I feel this book is very unhelpful to those considering a 12 step program. The "limited confines of the herd mentality of aa and other 12 step-programs" is completely in your OWN mind.AA is the most freeing of recovery programs; aa DOES NOT limit you to anything except a desire to stop drinking. There are NO rules, ONLY suggestions. Take them or leave them, but if you do decide to follow these suggestions i promise you will not regret it.If you are in a 12 step program and still miserable ask yourself these questions: do you have a sponsor? if you sponsor yourself you have a fool of a sponsor. how long have you given aa? it takes time to heal.I hope that this book does not discourage those seeking recovery to shy away from aa. You would be missing out on what could not only save your life, but make it worthwhile.