Q&A with Anonymous

 

 

 

"Anonymous" is the author of the new book The Twelve Steps: A Modern Hero's Journey. 

 

Q: What inspired you to write The Twelve Steps?

 

A: Three years into recovery, I had an epiphany when I read Joseph Campbell's book The Hero With a Thousand Faces. This was the exact journey I was on working the Twelve Steps!

 

As I dove deeper into each phase of the hero’s journey, the similarities increased, and I was inspired to learn more and bring this remarkable story to the world of recovery–and beyond. 

 

Q: The Kirkus Review of the book says, “Recovering addicts and alcoholics in particular should read this book, not because they consider themselves heroes (far from it; humility is built into the Twelve Steps), but to find their struggles very eloquently described.” What do you think of that description, and who do you see as the audience for the book?

 

A: Good question. I think they misunderstand the meaning of humility and how this concept relates to the hero’s journey.

 

Addicts and alcoholics are indeed “heroes” in the sense that they walk the hero’s path. This doesn’t mean they grow their already sizable ego; instead, they transcend it, and in doing so, they embrace a whole new definition of humility.

 

Regarding the audience, it is perfect for anyone working a Twelve Step program–regardless of the type of program: AA, OA, SLAA, DA, NA, AlAnon, etc.

 

Secondarily, families of addicts will gain an immense understanding for the real troubles addicts and alcoholics are going through–and what it takes to transcend and heal them.

 

Lastly, treatment centers and, above all, therapists and mental health professions will gain a deeper understanding of both the addict, as well as the reason for healing. Each Step of the recovery journey is explained, and its true significance is uncovered. 

 

Q: Did you need to do much research to write the book, and if so, did you learn anything that especially surprised you?

 

A: I worked on this book, on and off, for 25 years. I did extensive research and read widely on the subject.

 

What surprised me the most was the real point of Steps Six and Seven, particularly in regards to the concept of “Meeting with the Goddess,” and the concept of integrating our shadows–our character defects. It’s fascinating and remains my favorite chapter in the book.

 

Q: What do you hope readers take away from the book?

 

A: I hope they discover, or rediscover, the true purpose of the recovery journey, and that they gain a new reverence for each Step of this amazing journey.

 

Furthermore, I hope they get connected to the archetype of the hero’s journey and find the real meaning of recovery: to transform and so become focused on giving back and being of service to others and the world. 

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: A narrative history of my Polish family’s struggle and fight in WWII–both from my father’s side (he escaped the Nazis and went to England to fight in the RAF), as well as my uncles and grandparents who stayed in Warsaw and fought with the resistance. 

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: This book is “profound” as the publisher called it, and I LOVE getting the word out!

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb