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Perfect Daughters  By  cover art

Perfect Daughters

By: Robert Ackerman
Narrated by: Rebecca Rogers,Winter Grayden
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Publisher's summary

This new edition of Perfect Daughters, a pivotal book in the ACoA movement, identifies what differentiates the adult daughters of alcoholics from other women.

When this groundbreaking book first appeared over 10 years ago, Dr. Ackerman identified behavior patterns shared by daughters of alcoholics. Adult daughters of alcoholics - "perfect daughters" - operate from a base of harsh and limiting views of themselves and the world. Having learned that they must function perfectly in order to avoid unpleasant situations, these women often assume responsibility for the failures of others. They are drawn to chemically dependent men and are more likely to become addicted themselves. More than just a text that identifies these behavior patterns, this book collects the thoughts, feelings and experiences of 12 hundred perfect daughters, offering listeners an opportunity to explore their own life's dynamics and thereby heal and grow.

This edition contains updated information throughout the text, and completely new material, including chapters on eating disorders and abuse letters from perfect daughters in various stages of recovery, and helpful, affirming suggestions from Dr. Ackerman at the end of every chapter. This book is essential for everyone who found validation, hope, courage and support in the pages of the original Perfect Daughters, as well as new listeners and every therapist who confronts these issues.

Also includes: a comprehensive reference section and complete index.

©1989, 2002 Robert J. Ackerman, Ph.D. (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

What listeners say about Perfect Daughters

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Powerful

A well written, insightful book. Also well researched, and told with kindness.
I expect to listen to it many times.

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13 people found this helpful

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  • 04-11-16

I am a Daughter of an Alcoholic. No longer trying to be Perfect.

Excellent book. Helped me process a lot of painful past life experiences that no one in my family at this time, is able to discuss openly. Not easy to listen, but I found it necessary to face it, so I can move forward.

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12 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Boring narrator, important story

The content of the book was good. I related to the content very well. However, the male narrator was so BORING I almost quit listening to the book and returned it. If you don’t mind the monotone voice of the narrator, the content of the book is very good.
Note to Audible: please re-record this book! The content is rich and helpful to people like me. A better narrator might attract more people to this book, people who desperately need to hear this information.

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10 people found this helpful

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i like the idea, but...

The readers tone is killing me... I enjoy the fact that there are stories from REAL people going/gone through REAL situations to relate to, but the monotone voice and constant stories make it hard to listen to, in my opinion.

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8 people found this helpful

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Great content, dramatic performance

I thought the book was good, useful, and well organized. The reader was a bit dramatic in his delivery. Since the topic is already so dramatic in the lives of DOAs, a less dramatic performance would have made it easier to listen to. Additionally, the parts written by women survivors would be better read in a woman’s voice.

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7 people found this helpful

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A Real eye opener

This book pointed out things I do and never new why. I got extremely angry at myself. In the end I'm thankful for the slap in the face that I so needed!! Thank you!!

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5 people found this helpful

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Good Content

the narrator is a little dull to listen to but content is great! I recommend it to anyone of Alcoholic parents. the second half of the book is where he discusses all the solutions and resolutions described through out the first half.

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4 people found this helpful

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Just saved me

This book is the parents that we could not have.
The language and the topics are not like the ones we are used to hear about. This book has a power truth about women in general who had a not standard family.
I m so thank Full , I have so much gratetude for being a woman that had the chance to read it.
For everyone that is envolved on this I just can say God bless you and thank you.

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3 people found this helpful

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    2 out of 5 stars
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Narrator was horrible!

The content was fine, but I couldn’t get through the book because of the narrator. He read so slowly & was a bit creepy sounding.

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2 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Good information

Would you listen to Perfect Daughters again? Why?

I listened to this material for some background on my inner child issues and to check out how I might have Been effected and in what ways. This is a phychology/self-help book so it's good reference and background information

What did you like best about this story?

This book had letters from daughters who we're the eldest or only and how they we're effected. The author gave the strengths abd weaknesses of each type of Adult Daughter which was new info to me.

Which scene was your favorite?

There's no favorite scene

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No

Any additional comments?

Be prepared for the book to be informative, slow moving, and very thought provoking. You will come away with some very useful and helpful tips to use in your healing journey

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2 people found this helpful