In Codependent No More, Melody Beattie introduced the world to the term codependency. Now a modern classic, this book established Beattie as a pioneer in self-help literature and endeared her to millions of people who longed for healthier relationships. Twenty-five years later, concepts such as "self-care" and "setting boundaries" have become entrenched in mainstream culture. Now Beattie has written a follow-up volume, The New Codependency, which clears up misconceptions about codependency, identifies how codependent behavior has changed, and provides a new generation with a road map to wellness.
The question remains: What is and what isn't codependency? Beattie here reminds us that much of codependency is normal behavior. It's about crossing lines. There are times we do too much, care too much, feel too little, or overly engage. Feeling resentment after giving is not the same as heartfelt generosity. Narcissism and self-love, enabling and nurturing, and controlling and setting boundaries are not interchangeable terms. In The New Codependency, Beattie explores these differences, effectively invoking her own inspiring story and those of others, to empower us to step out of the victim role forever. Codependency, she shows, is not an illness but rather a series of behaviors that once broken down and analyzed can be successfully combated.
Each section offers an overview of and a series of activities pertaining to a particular behavior—caretaking, controlling, manipulation, denial, repression, etc.—enabling us to personalize our own step-by-step guide to wellness. These sections, in conjunction with a series of tests allowing us to assess the level of our codependent behavior, demonstrate that while it may not seem possible now, we have the power to take care of ourselves, no matter what we are experiencing.
Punctuated with Beattie's renowned candor and intuitive wisdom, The New Codependency is an owner's manual to learning to be who we are and gives us the tools necessary to reclaim our lives by renouncing unhealthy practices.
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"With everything I've faced in the past 4 years in my life (death of my brother, my own battle with depression, mental illnes in a sibling, and just adjusting to motherhood) I found this book to be a tremendous resource. I loved the quizzes and affirmations at the end the most!"
— Chrystal (5 out of 5 stars)
“‘Codependent’ is in the dictionary because of Melody Beattie. Her book is required reading.”
— Palm Beach Post" If you have read her previous work, there is not enough change or original material to justify reading this sequel or update. Codependent is more complete. "
— The Plebian, 9/4/2021" Hard to look at one's self, but this woman has tread the journey and opened the door for many of us to improve and learn and change. "
— Janet, 1/5/2014" Trite and rife with slogans. "
— Kevin, 1/2/2014" Think I prefer more intellectual discussions about codependency. Think this is a great, easily readable book that will hopefully lead people to learn more about this problem. "
— Tamara, 12/19/2013" Beattie created the term "codependent," another must read for anyone who wants to help a loved one, but isn't making them or themselves happy. "
— Leslie, 11/29/2013" Good follow-up to Codependency No More. Expanded on some of the original ideas that were already helping me, and gave me a decent amount of updated info, making me think about a lot of things I never had thought to think about in terms of codependency. "
— James, 11/28/2013" I found this to be an informative well written book. I didn't really get anything new out of it though, much a repeat of her first book...Codependency no more. Still, it was a good refresher. "
— justablondemoment, 11/28/2013" This is a classic and a great place to start when learning about codependency. "
— Jen, 9/26/2013" Excellent book. Learned a lot. "
— Heather, 6/17/2013" This book would have been word-for-word from her first one, but it was edited better. "
— Elise, 3/12/2013" Great exercises and relatable stories. A reference book to keep around to revisit and refresh yourself. "
— jaz, 12/1/2012" A helpful read for pastoral care continuing education as I delve into the waters of understanding addiction. "
— Susan, 10/28/2012" This book will really help me make sure my YES MEANS YES and my NO MEANS NO in 2012. A terrific update to the co-dependent literature. Here's to serenity, wisdom and courage! "
— Katie, 10/16/2012" seems to repeat itself a lot "
— Rhonda, 3/12/2012" Good information on codependency, but sadly interspersed with so much god-talk I could barely read it. You have a problem? Just pray, depend on god, etc. Useful quizzes in the last half of the book, though. "
— Anna, 2/20/2012" Shit woke me up and helped teach me "healthy detachment" or "detaching with love". Brillant stuff. I recommend every mental health activist read this. "
— Julz, 10/21/2011" zzzzzzz. didn't finish. boring. loved "Codependent No More," but this one i don't care for. not interested in hearing about God or pretending the author is my teacher. "
— Mr., 10/11/2011" Excellent book. Validates some issues with a personal relationship. "
— Susan, 9/2/2011" i read the original numerous times in the 90's. I liked the first part. she completely revised this edition. I wasn't wild about the quizzes which compromise the last half of the book. "
— Catherine, 6/14/2011" It is a handbook/activity book to get well from codependency. Some of her writing is confusing and she acts as though the reader can read her mind, but for the most part it is really helpful. "
— Brittany, 3/27/2011" This is a classic and a great place to start when learning about codependency. "
— Jen, 3/11/2011" Good information on codependency, but sadly interspersed with so much god-talk I could barely read it. You have a problem? Just pray, depend on god, etc. Useful quizzes in the last half of the book, though. "
— Anna, 2/26/2011" zzzzzzz. didn't finish. boring. loved "Codependent No More," but this one i don't care for. not interested in hearing about God or pretending the author is my teacher. "
— Mr., 5/4/2010" i read the original numerous times in the 90's. I liked the first part. she completely revised this edition. I wasn't wild about the quizzes which compromise the last half of the book. "
— Catherine, 2/25/2009Melody Beattie, one of the seminal figures in the recovery movement, is the author of the international bestseller Codependent No More, which has sold more than eight million copies and been translated into more than a dozen languages. An expert on codependency, she has written more than fifteen books, including Beyond Codependency, The Language of Letting Go, and The Grief Club, and published hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles. She has also been a frequent guest on many national television shows, including Oprah, and she lectures worldwide.
Lorna Raver, named one of AudioFile magazine’s Best Voices of the Year, has received numerous Audie Award nominations and many AudioFile Earphones Awards. She has appeared on stage in New York, Los Angeles, and regional theaters around the country. Among her many television credits are NYPD Blue, Judging Amy, Boston Legal, ER, and Star Trek. She starred in director Sam Raimi’s film Drag Me to Hell.