The Steps We Took [Paperback]

Joe McQ (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 19, 2005

The director of an addiction treatment center for more than four decades, Joe McQ has become an internationally respected teacher and lecturer on the Twelve Step method introduced by Alcoholics Anonymous and since adopted by dozens of recovery groups. In The Steps We Took, Joe offers countless analogies, insights, explanations and elucidations of these principles, drawing from his own recovery experience and those of the hundreds he has helped.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

A teacher of the Twelve Steps shares his experience, strength, and hope with all those recovering from addictions, all who want to recover, and all who love them in this book of plain-spoken wisdom.

From Library Journal

"Any problem we see in our lives can be healed with the Steps," says McQ.--referring to the popular addiction treatment program started by Alcoholics Anonymous. Executive Director of Serenity Park, a treatment center in Little Rock, Arkansas, McQ. has been a student and teacher of the Twelve Steps for 28 years. This book is based on interviews between him and Sally C. and Huey C., two "editors" not mentioned in the copyright. Whereas in most Twelve-Step programs, "God" can be anything a person wishes, McQ. views God as the Creator of the Universe and Giver of the Steps. Such simplistic proselytizing might work well from a podium or pulpit, but the reader demands either personal insight or practical help, and this book is sorely lacking in both. In addition, McQ.'s distinction between Us (those involved in recovery) and Them will alienate prospective readers who have not yet committed to a recovery program.
- Rochelle Ratner, formerly Poetry Editor, "Soho Weekly News," New York
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: August House; Later Printing edition (December 19, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0874831512
• ISBN-13: 978-0874831511
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (48 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #14,433 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #29 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Recovery > Twelve-Step Programs
  • #68 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Recovery > Substance Abuse

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

102 of 105 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Really Good Book, December 2, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Steps We Took (Paperback)

This is a great book by someone who knows. I would also recommend the book An Encounter With A Prophet for someone who know about the spiritual side

25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Step Book Ever, March 15, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The Steps We Took (Paperback)

My name is Rita H and I just celebrated 17 years in the program.

I found the "The Steps We Took" in my 8th year. It is the best explaination of the steps I have ever read. My whole program took on a new dynamic after I started to apply the principals as stated in this book.

TSWT is a TRUE companion book to the Big Book. Someone finally wrote down the directions on how to work the steps.

I have purcahsed at least 25 copies of this book in the last 10 years. I also sponsor right out of it. I now have the confidence to "carry the message" without reservation. I use it to sponsor co-dependants and ACAs as well.

One day I plan to go to a Big Book Seminar and thank Joe McQ in person. His book and his thoughts on the program has given me a life of recovery filled with quality and dignity.

25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An easy "How to do it" workbook for the 12 Steps, February 17, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Steps We Took (Paperback)

I was fortunate to have had a chance to hear Joe McQ on tape in 1990, while I was in India. The contents of those tapes (which are largly reproduced in this book), changed my life forever. In this book, using clear, simple and understandable terms, Joe translates the spiritual essence of the Steps into an extremely do-able set of practical instructions, which; if followed precisely, will ensure a life free from the ravages of one's particular addiction. With plenty of worksheets and visually pleasing graphics, the process is fluid and gently guides the student along the well-worn path of the steps, to the oft-achieved destination of freedom and sobriety. I strongly recommend this book to people who are getting "stuck" in "listless" sobriety, and even more so for those who are unable to stay sober, inspite of attendance at meetings, and repeated visits ot detox's/centers. May I humbly suggest that you buy a Big Book, Joe's Book and get a Sponsor who has worked these steps and is familiar with the "program"? With grattitude and good wishes.