Undrunk: A Skeptic's Guide to AA by A. J. Adams

Starred Review. Until he bottomed out and joined up as a last-ditch effort, Adams thought of Alcoholics Anonymous (like many pre-treatment addicts) as a repository for losers or the weak. In this touching, semi-irreverent look at a global fellowship at once transparent and mysterious, Adams lays out the "12 Steps" for readers as he chronicles his own introduction to the program. The distinguishing characteristic of this memoir is Adams's skepticism and willingness to analyze the process, maintaining enough distance to translate the story for non-members while holding dear his conviction in AA's power to heal (in her foreword, Mel B. notes that "one of AA's unwritten rules is that one should utilize the program rather than analyze it"). Adams includes a smattering of the organization's history and personal revelations, plenty of stories and much translation from AA jargon. Adams maintains a welcoming balance of candor and gallows humor with helpful explication and unflinching awareness of the life-and-death stakes, making this an eye-opening and encouraging read for those who need help with addiction, their own or a loved one's.

Owner Reviews, Ratings, Comments and Criticism
This is a book for just about everyone. Adams describes how AA works and the experience of getting and staying sober in an eminently readable way, and he's a very funny guy. I loved going along with him to his first AA meeting, where everyone was nice to him and he felt superior to all those losers. (He'd had a couple drinks on the way.) Many months later, after rehab, he goes back to the same meeting and realizes what a jerk he was (everyone is even nicer this time). The book describes his first year of being sober, with many twists and turns in the road. It's amusing, entertaining, informative, insightful, sometimes touching and never boring. It's a book that might get people to AA a few years earlier or make it less confusing when they finally do get there. It's a great book to give to anyone who's interested in the topic or would benefit from learning about it, either for themselves or for someone they love. Most people have seen or experienced the effects of alcoholism on families and individuals. It's hard to imagine anyone who wouldn't get something out of this excellent, enjoyable book.