Customer Reviews

The Thinking Person's Guide to Sobriety

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I was looking forward to getting this book because, like Bert Pluyman, I'm a recovering alcoholic lawyer who lives in Austin! But, I was pretty disappointed.

The first half of the book is basically Bert's autobiography, including entries from his journal. It's replete with stories about his enormous wealth, his career success, his jet-setting playboy lifestyle, and his sexual conquests. Oh, and did I mention that he was captain of the high school football team, a great rugby and soccer player, and ran 3 miles a day even while drinking? Well, if I didn't mention it, Bert certainly does. Often. Of course, smattered amongst that are notes about how he would get drunk a lot and have bad hangovers.

Once you have choked down all the desciptions of life on the French Riviera and his big house in Westlake Hills, Bert informs us that there are studies out there showing a link between genetics and alcoholism (wow, no kidding!) and that substance abuse can cause heart problems (I had no idea). Mixed in are various platitudes from the Big Book, some attributed, some not. The second half of the book mostly consists of various testimonials from other drunks, a la Big Book, some of which were a little more helpful to those of us that don't own Ferraris. Tony's story in particular was quite moving to me. But, it wasn't worth reading the whole book.

The title implies that this book takes a more secular approach to sobriety. That's not the case, as Bert tells us "hey, you use electricity all the time without understanding it, don't you? You can do the same with God!" Where have I heard that before?

To summarize, this book is self-indulgent hack. I have to share with you a quote appearing as an introduction to Part Two:

"You are about to have the most meaningful relationship you will ever have.

That relationship is with yourself. You are about to discover who you really are."

-- James, a janitor with a fourth-grade education.

We can even learn from the Great Unwashed...

It's a pretty easy read, so even if you buy this you won't waste too much time on it. By the way, for those of you who are actually looking for a thinking person's guide to sobriety, I highly recommend Albert Ellis' "Rational Steps to Quitting Alcohol."

Because of the title and other factors I was expecting a non-religious approach to alcoholism. But that is not what this book is. It is the story of one guy who didn't think he could possibly be an alcoholic, and how after some ups and downs discovered that he wanted to stop drinking and found great value in AA. He avoids discussing Christianity but a big part of his story is his improved relationship with what he calls God.

In other words, reading this book is a lot like just going to an AA meeting, where people every day tell the same story. As such, the book has value in the same way AA has value. And on those terms it is moderately useful, even including chapters in which some third parties tell their drinking stories, just like in AA. But in terms of rationality, this is no more a "thinking person's" book than any other. If you're looking for a secular book on alcohol recovery, keep looking.

Bert Pluymen's The Thinking Person's Guide to Sobriety is the best book I've seen regarding high-bottom alcoholics, those bright and successful people who have not yet qualified to tell lurid war stories and who therefore assume the early luxury of comparing themselves out the doors of many AA meetings. I've been a chemical dependency counselor for twenty-three years, and I still shudder when an attorney or social worker lands on my caseload and tells me everything that isn't wrong with him, little or nothing that is - except the documented complaints that forced him or her into treatment - and looks blank when asked the standard assessment questions that focus on obvious physical, psychological, behavioral, social and spiritual consequences. I believe that Mr. Pluymen has just given us an invaluable resource, and I may be using it for client homework assignments.

At 46, I was a successful business owner with a beautiful home and good marriage. I also drank every evening and as a result had trouble sleeping. I was exhausted most of the time and often unpleasant to be around. Even so, I wasn't sure I qualified as an alcoholic. I saw this book and the title spoke to me. After reading the first few pages, I knew I'd found a soul mate in Bert. His story of being a high-level, functioning alcoholic was similar to mine. I had stayed away from AA due to the "God" thing. But, I started going to meetings 5 years ago because of this book. Now, I have my own interpretation of a higher power. I don't call it God or feel the need to join a religion or go to church. To each his/her own. What I have found in AA is a method for dealing with life's problems and a measure of serenity never before known to me. Life still happens, and good and bad things come my way, but I no longer need to numb unpleasant thoughts at night with alcohol. Read this book if you have any doubt about your drinking.

On October 29th, 2002, I begrudgingly bought this book upon the recommendation of my therapist. It was, without a doubt, the most powerful and life-altering read I had ever experienced. Two days later, I quit drinking and I just passed my 12 month mark. I have recommended this book to two other close friends, and both have successfully given up alcohol and are now FREE from its bonds. If you are a highly functioning (well, at least you believe that you are) drinker, this is a must read. You can be fooled no longer after reading Bert's story, and the myriad anecdotes of others. Do yourself, and those that love you, a huge favor, buy this book, read it, and WAKE UP!

Pluymen has gathered together a good mix of facts and stories, well worth the read. The stories are there to give folks someone with whom to identify, someone who is perfectly ordinary, except for the biochemical disorder of the brain called alcoholism. Addiction makes ordinary people do things that without the addiction they would never do. Pluymen also reminds us that alcoholism is an equal opportunity disease--social class, education, intelligence, money have no protective properties.

Pluymen has a couple of very good, very short chapters that are very useful in breaking through denial...he points out that most people who drank abusively in college change that behavior after college and not to have done so is cause for serious concern. He also socks it to us with his 2 page chapter about avoiding a hangover. If you think you know all there is about alcoholism, read this book and check your facts. Along with Under the Influence, this is one of the best.

Bert Pluymen, in his book "The Thinking Person's Guide to Sobriety", brings forth a wealth of information on alcoholism that is both humorous and fascinating. He calls alcohol's bluff and depicts it for what it truly is - cunning, baffling, powerful! If you are struggling with the idea of whether you are or aren't an alcoholic, pick up this book and honestly see if you find yourself between the pages. A book I couldn't put down and wished it would never end!

This is the most down to earth book about sobriety that I've ever read...and I've read it many times. From personal experience, I can say that Bert nailed it on the head 100%.

I was a bit skeptical going in because of a review that I'd read here about "crucifix" waving, but that's just not the case...so I'd like to debunk that completely. After reading his book, I gave a copy to my best friend...and plan to give a copy to my brother. That's the highest endorsement that I can give it.

I bought this book as a last hope for a former boyfriend who has issues with alcohol. In turn, he did quit drinking for several months after reading the book but then reverted back. This book is an excellent read for those living with people with drinking problems in their lives. It shows that the regular business person is an alcoholic not just someone who goes out and drinks too much after work. It is a great book to show those dealing with alcoholics in their lives how to proceed. And for those out there once you try to help and it fails you need to leave for you and for them. Then hopefully they will revist the issues that this book talks about and get help. This is a must buy book. It's approach is excellent.

Bert Pluymen's book is without doubt one of the best of it's ilk, I should know, I've read a whole lot! It's message is conveyed with good humour and relates directly to those of us that have not been 'forced' into recovery by a courtroom judge or a doctor. I believe there are probably more of this type of problem drinker than the cliched alcoholic types and this is why Bert's book is so essential. He takes the reader to task in an affable way, to question whether or not the amount they are drinking is doing them more harm than good - there is no sledge hammer/walnut scenario here - thank God!

This is an extremely helpful book for anyone currently questioning their drinking habits and I can thoroughly reccomend it.