If you're an alcoholic-or "suspected" of being one-read it! If there's any one book recommended for anyone who is or may be an alcoholic-this is it.

This is the one often referred to as the "Big Book" my members of AA. If you know of an alcoholic that doesn't have one-if you can afford it-buy it for them! If you're a recovering alcoholic-my Higher Power will bless you for doing this.

We have "Big Book" meetings where this book is read aloud & discussed. But please read it outside the meetings.

And "keep coming back!"

I have two qualifiers in my life to be a part of Al-Anon. I felt it was important to read the original AA material to have a sense of the journey they have both taken.

This program works, if put into action every day.

I liked it the first time when it was called "A Million Little Pieces."

obviously a continuous read, but God i am so grateful for sobriety, AA and the big book

"We are taught to differentiate between our wants (which are never satisfied) and our needs (which are always provided for). We cast off the burdens of the past and the anxieties of the future, as we begin to live in the present, one day at a time. We are granted “the serenity to accept the things we cannot change”—and thus lose our quickness to anger and our sensitivity to criticism. Above all, we reject fantasizing and accept reality."

This excerpt is from the final chapter in Alcoholics Anonymous (4th edition) and best sums up the reality that is living with alcoholism. Whether it’s a parent, spouse, ex-spouse, child(ren), it’s safe to say that everyone knows someone impacted by this disease.

I read this book as part of research I am doing into addiction. Though I am not a member of the program, I know a few friends of Bill W. and am grateful for the recovery program they have and hope that those out there suffering will find a way out of the darkness that is this disease.

I believe this book was meant to be read by so many people that will never be given a second chance to pick up the book and put down the habit.

Kind of got bored half way through and didn't finish.

I came to this book rather hopeless after enduring years of frustration with the Narcotics Anonymous literature and its lack of spiritual breadth and intellectual fodder. I, an addict, sought to uncover the origins of the program which changed my life. I sought to understand the circumstances by which the Twelve Steps of recovery came into being. I had all my yearnings fulfilled in reading Alcoholics Anonymous. This book allowed me to uncover the power source of the ‘Anonymous’ fellowships and confined many of my suspicions regarding the futility of the Twelve Steps as written. This book illustrates how the power of fellowship is working miracles in the lives of people all around the world. It is a must read for anyone who participates in fellowships like AA, NA, CA, SLAA, OA and beyond!

I have read the second edition of this book, which is not up to date, but was very cheap on Kindle. Unexpectedly, it is an extraordinary spiritual guide, as well as containing tale after tale hammering home the harm alcohol can do to some.

Thank goodness for it.

The easiest softest way

Alcoholics Anonymous - Big Book by Bill Wilson (Alcoholics Anonymous World Services 2001)(616.861). This is an amazing book filled with hope that has saved many an alcoholic from continuing a life of pain. It is filled with stories and suggestions; it does not tell what someone else must do, but it tells what has worked for other alcoholics. My rating: 8/10, finished 2006.

GROUP OF DRUNKS (GOD)