Recommended Reading
Recommended Reading
Explore this curated list of books and resources which covers an array of topics such as addiction, family dynamics of addiction and recovery, mental health issues, couples' challenges, family business dynamics, and more. These resources come personally recommended for their educational and informational value.
Many of these titles are recognized as "classics" in addiction, while others offer contemporary perspectives. The selection includes theoretical and academic books suitable for counseling professionals or students and classic and modern self-help resources for non-professionals.
Please note that the recommendations reflect my opinions, tastes, and preferences. The linked books send you directly to my Amazon associates account, allowing me to receive a small fee if you purchase. Additionally, you may find books on other online platforms, listed below, which I have found to be reliable. These alternative sources might offer more affordable options, especially for used books. I do not receive any affiliate fees from them.
As this list is a work in progress, check back regularly for updates. If you have a specific subject in mind and would like personalized book recommendations, please email me. Happy reading!
Counter-therapeutic and Unbalanced Relationships
Codependency Codependent No More - Melody Beattie
The Language of Letting Go - Melody Beattie
Codependents' Guide to the 12 Steps - Melody Beattie
The New Codependency - Melody Beattie
Facing Codependence - Pia Melody
Family Dynamics of Addiction and Recovery
Love First: A Family's Guide to Intervention - Jeff Jay
Understanding Addiction and Recovery Through A Child's Eyes: Hope, Help, and Healing For Families - Jerry Moe Adult Children: The Secrets of Dysfunctional Families - John and Linda Friel
Getting Them Sober Volume 1 - Toby Rice Drew
Getting Them Sober Volume 2 - Toby Rice Drew
An Adult Child's Guide to What's Normal - John Friel
Bradshaw on The Family - John Bradshaw
Family Secrets - John Bradshaw
It Will Never Happen to Me (ACA) Claudia Black
Individual Dynamics of Addiction and Recovery
Facing Love Addiction: Giving Yourself the Power to Change the Way You Love: The Love Connection to Codependence - Pia Melody
Courage to Change: Personal Conversations About Alcoholism - Dennis Wholey
Passages Through Recovery - T. Gorski
Addicted to Love - Arteburn
Obsessive Love - Susan Forward
Accepting Our Selves and Others - Shepard Kominars
Trauma and Recovery Healing the Child Within - Charles Whitfield
A Gift to Myself: A Personal Workbook and Guide to "Healing the Child Within" - Charles Whitfield
Healing the Shame that Binds You - John Bradshaw
Homecoming: Reclaiming and Championing Your Inner Child - John Bradshaw
Trauma and Addiction:
Ending the Cycle of Pain - Tian Dayton
Family Secrets: The Path From Shame - John Bradshaw
Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving - Pete Walker
In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction - Gabor Mate
The Body Keeps Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma - B. Van Der Kolk
Sexual Addiction
Deceived: Facing Sexual Betrayal, Lies, and Secrets - Claudia Black
Out of the Shadows: Understanding Sexual Addiction - Patrick Carnes
Don't Call It Love - Patrick Carnes
Facing Heartbreak: Steps to Recovery for Partners of Sex Addicts - S. Carnes
Healing the Wounds of Sexual Addiction - Mark Laaser
Disclosing Secrets: An Addicts Guide to When, To Whom, and How Much to Reveal - D. Corley and J. Schneider
In the Shadow of the Net: Breaking Free of Online Sexual Behavior - Patric Carnes
Intimate Treason: Healing the Trauma of Partners Confronting Sexual Addiction - Claudia Black
Mending A Shattered Heart - A Guide for Partners of Sex Addicts - S. Carnes
Mental Health
Anxiety and Worry Workbook - The Cognitive Behavioral Solution - D. Clark & A. Beck
Your Perfect Right: Assertiveness and Equality in Your Life and Relationships (9th Edition) - Robert E. Alberti & Michael L. Emmons
Learned Optimism - M Seligman
An Unquiet Mind (Bipolar Disorder) Kay Redfield Jamison
Touched with Fire: Manic Depressive Illness and Artistic Temperament - Kay Redfield Jamison
The Depression Workbook - Mary Ellen Copeland
Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder - Julia Fast
ADD & The College Student - Patricia Quinn
The Disorganized Mind: Coaching Your ADHD Brain - Nancy Ratey
Delivered from Distraction (ADD) John Ratey
The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion - C. Germer
The Mindfulness Prescription for Adult ADHD - L. Zylowska
Mindfulness for Beginners: Reclaiming the Present Moment and Your Life - J. Kabat-Zinn
Complex PTSD: From Surviving To Thriving - C. Germer
Atomic Habits: An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones - J. Clear
Out of the Fog: Treatment Options and Coping Strategies for Adult Attention Deficit Disorder - Murphy and LeVert
Relationships
Fighting For Your Marriage - H. Markman and S. Stanley
Take Back Your Marriage - William Doherty
The Dance of Anger - Harriett Lerner
The Dance of Intimacy - Harriett Lerner
The Dance of Connection - Harriet Learner
Seven Principles for Making Your Marriage Work - John Gottman
To Love and Be Loved - Sam Keen
The Five Love Languages - Gary Chapman
The Journey from Abandonment to Healing - Susan Anderson
Love Me Don't Leave Me: Overcoming Fear of Abandonment and Building Lasting, Loving Relationships - Michelle Skeen
Hold Me Tight: 7 Conversations for a Lifetime of Love - Susan Johnson
Empowered Love: Use Your Brain to be Your Best Self & Create Your Ideal Relationships - S. Stosny
Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How you Can Find and Keep Love - A. Levine & R. Heller
Divorce
Rebuilding: When Your Relationship Ends - Bruce Fischer
Joint Custody with a Jerk: Raising A Child with An Uncooperative Ex - Julie Ross
R. Dalton Palmer
Spirituality and Daily Meditations
Courage to Change: One Day at a Time In AlAnon -
AlAnon Touchtones: A Book of Daily Meditations for Men - Anon
Journey to the Heart: Daily Meditations on the Path to Freeing Your Soul - Melody Beattie
Each Day a New Beginning: Daily Meditations for Women - Karen Casey
The Language of Letting Go: Daily Meditations for Codependents - Melody Beattie
Keep It Simple: Daily Meditations for Twelve Step Beginning and Renewal - Anon
Believing in Myself: A Self Esteem Daily Meditations - Earnie Larson
The Promise of a New Day - Karen Casey
Food for Thought: Daily Meditations for Overeaters - Elizabeth L.
The Greatest Miracle in the World - Og Mandino
Transitions: Prayers and Declarations for a Changing Life - J. Cameron
The Artists Way: A Spiritual Path in Higher Creativity - J. Cameron
Men's Issues
Iron John: A Book About Men - Robert Bly
Fire in the Belly: On Being a Man - Sam Keen
The Flying Boy: Why Men Run From Relationships - John Lee
Family Businesses
Family, Inc: How to Manage Parents, Siblings, Spouses, Children, and In-laws in the Family Business - L & L Colin
Baby Boomer Issues
A Bitter-Sweet Season - Caring For Our Aging Parents and Ourselves - Jane Gross
Boomer's Guide to Aging Parents - C. Rosenblatt
Taking Care of Parents Who Didn't Take Care of You - Eleanor Cade
Rebellious Aging:A Self-Help Guide for the old Hippie at Heart - M. Nash
Older, Wiser, Fiercer: The Wisdom Collection - C. Orsborn
Aging as a Spiritual Practice: A Contemplative Guide to Growing Older and Wiser - L. Richmond