Understanding the Twelve Steps: An Interpretation and Guide for Recovering

A great help in working through the 12 steps. Clarifies and expands the ideas of Bill W. Was presented to me by my sponsor when going through the steps, and now I use it with all my sponsees.

I think that Terry Gorski is the best author when it comes to recovery books. I have several books on 12-step work, and I always come back to this one has having the most clear, pertinent descriptions. He offers really practical perspectives and he is easy to understand. His writing offers in-depth, down-to-earth concepts that you won't find in other books. My only complaint is that the book focuses on AA, and so all the other 12-step programs seem a bit subordinated. I will also recommend "Getting Love Right", another winner from Gorski.

This book rocks! I have been so frustrated over the past few years where the Big Book is considered. It is such an amazing book, but so difficult (if not impossible) for many people of limited vocabulary or education to understand. We have two program people in our home who absolutely cannot understand the Big Book, no matter how hard they try. As many of you know, it's not just the vocabulary, but the wording that can be difficult. As a professional with two Bachelors and a Masters, I have found the Big Book to be the most difficult book I have ever read. Many people argue that the Big Book should not be re-written. To do so would tamper with the message. While I understand the concern, it is sad that so many people are unable to comprehend all of the wonerful material because of the style in which it was written. After all, the Bible has been written in many different versions so that young people can understand it. Adults too. I believe we need the same thing with the Big Book. A "Study Big Book" perhaps. Enter "Understanding the Twelve Steps." This is really a no-nonsense look at the twelve steps and the ideas they are trying to get across. It isn't a simplified Big Book, but a study in the 12 steps. Although the language speaks to Alcoholics, it is fantastic for people in any 12-step program. AA, Al-Anon, Alateen, CA, NA, CODA, etc. The author does a great job speaking in terms that help one visualize the ideas discussed. I think it's a fantastic supplement to any of our wonderful programs. Peace

This book supplements the major literature of Alcoholics Anonymous--specifically (1) The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions and (2) Alcoholics Anonymous. The book is easy to read and written in contemporary English and is a wonderful tool used in combating the disease of alcoholism.

I found this book useful in offering a different perspective on the 12 step programme which was useful in my approach to working my steps. Recomended by my sponsor. Recomended by me to mine and to you.