Comments on: Launch: My Name is Ross – An Alcoholic’s Journey

By: Trevor Jordan

Trevor Jordan — Wed, 19 May 2010 09:13:25 +0000

Thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘My Name is Ross’, though perhaps a more appropriate title would have been ‘O Lucky Man!’ Full of wisdom and interesting advice, mainly from other people to you, surprisingly. It all seems to have worked out in the end–so far.

As a card-carrying Goddist, however, I do have some quibbles about your alleged ‘atheism’. You seem to put an awful lot of responsibility onto the stars in the sky; first, as a beacon of your unworthiness (your brother) and then your salvation (the recipient of your prayers). A lot for a light bulb–albeit a very big one–to bear.

Let’s just say you do not seem to be a practicing atheist; indeed, acting ‘as if’ has got you a long way in this world.

To my mind the universe can be comfy, at times, but is largely inhospitable without the presence of the host–the Big Banger.

Is atheism willpower externalised writ large? I wonder.

Cheers, Dr Trevor Jordan

By: Margaret Kennedy

Margaret Kennedy — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:39:32 +0000

Don’t you find it amazing to think that we had our troubles finding a publisher for this – no one was brave enough to see that there was so much good in it until Pip came along a year ago. I was totally non-plussed by that stage because – as you know – I thought it so obviously valuable, but much more than that: revelatory, honest, brave, raw and unflinching; also funny and light hearted and without airs. This review says what only another alcoholic could know. You must feel deeply gladdened to see his views, are you? As you know I see the book as your tribute to AA. It made an enormous impression on me, what you wrote about it, the anchor it remains for you, the force for good among so many, and your contribution to meetings being a greater source of satisfaction to you than anything you’ve achieved professionally.

By: Margaret Graham

Margaret Graham — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 01:20:43 +0000

I have just finished your book, and want to express thanks and appreciation to you for it. I work in the D&A field, working with families affected by problematic drug use within the family. It was touching to hear your expressions of love and respect for both your first family and your own family, even though, they, like all families, have their imperfections.

I personally have an ambition of being a Community Member of the Victorian Adult Parole Board, and appreciated your recounting of your work on the NSW and Queensland Boards. I think there is much to be gained from pre-release education/detox/rehab for those addicted inmates about to be released with the aim of minimising the revolving door now enjoyed by our prisons.

I do intend recommending your book to both families and recovering people I know – it’s a really good read!