Codependence and the Power of Detachment: How to Set Boundaries and Make Your Life Your Own by Karen Casey.

A generation ago, when codependence was first talked about and defined, a lot of people who were living with or relating to alcoholics or addicts realized that they needed support in figuring out what was going wrong in their lives and how to regain some sanity. So, the people who read the initial books were people who had problems in their lives “caused” by their situation. Now we realize a bit more--a lot more of us are affected in one way or another through our family of birth, our colleagues, etc.--by alcoholism or addiction. And, whether or not we’re addicted or relating to an addict, almost all of us get caught up in the drama of family life or everyday situations in which we’re not clear about who we are and what we think. In short, this book is for anyone who ever was tempted to live her or his life by someone else’s rules or values, or who tried to control the outcome of a situation by changing someone else’s mind or controlling them. -- Publisher Jan Johnson of Red Wheel/Weiser Books/Conari Press

Get Up: A 12-Step Guide to Recovery for Misfits, Freaks, and Weirdos by Bucky Sinister.

Bucky Sinister is a veteran spoken word artist who has published several books of poetry and short stories, as well as a seasoned stand-up comic. His poetry evolved as his drinking waned, and he has this amazing ability to pepper the cold, sad truth with hilarity. Honestly, I think this book will appeal not just to those in recovery. It was written for people who are thinking about starting a twelve-step program but are afraid of the church basements and Higher Power jargon. But it also reads really well and helps anyone who needs to learn to draw boundaries with their addictions—I think there is an element of that in all of us. Even if you aren’t in a program, or should be, the clever writing and wit of the author shines. -- Editor Amber Guetebier of Red Wheel/Weiser Books/Conari Press