AA to Z: An Addictionary of the 12-Step Culture
AA to Z is a reader-friendly paperback chock full of useful information for new Alcoholics Anonymous participants, students of 12-step programs, and the general reader curious to know how such programs operate. Cavanaugh, managing editor for Reader's Digest General Books, presents a brief overview of AA's beginnings, its connection to the Oxford movement, and its enduring steps to sobriety. "Through the years," Cavanaugh states, "the people who live a 12-step life have formed a unique culture, with a language, history, and set of customs all its own. This book attempts to document that culture." Introductory comments are followed by "Jack's Story," a prototype of addiction and recovery, as well as an alphabetic "addictionary" of AA jargon. In A Sponsorship Guide, which is set up in interview format, a group of 17 active, experienced sponsors, primarily from New York City and the West Coast, comment on issues such as same-sex sponsorship, the place of friendship in a sponsor/sponsee relationship, gay sponsorship, and qualities of a good sponsor. Each of the 12 steps is discussed, as well as various methods for working them with sponsees. Readers are assured that there are many ways to be an effective sponsor and that no one path to success exists. Included are a suggested reading list and step worksheets. Although the author remains anonymous, she reveals that she is a Los Angeles screenwriter and director.?Catherine T. Charvat, John Marshall Lib., Alexandria, Va.Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.