Posted: 08/09/2010

Meet local author Darryl Duke at Greetings & Readings of Hunt Valley for a book signing on Saturday, September 11 from 1 to 3 p.m. Author Darryl Duke describes his latest title, Why I Pray In The Shower: A Journey From Fear To Belief In Myself: "My hope is that this book will make others more aware that not all alcoholics are like the stereotypes seen in movies and TV shows and help remove the stigma associated with addiction. I included the parts of my life that explain why I drank, why I felt it was time to stop, and how The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous helped me face my fears without alcohol and live a more meaningful and happier life. I also included how a search for reassurance in some kind of God led me to believe in a creator and how living sober led me to believe in myself. I know my story will help people see they don't have to feel ashamed because of an alcohol or drug problem and believe they too can face their fears and be happy in life without depending on a substance. Throughout my life I tried to be someone I wasn't to help me feel better about myself, but thanks to a continual striving for spiritual and personal growth, I eventually became happy with who I was. "I have been sober since April 27th, 1996. Although I'm not ashamed to call myself an alcoholic, I know many people have negative and often misunderstood conceptions about alcoholism and drug addiction. Throughout my sobriety I have helped people with drug and alcohol problems understand there is underlying reasons why someone needs to use a substance to cope in life. Although I have helped people with addictions, it was while writing my book and working with troubled teenagers that I realized helping others was my true purpose in life. I believe this came about as a result of self actualization which has been described as 'the desire to become more and more what one is, to become everything that one is capable of becoming.' With a strong belief that becoming a better person than we were before through spiritual and personal growth can lead to a permanent and joyful sobriety, I now want to help others believe they have the potential to find true happiness." Order Why I Pray In The Shower before the author's appearance and request a personalized, autographed copy from the event at no extra charge.