Blog, Book reviews

A Review of A Tomb to the Light by Derald Cochran

Posted on November 1, 2025, tagged as

There is great power in a story to change lives. The founders of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) learned that the life of a “hopeless alcoholic” could change to one of sober living if only the person could hear a remarkable but believable story told by one who had been there, and who now lives a sober, satisfying and worthwhile life. Some people are gifted with the ability to tell their recovery story with such authenticity and feeling that the effect on the listener is immediate and profound. Such a storyteller is Derald Cochran. I have had the privilege of knowing Derald, and of hearing him tell his story several times, including once again this morning. Many people, me included, have encouraged Derald to write his story so that it will be able to inspire others to change their own lives for the better. So many of us do not realize that we hold the power to change the story that we tell ourselves about ourselves. A key to this transformation is that we must be willing to change; another key is that we can’t do it without help.

Now, 38 years after Derald took his last drink, his story is available on Amazon. It is that of a heroic journey, starting with the call to adventure. In his case, the call came from a child welfare officer who told Derald that unless he changed, he would lose the custody of his four children forever. Thankfully, although very reluctantly, he accepted the challenge, and started attending AA meetings, not to stop drinking, but to get his children back. What followed from that decision was a remarkable journey taking him from a history of abuse, violence, neglect, fractured relationships, and grief to a place of peace and spiritual grace. He can now honestly say that he has let go of the past, and that he loves everyone that he encounters, including himself. His story will take you from the extremes of rage and suffering to those of joy and forgiveness. It just might change your life as well. I hope his story inspires you as much as it has inspired me.