Customer Reviews

The Spirituality of Sobriety: Finding the Spiritual Awakening in Recovery from Alcoholism

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I have spent some significant time studying The Spirituality of Recovery, by Gregg D. I consider it to be a worthy and wonderful companion to the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book and the AA 12 Steps and 12 Traditions book. The author has been able to capture, with down-to-earth clarity and heart, an imaginative, inspirational and relevant sharing of his own struggles and triumphs. He blends the 2 AA books and other religious sources as the core for the deeper life recovery experience. I found in his book both comfort as well as personal and practical applications of the great truths in my own life. I highly recommend this book to anyone seriously wanting to learn to grow deeper in his or her walk with God in order to live out a more spiritually based and practical lifestyle in any area of recovery.

This book is a superb analysis of AA's 12 Steps. Gregg D. takes the whole

12 Step Program apart, expertly examines the principles from several spiritual disciplines----and then puts it all back together again so that

the Program still remains essentially simple.. Only now the reader understands WHY the spiritual principles are and must remain simple.

As an attorney, I liken Gregg D.'s writing to the opinions of Judge Benjamin Cardozo. They are so carefully thought out that ideas seem flow

naturally----no big long sentences, no big words, no jargon----just an

absolute elegant simplicity that makes everything ring true.

Every concept in this book is backed with citations to Conference Approved

AA literature, and is intended to be read in addition to----not instead of----the "Big Book" and the "12 & 12". It's designed to bring about a Spiritual Awakening, which is the true goal of all 12 Step Programs.. THAT

relationship with a Higher Power is the purpose of the 12 Steps----the

release from the obsession of drinking, drugging, over-eating, gambling,

etc., is an incidental side benefit of a connection with a Power greater

than ourselves..

"The Spirituality of Sobriety" by Gregg D. gives many concrete examples of

different ways to establish and maintain that vital Spiritual Awakening..

I've read this book several times,recommend it very highly, and have given

copies to others.

Complex in the synthesis of many thoughts and in its comprehensiveness, this brilliant book is both clear and simple in its exposition, without being condescending. An indispensable companion to AA's literature, it is always focused on the essentials of a lifetime of spirituality and sobriety.

Hank N. New Lebanon, NY

I was moved to read "The Spirituality of Sobriety" after meeting the author at a yoga teachers' conference. His sense of compassion and devotion to his spiritual path were inspirational.

I have no personal experience with addiction or 12-Step programs, yet I found the book to be an enlightening and encouraging discourse on the pursuit of spirituality and a higher power in everyday life. The theme is applicable to anyone who is seeking spiritual growth and wishes to make a deeper connection to his or her own life. There is much to be learned from AA's Twelve Steps whether one is in recovery or not!

Gregg D. shares with the reader his own personal path through, and clear knowledge of, various traditions on his way to spiritual awakening. He also draws from well-established psychotherapeutic tools and academic writings to illustrate how self-examination and self-acceptance are crucial steps along that road. And at various points throughout the book, quoting beautiful poetry and prayers, he gives gifts of gentle guidance from his own awakened heart.