Publishers Weekly 04/20/2015 Mikhitarian provides a thoughtful, empathetic look at the disease of substance addiction and the redemption of recovery in this tome, which follows his 2013 documentary on the same subject, The Anonymous People. Director Greg D. "Williams and the author came up with the idea of compiling a book after having to edit one too many compelling stories out of the 88-minute film. In contrast to the traditional first-name-only policy of 12-step programs, many of those interviewed here give full names, including former Miss U.S.A. Tara Conner, former U.S. Congressman Jim Ramstad, and journalist Laurie Dhue. What they all share is a deep commitment to overcoming alcohol or drug dependency, and a fervent desire to help others do the same. The focus is not on scaring readers straight but on giving them a new sense of optimism while reducing the stigma attached to addiction. The book also traces the history of addiction and recovery, including anti-drug and alcohol legislation and the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous. Both the film and book take their names from phrases common to AA. Since anonymity is a central tenet of AA and other 12-step programs, Mikhitarian discusses the paradox of balancing anonymity with advocacy. This book will offer hope to those recovering from substance abuse, as well as to family members and friends striving to understand the disease and help those suffering. (May)
"The documentary The Anonymous People celebrated the profoundness of recovery. The celebration continues in the moving stories collected in Many Faces One Voice." -- David Sheff, author of Beautiful Boy and Clean
"Bud Mikhitarian has written an important book. There are lessons described here that are crucial to be followed, if we want to see ourselves as a civilized country." -- Charles Grodin, CBS News Commentator and winner of the William Kuntsler Award for Racial Justice
Publishers Weekly 04/20/2015 Mikhitarian provides a thoughtful, empathetic look at the disease of substance addiction and the redemption of recovery in this tome, which follows his 2013 documentary on the same subject, The Anonymous People. Director Greg D. "Williams and the author came up with the idea of compiling a book after having to edit one too many compelling stories out of the 88-minute film. In contrast to the traditional first-name-only policy of 12-step programs, many of those interviewed here give full names, including former Miss U.S.A. Tara Conner, former U.S. Congressman Jim Ramstad, and journalist Laurie Dhue. What they all share is a deep commitment to overcoming alcohol or drug dependency, and a fervent desire to help others do the same. The focus is not on scaring readers straight but on giving them a new sense of optimism while reducing the stigma attached to addiction. The book also traces the history of addiction and recovery, including anti-drug and alcohol legislation and the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous. Both the film and book take their names from phrases common to AA. Since anonymity is a central tenet of AA and other 12-step programs, Mikhitarian discusses the paradox of balancing anonymity with advocacy. This book will offer hope to those recovering from substance abuse, as well as to family members and friends striving to understand the disease and help those suffering. (May)
"The documentary The Anonymous People celebrated the profoundness of recovery. The celebration continues in the moving stories collected in Many Faces One Voice." -- David Sheff, author of Beautiful Boy and Clean
"Bud Mikhitarian has written an important book. There are lessons described here that are crucial to be followed, if we want to see ourselves as a civilized country." -- Charles Grodin, CBS News Commentator and winner of the William Kuntsler Award for Racial Justice--This text refers to the paperback edition.
About the Author
Written by Bud Mikhitarian is an award-winning writer, producer, and director in broadcast news, film documentaries and web programs. Teamed with his brother, Craig, their work has earned many honors over the years, including Emmys, Tellys, and an Academy Award nomination. Bud, Craig and director Greg Williams comprised the crew who drove throughout the country to film The Anonymous People, for which Bud served as a writer, producer and sound recordist. He also writes children’s stories, loves sports and lives in Connecticut with his wife, a film and TV costume designer, and their two daughters. Foreword by Greg Williams is the director of the award-winning documentary film, The Anonymous People.