Codependent No More

For twenty years Melody Beattie has been writing lucidly about codependency--the pattern of trying to control or change someone who repeatedly makes trouble for themselves and others, and who usually is manipulating and controlling others as well. The problem is often part of an addictive or depressive syndrome or both (which the author understands well from her own experience); the solution she offers is to work extra hard at clarifying each person's boundaries, keeping everyone's responsibilities separated, and becoming obsessive about looking after one's own interests in the face of demands to do otherwise. Christina Moore's elegant diction stirs in a measure of attention-getting gravitas to this weighty mixture of classic relationship advice. T.W. (c) AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine

Codependency is an important aspect of the interpersonal dynamic among people with addictive disorders. Codependent people find themselves obsessed in often futile ways with controlling someone who repeatedly makes trouble for him- or herself or others. Few people understand this idea as well as Melody Beattie, an author recovering successfully from a variety of addictive disorders and entanglements. In this popular work, she combines real-life stories with lucid explanations of the concepts that define every part of the codependent syndrome. Delivered by the incomparable Gabrielle de Cuir, the program paints a coherent, enlightening picture and offers many constructive ideas for people stuck in a codependent pattern. T.W. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine

Melody Beattie provides a revised and updated version of her 1986 bestseller on codependency. From the author's own compassionate voice comes a thorough introduction to the concept of codependency, lessons on how to identify codependent characteristics in yourself and others, and tips on how to break free from this destructive cycle. Beattie speaks in an honest, open, and encouraging way while sharing her own struggles with codependency and provides useful questions and exercises that will both comfort and inspire resolve. The real-life examples she shares from both herself and others help listeners understand and relate to codependent relationships and codependent characteristics, while the information shared and practiced will replace destructive behavior with new healthy limits. D.Z. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine