Initially published in 2013, Beyond Belief: Agnostic Musings for 12 Step Life became a buzz-book for people with addiction, people affected by addiction and especially irreligious, secular-minded people in recovery.

While the 12-step approach (AA, etc.) is all-inclusive, the language can feel like religious proselytizing to atheists and agnostics. Regardless of worldview, this book's contemporary language of recovery, addiction, mental health, and wellness has been appreciated by tens of thousands of readers so far. Beyond Belief articulates how many of us feel and asks questions that have stimulated some readers on a fifth or sixth lap of the daily reader loved by many.

"Thanks so much for Beyond Belief! I am using it daily as part of my recovery support system and am appreciating the diversity of quotations and the comments on those quotations. I especially like the questions at the end which take me further into the material and inform my quiet times. Thanks for making the huge effort to put all that together. I really appreciate it. Kind regards." Pat H. UK,

Melissa D., Clinical Psychologist in California, says, "I have never seen a daily devotional book written for agnostics. I found the readings to be extremely thought-provoking. I wonder sometimes, since there is such talk about God at meetings, what kind of turn-off that must be for agnostics. I think this book will be very helpful to both the newcomer and the mature 12-step member."

Bob K, contributor to AAagnositca.org says, "I expected his book to be good. It's WAY, WAY better than good. The book is outstanding. Two decades of not being a 'daily reflections' kind of guy, are over. Now I have reflections worth reflecting over! Buy this book or you will suffer a horrible and painful death! Well, maybe not, but you'll be missing out on something very good."

Michel D. says, "AA can and must adapt to changing circumstances, and Bill Wilson was the first one to admit it. Unfortunately, members who have come after him are more zealous than our first members. Of course, we have seen this dogmatism in history before, especially in religion. This is a very slippery slope. I like that these reflections are for anyone with an open mind. It does not cater to a specific group to the exclusion of others. "

Wray Pascoe, Ph.D., Family Therapist Clinical Fellow AAMFT, Gimli Manitoba writes, "The author garners quotes from a wide range of writers and thinkers i.e. Socrates, Bertrand Russell, Scott Peck, Oprah Winfrey and Bill W. The author is widely read, an autodidact and scholar of life who asks probing and challenging questions as to what the reader is doing, thinking or practicing in their life. I have recommended Beyond Belief to clients attempting to lead a sober life and those who face the challenges of 'life'."

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WINNER of the New England Book Festival, 30 Things: Practical Advice for Living Well (August 2024) has been called many things:
—a mentor's handbook, a love story, a legacy book, an insight into a well-loved author who finally turns the camera around from his research topics to his personal journey, a mutual-aid reader, an Eastern Philosophy book in a Western language, and as many descriptions as readers. Those who like 30 Things, like it a lot.

Some chapters are about how to be in the world: "Loving Someone Means Acting As If Their Happiness is Important to You," "You Can Pretend to Care, but You Can't Pretend to Be There." Other chapters are about the inward challenges of a life examined: "I am Constitutionally Incapable of Being Honest With Myself, About Myself, By Myself," or "Compassion Can Never Coexist with Judgement."

"Unconventional wisdom is all too often challenging, demanding and uncomfortable," Bill Schaberg shares. "But, however crazy or counter-intuitive some of this advice may have sounded to me at first, it all resonated on a more primal level. While my head insisted on posting contrary arguments, my stomach knew this was something I should be paying attention to and, perhaps, even trying to put into practice."

Hear from William H Schaberg: https://30thingsthebook.com/

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The Buzz about 30 Things:

Joe Nowinski, PhD, internationally recognized clinical psychologist and author...

There are many things to like about 30 Things. It is written from a position of humility rather than authority, which makes the advice offered easy to digest. This approach stands in contrast to the patronizing approach that typically characterizes "advice" writings. Most of the "things", in fact, emanate from the author's own experiences and originate with others he respects. I heartily recommend 30 Things to all who are open to seeing life at times from a different perspective.

Clinical Therapist Adina Silvestri, EdD, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor

As a licensed therapist specializing in substance abuse and erasing shame, I found 30 Things: Practical Advice for Living Well by William Schaberg to be a valuable source of wise and practical advice. This book provides an array of insights that are especially beneficial for therapists and their clients on a journey toward healing and self-improvement. Below are some key highlights and how they can be applied to therapy:

"You Can Pretend to Care, But You Can't Pretend to Be There"

Schaberg highlights the importance of presence in relationships, a vital concept in therapy. Being fully present with others builds trust and deepens emotional connections. Practice: Encourage clients to practice mindfulness in their interactions, focusing on truly being there for their loved ones without distractions.

"Identify the Places Where You Encounter the Spiritual and Go There Often"

Finding and regularly visiting places that evoke a sense of spirituality or peace can be incredibly healing for clients. This advice promotes self-care and the importance of environments in emotional well-being. Strategy: Help clients identify their personal sanctuaries, whether physical places or mental states, and incorporate regular visits to these spaces into their routines. And who doesn't want to understand the subconscious better?