Customer Reviews

Not God: A History of Alcoholics Anonymous

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Good book without the mumbo jumbo that one usually finds on the subject. He tackles the question: "Is AA a cult" by describing the common characteristics of cults. A book for the thinking AA member and those interested in the background of a very influential movement that started in the USA and has spread over a large part of the developed world.

Wonderfully insightful for all. Splendidly illustrates the history and formation of AA and it's painstaking growth through the early formative years of AA.
A great read!

Kurtz masterfully captures the early days of AA. This book is a must read for students of the 12 Steps and anyone interested in this spiritual program of recovery that has improved the lives of millions. -- Frank D., Author of The Annotated AA Handbook

in depth history of aa beginnings, including much insight into the formative reasons for the successes and failures of this program. very helpful for someone new to aa, trying to grasp the essence of the program.

This is by far the most in-depth history I have read to date on the A.A. program. Definitely not a fast read, it is written like a textbook. I am finding it very helpful in my quest to understand the origins of A.A., and what the organization has been through to bring it to it's current state as I know it.

well, in my opinion, kurtz accomplished a quite difficult undertaking. it started out as a doctoral dissertation and it was revised a bit for public reading. kurtz describes some of the earliest history of Alcoholics Anonymous. more than that, he examines the underlying cultural evolution that led to the foundation of AA (e.g., the Oxford Movement). it examines a bit of the spread of AA in the USA and elsewhere. i think, perhaps, most importantly, kurtz discusses the psychological dynamics involved in overcoming an addiction, not by masterful tactics, but rather, humility, belief in some form of higher power. that humility, and the power of group processes and sponsorship's guidance, lead the active alcoholic into a potential life of great contributions in guiding others in their search for a way of living without living and finding a life of purpose. i liked it! it was well documented. i take issue with a couple of historical "facts", but, with 99.999% of the facts presented in this book, they appear accurate. this book is, in the words of an original AA'er, "rather pedantic", so, if you're not inclined to read scholarly stuff, it's probably not the most desirable of books to read. if, however, you enjoy scholarly texts, you are intrigued by AA and its history, then this book is very highly recommended. i give it an "A+".

This is absolutely an essential history of AA. I would say, "THE essential history", but different people have different needs.

Like Dick B., I find Kurtz's footnotes to be a rich vein for further research. I also found refreshing Kurtz's resistance to the hagiography or iconoclasm that usually accompanies histories of Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith, AA's co-founders.

It may be helpful to remember that Not God is a reworked dissertation in American Studies, not History. It is essentially academic, but Kurtz retains the ability to marvel at the mystery of the miraculous recoveries that have resulted from the rise of twelve-step programs.

Ernie Kurtz made a big research project for his doctorate and we are the recepients of a lot of history both written and in the oral tradition all put into one volumne. Not only a good read but a reference manual.

Very well done history of AA. Helps an alcoholic understand the importance of 'surrender' and of 'spiritual awakening' so necessary in obtaining sobriety.

Not God provides an inciteful and thoughtful study of the history of AA. It will provide the experienced 12 stepper further understanding of their program. Additionally, readers not already conversant with the subject will learn and grow from this introduction.