A review by kjersa
Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself by Melody Beattie

3.0

Ummm…this was an enlightening read in two big ways I did not realize prior to reading this: 1) the concept of codependency originated to define the destructive habits of the loved ones of people addicted to drugs or alcohol (see: Al-Anon) and 2) the book is veryyyy 1986-y and misses the mark soooo hard by taking up a ton of time talking about Christianity and how fat people are bad (lot of references to ‘Fat Is A Family Affair’ by Judi Hollis). There was a lot from the book that hit close to home for sure, so I’m very interested to hear more contemporary takes on codependency!

I kind of can’t believe I’ve been recommended this book so many times, especially by therapists? I think this book may be useful…if you were studying the *origins* of codependency. There surely has to be better and more comprehensive sources on codependency than this 40ish year old book with very 20th century opinions.