Codependent Forevermore: The Invention of Self in a Twelve Step Group
Through the use of case histories, interviews with Codependents Anonymous (CoDA) members, and information gleaned from meetings she attended, Irvine (sociology, Univ. of Colorado, Boulder) presents both an interesting perspective on the sense of selfhood and an intelligent defense of the legitimacy of CoDA groups. Basing her study on research conducted within a 12-step group, Irvine focuses on how members develop a personal history or narrative that explains why they are the way they are in order to incorporate a sense of meaning in their lives. Also examined is what codependency really is and how CoDA works. Included is an excellent appendix, "Informed Consent and Fieldwork in 12 Step Groups," and an extensive list of references. Unfortunately, the narrow subject area of the book will limit its audience, recommending it for specialists, graduate libraries, or where interest warrants.AElizabeth Goeters, Georgia Perimeter Coll., DunwoodyCopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.