This week’s podcast features an interview with Christopher M. Finan, author of Drunks: An American History. The book provides a fascinating history of alcoholism and its treatment from the beginning of American History to the present day. I enjoyed the experience of learning about my fellow drunks, what they endured and how they learned to help each other and in so doing, change the way society views the problem of addiction.
Christopher was inspired to write the book from his own family history. Alcoholism was a problem in his family for generations, and while he was earning his PhD., his academic adviser suggested that perhaps he write a book about the history of alcoholism. It would take some twenty years before he would write the book, publishing it only this year.
Drunks: An American History is a must read for people in recovery. As an AA member, I found a new sense of appreciation for the Fellowship that saved my life, and the hard work that went into crafting the 12 Steps, the 12 Traditions, and the AA service structure.
The book is available in hardcover, paperback and audio at indiebound.org. I purchased both the hardcover and the audiobook. I typically don’t like audiobooks, but I found it most enjoyable. The narrator did a truly excellent job. The book is well-written. It had me from the introduction and held my attention all the way through the end. If you would like to read an excerpt from the book, please be sure to check out our story from last week, AA’s Declaration of Independence.
Thank you, Christopher for writing this book, and for sharing a chapter on our site, and thank you ever so much for being so generous with your time to sit down and talk to me for this podcast. I enjoyed the conversation, and I think our podcast audience will enjoy it as well.
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