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Get Up: A 12-Step Guide to Recovery for Misfits, Freaks, and Weirdos
A (Former) Skeptic’s Guide to the 12-Step Program
Knowledge from a personal journey. Experiences with addiction vastly differ, but something can be learned from everyone’s journey—especially those who achieve sobriety. Author Bucky Sinister penned this book because he had something to share from his own journey, a realization that completely changed his outlook on recovery. This smart and snide book is his testament to the effectiveness of the 12-Step Program, a path to recovery that he never expected to go down (and work).
A tough-love approach to recovery. As a poet, author, and comedian, Sinister doesn’t hold back from speaking the truth in this book. He speaks bluntly about addiction and his own struggles with it. Sinister appeals to those who are turned off by the usual recovery self-helps. He talks straight to readers who struggle to buy into the effectiveness of the 12-Step Program—particularly those like Sinister, an atheist, who have problems with the “higher power” concept intertwined with the program.
A different kind of “self-help”. Sinister’s book presents itself as self-help, but don’t expect it to have the same tone as others you’ve read. The book is full of Sinister’s comedic touch, colorful language, and stories from “scumbags” that contain life-saving wisdom. An unabashed testimony to Sinister’s personal journey to sobriety and those of others, this recovery book is sure to educate, entertain, and inspire.
Read Bucky Sinister’s Get A 12-Step Guide to Recovery for Misfits, Freaks, and Weirdos and find…
A different outlook on the 12-Step Program
Raw and honest stories of addiction and staying sober
A source of both light laughter and cutting wisdom for those on the path to recovery
Readers of books such as The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober; Freedom from Our Addictions; and Staying Sober Without God will find further guidance and inspiration in Get Up, which should be the next book for you.
Knowledge from a personal journey. Experiences with addiction vastly differ, but something can be learned from everyone’s journey—especially those who achieve sobriety. Author Bucky Sinister penned this book because he had something to share from his own journey, a realization that completely changed his outlook on recovery. This smart and snide book is his testament to the effectiveness of the 12-Step Program, a path to recovery that he never expected to go down (and work).
A tough-love approach to recovery. As a poet, author, and comedian, Sinister doesn’t hold back from speaking the truth in this book. He speaks bluntly about addiction and his own struggles with it. Sinister appeals to those who are turned off by the usual recovery self-helps. He talks straight to readers who struggle to buy into the effectiveness of the 12-Step Program—particularly those like Sinister, an atheist, who have problems with the “higher power” concept intertwined with the program.
A different kind of “self-help”. Sinister’s book presents itself as self-help, but don’t expect it to have the same tone as others you’ve read. The book is full of Sinister’s comedic touch, colorful language, and stories from “scumbags” that contain life-saving wisdom. An unabashed testimony to Sinister’s personal journey to sobriety and those of others, this recovery book is sure to educate, entertain, and inspire.
Read Bucky Sinister’s Get A 12-Step Guide to Recovery for Misfits, Freaks, and Weirdos and find…
A different outlook on the 12-Step Program
Raw and honest stories of addiction and staying sober
A source of both light laughter and cutting wisdom for those on the path to recovery
Readers of books such as The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober; Freedom from Our Addictions; and Staying Sober Without God will find further guidance and inspiration in Get Up, which should be the next book for you.
- GenresNonfictionSelf Help
176 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2008
6 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 29, 2008
I am not the typical intended audience for this book, as I'm a lifelong abstainer from alcohol and other chemicals. I've been told by a sober person that I'm an abnormal normie. But in part because of my non-drinking ways, I have a lot of friends who've been through the 12-step programs, I know the lingo and can take somebody else's inventory like nobody's business. The big things that Bucky addresses are issues that a lot of people I know have with 12-step groups - atheism, being part of a group, and worries about the effect on being an artist.
Bucky offers several alternative ways to think about Higher Power, and delves into other ways to conceptualize the steps in a non-theistic way. The main one he talks about is the "Ideal Image," your idea of what the best possible You would be like and be able to accomplish.
Being an individualist are a big reason a lot of people find to not go to 12-step groups. Bucky goes into this in depth, but one thing that rang true to me is that isolating yourself by trying to get sober without going to a group is like being a punk but hanging out with jocks. The first group you try might not be for you, but keep looking and you'll find the right one.
One of the best sections is "The Artist and Recovery," where he gets really specific about his life as a writer, spoken word performer, and comedian - he busts the myths about alcohol, drugs and artists - just because your hero used a particular chemical doesn't mean that it's going to make you a great artist to use it, or a productive one.
Another concept he talks about which I think anyone regardless of sobriety could find helpful is the idea of the line of control - things you can control vs. things you can't control. The thing is, that line dividing the two is not static - things you do today can expand or contract your future possibilities in life.
Bucky offers several alternative ways to think about Higher Power, and delves into other ways to conceptualize the steps in a non-theistic way. The main one he talks about is the "Ideal Image," your idea of what the best possible You would be like and be able to accomplish.
Being an individualist are a big reason a lot of people find to not go to 12-step groups. Bucky goes into this in depth, but one thing that rang true to me is that isolating yourself by trying to get sober without going to a group is like being a punk but hanging out with jocks. The first group you try might not be for you, but keep looking and you'll find the right one.
One of the best sections is "The Artist and Recovery," where he gets really specific about his life as a writer, spoken word performer, and comedian - he busts the myths about alcohol, drugs and artists - just because your hero used a particular chemical doesn't mean that it's going to make you a great artist to use it, or a productive one.
Another concept he talks about which I think anyone regardless of sobriety could find helpful is the idea of the line of control - things you can control vs. things you can't control. The thing is, that line dividing the two is not static - things you do today can expand or contract your future possibilities in life.
December 1, 2015
I whole heartedly felt the love that was poured into this book. Bucky gets it. He's been there, ask him how he knows. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone, addict or not. We all can learn from his story. *Especially* if you're in some sort of counter culture that makes you feel vulnerable to the religious aspects that are in AA meetings because you feel like 12 steps just "isn't your thing". You will be able to relate with Bucky either personally or by association. We all either have these friends or *are* THAT friend.
September 19, 2008
This book is fabulous, and I not just saying that because I think the author is fabulous (which I do). Bucky does a great job addressing the major land-mines and the safe paths around them for those in early recovery who are at-risk of 'thinking themselves out of the program.' I'd recommend this book to anyone in early recovery.
September 3, 2015
truth- I was a little let down. I'm going to risk being mean for honesty's sake: I thought the author came off as a bit of a douche. A repetitive douche really into his schtick. And weak metaphors. An entire piece comparing different types of addicts to the roles of the A-Team (yawn).
I'll stick with reading substance abuse memoirs next time.
I'll stick with reading substance abuse memoirs next time.
April 2, 2012
Hilarious and poignant, whether you are a "normie", addict, or recovering addict. Anyone who can relate addiction and recovery to both Joseph Campbell's Hero mythology, and the personality types in the A-team is someone I want as a friend.
May 3, 2014
Just what I needed, just when I needed it. This is book is great and not just for recovering addicts, I'd say its for anyone feeling super confused about what they're supposed to do and how. Easy to read, funny and inspiring.
May 8, 2010
More fun than a pint of bourbon!
April 5, 2020
An absolute must read for anybody trying to get sober but feeling as if they may have slid "too far down the scale" to be helped by trafitional 12 Step mehtods. Sinister gives us a humorous but stark look at his own addiction, as well as recovery, and gives the reader a blueprint to make a sober life possible for even the most desparate and depraved.
May 8, 2018
Didn't spend much time on 12 steps for a 12-step guide, but it was an enjoyable read.
July 11, 2020
A very well-told story of redemption. Would recommend to any self-identified freaks or weirdos. Much love! Stay active, stay sober!
December 18, 2020
The title gave me no reason to not expect great things. I was not let down as I read about overcoming trepidations related to staying true to yourself while accepting help.
May 20, 2014
Ok, now I was born an alcoholic. Also, I have spent a lifetime struggling to stay sober. Or I’ve been dead drunk. And that’s it. There has been no middle ground, as a number of friends and family members can I'm sure attest. So AA became a force in my life very early on. As time passed, I started to sour on the entire concept of AA because of its overbearing god-consciousness, despite the prevalence of the ‘as you understand god’ rhetoric. And also because of the nauseating righteousness of a large part of its membership. So, needless to say, I’ve done some brutal wrestling with 12 step groups, to my detriment.
This is where Bucky Sinister comes in. An angel purchased a book for me as a Christmas gift after a particularly evil drinking debacle that wound me up in an institution. I came home and started reading GET UP and right away, I felt better. Vindicated. Supported. Understood. Bucky had hit a common thread that I could grasp. Post punk rock sober existence without some god trip downer. Being an artist in recovery. Applying AA’s principles minus the dogma. And above all, a guide to being a stand up dude. Life ain’t easy these days for Americans, but this solid chunk of REAL self empowerment helped me to GET THE FUCK UP. Thanks, Chuck.
If your searching for a no nonsense addendum to the mighty blue book, this is required reading.
This is where Bucky Sinister comes in. An angel purchased a book for me as a Christmas gift after a particularly evil drinking debacle that wound me up in an institution. I came home and started reading GET UP and right away, I felt better. Vindicated. Supported. Understood. Bucky had hit a common thread that I could grasp. Post punk rock sober existence without some god trip downer. Being an artist in recovery. Applying AA’s principles minus the dogma. And above all, a guide to being a stand up dude. Life ain’t easy these days for Americans, but this solid chunk of REAL self empowerment helped me to GET THE FUCK UP. Thanks, Chuck.
If your searching for a no nonsense addendum to the mighty blue book, this is required reading.
January 28, 2016
I thought this would be the perfect 12 step book for me. I was wrong. The author is sooo up his own ass. Flip to almost any page and you see the word "I" 20-30 times (no exaggeration).He seems to assumes that everyone who is not a "Normie" as he calls it or has a aversion to religion automatically has the same views and interests and experiences as him. His solutions and reflections are full of pop references that he enjoys. A quote: "The best way to diagnose your personality type is by using the A-team". What?! He then spends a bunch of pages explaining, character by character, how everyone has a personality just like one of the A-team members, and the pros and cons of said personality. What a load of self-indulgent shit. In addition, he comes off as a real dick. I've seen some of his comedy performances and he is, I admit, pretty funny at times. But he does not have the intelligence or education to be writing self-help material.
February 17, 2009
Interesting take on recovery; it re-frames the 12 Steps of AA in a way that may be useful for those who are not predisposed toward organized religion, as well as countering the reported self-pity that some may utilize to delay recovery. The author attempts to reach those who feel apart or ostracized from mainstream society by sharing his own story of alienation, addiction, and recovery. The book desires to be informational and empowering, it generally succeeds on both parts.
October 3, 2009
I haven't started reading this book, yet, but plan to based on a friend's recommendation of it.
Sept 5 09
I started reading this book, today, Oct. 2, 2009. It is a really good book, so far, and I am almost 40 pages into it.
P. 39 "We've been there and come back. When you fall in the pit, people are supposedly to help you up. But you have to get up on your own. We'll take your arms, but you'll have to get your legs underneath you and stand again."
Sept 5 09
I started reading this book, today, Oct. 2, 2009. It is a really good book, so far, and I am almost 40 pages into it.
P. 39 "We've been there and come back. When you fall in the pit, people are supposedly to help you up. But you have to get up on your own. We'll take your arms, but you'll have to get your legs underneath you and stand again."
January 26, 2014
This is a fantastic book. I picked it outdoor out of curiosity, as you don't see too much recovery or 12 Step material from atheists. Bucky had an incredible take on what a higher power is that kind of blew my head open. I've taken his concept into work with me and it's been really useful. If you're getting sober or thinking about getting sober and aren't too sure if 12 Step will work for you, check out this book.
January 3, 2011
Eh...some good advice, but much of it, one could figure out on one's own. Though it's helpful to see a weirdo/freak succeed in a 12-Step program for sure and have some of my own concerns justified/explained/echoed.
January 21, 2014
Very personal description of a 12 step recovery program for non-Christians. I'm not an alcoholic but I'm interested in recovery systems. This book is a good breakdown of why the steps are what they are and how to approach them as a non-Christian.
February 19, 2009
This was actually a 12 step guide to 12 step guides tilted at people who aren't enthusiastic about some of the tenets, like loving Yahweh, but who desperately need the benefits. Good for you, Bucky!
October 5, 2011
Way better and deeper than it seemed it would be. Read it if addiction is in your life, but 12 step programs put you off.
September 27, 2012
Sounds right up my ally! ~ & it was!!
February 13, 2013
Hilarious. Also, one of the best 12 steps books I've read. He doesn't talk down to you, but gives a good kick in the ass where necessary. As a misfit, freak and weirdo, I could relate.
July 28, 2013
Finally a guy that speaks to me and doesn't tell me that I should just "Fake it till I make it" without a Higher Power. This dude helped me save my life. No shit.
November 17, 2014
I mean, I might recommend this to a certain brand of newcomer. But it's badly edited and organized and definitely the perspective of a straight dude bro. I like the atheist tips.
February 1, 2017
It was great for me to get the drift of AA with impertinent irreverence.
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September 22, 2017Amazing, alternative attitude - done so without "bucking"the system. Would love to meet this man and shake his hand. Have a coffee, have a yarn.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews