Overall this book was great for prompting a writing workshop for myself & 6 recovering adults whose 12-step involvement varied (ie. ACoA, AA, CodA, & combo). We began using it for a weekly 2 hour Sunday AM writing workshop meeting.

We used the book over the course of a year. We unanimously found the activities at the end of each step-chapter to be incredibly stupid but the questions on each step to be immensely helpful. Most healing were the group discussions which followed after all members had shared their individual responses to the questions or prompts.

We amended the recommended format to our own use and experienced incredible results. We agreed that the truly amazing healing we witnessed in ourselves and each other came from reviewing our individual answers to the book as a "family" unit. We chose to answer every question rather than highlight answers to individual questions.

I do not think I would have found this book a helpful tool on my own.

The prompts in the chapters on the latter steps (particularly 11 &12) grew repetitive & less helpful. The same question would be asked in two different ways,(for example Question #12 would be "Give an example of way you doubt your Higher Power." Question #16 would be, "Give an example of a way you doubt God.") Editing seemed to be weak in other areas as well.

Nevertheless, this book indirectly changed my life more than any other because this book facilitated a spiritual transformation that was achieved in community.

Last, I am a participating member of a 12 step group different from the members of this workshop and found that the writing workshop presented opportunities for much more intimate sharing and healing than I find/found at my meetings.

I enthusiastically endorse such a workshop for any individual willing to commit to the time and work involved.