Drop the Rock--The Ripple Effect: Using Step 10 to Work Steps 6 and 7 Every Day

by Fred H.

Drop the Rock—The Ripple Effect provides multiple perspectives from people successfully working a Twelve Step Program, showing Step 10 as a key to a sober life free of fear and resentment and filled with serenity and gratitude.

When Drop the Removing Character Defects was first published in 1999, it quickly became the standard resource for working Steps 6 and 7, two of the most challenging of the Twelve Steps for many people in recovery. Learning what it means to fully surrender character defects frees you to make amends with Steps 8 and 9, realize the Big Book’s “Promises,” and move on to Step 10.

In this new follow-up resource, Fred H. explores what he calls “the ripple effect” that can be created by using Step 10 to practice Steps 6 and 7 every day and avoid picking up “the rock” again. Drawing on his years of lecturing on the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous and Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, he reveals Step 10 as the natural culmination of working the previous Steps.

Genres: Nonfiction, Spirituality, Self Help

120 pages, Paperback

First published September 8, 2015

Reviews

[Jason Hallmark]

I was given this book by a sponsee, as I helped him work his steps. I think it’s a good exposition of the 10th step, but I didn’t find as much meat in it as I did it’s predecessor, “Drop the Rock”. Still worth reading though.

[♥ Susan]

I never thought I’d say this - but far superior to the original “Drop the Rock.” If you’re only going to read one, read this one - though both are ideal.

[David Laser]

One of the best. I get all my sponsees to read this when we get to step 6 and 7. I read this most recently in a Zoom book study and it was awesome.

[Kelly]

Good companion book to 10th step work. I enjoyed some of the concepts and anecdotes presented, although when it came to the author's descriptions specifically in relation to the "ripple effect", I found myself, as an Al-Anon member, thinking that the author was prescribing way too much power to any given individual in the effects they have on other people's lives.

This is not to say that I think we have zero effect on others, but I think the message gives a false idea that if you do or say the right thing around someone, you'll be the reason for their successes or failures.

I'm taught in 12-step recovery, specifically in Al-Anon, that I am powerless over others and that no amount of my jumping through hoops or saying or doing just the right thing is going to affect miraculous changes in someone else's life. That's their Higher Power's job. It's a nasty little rabbit hole that we can go down - when faced with a loved one suffering from addiction - thinking we can affect (and because we can affect then we are therefore responsible for creating) positive change in others

[Pablito]

While the anecdotes don't always hit the mark, some good practical tips on working Step 10, in lieu of Steps 6 and 7, are offered.

The Ripple Effect is the effect we have on other human beings, based on what we do (or don't do), what we say (or don't say), and how we show up in each moment. Our words and actions naturally ripple out to the people around us --- and then to the people around them, and the folks around them. It's an ongoing, interactive process. (71)

The original Drop The Rock: Removing Character Defects - Steps Six and Seven, which deals with Steps 6 and 7 directly, is a better read.

[Marissa Savala]

Steps 6 and 7 have become more impactful to my sobriety the longer that I have been sober. Given the minimal coverage of these steps in the two primary literatures, it was difficult to fully grasp the depth of these steps at first. But through continued experience and reading of Drop the Rock: Removing Character Defects on two occasions, I was able to grow in my understanding of 6 and 7's importance. It wasn't until I read this book, Drop the Rock: Using Step 10 to Work Steps 6 and 7 Every Day, that I was able to see how to put this knowledge and understanding into more practical daily action. I am so grateful for the opportunity to use step 10 to deepen my recovery, and this book was very helpful in showing me how. I am definitely going to share this with all of my recovery friends!

[Bailey Neill]

Anyone who really knows and lives recovery knows how treatment centers negatively affected a simple philosophy. This book, although it contains a handful of good passages, is more of the same. It’s treatment center crappola painting recovery as a self help program and over-complicates simple ideas.

Glad we won this book in a raffle so I can say I didn’t actually spend money on a treatment center book bastardizing recovery.

[Joe Anglim]

worth the effort

Having read and benefited from reading/studying Drop The Rock on steps 6 & 7 I could not pass up going to this title. It would be “insane”, make no sense to not at least investigate this title.

Setting up my phone to read the book to me while I go about the day is a big help. To use a military idea, that is a force multiplier 👍

[Paul Bard]

Perfectly concise, fewer stories than the original, and needed to be written.

The book does precisely what it says on the cover and that is rare.

Particularly appreciate the model of the ripple effect as a sequence of interventions.

[Justyn]

I loved every piece of this book from cover to cover. Every bit as great as drop the rock and I am beyond grateful to have this book in my library. Amazing book full of usable info that I will carry with me always. I will most definitely read this book more than once. Great read! Check it out!

[MarkD60]

I read this book a couple years ago. I thought it was a scam, talking about 10 and 11 calling it 6 and 7.
But my view has changed with the second read. 6 & 7 can apply to our daily lives, and not be steps we do and are done with.

[Qui2]

Meh

[Maggie Yancey]

A great 12-step guide for steps six and seven--the really hard ones! Or, as we learn in drop the rock, the really easy ones once we let go and let our higher power lead the way.

[Teisha Billings]

Worth Reading

Recovery is a trip! Any help along the way is so appreciated. It’s a wee program not a me program.

[Jim Talarski]

I must for anyone in the "program" especially if you read Drop the Rock.

[Mark]

Step 10

The never ending evaluation and the corrective actions I take helps keep this addict sober. As I improve everything around me improves.

[Yvonne Moon]

Excellent read....can change your perspective on life

[Katie Parker stephens]

Excellent book about Step 10 of the 12 step self help group Alcoholics Anonymous.

[a.t.m.]

Great AA book

Very easy to read and offers many insights on the application and meaning of the steps. The author has written a compelling book and I highly recommend.

[Jay Rothermel]

Seems very useful on fist read.

[Cindy Doss-Melvin]

Refreshing.

This book breathed life back into my recovery. A must read for 12 steppers of any fellowship. A book I will read, & gift again & again.

[Rose Rutkowski]

All good. And all needed.

[Lynn]

Perfect for group study and discussion!!!

[Kate]

Great read for anyone in recovery or to go through with their sponsees. 4 ⭐️

[Denise Derrick]

Loved it!! Helped so much to gain a clearer understanding of step 10! I am recommending it to all my AA friends 😁

[Jessica Elliott]

Beautifully written. Working step 10 in your daily life will become a part of your blood, your DNA. It isn’t easy to admit you are wrong- but it’s easier than living with guilt and regret.

[Mimi]

I do not recommend this for those of us who have been active in recovery for many years. Much of it is quoted or paraphrased from the Big Book. There are some practical Step 10 suggestions in the last chapter that are worth looking at.

[Sam]

Wayyyy better than the first one, I like how he gets into not speaking up when you see something wrong also being a character defect. Also this is the first piece of official AA lit that points out the male bias of the big book (there may be others but its the first I've seen).

[Caleb Edison]

I highly recommend having all your sponsees read this!

[Amy]

Second time reading this gem. The Ripple Effect is one of those books that you learn something new every time you pick it back up.