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.

This is a good book to read on a snowy day...cuddled next to the fire... with a pitcher of martinis and a 357 magnum...

Sadly, the barely hidden christianity in the big book of AA caused me to feel more and more withdrawn from the message of trying to help alcoholics. It seems to me now that the book is more of a way to usher new members into christianity first, and help alcoholics second. I am disappointed, to be sure, as the people in the halls of the fellowship seem far better than the book they swear by.

This book changed my life. I have been sober since 8-12-1985!

God, grant me the serenity to cope with this pathetic excuse for a self-help book.

Rarely have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our path. Those who do not recover are people who cannot or will not completely give themselves to this simple program, usually men and women who are constitutionally incapable of being honest with themselves. There are such unfortunates. They are not at fault; they seem to have been born that way. They are naturally incapable of grasping and developing a manner of living which demands rigorous honesty. Their chances are less than average.

TLDR: if this outdated and scientifically disproven method doesn't work for you, that ain't our fault, mate. You're defunct. We didn't fail you, you failed yourself. Sorry bout it!

The only section dedicated to women is entitled TO THE WIVES . It is very bold of Bill to presume that I was in any fit state to be someone's wife, or indeed, to have a wife of my own. But what does it matter? I am a woman, after all. My main focus is on supporting my addicted husband.

According to the 'Big Book' (perhaps the only factual statement about the whole thing, and even that is an informal nickname), 50 percent of members got sober right away, and another 25 percent relapsed a bit but eventually recovered. Here's the catch - it's Alcoholics Anonymous. As in, anonymous, as in, no record of members except for those court mandated.

In summary; poor plot line, implausible situations (who drinks whiskey with milk voluntarily?), unlikely characters (that doctor should have had his license revoked. Taking advice from a random bloke, fresh out the psych ward, on how to treat his patients - and, indeed, publicly endorsing it - seems to be a massive breach of several ethical codes and should have resulted in him being immediately disbarred), absolutely no scientific backing whatsoever and an overwhelming lack of diversity.

Alternative recommendations:

Research the Sinclair method
Check out This Naked Mind (it has its flaws, but compared to the Voynich manuscript that is this manual, it's actually understandable with a decent amount of scientific backing)
Understand the issues behind the problem, and try to not play the blame game. It's a neuropsychological disorder, not a spiritual failing/'allergy', and should be treated as such.

Statistically and scientifically, AA does more harm than good. I'm happy for anyone who got sober - different strokes for different folks - but this is my personal book review, and even the most die-hard AA members must recognise that the book is often contradictory and, in some places, just plain wrong. I'd recommend for it to never be taken without a prescription dosage of one container of table salt. It's often referenced as the Bible, so use it as such and cherry-pick what you can if you must use it at all.

0/10 would not read again. And after eight long years, boy does that feel good to say.

A must read for anyone who has loved an alcoholic or addict.

The last thing I tried and the first thing that worked.

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

Saved my and millions of other lives

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.

everyone should read this.

AA is possibly the greatest invention to ever come out of the U.S.

it's one of the best selling books of all time and has, whether you agree with it or not, saved many, many lives, not to mention the good it's done for the children of alcoholic parents.

thanks, bill wilson.

Don't say you like the anime (Infinite Jest) unless you've read the manga (AA big book)