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Alcoholics Anonymous
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Alcoholics Anonymous (also known as the Big Book in recovery circles) sets forth cornerstone concepts of recovery from alcoholism and tells the stories of men and women who have overcome the disease.
The fourth edition includes twenty-four new stories that provide contemporary sharing for newcomers seeking recovery from alcoholism in A.A. during the early years of the 21st century. Sixteen stories are retained from the third edition, including the "Pioneers of A.A." section, which helps the reader remain linked to A.A.'s historic roots, and shows how early members applied this simple but profound program that helps alcoholics get sober today. Approximately 21 million copies of the first three editions of "Alcoholics Anonymous" have been distributed. It is expected that the new fourth edition will play its part in passing on A.A.'s basic message of recovery. This fourth edition has been approved by the General Service Conference of Alcoholics Anonymous, in the hope that many more may be led toward recovery by reading its explanation of the A.A. program and its varied examples of personal experiences which demonstrate that the A.A. program works.
The fourth edition includes twenty-four new stories that provide contemporary sharing for newcomers seeking recovery from alcoholism in A.A. during the early years of the 21st century. Sixteen stories are retained from the third edition, including the "Pioneers of A.A." section, which helps the reader remain linked to A.A.'s historic roots, and shows how early members applied this simple but profound program that helps alcoholics get sober today. Approximately 21 million copies of the first three editions of "Alcoholics Anonymous" have been distributed. It is expected that the new fourth edition will play its part in passing on A.A.'s basic message of recovery. This fourth edition has been approved by the General Service Conference of Alcoholics Anonymous, in the hope that many more may be led toward recovery by reading its explanation of the A.A. program and its varied examples of personal experiences which demonstrate that the A.A. program works.
576 pages, Hardcover
First published April 10,1939
This edition
- Format
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576 pages, Hardcover
- Published
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October 1, 2001 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services
- ISBN
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9781893007161
- ASIN
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1893007162
- Language
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English
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Seriously, “it’s more than a book.” It’s a new way of life. I have read the big book (mostly audiobook version) more than ten times after I have joined the program and said goodbye to my lifetime best friend wine.
My sobriety has only been slightly over four months but I feel like I have accomplished a lot more during that four months than 40 years of my life.
And it changed. It got better, and most importantly, I know what I want. All my fears and anxieties are gone. My life problems started getting resolved. I am not scared of heights anymore. It’s only been four months but my body is at my best shape! (Oh well, I always had drinking belly even in my 20s). I started to fix problems instead of putting off or trying to forget about those.
I could write a lot more about the benefits of this book and the program but not here :) I would definitely recommend this book to those who suffer, and I recommend them to start with listening to the audiobook version.
My sobriety has only been slightly over four months but I feel like I have accomplished a lot more during that four months than 40 years of my life.
And it changed. It got better, and most importantly, I know what I want. All my fears and anxieties are gone. My life problems started getting resolved. I am not scared of heights anymore. It’s only been four months but my body is at my best shape! (Oh well, I always had drinking belly even in my 20s). I started to fix problems instead of putting off or trying to forget about those.
I could write a lot more about the benefits of this book and the program but not here :) I would definitely recommend this book to those who suffer, and I recommend them to start with listening to the audiobook version.
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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!"
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!"
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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
This book holds the tools to live a great life
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It works for the people it works for
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This book is not a Bible, and it's not going to save you. It is no cure for alcoholism. Many people revere this book, and treat it as such, but it really isn't all that great. It was written during a time in history when women were still second-class citizens and their opinions were never asked. The language throughout is extremely sexist. It is directed at men, assuming that there are very few, or no, women alcoholics. In all these decades, the language in the book has not been edited. AA will never do that. This book is their second coming of Christ, after all.
I found the stories and personal accounts more entertaining than any other part, really. I have been sober almost five years, and have since stepped away from AA. I got sick of all the drama there, and the insincerity and the forced hugs, the hypocrisy, the God as a male concept. Very patriarchal. I got sick of this book always being the same old book. It will never change. It will never adapt with the times.
I found the stories and personal accounts more entertaining than any other part, really. I have been sober almost five years, and have since stepped away from AA. I got sick of all the drama there, and the insincerity and the forced hugs, the hypocrisy, the God as a male concept. Very patriarchal. I got sick of this book always being the same old book. It will never change. It will never adapt with the times.
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Nothing is more wise than an illustration of recovery from someone who has done it themselves. People listen in a different way when someone has walked the same path they are now facing. The Big Book of AA does that, it illustrates in the first 164 pages how the first 100 men and women of AA recovered from a seemingly hopeless state of mind, body and spirit.
Most of the remaining pages are personal stories for readers to relate to - from varying genders, races, religions, drug habits, sexual orientations, etc.
With the 4th addition, the 12 Concepts of World Service were added. There were already the 12 Steps (How it Works) and the 12 Traditions (Why it Works), and with the 12 Concepts, there is a fulfillment to the evolution of the work started by the original members 75+ years ago. It adds a "when" to the equation of the body of work...guiding members, service boards, and the international conference to be conscience of their governorship of service boards commitments and when to enact oversight.
Most of the remaining pages are personal stories for readers to relate to - from varying genders, races, religions, drug habits, sexual orientations, etc.
With the 4th addition, the 12 Concepts of World Service were added. There were already the 12 Steps (How it Works) and the 12 Traditions (Why it Works), and with the 12 Concepts, there is a fulfillment to the evolution of the work started by the original members 75+ years ago. It adds a "when" to the equation of the body of work...guiding members, service boards, and the international conference to be conscience of their governorship of service boards commitments and when to enact oversight.
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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.
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.
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