A Candle Lit: Deconstructing Alcoholism

A Candle Lit speaks to the circular spiral of the disease of alcoholism.Mark Urso clearly describes the perils of addiction with quick wit and deep respect. He grabs it with his pen as if to shake it until its teeth rattle.To be so honest about a disease that lies to victims on a daily basis, explains the power of it. Though most people do not realize it, it is more powerful then the sea that can destroy or sooth, and more powerful than the highest mountain that causes us to stand in awe. Urso respects that power.Addiction is not kind, rather it is all encompassing and an addict may see eventually, that it is destroying his life, it takes some serious study to see that it destroys the lives of innocent non addicts that care about him as well.The reason I gave this book 5 stars is, the author doesn’t mince words. He hits nails on the head on every page, including the subjects of mania and depression in his look at the “Growing Pack of Gum” This symptom of alcoholism is an often-overlooked reality.This author talks to this disease and how it begs for “Recovering” continuously through an alcoholic’s life and the enormous power of it while he makes reference to alcohol being like Kryptonite is to Superman as he describes physical cravings. Superman did not crave Kryptonite. That’s how powerful alcoholism is.While clearly explaining where alcohol can take lives, he does not ignore the plausible fact that it kills. Urso describes the layers of alcoholism beginning with denial, the insidiousness of the disease itself, and how an addict always “romances” the denial while knowing how fatal it can be. Again, that is how powerful it is!I recommend this book to alcoholics and suffering enablers. Both are afflicted with an obsession that can devastate otherwise wonderful lives. The bottom line of the message in this book, (in my opinion) is, finding the similarities in the stories of other addicts is more important than finding the differences. A brotherhood of truth in a simple program for complicated people is the answer. Finding this answer in A Candle Lit can save lives.

Repetitive and not worth the time

Connects completely, very insightful, written staccato-like writing to make the author's points bang into your cranium.I came away from my read, thinking, "this guy knows me and my people," inside and out.We all can use this very well written and very poignant book to better understand, if not our own, our friends and family who are "addicts" in any sense on any drug.Ought to be mandatory reading in school...

I took a look at this book as I help out with a local group of alcoholics. I found it very clearly written. It is unsentimental and looks at the issue full on, which makes a welcome change from a lot of the books targeted at alcoholism. I found it very interesting that the author recommends fixing the outside first, claiming the inside will follow. It struck me as an effective method, much more action-based than reading books on spirituality. As such, it would appeal to the people in my group, because it's a positive message with a clear call for action, rather than vague feel-good exhortations. It is also very thorough, defining alcoholism and going through everything from denial, cravings, lying, to forgiveness, power and much else.As a non-alcoholic, I was also fascinated to find that I have traits of an addictive person - the way I go off on a tangent and find it hard to focus on one thing. Urso gives the example of someone losing a pen and I have often behaved in such a way ( "When the average person loses his pen, he looks for it for X amount of time, using Y amount of effort; while the person with the addictive personality may spend more time and effort looking for it..."). Something to watch out for! This made me feel that the book may also be useful for non-alcoholics.It was definitely a good read and the energetic writing propels the reader forward.

Very helpful in understanding my alcoholic father and my own demons.

GOOD S***

As a person who quit alcohol, but not an alcoholic, I can attest to the great advice written in the book. The book is written in such a way that you connect with the author, almost like he's speaking directly to you. A great addition for those struggling with addition or know someone who is. Pick it up and read it.

Mark has written a smart and thoughtful book about his life's journey (so far).Reading Mark's well written book you will discover that its OK to question what other people tell you about your condition. Its OK to struggle with your addictions. Its OK to be who you are. And its OK to thank God for all of your blessings. Mark has led, and continues to lead a life of joy and enthusiasm. A personal account that will make you laugh, cry, and be happy that you bought his book. "The unexamined life is not worth living" - Socrates

not a bad read...not really good either.