"The sole purpose of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous and the Program, as I know it, is to guide me toward a spiritual contact with God, as I understand him. When that happens, not only will I lose weight, but my desire for food will be taken away."

Besides telling his own story, Bill B. goes through the Twelve Steps, one by one. He also includes chapters on topics of real concern to overeaters--"abstinence," fear, anger, depression, relationships, money, and switching compulsions.

If we are thin, we are not necessarily well, he says, but if we are well--that is, if we feel good about ourselves and like ourselves--we will be thin. We cannot abuse our bodies with too much food if we have respect for ourselves.

May Compulsive Overeater, long awaited by those who struggle ceaselessly with the twin problems of overeating and being overweight, guide others to the same weight-loss successes Bill B. has found.