Gerald Sittser has written one of the best treatments on how to respond to any significant loss that happens in life. He is clear to point out that living brings with it suffering. Life includes both sorrow and joy, pain and pleasure. A person must learn to live with both. How we respond to the our pain is a choice that we must make. He carefully and gracefully reveals how a person can embrace the pain and grow from the experience regardless of how tragic the event. As we embrace the pain and learn to live with whatever has brought the pain by the grace of God, we will become whole people once again.

Gerald Sittser's book is among the best I have ever read for those who are struggling with a great loss in life. He speaks from terrible experience. He lost his wife, mother and a daughter in a single automobile accident. From is own experience of the pain and suffering that follows he draws out a meaningful perspective applicable to the universal experience of human suffering. Without diminishing the pain and evil that suffering inflicts and represents, Sittser helps us make sense of suffering in the context of the Christian faith. He does so with honesty and clarity. Suffering can provide an opportunity for spiritual growth and strengthening of character. We all have that choice available to us.

Sittser rejects the notion of "recovery" from catastrophic loss. Such a loss can not be recovered from if that means that we will be the same as before. We will never get over it. Instead, following Victor Frankl's example, he insists that we must find some meaning in suffering. Our souls must be enlarged by it to help us transcend the experience and integrate it into our lives if we are not to be crushed by it instead. He is an able guide to the avenue that the Christian faith provides for this.

The book has a good chapter on the futility of comparing one person's loss to another. He shows that there is no point in deciding whose serious, irretrievable loss is worse than another's. Each experience of loss is unique because each person is unique.

Sittser doesn't minimize the problems that Christian faith presents in suffering. He has been through the dark tunnel of wondering why this accident happened to him and what God's interest, or lack thereof, is in his suffering. He has experienced the agony of loneliness and separation from a God who seems uncaring or unable to ease his pain. We may know in our minds that our perspective must be severely limited compared to God's but it is very hard to continue trusting Him as we thought we did before, believing that somehow God will bring us out into the light again someday. He examines the alternatives to faith and finds them wanting. If there is no God, can there be any meaning in life itself let alone meaning in a life of suffering? Would we really rather live in a world where everyone gets exactly what they deserve, good or bad, a world with no pain, but also no grace? What bearing does God's suffering as Christ on the cross have on our experience? What does it really mean to have faith in God? There are no simple answers, but considering the questions honestly can challenge our preconceived notions. It's a risk worth taking. Sittser has found, as have many others, that there is undeniable grace given by God to those who trust Him in their suffering, a remolding of our character for good in response to the evil of our experience. While we would be fools to seek suffering for whatever good may come of it, it is hard for many to deny that, if the suffering had not come, they would probably not have experienced the works of grace they now find so valuable.

There is also a chapter on forgiveness. As in Sittser's case, there are often particular people whose actions are responsible for our loss. Forgiveness is a hard pill to swallow, if only it were a pill. But withholding it will prevent our own healing. It's helpful to know what forgiveness means and doesn't mean. It doesn't mean condoning the act. It doesn't mean the act should go unpunished. It doesn't mean forgetting it happened. It means that we stop wishing evil for those who have harmed us and instead desire their good. It isn't a process that culminates in a final result or a once-and-for-all event. Once it has been decided upon, forgiving is a continuous frame of mind and an occasionally renewed activity. Through forgiveness, we have the power to end the cycle of hurt. We can choose to have it stop with us, not letting it infect others through us.

Through all his suffering, Gerald Sittser has found that "life has the final word", not death and despair. We don't always get the life we want, but we can find that there is much more to life than what we want and a life beyond this life that exceeds our greatest desires. Our suffering can also help us to help others who suffer. It can provide opportunity for others to share our suffering in love. It's common for many people to offer much needed and sincere support for the victims of loss immediately following the incident. Most of these people understandably try to get back to their own "lives as usual" soon afterward. It was very heartening to read about the people who went further in Sittser's case. Those who decided that their lives would also be changed by his tragedy formed a community of love and support that was good for the long haul. What a blessing.

A Grace Disguised is a true story about enormous loss, how one man is grappling with it and the wisdom he has gained through it.

While driving with his family on a dark road one night in North Dakota, the author and his family were in a head-on collision with a drunk driver. Gerald Sittser stood by elplessly as he watched his mother, his wife and his four-year-old daughter die. At the same time his two-year-old son was seriously injured, and his other two daughers were coping with the shock of what had happened.

Sittster eloquently and openly shares his enormous loss as well as his journey and growth through the overwhelming devastation of his life.

An associate professor of religion at Whittier College in Spokane, Washington, Sittser brings his Biblical world view to what happened to him and his family. A Grace Disguised -- How to Grow the Soul Through Loss -- opens up many eternal mysteries about suffering. A must read for ANY and EVERYone.

A powerful, first hand perspective of America's involvement in Vietnam. Having read several other historical renditions of the Vietnam war, I was both surprised and enlightened by a truly unique personal journey through the various mindsets that operated in Vietnam during the war. Mr. Karlson actually survived three wars, the first as a drug addict, the second as a frequently AWOL cook for the American war effort and lastly as a raw first time writer, who strikes gold with his account. Upon finishing the book in short order I quickly passed it along to a friend and accomplished historical drama screenwriter. During the reading process it ran on my small screen. Now it should be on the Big Screen. I recommend it to all. You'll feel like you were with the author every step of the way!

I have read a lot of books about the political pinnings of the Vietnam War, and seen lots of movies about it, but I have never read an author's account of personal polarization before encountering Mr. Karlson's own account. The title and the subtitle originally caught my attention: "Fall To Grace: A True Story of Sex, Drugs, Vietnam and Enlightenment". Wow. Talk about touching on something for everyone...

Since it was an independent book, I was originally sceptical of how good a read it might present. But after reading the first chapter, I was completely hooked and spent every possible moment reading it. I called in sick to work the day I finished the book--just so I could stay home and keep reading!

As I went through each chapter, I found myself regularly referring to the glossary of terms in the back. Even though I'd heard terminology like "Fragging" and "The World" in films like Apocalypse Now, Platoon and Full Metal Jacket, my understanding of the greater context, the geographical locales and the enlisted man's sentiment could not be fully realized without having immersed myself in this book. Having been born in 1971, my concept of Vietnam has been shaped largely by Hollywood films and skewed history books. I found this autobiographical text to make all my previous experiences and understanding much more visceral.

This is the story of a true soldier: a man who faces horrific uncertainty with total bravery, honor and a willingness to do battle with the ultimate adversary--himself.

One of those rare reads; a titanic pleasure, with large lessons, contemplations, compassions.

A friend gave me a copy of Fall to Grace about a year ago, and I remember thinking "catchy title." But in the days that followed I was spellbound by this fascinating true story by Eric Karlson, so much so that when I was finished I went to my local bookstore and bought four more copies to give to friends. I'm sure that many eyes have read those copies. For those of you who seek a deeper understanding of the Vietnam War from a completely unique point of view, this book is a must. For those of you who seek a deeper understanding of the path(s) to enlightenment, this book is a must. Kudos to the author.

Max Lucado is my all-time favorite Christian author. This book of daily devotionals, excerps from his many outstanding books, is perfect for a moment a day of extremely thought-provoking reassurance of God's love for us. Thank you, Max.

Grace for the Moment is an excellent companion piece to Max's, A Gift for All the People. It gives you a daily devotional about God's unending grace and some real thoughtful items to carry you through. I find this book particularly helpful when I'm feeling doubtful and troubled. The wisdom Max delivers here will make you feel better about yourself, no matter what your current situation is. This book is also a terrific companion piece to Max's, A Gift for All the People. Either book is a terrific introduction to Max Lucado's warm, caring, writing style. Other Christian writers either challenge your faith intellectually, challenge your long standing beliefs, or want to thump you with their Biblical wisdom. Max Lucado makes you FEEL your faith and the love of GOD with your Heart. Thanks again Max for another thoughful little gem. Thanks to my wife for buying this lasting gift also.

Max has done it again. I received "Grace For The Moment" for a birthday present and have been reading it as a small segment of my daily devotions. It has a way of creeping up on you and ministering to hurts you didn't even realize were affecting your walk and your life. Max has immense wisdom and insight into the human condition. He touches you with God's truth and warms you to the Love of God. This is an excellent addendum to your daily devotions. Each day's passage takes less than a minute to read, but stays with you throughout the day.

This book is a must read for all those who are interested in the history of the Gulf War and U.S. relations in the Middle East. But even more than that, Francona shares with the reader his adventure...from the taxi drivers in the suk...to negotiating with nomads; this is the kind of story the generals cannot tell because their position prevents them from ever dealing with such people.

More than history, Ally to Adversary, cracks open the door not only to reveal the inner workings of the Pentagon, but the intelligence community as well. No wonder the "bureaucracy" tried to keep this book from being published. From Francona's position writing the "official" report on the war for the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) we also learn the disheartening reality of the Pentagon "turf wars".

Francona's description of the air war surely sends shivers through the Department of the Army! It certaily supports the use of air power in the current argument.

Last, and not least, Ally to Adversary is not just another book about the war, but a real human interest story. Not told by another general, but a highly qualified officer who found himself in an incredible situation. It is easy to read and a damn good book.

For those of us who have spent many years in the Middle East, or Southwest Asia in military geographic terms, it is quickly apparent that LtCol Francona has an insight into the Arab military mind which can only come from mastering the Arabic language, and living among the people. He worked with the Iraqi officer corps for years and developed relationships, moreover friendships, which last to this day. To be selected and assigned as the personal translator for the CinC, General Norman Schwartzkopf says it all. The General was well acquainted with the mindset and customs of the region, having lived in Iran as a youngster, and would demand only the best. Then a Major, Rick Francona served him well and came to know the General in ways different from his subordinate staff. No other book on the Gulf War will reveal the inner workings of the US and Coalition commanders as will 'Ally to Adversary'.

"Ally to Adversary" is a very easy and enjoyable book to read. Lt. Col. Francona has given a close-up and personal view of the politics preceding, and the preparations for, the Gulf War. His personal anecdotes takes one from his experiences as a intelligence laison officer working with the Iraqis during their war with Iran and, later, inside the planning headquarters in Saudi Arabia as the US and the coalition forces prepared for, and executed, the war. This was a war made up of many different nations with differing cultures and reasons for being in the Middle East at this time. The coordination of all these differing agendas surely must have been a nightmare. Lt. Col. Francona lets us know, first hand, that it was as we may have suspected. Col. Francona's role as the personal interpreter for General Norman Schwarzkopf gives us as close-up a view as one can get of the preparations and prosecution of the Gulf War.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who may have an interest in military matters, intelligence matters, or who may just have a need to know more than we saw on television or heard on the radio.

I enjoyed the book, dragged it out as long as I could, and hated to see it end. And considering the Middle East and its propensity for flare-ups, the story has not ended.

This book is my will o' the wisp. I'll notice it at the side of my desk just when I need to be reminded that one can be off-beat and yet live a productive corporate life.

Gordon MacKenzie worked at Hallmark Cards for thirty years in roles that seem to have been increasingly incomprehensible to his mainstream colleagues. He found a way to contribute to the company's success while still being a little "weird". He recounts his experiences in neatly turned inspirational anecdotes.

However, the charm of the book lies in its illustrations. The book - itself artfully designed to evoke a sketchbook - is filled with MacKenzie's energetic and seemingly childlike drawings. The illustrations make even just flipping through the book a pleasure, and draw you in to read his advice.

"Orbiting the Giant Hairball" was given to me by a group of colleagues. I'm still touched at their confidence that I might be able to orbit the hairball of corporate conformity rather than being sucked down its gravity well. If you, too, dream about being creative in your day job, you will enjoy this book.

If you are a verbal rather than a visual dreamer, you may prefer David Whyte's "The Heart Aroused: Poetry & the Preservation of the Soul." Whyte speaks to our need to be creative in our daily work, but he illustrates his insights with poetry rather than drawings. He also takes a somewhat darker view of creativity, recognizing that unruly and dangerous impulses are a necessary part of the joyfully creative soul that Gordon MacKenzie so vividly evokes.

6/01

This book deserves more than five stars.

Although I have read many excellent books about nurturing creativity and working creatively in companies, this is the first book I have read where the author has been someone who has done that repeatedly and in a variety of ways. That perspective is uniquely valuable both to those who want to have more creative jobs and those who would like to encourage creativity.

Although the analogies seem far-fetched at first (orbiting the giant hairball means taking a creative tangent and refocusing it to have relevance for the company's purpose), they serve to open your mind to thinking differently about creativity and organizations.

Although the author's key points are not summarized anywhere in the book, you will begin to get a sense of how the ideas connect together. That's useful, because otherwise why should he try to teach us so much? Except in the chapter that deals with them, any of the key observations would have been enough for a whole book on the subject. The overall theme is that our minds are subject to being too quickly anesthetized, rather than stimulated to ground-breaking insights. You'll love the story about hypnotizing hens where he introduces that concept.

One of my favorite stories in the book described when the author was asked to create an introductory course on creativity. The first session was wildly successful. The author then analyzed why it worked and created a more organized version of this course (called Grope). That sesssion didn't work as well. Then he went back to being unstructured (operating at the edge of chaos), and the course worked again. He learned from this the delicate connection between groping and rote. You need more of the former and less of the latter.

Another of my favorite stories related to the joy he experienced when he first started parachuting. But within six months, it was getting to be boring. He could only make it more exciting by taking the parachute off, but that would be suicide. On the other hand, if he never tried something new, he would be vegatating. So we want to stay somewhere between suicide and vegetation for the most effective results.

You will enjoy reading this book because it presents a fresh perspective that will stay with you. The successful point of entry is a story about children. When the author shows children about making sculpture from sheets of steel, he asks them if they are creative. All first graders raise their hands. By sixth grade, no one will say that they are creative. The pressure to be like everyone else makes the creative people want to hide. It just gets worse from there. Everyone who reads that story will remember experiences from childhood where their creativity was actively discouraged by teachers, parents, neighbors and classmates. Such a pity!

Each story is imaginatively illustrated to help you get a sense of a different reality. It also makes the material more accessible to people of all ages.

In addition to reading and changing your own behavior, this book should be shared with young people to reinforce the idea that it is desirable to be creative. This would be a good book to discuss with your coworkers, as well.

Orbiting the Giant Hairball provides many stimulating approaches to creativity, especially in the often stiffling environment of the corporate world. From personal experience, I know that creativity, hence innovation, is also unfortunately under-appreciated and under-compensated by the short-sighted individuals (aka. managers) in most corporations. On the same subject, if you enjoyed Orbiting this Giant Hairball and its creativity lessons, I would like to recommend the true-to-life episodes in the book, MANAGEMENT BY VICE. Written by a scientist (C.B. Don) with years of experience, this book shows the struggles of innovators in high-tech R&D industry fending off counterproductive management, with much wit, lots of hilarious humor (prose, verse and illustration) and the kind of candor rarely encountered beyond the "Giant Hairball". I greatly enjoyed both these books and feel that everyone should have them at hand when dealing with corporate fools and battling to salvage the innovative spirit!

IN THE GRIP OF GRACE tackles one of the most important stakes of the Christian faith, and one that many people have the hardest time truly comprehending and accepting as well. "Can anything separate us from the love Christ has for us," Max Lucado asks. Though we may say that the answer is no, in reality many of us live as though the answer is yes.

Lucado breaks us down into four groups: the hut-building hedonist, the fault-finding judgmentalist, the rock-stacking legalist, and the grace-driven Christian. One disregards God and indulges self, ignoring their need for grace. One tries to distract God by comparing themselves to other "worse" sinners, believing that grace is always needed by someone else. Others try to save themselves, to make themselves right before God by works; thus rejecting grace. But the grace-driven Christian trusts and seeks after God's grace, realizing that there really is nothing we can do to earn our salvation but accept it as a truly free gift.

As is typical of a Max Lucado book, IN THE GRIP OF GRACE is an easy, folksy read. It may tackle a heavy issue, but Lucado never wades too deep into theological discourse, preferring to use illustrations instead. Thus, IN THE GRIP OF GRACE is an excellent read for both new Christians and those who simply desire a book that will help them better understand their position with God. IN THE GRIP OF GRACE never reaches the heights that Philip Yancey's WHAT'S SO AMAZING ABOUT GRACE does, but it stands as one of Max Lucado's best and most universally relevant works. FOUR STARS.

I am normally not very fond of those books which dissects the great truth of Bible into story telling and 1-2-3 steps to heaven checklist. I prefer Christian books which provoke people to think and to reflect deeper about the reality of the biblical faith, like those works from Philips Yancey and C.S. Lewis.

This one is an exception. I have never read any book by Max Lucado before. But I definitely will read more after finishing this book. The way he takes the book of Romans and introduces this most profound book about truth to people thru engaging story-telling is simply amazing. I would call this book the modern day introduction to God's grace. Highly recommended, especially good for explaining God's love and salvation plan to people who haven't yet trusted their lifes to Jesus Christ. You would also want to read Philips Yancey's What's So Amazing About Grace after you are done with this one to get a better understanding about God's grace and how to apply it on this fallen planet.

'In the grip of grace' is a book dedicated to communicating why we are so precious to God and that once you've been taken into the grace of God theres no-one who can drag you out. Using really life stories and modern-day 'parables' or examples Max Lucado paints a pictures of the lengths God will stretch to ensure the safety and security of his children. If you are ever feeling worthless or have committed what you think is the inforgivable sin, read this and you'll realise the truth, that God's on your side!

I bought this book at a small bookstore called "Life Is A Box of Crayons" in Atlanta, Georgia. The cover and the write-up on the back caught my attention. It looked and sounded like a good read. Boy, was it ever!! This is such a beautiful story of faith, love and friendship. It covers the love that two strong Black brothers have for the women and children in their lives as well as the love between the two male friends who have their life-time friendship tried because of the death of a dear mother. When I started reading this book on my ride back home, I couldn't put it down. I was captivated from page one. It's such a refreshing change from what you normally get in a romance novel. The fact that all of the major players in this book were born-again Christians is felt throughout the novel with the deep love and committments of their relationships. There are moments of tears, laughter, drama and romance. It would make for a great movie. Five stars to this new author in her freshman project. I can't wait to see what's next.

Dr. Gregory Dixon and Attorney Derrick Madison are the best of friends. Then Derrick's mother is killed in a car crash when her car collides with a car driven by Jessica Grace Charles. That's when the drama begins. Greg saves Jessica's life in a tedious surgery and Derrick hates him because of it. Then, to make matters worse, Greg falls in love with his beautiful patient. Will they ever mend this broken friendship? Will Greg have to ignore his love for Grace in order to appease Derrick? Will Grace be able to date Greg knowing that it may totally destroy his lifelong friendship? Will they be able to rely on their faith in God to smooth out this troubled situation? Oh, my! This is a wonderfully written book about friendship and romance with very real situations and very believable characters. I loved it and I totally recommend it to anybody. Highly, Highly, Highly recommended!!!

Great! Great! Great! I loved this book! It's hard to give a book five stars....I've done it only once before. This book is perfect and didn't leave any questions or feelings that something was missing. For Love And Grace, should have been advertised as just a romance novel, because although it has a Christian root, it's doesn't hammer you with scriptures and doctrinal subjects like so many Christian novels do. It's passionate, funny and refreshingly original. I love the relationship between the mothers and sons and how these PROFESSIONAL brothas were raised in a Christian home and taught to treat their women with love and respect. I like the way the story also dealt with real issues such as death and guilt as well as love and friendship. Like the other reviewers, I'd like to see a sequel too, but there were no ends left untied to build a sequel off of. Of course, I could be wrong...I'm not a writer and I admit that I don't have a writer's imagination. If the author can get a sequel out of this one, I'd sure buy it. Great! Great! Great!

This book is one of the best written mysteries I have ever read. The main character Vicky Bliss is surrounded by some of the most entertaining secondary characters ever put into a novel. Her lovable boss Schmidt and deceptive love intrest John will you keep you reading Elizabeth Peters books untill all hours of the night. This is a fast paced adventure that will take you to Egypt and back, it is impossible to walk away from!

Elizabeth Peters is in fine form in this novel of intrigue, suspense, and love! The heroine, Dr. Vicky Bliss, an expert on Medieval art, is asked to join a cruise down the Nile to try and identify a thief, and a clever and exciting story winds all over Egypt. As always, the characters make the story and "Sir John" steals every scene. There are numerous plot twists and touches of Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers which enrich this highly entertaining tale. Peters skillfully entwines wit and wisdom with passion, Egyptology, and murder.
Fans of Peters will really enjoy this book with each re-reading. The plot creation and character development are some of her best, and her humorous style makes one laugh even in the moments of greatest suspense!

I'm so delighted that I discovered these Vicky Bliss mysteries. The characters are good and Elizabeth Peters always provides fascinating settings for her stories.

In NIGHT TRAIN TO MEMPHIS, Vicky Bliss is asked by a police agency to be a part of a tour group as they cruise down the Nile River seeing the beautiful monuments and ancient pyramids of Egypt. The police suspect that some professional thieves will be on board and hope that Vicky can assist in identifying them. The characters are diverse and of course, Sir John Smythe also shows up for the tour. Vicky's dismayed to find him using a different name and traveling with a sweet young woman. Just a few months before the tour, John and Vicky had resumed their love affair and now she's thoroughly confused by the way that he's acting. There are a lot of surprises in this story.

I found it amazing to see that out of 32 reviews on this book, 30 reviewers gave this story a Five Star Rating. That has got to be some kind of a record. It shows what an excellent writer that Elizabeth Peters is and how she always delivers great fiction.

I decided to read Green Grass Grace for three reasons; my parents grew up in Philly, I've lived my entire life in NJ a stones throw from the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge and the "Philadelphia Inquirer" gave it rave reviews. How incredible that a first time author should hit a grand slam on his first at bat! And as with any grand slam, Shawn McBride touches all the bases. This book is hilarious, sad, poignant, touching and always refreshing. We quickly fall in love with the hero of this book, Henry Toohey. Henry is a typical 13 year old--he tries to be cool, agonizes over his hair, hangs out with his buddies, loves sports, describes every woman by her cup size, worries about his dysfunctional family and is in love with a neighborhood girl. Henry also possesses a heart of gold and a garbage mouth. We follow Henry through three days of late summer as he hatches a plan to propose marriage to his girlfriend and at the same time, save his sorry family from themselves. He is a naive romantic who believes in "happily ever after." Although Henry's scheme doesn't go as planned, the end results are satisfying and touching nonetheless. The events in these three short days also prove to have a maturing influence on the young Henry and he ends the book much closer to manhood than at the beginning.

Although the book itself was thoroughly enjoyable, it was made even more so for those of us who recognize the neighborhoods, the parks, the churches, the neighborhood games (stickball and freedom), the sports teams and the houses complete with statues of assorted saints. It was also nice that this book was published first in paperback, thus making it more affordable for the average reader. I gave a number of them as gifts for Easter--something I couldn't have done if they were hardbacks.

So, to Mr. McBride, congratulations and here's hoping that this is just the beginning of a long and distinguished literary career. It is truly a delight to read a new, fresh and young voice in the publishing world.

Green Grass Grace is the funniest book I have read since A Confederacy of Dunces. Shawn McBride has captured the spirit and the attitude of Northeast Philadelphia. His hilarious book is like a tour through my neighborhood with sensitive teenaged guide--a sensitive teenaged guide with the lurid imagination of Hugh Hefner and the mouth of Lenny Bruce. Henry Toohey's world is coming apart at the seams, but he has a plan. His plan is one that could only be hatched by a pubescent altar boy in love on steaming St. Patrick St. in Philadelphia in the summer of 1984. Philadelphians will love the novel's familiar sense of place and McBride's adept rendering of the uniquely Philly attitude that permeate the novel. Those of you riding the R7, the 66, and the El (you know who you are) are advised to refrain from reading Green Grass Grace during you commute. The howls of laughter and incessant giggling will disturb the other passengers. Rush out and get this delightful and hilarious book, even if you are not from Philly.

A wonderful first novel by Shawn McBride. The Philly neighborhood comes to life with the tale of Henry Toohey and his plan to help his family and first love in the Summer of 1984. The dialogue and sense of humor in McBride's writing makes this book a delightful and entertaining read. Highly recommended.

The chapters on mind and body are informative, but very scientic. The later chapters on spirt were great, and a real help in breaking addiction. Addiction is only broken with God. I could see how I need to progress in breaking addictions in a practical way. The end of the book states that we should just QUIT IT. Jesus said it best "Go and sin no more."

I bought this book because it was recommended in The Sacred Romance. I have to say that Addiction & Grace is a fantastic book. Addictions (attachments) prevent us from experience the full glory of God in our lives. This book helped me realize how in trying to get victory over my weight and food, I was merely replacing one addiction (food) with another (discipline--food diaries, measuring food, controlling exposure to food). God can only help me when I get to a place where I am still, no longer able or willing to help myself conquer the addiction. I need to be comfortable in the anxiety that arises when God removes the addiction because it is in that void that I will meet God. I need to feel safe in risky situations (parties, potlucks) because that is when I will experience God's grace most.

This book is highly readable (but read it with an underliner). Every chapter is thought provoking, but the last few chapters on spirituality are the most valuable.

Please do yourself a favor and buy this book. It will get you on the path to understanding the truth and gaining freedom from addictions. "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. -- John 8:32"

Far and away the most fascinating and provocative book on the psychology of addiction. Takes us deep inside the brain to show how and why addictions work at the cellular level... then, in a macro-view, what the central spiritual root of addictions is... and why they are so difficult to change. Adds a fresh new dimension of insight to the hidden challenges of the recovery process.