober. I appreciate the opportunity to explore the issues of recovery from this perspective. I will give this book as gifts to the men that I help in my fellowship groups.