Hazelden publishes several great books for people in recovery. I would go as far as to say that they are the authority on recovery literature.
Below are three of their most popular books. I’ll give you a “textbook” review of each and then explain why it is important to us.
24 Hours a Day:
This classic daily meditation book has been helping people in recovery for over 75 years. Each entry is just a few pages long and focuses on a single theme related to recovery. The meditations are written in a conversational style that feels like you are talking to a friend.
This book is a classic for a reason. The meditations are short and to the point, covering a wide range of recovery-related topics. They are a great way to start your day or to reflect on your recovery journey at the end of the day.
Why we like it:
This is the first book we were introduced to when we got to the sober living facility. They had a morning meditation group each day, and one person would read the daily entry, and then everyone else would comment on it. As the review states, it is a great way to start your day, and we have been reading it since the first week we were sober. Through the years, we have continued to read that book every day without fail.
The Sobees #QUITLIT Score: 3 out of 5
God Grant Me:
This book offers daily doses of strength and wisdom through meditations based on the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. The meditations are written in a simple, straightforward style that is easy to understand and relate to. They cover a wide range of topics, such as surrender, acceptance, gratitude, and hope.
This book is a great choice for people new to recovery or looking for a more spiritual approach to their recovery. The meditations are written in a way that is easy to understand and relate to, and they offer a lot of hope and encouragement.
Why we like it:
Mike started reading this book when he was about a year sober, and I picked it up at about two years sober. We were both drawn to it based on how the readings were structured and despite the title, it is less “God” focused and focuses more on the words “higher power” and that concept. Mike also likes it because it has quotes from famous people, and he enjoys many of those individuals. In addition, the book has become a part of our podcast during the weeks we don’t have a guest. We start with a reading and usually have a great discussion.
The Sobees #QUITLIT Score: 4.5 out of 5
Keep It Simple:
This book is a follow-up to 24 Hours a Day. It offers more in-depth meditations on the Twelve Steps and other recovery topics. The meditations are written in a more personal style and often share the author’s own experiences in recovery.
This book is a great choice for people who are more experienced in recovery or who are looking for a more in-depth approach. The meditations are longer and more personal, and they offer wisdom and insights from the author’s own experiences in recovery.
Why we like it:
I started this book a few years ago, and Mike picked it up about two years ago, and we both enjoy it. I think the review is accurate in saying that it’s targeted towards folks who have been sober for a longer period of time. It talks more about “living sober” than getting sober. The readings are light, but they hit home.
The Sobees #QUITLIT Score: 3 out of 5
In our opinion, you can’t go wrong with any of the Hazelden books; we do rotate them out occasionally. I am reading one other Hazelden book, A Day At A Time, which I also enjoy, but the three books I listed above are our cornerstones.
No matter which books you choose, you are sure to find something helpful in all of them. The main point for us is to have a routine in place and, as Mike says, “roll around someone else’s good thoughts in our heads” to start the day off right.
SOBER NOT MATURE:
Welcome aboard the wild and wacky world of the ‘Sober Not Mature‘ podcast, where sobriety stories and off-the-cuff hilarity are the order of the day! This is no hushed whispers recovery circle, folks. We’re all about airing out those sobering thoughts that keep you up at night, but we only do it with a side of sass and a whole lot of laughs.
At the helm of this crazy ship, we have our two sober (but definitely not staid) hosts. Meet Bill, the self-proclaimed CEO – that’s Chief Egotistical Officer for those playing along at home. His job? To ensure every episode is inflated with enough ego to make Kanye West blush.
Then there’s Mike, our COO or Chief Obscenity Officer. Yep, you read that right. Mike’s got a potty-mouth that would make a sailor blush, and he’s not afraid to use it. Their titles alone should hint at the irreverent mayhem that ensues in this recovery podcast. Buckle up, recovery readers. It’s going to be a wild and sober ride.
#ADDTOCART SOBER NOT MATURE
SOBER NOT MATURE: Mike &Bill shoot the sober shit with The Sober Curator Founder Alysse Bryson
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Resources Are Available
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