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"It is now time for a sophisticated look at why the self-help industry - particularly Codependents Anonymous - works for millions of people, and Leslie Irvine infiltrated CoDA to find out."--BOOK JACKET.

"Through extensive interviews with CoDA members, case studies, and the meetings she attended regularly, Irvine develops a perspective on contemporary Americans' sense of self. She explores the idea that selfhood is a narrative accomplishment, achieved by people telling stories to themselves and about themselves.

She shows how Alex, Paul, Liz, and many others create a sense of self by combining elements of autobiography, culture, and social structure all within the adopted language of psycho-spirituality."--BOOK JACKET.

"By following the progress and tribulations of CoDA members, Irvine gets to the heart of widespread American conceptions of relationships, selfhood, and community. Amidst the increasingly shrill criticism of the Twelve Step ethos, her reasoned and considered analysis of these groups reveals the sources of both their power and their popularity."--BOOK JACKET.