Sadly, the barely hidden christianity in the big book of AA caused me to feel more and more withdrawn from the message of trying to help alcoholics.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 was a huge part in saving my life!

Hard to really rate and review this one. I’m not an AA purist by any means. I quit 06/07/2018. I went to AA for the first time over a year into my sobriety, it was nice and I see the benefits but I haven’t gone back since. Had I gone when I was initially quitting I would’ve found it much more beneficial and would’ve formed a stronger bond with AA.

So, I’m not a disciple of AA nor a hater. If it works, do it. I’m not saying that from a point of looking down on it at all, I’m grateful AA exists to give folks a support system if they don’t have one.

Many people shun AA for its use of religion. I get it. It’s very offputting. But the key is, you have to choose a higher power “of your understanding”. This way the weight of existential dread crush you. You’re powerless to your drinking but can leave it up to “nature”. It’s put there to help more than harm. The the right amount of humility you can sidestep the God part and find some beneficial elements of AA. If not, that’s cool too.

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.

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

This book will be in my hands forever. It is a super reminder of all that needs to be done. Even a person without an addiction can benefit from reading this book. It will help with spiritual growth.

Outdated and antiscientific manifesto for cult

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.

for alcoholics it has a great design for living and makes it perfectly clear that none of us are perfect just a beautiful work in progress

It was okay. It was very slow. I am DNFing this book because I feel like it is wasting my time. Yes It is good knowledge but, to be honest, it has put me in a reading slump. I hate books that do that to me. I would rather spend my time reading other books I actually know I will like and enjoy.

DNF at chapter 8

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.

My sobriety date is: 2016.08.23..

Every time I re-read this book, it gives me something magical. ✨️

Thank you A.A. for saving my life.