The Good Stuff from Growing Up in a Dysfunctional Family: How to Survive and Then Thrive

Casey (Each Day a New Beginning), author of 26 books on addiction and recovery, theorizes that “when we grow up in a dysfunctional family, we have access to a host of benefits we otherwise might not be privy to.” A workshop facilitator for the 12-step recovery process and in recovery for 40 years herself, Casey grew up in a dysfunctional family dominated by her father’s rage. As a result, she turned to alcohol, drugs, and men. Casey describes positive traits and qualities based upon her experiences in 12-step rooms and interviews she conducted during her “small research project” with 24 interviewees who grew up in alcoholic, abusive, or otherwise dysfunctional families. Using her interviews as groundwork, she explores the benefits that result from surviving in a dysfunctional family, including resiliency, perseverance, a sense of humor, forgiveness, kindness, and the ability to discern real love. Simple but authentic points are enumerated at the conclusion of each chapter. With unrelenting optimism and a solid faith in God, Casey helps readers learn to let go of judgment and embrace acceptance. New readers as well as followers of the author’s earlier works will be uplifted by her sunny interpretation of “the good stuff.” (Nov.)