[.ca] Cool Water (ISBN 157062254X)

This book may not be too helpful.:
The semantics woven throughout Alexander's book will not be helpful for an individual who is lost and suffering, or newly sober and looking for insight. Instead, this is a book of arguments aimed at the community of people who have been in AA for a long time or are well established in the "recovery" community. Not seeing value of anonymity, Alexander sets up straw men and then shoots them down, misrepresenting (or perhaps not understanding) other traditions and steps of twelve-step recovery. Many who turn to this book looking for a way out will be mystified while finding no solace. For those, Alexander's piece may do more harm than good. "The real definition of my alcoholism is that when I drink my life goes down the toilet. How about you?" This is the definition offered by Alexander, an explanation that scratches the surface. Equally disappointing is Alexander's lack of depth in the understanding of monotheism. Divinity is rejected as "capricious." Picking his way around steps, Alexander displays little or no insight into the program he would rewrite. If you are interested in brief discussion of Alexander's version of twelve-step programs contrasted with Alexander's version of Buddhism this is the book for you. If you want to go to an unbiased source about modern Buddhism, read the beautiful writings of Thich Nhat Hahn instead. If you are desperate and looking for a way out of a deadly trap, skip Alexander's book for a couple of years and look elsewhere. This one's more about Alexander than you might find helpful.

Mindful Recovery:
In a refreshing blend of experience, Zen, and AA, William's book gives both hope and simple mindfulness methods for those in recovery. For me, this book relied too much on the AA program; I was hoping for more Zen. For others, particularly those who follow AA to the letter and tolerate no criticism, William's occasional comments about the shortcomings of AA might be too much. But for many recovering (recovered) addicts/alcoholics who take what they need and leave the rest, this book provides a welcome example of how two apparently different spiritual paths can be brought together to form a greater unity. For those who wish a more complete introduction to Zen, I would suggest "The Miracle of Mindfulness" by Thich Nhat Hanh for warm/fuzzy Zen, and "Hardcore Zen" by Brad Warner for those who like a shot to the head. Either one may help you along the path to recovery.

Limited View:
While this book does offer moments of open mindedness the author does not really seem to have a solid understanding of either addiction or of the principals of recovery that are part of 12 Step programs. It is an interesting read but anyone who is truly looking for a way out of addiction needs to find deeper water than this. R.T.

Great book.:
I really enjoyed this book a great deal. Don't buy it expecting a detailed treatise on either AA or Buddhism, but an wonderful positive journey that shows how the two approaches each have great value. It is a very honest, brave, and heart-felt book. My experience is that many books in this genre are either too flowery, dogmatic, or impersonal to be meaningful, but not this one, IMHO.

Cool Water: Alcoholism, Mindfulness, and Ordinary Recovery:
A very special book, indeed. I found this book to be one of the best I've ever read on recovery. The author is an eloquent and honest writer, who creates a powerful and poetic guide for simple everyday recovery & living.