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Abstract
As part of a larger research project designed to learn what types of activities gay American men of Alcholics Anonymous include in the phrase "working the program," it was learned that bibliotherapy (reading for self-help or persobaly growth) was seen as an improtant part of recovery. The purpose of this study was to learn what types of literature gay American men of A.A. use in their recovery program. Thirty gay maerican men of A.A. were interviewed in-depth in Illinois, Iwoa, Michigan, Oklahoma, and Texas. The main types of literature used by the men were: A.A. books and pamphlets; religiour and/or spiritual books; daily meditation guides; books about alcoholism, treatment, and A.A.; 12 step guides; gay studies books( including gay-specific alcoholism-related literature); alcoholic biographies and autobiographies; and self-help or "pop psychology" books. This article discusses the strengths and limitations of bibiltherapy as well as suggesting types of literature which gay men should consider adding to their repertoire of reading for personal growth.