4.28

5

Mar 13, 2008

Think you're different? Think you can handle it? When's the last time you told yourself, "This week I'm only drinking on Friday", and then you drank three more times plus Friday? Ever had a family member, brilliant, bright, and loving who just couldn't "control" their drinking? Ever wondered how you drank that much - and lived?. Have you ever thought, "I still have a job, I have a family, I have my house, I pay my bills. Sure, I drink, but how could I be an alcoholic?". Ever wonder if there was Think you're different? Think you can handle it? When's the last time you told yourself, "This week I'm only drinking on Friday", and then you drank three more times plus Friday? Ever had a family member, brilliant, bright, and loving who just couldn't "control" their drinking? Ever wondered how you drank that much - and lived?. Have you ever thought, "I still have a job, I have a family, I have my house, I pay my bills. Sure, I drink, but how could I be an alcoholic?". Ever wonder if there was a way out? There is. And the men and women of Alcoholics Anonymous have contributed to this book in its 4th edition to show you the solution. ...more

1

May 26, 2008

I really struggled with how to rate the "Big Book." I've been sober for over 9 years now, and I stopped being a semi-regular AA probably 5 years ago. (And I was NEVER an "AA Nazi" at all. I never officially did all the Steps, and I'm pretty sure I've never even read the ENTIRE Big Book.) BUT, after I had been sober for 9 months on my own and went to my first meeting out of just a desperation to be around SOMEONE who might understand all the emotions I was going through, it meant so much to be I really struggled with how to rate the "Big Book." I've been sober for over 9 years now, and I stopped being a semi-regular AA probably 5 years ago. (And I was NEVER an "AA Nazi" at all. I never officially did all the Steps, and I'm pretty sure I've never even read the ENTIRE Big Book.) BUT, after I had been sober for 9 months on my own and went to my first meeting out of just a desperation to be around SOMEONE who might understand all the emotions I was going through, it meant so much to be able to share my sobriety and my struggles with other sober and struggling people. Having the Big Book and the "12 & 12" to pore over AT THAT TIME absolutely made a difference, and I will always treasure AA. However, I never could get totally comfortable with the god part of the program even then, and I have grown TOTALLY beyond all of that now. In fact, I know now that AA is no better at getting and keeping people sober than just quitting cold-turkey or any other recovery program. So, with my rating I tried to balance the importance of AA in my early recovery with the criticism of it that I eventually developed. ...more

5

Sep 02, 2008

This edition differs from the previous ones only in an extra introduction & some updating of the stories at the end - as usual. The basic text & page numbers of that text remain unchanged. Good news for those with a 'Little Red Book' or other guide/index to the Big Book.

For those unfamiliar with the Big Book, it's the instruction set for the AA program. The wording is a little dated, but it is the instruction set for the most widespread self-help program in the world. AA is the basis of This edition differs from the previous ones only in an extra introduction & some updating of the stories at the end - as usual. The basic text & page numbers of that text remain unchanged. Good news for those with a 'Little Red Book' or other guide/index to the Big Book.

For those unfamiliar with the Big Book, it's the instruction set for the AA program. The wording is a little dated, but it is the instruction set for the most widespread self-help program in the world. AA is the basis of all other 12 step programs, most of whom changed the program only slightly to fit the addiction of choice - narcotics, cocaine, gambling, sex, etc..

Many have problems with the 'God' concept, swearing AA is a religious program. They have a point, although it doesn't have to be, as many have proved. AA tends to pick up the 'religious flavor of the group - people have trouble separating spirituality from religion. The book was written by Christians & loosely based on the tenets of an earlier Christian organization (the Oxford Group, now defunct). Non-Christians should read & come to terms with the chapter, "To the Agnostic" before jumping to conclusions. Those with an open mind can work the AA program without a belief in the Christian or any 'God'.

While most chapters are devoted exclusively to the alcoholic, there are chapters to the family & employer of the alcoholic, as well. Anyone who knows an alcoholic or anyone who suffers from an addiction, would do well to read this book. It offers an insight into the mind of the alcoholic both before & after sobriety is achieved, as well as practical advice to those that live with him/her. ...more

4

Aug 19, 2010

WOW! This is going to be a hard review to write.

When I told my husband that I planned to review this book, he laughed.
"Isn't that like saying I'm going to review The Holy Bible?"

"Why, yes, yes it is."

In fact, this book is much like The Holy Bible.
Like my daughter's 6th grade math teacher has his students create A Math Bible with math notes in a composition book,
this is a Bible that was written by Alcoholics.

Funny, the alcoholics familiar with AA, affectionately call this book "The Blue Bible" WOW! This is going to be a hard review to write.

When I told my husband that I planned to review this book, he laughed.
"Isn't that like saying I'm going to review The Holy Bible?"

"Why, yes, yes it is."

In fact, this book is much like The Holy Bible.
Like my daughter's 6th grade math teacher has his students create A Math Bible with math notes in a composition book,
this is a Bible that was written by Alcoholics.

Funny, the alcoholics familiar with AA, affectionately call this book "The Blue Bible" or "The Big Blue Book".

This book is jam-packed with wisdom. JAM PACKED! It starts with bits of wisdom from the founders of AA with their reveal of the 12 steps and how to work the AA program. But, the bits of wisdom I enjoyed best were the bits I gleaned from all the personal stories. I was left feeling totally enlightened. The honesty of the storytellers was a breathe of fresh air. They gave me a greater understanding and love for alcoholics and all addicts. They somehow helped me have a respect for alcoholics, especially a respect for the ones brave enough to break free. Most of all, I, now, after finishing the book, have a greater appreciation for human life, and the fragility of the human. It is so vital that we as humans help each other to learn how to affectively deal with our issues.

And, in one sentence, that is how I would describe AA and it's mighty Bible: It's a place where people go to help each other learn and deal with issues. Because all people have issues and lots of people don't know how to deal with them. Unfortunately, instead of learning how to get happy, people give themselves permission to live drunk, which isn't living at all.

If you think that you could live a happier life, read this book, I promise it will leave you with a greater understanding of yourself and what you need to do to resolve your issues and to have self-respect, serenity, peace, happiness, and joy. I personally feel much more humble yet powerful, peaceful yet productive, happy yet thoughtful and most of all in touch with myself and who I am, who God wants me to be, and how He is going to help me get there.

I decided shortly into the book that in my review, I would just share the bits that I loved. Writing a review is like writing a review of The Holy Bible. You can't communicate the power by stating your opinion. You can share the verses and hope the reader will feel its power. So, here are the words (verses) that communicated to me in the order I read them:

p. 100 ALCOHOLICS ARE SICK AND SHOULD BE HANDLED WITH CARE "When working with a man and his family, you should take care not to participate in their quarrels. You may spoil your chance of being helpful if you do. But urge upon a man's family that he has been a very sick person and should be treated accordingly. You should warn against arousing resentment or jealously. You should point out that his defect of character are not going to disappear over night. Show them that he has entered upon a period of growth. Ask them to remember, when they are impatient, the blessed fact of his sobriety."

p. 178 EVERYONE NEEDS SUPPORTIVE FAMILY MEMBERS "My wife became deeply interested and it was her interest that sustained mine, though I at no time sensed that it might be an answer to my liquor problem. How my wife kept her faith and courage during all those years, I'll never know, but she did. If she had not, I know I would have been dead a long time ago. For some reason, we alcoholics seem to have the gift of picking out the world's finest women. Why they should be subjected to the tortures we inflict upon them, I cannot explain."

p. 180 HERE IS THE POWER OF AA - GLEANING KNOWLEDGE FROM THOSE WHO HAVE WALKED IN OUR MOCCASINS BEFORE US "Of far more importance was the fact that he was the first living human with whom I had ever talked, who knew what he was talking about in regard to alcoholism from actual experience. In other words, he talked my language."

p. 197 DON'T AVOID & PROCRASTINATE - IT BUILDS UP AND MAKES YOU WANNA GET DRUNK "About this period, too, came increasing procrastination and the avoidance of responsibilities. I would put off doing anything that I could until the next day, and consequently, everything would pile up and then there would be this blackout."

p. 214 ADMIT YOU HAVE A PROBLEM AND USE THE FAITH YOU HAVE TO HELP YOURSELF "The thought simply never occurred to me that through the exercise of what I had I might find the answer to my problem, simply because I wouldn't admit that I had a problem."

p. 226 STAY IN TOUCH WITH THIS GLORIOUS WORLD AND FIND YOUR PLACE IN IT INSTEAD OF HIDING " I wanted help, and I tried to cooperate. As the treatment progressed I began to get a picture of myself, of the temperament that had caused me so much trouble. I had been hypersensitive, shy, idealistic. My inability to accept the harsh realities of life had resulted in a disillusioned cynic, clothed in a protective armor against the world's misunderstanding. That armor had turned into prison walls, locking me in loneliness - and fear. All I had left was an iron determination to live my own life in spite of alien world - and here I was an inwardly frightened, outwardly defiant woman, who desperately need a prop to keep going. Alcohol was that prop and I didn't see how I could live without it."

p.228 GOD SPEAKS TO US "Then the miracle happened - to me! It isn't always so sudden with everyone, but I ran into a personal crisis which filled me with a raging and righteous anger. And as I fumed helplessly and planned to get good and drunk and show them, my eye caught a sentence in the book lying upon my bed: 'We cannot live with anger.' The walls crumpled - and the light streamed in. I wasn't trapped. I wasn't helpless. I was free, and I didn't have to drink to 'show them'. This wasn't religion - this was freedom! Freedom from anger and fear, freedom to know happiness and love."

p. 275 FIGHT THE FEAR "For eighteen years, from the age of twenty-one to thirty-nine, fear governed my life. By the time I was thirty I had found that alcohol dissolved fear. For a little while. In the end I had two problems instead of one: Fear and alcohol."

p. 279 ANSWERS ARE WAITING TO BE FOUND - YOU JUST HAVE TO ASK - PERHAPS MY FAVORITE PAGE OF THE WHOLE BOOK "I could no longer relieve the pressure of fear by starting home, as was once my habitual solution to the problem, because I no longer had a home. Finally, and I shall never know how much later it was, one clear thought came to me: Try prayer. You can't lose, and maybe God will help you - just maybe, mind you. Having no one else to turn to, I was willing to give Him a chance, although with considerable doubt. I got down on my knees for the first time in thirty years. The prayer I said was simple. It went something like this: 'God, for eighteen years I have been unable to handle this problem. Please let me turn it over to you.' Immediately a great feeling of peace descended upon me, intermingled with a feeling of being suffused with a quiet strength. I lay down and slept like a child. An hour later I awoke to a new world. Nothing had changed and yet everything had changed. The scales had dropped from my eyes and I could see life in its proper perspective. I had tried to be the center of my own little world, whereas God was the center of a vast universe of which I was perhaps an essential, but a very tiny, part. I have never had a drink since."

p. 320 BE GENTLE WITH YOURSELF AND LIVE FOR NOW "Once I did have a slip - tried drinking again - but the AA's tell me not to worry about yesterday, because nobody can change it, and not to worry about tomorrow because it hasn't come yet. Live twenty-four hours at a time, they say. And it works. I'm sober for today. Like I said, I'm a twenty-four-yea-old alcoholic and I'm happy."

p. 325 HEALING CAN HAPPEN FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES "WE have only been in A.A. a few years, but now we're trying to make up for lost time. Twenty-seven years of confusion is what my early married life was. Now, the picture has changed completely. We have faith in each other, trust in each other, and understanding. A.A. has given us that. It has taught me so many things. It has changed my thinking entirely, about everything I do. I can't afford resentments against anyone, because they are the build-up of another drunk. I must live and let live. And "Think" - that one important word means so much to me. My life was always act and react. I never stopped to think. I just didn't give a whoop about myself or anyone else.

p, 352 POWER COMES FROM GOD AND FROM OTHERS WHO ARE RECEIVING HELP FROM GOD "What is this power that A.A. possessed?? This curative power? I don't know what it is. I suppose the doctor might say, "This is psychosomatic medicine." I suppose the psychiatrist might say, "This is benevolent interpersonal relations." I suppose others would say, "This is group psychotherapy." To me it is God.

p. 418 HEALING IS UP TO YOUR HONESTY WITH YOURSELF "No one could have told me then that I had not earned all my success, nor could anyone have told me that I was an alcoholic and a drug addict. The only thing that bothered me was a queasy feeling I had in the pit of my stomach. It hinted to me that everything was phony. I had accomplished all the right things that our society expected, and I had no real peace of mind nor gratitude. I was nothing more than a spoiled, indulged, and talented brat."

p. 504 GOD WILL GRANT YOU PEACE IF YOU SURRENDER "I get out of bed and go to the man's room. He is reading, 'I must ask you a question,' I say to the man. 'How does prayer fit into this thing.' 'Well," he answers, 'you've probably tried praying like I have. When you've been in a jam you've said, 'God, please do this or that,' and if it turned out to be your way that was the last of it, and if it didn't you've said 'THere isn't any God' or 'He doesn't do anything for me'. Is that right?' 'Yes,' I reply. 'That isn't the way,' he continued. 'The thing I do is say 'God here I am and here are my troubles. I've made a mess of things and can't do anything about it. You take me, and all my troubles, and do anything you want with me.' 'Does that answer your question?' "

p. 542 LOVE IS EVERYTHING " For me, A.A. is a synthesis of all the philosophy I've ever read, all the positive, good philosophy, all of it based on love. I have seen that there is only one law, the law of love, and there are only two sins; the first is to interfere with the growth of another human being, and the second is to interfere with one's own growth."

p. 544 GET TO THE ROOT "The mental twists that led up to my drinking began many years before I ever took a drink for I am one of those whose history proves conclusively that my drinking was a 'symptom of a deeper trouble.' Through my efforts to get down to 'causes and conditions,' I stand convinced that my emotional illness has been present from my earliest recollection. I never did react normally to any emotional situation.

p. 547 DON'T RUN FROM YOUR FEARS OR RATIONALIZE THEM AWAY " I wasn't afraid of anything or anybody after I learned about drinking, for it seemed right from the beginning that with liquor I could always retire to my little private world where nobody could get at me to hurt me.....I was immersed in self-pity and resentment...It became more and more necessary to escape from myself, for my remorse and shame and humiliation when I was sober were almost unbearable. The only way existence was possible was through rationalizing every sober moment and drinking myself into oblivion as often as I could.

p.552 BLESS THOSE THAT CURSE YOU - IT WILL GIVE YOU PEACE "'IF you have a resentment you want to be free of, if you will pray for the person or the thing that you resent, you will be free. If you will ask in prayer for everything you want for yourself to be given to them, you will be free. Ask for their health, their prosperity, their happiness, and you will be free. Even when you don't really want if for them, and you prayers are only words that you don't mean, go ahead and do it anyways. Do it every day for two weeks and you will find you have come to mean it and to want it for them, and you will realize that where you used to feel bitterness and resentment and hatred you now feel compassionate understanding and love.' 'The only real freedom a human being ever know is doing what you ought to do because you want to do it.' "

p. 560 REALITY IS AWESOME WHEN YOU'VE FOUND AND WORKED FOR PEACE "Above all, we reject fantasizing and accept reality. The more I drank, the more I fantasized everything. I imagined getting even for hurt and rejections. In my mind's eye, I played and replayed scenes in which I was plucked magically from the bar where I Stood nursing a drink, and was instantly exalted to some position of power and prestige. I lived in a dream world. A.A. led me gently from this fantasizing to embrace reality with open arms. And I found it beautiful! For, at last, I was at peace with myself. And with others. And with God."

...more

3

Feb 16, 2008

Terribly sexist, and not spiritually inclusive.(a lot of words are just plain crossed out or edited in my copy) The revolution is not so much in this book as it's in the network of people who've read this book and then lived funner, happier, sexier lives than before.

5

Feb 24, 2008

One of the great spiritual works produced by humanity, and a book that has probably saved more lives than any other ever written. This is the owner's manual for the most effective system for overcoming addictions and achieving peace of mind that has yet been found. The authors make it clear that they are not saying or implying that they have the only thing that works, and encourage the reader to do whatever works, including working with professional treatment providers; this is a good adjunct to One of the great spiritual works produced by humanity, and a book that has probably saved more lives than any other ever written. This is the owner's manual for the most effective system for overcoming addictions and achieving peace of mind that has yet been found. The authors make it clear that they are not saying or implying that they have the only thing that works, and encourage the reader to do whatever works, including working with professional treatment providers; this is a good adjunct to treatment, not an either-or alternative. ...more

5

Sep 18, 2010

An incredible insight into people, addiction and those affected by alcoholism.

A good read for alcoholics or friends and family members of alcoholics.

Wonder if you have a drinking problem? This book will help you.
Know you have a drinking problem? Read this book.

3

Jan 25, 2011

I love the look of this book -- a compact blue paperback that might be mistaken for a Bible, and is to many people. The cover is blank -- that is, until you hold the book up to a light and see its title, Alcoholics Anonymous. The title is concealed, anonymous. Makes sense for obvious reasons.

What I found most interesting is the program's idea of a Higher Power. Even atheists and agnostics must give their lives over to a HP, or else the program, no matter its other merits, won't work. Or so The I love the look of this book -- a compact blue paperback that might be mistaken for a Bible, and is to many people. The cover is blank -- that is, until you hold the book up to a light and see its title, Alcoholics Anonymous. The title is concealed, anonymous. Makes sense for obvious reasons.

What I found most interesting is the program's idea of a Higher Power. Even atheists and agnostics must give their lives over to a HP, or else the program, no matter its other merits, won't work. Or so The Big Book says...

Written on the title page of my used copy is: "To Virginia, Christmas 1986. Love ya, Elsa L. July 15, 1973 --" The book is otherwise clean except for one note on page 86 that reads: "Read regularly. Nite morning."

It would be interesting -- and moving -- to collect copies of The Big Book just to read the marginalia. ...more

4

Apr 05, 2015

I am a recovering alcoholic and drank everyday for many years. I had gone to a few AA meetings here and there over the years, but would only have a few days sober at a time. At most six days to a week. I felt like I had completely given up, then one day I pulled out this book which was given to me by my best friends AA sponsor the first time I ever went to a meeting.

I remember waking up everyday in the morning and saying I am never going to drink again, but as the day went on I would I am a recovering alcoholic and drank everyday for many years. I had gone to a few AA meetings here and there over the years, but would only have a few days sober at a time. At most six days to a week. I felt like I had completely given up, then one day I pulled out this book which was given to me by my best friends AA sponsor the first time I ever went to a meeting.

I remember waking up everyday in the morning and saying I am never going to drink again, but as the day went on I would rationalize with myself and by the time work was over, I was ready to start all over again. I was having such frequent blackout and felt so ashamed of myself toward the end. I felt like I had to stop or I was going to die.

I decided to read this book drunk, which I do not advise. Then the next couple days I went to meetings. Since then I have been sober, but I stopped going to meetings because I do not identify with most people there. It seems to me in AA meetings you meet alot of drug addicts and people who are just lonely that I suspect do not really belong there.

This book was written a long time ago and it still is easily identified with today. If you think you are ready to quit drinking, and I know it is very hard to come to that point, give the book a shot and maybe try the meetings. The meetings may not be for you I know they were not for me.

You definitely do need to replace your drinking with a hobby and it is easy to do that because you will be saving so much money. When I quit, everynight if I felt like drinking, I just picked up a book and read. Every week I would buy a few new books as my sobriety reward. I am alot happier now and hope that if someone reads this it works for them, too. Cheers! ...more

2

Nov 22, 2014

Let me be clear: I know this book has helped lots of people and I don't want to discount that. I'm leery of giving it 2 stars in the off chance that someone who needs help might see a two star review and write it off, when it might indeed be able to help them. I could suspend my judgment on how bad the writing was. I get it. Testimonials aren't meant to be art. The stories and perspectives, though, are dated. If you're a liberal feminist, this is a hard book to get through on a Let me be clear: I know this book has helped lots of people and I don't want to discount that. I'm leery of giving it 2 stars in the off chance that someone who needs help might see a two star review and write it off, when it might indeed be able to help them. I could suspend my judgment on how bad the writing was. I get it. Testimonials aren't meant to be art. The stories and perspectives, though, are dated. If you're a liberal feminist, this is a hard book to get through on a gender/sexuality/race/class level. I also believe there are other options for people struggling with alcoholism/problem drinking, and that some of the aspects of this method of attaining a healthy relationship to alcohol can be irresponsible/inappropriate depending on a particular person's situation. This book, though, need only concern itself with this particular solution, and I think only you can decide if it's the right course of action for you. I think there are ways that it could be updated to make it stronger, more credible, more inclusive. A shot of fallibility and broad-mindedness might go a long way. In the end, this reminded me a little too much of a catechism. ...more

5

Mar 02, 2008

This book has had a positive impact on my life. Originally published in 1939, the "essential recovery text" has an outdated tonal feel. This is especially apparent in the chapter "To Wives". The chapter is written from a very sexist perspective and doesn't translate well to today. Despite its untimely feel, the original text in the "Big Book" still succeeds in paving a path of recovery from the disease of alcoholism.

4

Mar 30, 2008

I'm not an alcoholic. I've never even been drunk (or the least bit tipsy, for that matter.) However, I found some valuable suggestions for living in the first 164 pages of this book. The remainder of the book contains stories from recovering individuals. I love hearing about people and how they tackle life so I got a lot out of their testimonies. They were easy to relate to and many were not only inspirational but humorous as well. (Doctor, Alcoholic, Addict is my personal favorite chapter.)

5

Dec 10, 2010

I hit my first meeting over elevyn years ago. I owe my new life to this book and it's companion book "The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. It took ten and a half years for me to truly appreciate the spiritually inspired life lessons contained in the first 164 pages. This book is far less about "How to stop drinking or doing drugs" than it is about how to live a life that is full, satisfying, and full of hope. There is historical data and research that proves that the only way to rid oneself I hit my first meeting over elevyn years ago. I owe my new life to this book and it's companion book "The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. It took ten and a half years for me to truly appreciate the spiritually inspired life lessons contained in the first 164 pages. This book is far less about "How to stop drinking or doing drugs" than it is about how to live a life that is full, satisfying, and full of hope. There is historical data and research that proves that the only way to rid oneself of his alcoholism is to adopt spiritual inspiration and run with it. Once the practice of "Spiritual Principles" became my natural, frequent, and most common reaction to what life throughs at me, I realizedd that serenity, hope, love and kindness make for the ultimate high in life. I owe my life to all those involved in keeping this book around and living. It is the owners manual for drunks and drug addicts. It may take a lot of relapses, or it may work for you on first read, but either it is worth owning, reading, and sharing. ...more

5

Mar 03, 2008

I have read this book and will continue reading this book over and over for the rest of my life.

This book holds the tools to live a great life

0

Aug 04, 2009

This is a great work of literature!!! My father was alcoholic. Read it in three days a few months before jumping into the Al-anon program.

5

Mar 07, 2012

The language used in some of the narratives is downright archaic, and that is a compliment. The power of this book lies in the reader's connection to a desire to change their life. What stands out, is how complete the writing is. For example, "The Chapter to the Agnostic" clearly demonstrates sensitivity and respect to differing lifestyles and religious choice.

Many of the stories in the back are hard to identify with at first read, tales of long term prison visit, unspeakable violence and The language used in some of the narratives is downright archaic, and that is a compliment. The power of this book lies in the reader's connection to a desire to change their life. What stands out, is how complete the writing is. For example, "The Chapter to the Agnostic" clearly demonstrates sensitivity and respect to differing lifestyles and religious choice.

Many of the stories in the back are hard to identify with at first read, tales of long term prison visit, unspeakable violence and neglect, but the themes- selfishness and a loss of control, speak to the heart of all alcoholics.
...more

5

Jun 20, 2014

Working in the mental healthcare field as well as my personal acquaintances I have heard many different views of AA and other 12 Step groups, ranging from the opinion that they are a cult that provided them with zilch to being a spiritual program that was a miracle. After reading this book and talking with others I know that this book has been able to perform miracles. I would recommend it or its branch offs (NA,CA, OA, EDA, EA, Al Anon, etc.) to anybody that feels they may have an addiction Working in the mental healthcare field as well as my personal acquaintances I have heard many different views of AA and other 12 Step groups, ranging from the opinion that they are a cult that provided them with zilch to being a spiritual program that was a miracle. After reading this book and talking with others I know that this book has been able to perform miracles. I would recommend it or its branch offs (NA,CA, OA, EDA, EA, Al Anon, etc.) to anybody that feels they may have an addiction problem, or friends, family members, employers and anybody else that wants to better understand addiction. I don't know whether it works for everybody, but it has worked for some. ...more

3

Jan 02, 2009

A couple of months ago, I was interacting a lot with addiction therapists at work. A lot of people in the field are recovering addicts. After asking a lot of questions about the twelve-step program, one of the therapists (brilliant guy, lived as a homeless man for two years before getting sober) gave me the "Big Book." I was vaguely familiar with the twelve steps like admitting you have a problem, making amends, etc., but I had no idea that the AA book is mostly a how to guide for a spiritual A couple of months ago, I was interacting a lot with addiction therapists at work. A lot of people in the field are recovering addicts. After asking a lot of questions about the twelve-step program, one of the therapists (brilliant guy, lived as a homeless man for two years before getting sober) gave me the "Big Book." I was vaguely familiar with the twelve steps like admitting you have a problem, making amends, etc., but I had no idea that the AA book is mostly a how to guide for a spiritual transformation. A transformation that will also get you sober. Interesting chapter to atheists pushing them towards deism, or at the very least agnosticism. Interesting insight into the nature of the "disease."

I know this isn't the only model for recovery, but this is the one that has worked best, and I was surprised to find out how it works. ...more

5

Jun 30, 2014

Confession: I am a Christian, but I'm not an alcoholic (even though it runs in my family). As someone who grew up around an alcoholic, watched the destruction and the duality of life that alcohol can cause, this book was incredibly enlightening. To see the hidden doubts and struggles behind the alcoholic lifestyle.

As a Christian, I think that this is the first book that I've ever read that really takes sin seriously. It is the first book that really "gets" Romans 7:15 - "I do not understand Confession: I am a Christian, but I'm not an alcoholic (even though it runs in my family). As someone who grew up around an alcoholic, watched the destruction and the duality of life that alcohol can cause, this book was incredibly enlightening. To see the hidden doubts and struggles behind the alcoholic lifestyle.

As a Christian, I think that this is the first book that I've ever read that really takes sin seriously. It is the first book that really "gets" Romans 7:15 - "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do." That is the cry of every Christian about every sin. I would actually recommend this book to any Christian. Just make a few strategic replacements, "alcohol" for "sin" and "spiritual experience" for "Jesus".

Here are a few of my favorite quotes:

Once in a while he may tell the truth. And the truth, strange to say, is usually that he has no more idea why he took that first drink than you have. Some drinkers have excuses with which they are satisfied part of the time. But in their hearts they really do not know why they do it. Once this malady has a real hold, they are a baffled lot. There is the obsession that somehow, someday, they will beat the game. But they often suspect they are down for the count.

At a certain point in the drinking of every alcoholic, he passes into a state where the most powerful desire to stop drinking is of absolutely no avail. This tragic situation has already arrived in practically every case long before it is suspected. The fact is that most alcoholics, for reasons yet obscure, have lost the power of choice in drink. Our so-called will power becomes practically nonexistent. We are unable, at certain times, to bring into our consciousness with sufficient force the memory of the suffering and humiliation of even a week or a month ago. We are without defense against the first drink.

The idea that somehow, someday he will control and enjoy his drinking is the great obsession of every abnormal drinker. The persistence of this illusion is astonishing. Many pursue it into the gates of insanity or death.

Faith without works was dead, he said. And how appallingly true for the alcoholic! For if an alcoholic failed to perfect and enlarge his spiritual life through work and self-sacrifice for others, he could not survive the certain trials and low spots ahead. If he did not work, he would surely drink again, and if he drank, he would surely die. Then faith would be dead indeed. With us it is just like that.

That the man who is making the approach has had the same difficulty, that he obviously knows what he is talking about, that his whole deportment shouts at the new prospect that he is a man with a real answer, that he has no attitude of Holier Than Thou, nothing whatever except the sincere desire to be helpful; that there are no fees to pay, no axes to grind, no people to please, no lectures to be endured–these are the conditions we have found most effective. After such an approach many take up their beds and walk again. None of us makes a sole vocation of this work, nor do we think its effectiveness would be increased if we did. We feel that elimination of our drinking is but a beginning. A much more important demonstration of our principles lies before us in our respective homes, occupations and affairs.

If a mere code of morals or a better philosophy of life were sufficient to overcome alcoholism, many of us would have recovered long ago. But we found that such codes and philosophies did not save us, no matter how much we tried. We could wish to be moral, we could wish to be philosophically comforted, in fact, we could will these things with all our might, but the needed power wasn’t there. Our human resources, as marshalled by the will, were not sufficient; they failed utterly. Lack of power, that was our dilemma. We had to find a power by which we could live, and it had to be a Power greater than ourselves. Obviously. But where and how were we to find this Power? Well, that’s exactly what this book is about. Its main object is to enable you to find a Power greater than yourself which will solve your problem.

Even so has God restored us all to our right minds. To this man, the revelation was sudden. Some of us grow into it more slowly. But He has come to all who have honestly sought Him. When we drew near to Him He disclosed Himself to us!

...more

1

Jan 17, 2012

I imagine that if Bill Wilson (the primary author of this "anonymous" text) knew what a global sensation his book would have become it would have been far worse than it already is. While millions have found relief from the ravages of alcoholic compulsion through AA I shutter to think how few have found relief from fundamentalist perspectives or "literalism", a religious perspective that a text book is sacred, word upon "sacred" word. This book ranks among the worst I have ever read and it is I imagine that if Bill Wilson (the primary author of this "anonymous" text) knew what a global sensation his book would have become it would have been far worse than it already is. While millions have found relief from the ravages of alcoholic compulsion through AA I shutter to think how few have found relief from fundamentalist perspectives or "literalism", a religious perspective that a text book is sacred, word upon "sacred" word. This book ranks among the worst I have ever read and it is arguably as big as the Bible, go figure. Still if "it works" to keep people off the bottle, more power to them. ...more

4

Apr 14, 2018

I thought it was better this time around. Its an important text. I can relate to many part of it because I am an alcoholic.
Many of my resentments towards this book were lifted on this reading. It's a great book with flaws. But I encourage anyone with a potential problem to read it but I would skip the chapter 'to wives', 'to the employer', and 'to friends and family'. I would encourage people to read the stories.

5

Oct 02, 2013

The Holiday Season is one day at a time. Gift yourself another day. The Big Book is in season granting chances to achieve NEW never known before. Santa keeps you honest to know your great presence is loved, uncommonly. Every snowman knows his scarecrow standing in him. And the dance they dance is one...day at a time.

5

Feb 03, 2010

Not what you think it is. It's kind of like when you ask somebody how do to something and instead of handing you a list of instructions or a diagram, they just take you by the hand and say, "Let me show you." This book shows you what alcoholism is with real people's stories. Turns out Alcoholism isn't what you think it is, and the people around alcoholics aren't either.

5

Mar 30, 2011

Even though I'm not a Alcoholic I have found this book a rewarding experience. I seriously have learned to be a better leader from reading this book. I'm grateful for the recommendation from my Senior Naval Science Instructor.

2

Nov 28, 2011

some good ideas, just extremely boring. the whole higher power crap really annoyed me too. find power in yourself, not your imaginary friend.