3 comments about Silkworth: The Little Doctor Who Loved Drunks the Biography of William Duncan Silkworth, M.D..

1. This book is a biography of a very interesting and persistent man, Dr. William Duncan Silkworth. Dr. Silkworth was a pioneer in the treatment of alcoholism in the early 1930's. The book's author Dale Mitchel does a fabulous job of researching Dr. Silkworth's background and detailing Dr. Silkworth's contribution to the treatment of alcoholism. It was one of Dr. Silkworth's patients who went on to form the basis of the most effective treatment of alcoholism today, Alcoholics Anonymous.
   It was Dr. Silkworth who took the enormous gamble of allowing one of his recovered alcoholic patients, Bill Wilson, to act as a lay therapist on the alcoholism ward during the first few weeks of his sobriety. The gamble paid off and over time the concept led to the formation of AA.
   Dale Mitchel felt that Dr. Silkworth did not get enough credit for his pioneering work, hence he set out to write the doctor's biography. But, how? Fortunately, Mitchel found all of Dr. Silkworth's personal papers in the possession of a niece of the doctor, Adelaide Silkworth. The result is not only a tribute to a great man, but also a very interesting story worth reading.



2. I have just published 4 new titles on various aspects of early A.A.'s Christian Fellowship and Biblical roots. This book was sent to me by Hazelden, and I read it to find that it presents history most AAs have never heard. I've used and quoted it frequently in my titles A New Way In and A New Way Out as well as The Conversion of Bill W. And here's what the author's diligent research and perception have disclosed: (1) Silkworth should not be remembered by AAs so much for his "Doctor's Opinion" in the Big Book, but rather for the very close relationship he established and the influence he brought to bear on his patient Bill Wilson. (2) Silkworth was a Christian, a member of Dr. Norman Vincent Peale's church, and later a communicant at Rev. Sam Shoemaker's Calvary Episcopal Church; and also became a close friend of these two important clergymen. (3) It is Norman Vincent Peale who tells in meticulous detail the story of "Charles", the seemingly hopeless alcoholic, who was being treated by Dr. Silkworth. Silky said he could not bring about a cure but that Jesus Christ could. The story is well told in Peale's The Postive Power of Jesus Christ and also in this author's account. And what it shows is Silkworth's persistent opinion that alcoholism could be cured by relgious conversion. (4) Silkworth had lengthy discussions with Bill Wilson at Towns Hospital; and on Bill's third visit, Silkworth explained to him about the power of the Great Physician (Jesus Christ)to cure alcoholics. This led Wilson to conclude before his final hospitalization and after his conversion at Shoemaker's Rescue Mission that he, Bill, should call on the Great Physician for help. Then Bill checked into Towns Hospital for the 4th and final time. Shortly, he repeated his statement that he should call on the Great Physician; and he cried out "If there be a God, let Him show Himself now." This was followed immediately by Wilson's "hot flash" experience where he felt the presence of God in his room and exclaimed "So this is the God of the preachers." After that, Bill never doubted the power of God, nor took a drink for the rest of his life. (5) Following the conversion experience at Towns, Bill summoned Silkworth and asked him if he felt the experience was genuine. Silkworth confirmed that it was. And the two men agreed that Bill had had a conversion experience. This was the very solution that Dr. Carl Jung had suggested to Bill's Oxford Group mentor Rowland Hazard--a conversion. That Bill's friend Ebby Thacher had passed along to Bill. And that precipitated Bill's going to the Calvary Mission as Ebby had done, and answeromg the altar call at Sam Shoemaker's Calvary Mission where Bill that night made a decision for Christ and soon remarked in writing "For sure I'd been born again." This diligent biographer is a fine writer and is one of the few who have dared to look at the evidence regarding early A.A. instead of just repeating A.A. myths. And the book is a corker for information, reading, research, and entertainment. It is embellished with appendices that contain much of Silkworth's own writings; and in that respect fleshes out the importance of what the author covers in the biography. I recommend this as perhaps the most useful recent A.A. history book I've seen--one that dares to look for and report spiritual truths so hungrily sought today in A.A. by bewildered Christians who just don't understand all the idolatry and "higher power" nonsense they hear in meetings and about A.A. There's a fresh new breeze blowing among the ranks of some of A.A.'s most recent biographers and history writers. For one thing, they search for facts. For another, the report them fully and truthfully. Something that hasn't occurred for decades. Join those who want to learn "Old School A.A."



3. I enjoyed reading every page of this book as it gives good insight into Dr. Silkworth's contribution to the early days of A.A. Don't pass it up.

No comments about The Road to Fellowship: The Role of the Emmanuel Movement and the Jacoby Club in the Development of Alcoholics Anonymous (Hindsfoot Foundation Series on the History of Alcoholism Treatment).

No comments about How to Defeat Alcoholism.

2 comments about Kate Finds Love (Making Out #19).

1. Applegate writes another great story. Kate, the beautiful redhead wants to be with Jake now that he has graduated, but his job is keeping him from doing so. Also Lara who is now in a rehabiliation center because of her drinking problem, is planning to ecscape. Nina is discovering what life is like with Benjamin who now can and she's not enjoying it. Zoey found a job but can't spend time with Lucas because Lucas has to do his fathers job. Claire still loves Aaron even though they are now related by law. A great story.



2. I think that this books was great! the only bad thing is that if you're looking forward to the book talking about nina and benjamin being so happy together it doesn't say that much about them at all. That the only thing i didn't like. it says lots of stuff about kate and jakes realtion ship and how zoey and lucas are falling apart. also the parts about lara are kind of scary. she's in this home where she's trying to stay sober.

No comments about Alcoholics Anonymous: Reproduction of 1st Edition.

No comments about Treating Alcoholism (Jossey-Bass Library of Current Clinical Technique).

2 comments about Addictive Drinking (Medicine and health/guides).

1. It is very unfortunate that this book is now out of print. I have read many books on troubled drinking, and either they were too optimistic, or too pessimistic. Mr. Vaughan's book is the only one that really tells it like it is, and that provides a clear, do-able program for recovery. He doesn't demand that you attend a certain number of meetings (although he doesn't deny that they can be helpful in very many cases), nor does he insist on your belief in a higher power. Like the remarkably effective "SmokEnders" program for smokers (which also, sadly, doesn't seem to exist any more), his methodology provides numerous alternative strategies that you can employ simultaneously---so that if one doesn't work for you, or if you "slip" with that one, there is always a safety net of other strategies that, combined, can see you through the crisis.
   
   The good news is that numerous copies of this book are still available, at very low prices, from third-party sellers. I strongly recommend that ANYONE who has even the slightest question at the bottom of his or her heart about whether or not they are really a troubled drinker should immediately order a copy of this wise and amazing book, before it is no more.



2. Addictive Drinking tells a problem drinker or alcoholic what to do to save himself. Vaughan writes about the pros and cons of AA and gives good advice on how to deal with some of the more controversial aspects and why to keep going to meetings.
   
   I read the first printing of this book 26 years ago, went to my first AA meeting and have not had a drink since. My life was a disaster in 1982 and since then I have been happy and prosperous. The reason I did not leave AA like so many do was because of the wisdom in Addictive Drinking.
   
   Vaughan writes from the perspective of someone who has "been there" and who has counseled others who have drinking problems. He give nuts and bolts advice as well as qualified opinions of how to treat the disease of alcoholism.
   
   The book saved my life.

2 comments about One Year Later: From Addiction To Recovery To Sobriety.

1. This book makes you want to dig deep and find out who you really are.
   It's a good read for anyone doing a little sole searching or great for recovery.



2. I purchased this book for myself as I have met the author. It was fantastic so I purchased a copy for my sister who is going through her own recovery. Although my sister doesn't have children as this author does, there is so much in this book that hits home and is real that I believe it to be a great support system for recovering addicts and their family and friends.

No comments about Codependence: The Dance of Wounded Souls "A Cosmic Perspective of Codependence and the Human Condition".

5 comments about Journey on the Roads Less Traveled.

1. This is a great book for anyone who is married or thinking about marriage. It outlines how marriage should be according to God. It takes you through a personal journey of the author, which really makes you think about yourself. This is a very inspiring book that brings hope and healing to the reader. I would encourage anyone who would like to have a closer relationship with the Lord to read this book.



2. Angie Lewis has taken the road less traveled and is an excellent tour-guide as well as trail blazer. She has taken the road to change, which is something so many of us have never been able to do. If you have any interest in loving yourself or wish to be loved as God loves you, then you must read and follow this clearly marked road map which she has explored and drawn for you. I myself have just recently learned to love myself with God's help, now loving others is my goal. Thank you, Angie for enriching all of the lives you touch. Since ready Angie's book, acts of kindness have become a way of life, in sharing The Lord's love for me.



3. If you are looking for a book that jumps right into the "heart of the matter" concerning the transformation a Christian should experience when becoming serious about putting his or her faith into practice, you can't go wrong by purchasing "Journey on the Roads Less Traveled." Angie Lewis must have an angel helping her find the words to write, because so many times while I was reading this book - I imagine others experience the same - I said to myself, "That is exactly what I needed to hear!" This is an extremely powerful book!
   
   When we try and create our own version of joy and contentment, we often become trapped in our own selfish perceptions of what happiness is. We rely on our own limited abilities to keep up our emotional high. Lewis challenges her readers to find and rely on the One source that can lead to more happiness and joy than we ever imagined for ourselves.
   
   What is truly captivating about Angie's book is that she talks about her own selfishness, pride, and life mistakes on such a personal level that I kept asking myself if I could have that kind of courage while writing a non-fiction novel.
   
   Mrs. Lewis also offers some of the best advice, in this book and her other books, on how to maintain a joyful marriage I have ever read. When I read her advice concerning marriage, I can't help but think of her having her own television show giving advice to couples in front of a live studio audience.
   
   "Journey on the Roads Less Traveled" challenges us to make our faith first and foremost in our lives. Careers, homes, family, and relationships are enhanced and experienced on a whole new level when we experience them as we live under the umbrella of God's will for our lives. God's gifts to us should be used to give Him back the glory He rightly deserves.
   
   Forgiveness is another main theme Angie Lewis provides her readers with. If we are not willing to truly forgive the people who have upset us, then we are limiting our ability to experience the kind of love Jesus came to teach us about 2,000 years ago.
   
   I could write for days about how much I loved this book. But I just might give away so much of the "guts" inside that purchasing the book would be unnecessary, so I will close by saying this: If you want to purchase a book that can truly change your life, inspire your faith, or make you ponder how joyful your life can truly become, this is a book that can do just that!
   
   See ya next review!



4. Review: A Journey On the Roads Less Traveled
   by Angie Lewis
   
   Rated: 5 Stars
   Angie Lewis' book A Journey On A Roads Less Traveled should be in every AA meeting hall. As I read Angie's book, I wished that my sister had been able to find the strength to break through her addiction before that addiction took her life.
   I found Angie's words of wisdom to be not only for those who find themselves addicted to alcohol or drugs, but for each and every one of us. We all are battling some sort of demons in our lives--be it love of money or things we can possess. We are all selfish to some point and our loved ones often suffer. I myself, found Angie's book calming, placing a comforting balm upon my heart.
   I highly recommend A Journey On Roads Less Traveled. All the roads she described will ultimately lead the reader to road that leads to salvation through Jesus Christ.
   
   Review by Nancy Lee Shrader
   IS IT NOW? The End of Days!
   The Curse of Mayweather House
   IS HE MESSIAH? Messianic Prophecies Revealed!



5. Journey on the Road Less Traveled is a phenomenal book!! I must admit however that it has taken me quite a few weeks to read, but not because I did not love it, because I LOVED IT SO MUCH that I found myself reading and re-reading chapters. I absolutely 100% believe that has saved my marriage and helped me find "real love"! I would recommend this book to anyone who is seeking spiritual guidance their marriage, when it seems as all else has failed and you need "somewhere" to turn, this book is the answer! It has been my handbook these past few weeks and I know that it will be forever. I sought this book out to rescue my marriage, yet it has also helped me understand my own feelings, the importance of faith and taught me the act of forgiveness.
   
   Angie explains how important it is to have a relationship with God and the how critical it is to submit ourselves to Him and everything else in our life will just fall into place and we can be the person that God intended us to be! Once we understand what God's purpose for us in this world, then we can apply it to our marriage and all other aspects of our life.
   
   I lived in my emotions and my feelings and could not understand why I was so unhappy, this book shows you how to take control of your feelings by having faith in God and gave me clarity on how to take a look at my own actions first before I try to change or control the actions of another person. Thanks to Angie, I am truly less emotionally stressed which in turn has allowed me to become a much more loving person!!