What do you think?
Rate this book
A New Pair of Glasses
From New Look Publishing Company (Alcohol Anonymous). By Chuck "C". ISBN 0-916733-00-9. In a world of proliferating pop-psychology and self-help publications, a reasonable questioner might wonder if "A New Pair of Glasses" serves any purpose And, if so, what makes it different. I think the two most significant factors contributing to the special value of this book are that they represent the backbone of applied principles from the single most dynamic and successful philosophy of this century...discussed by a man who literally went from a "tongue-chewing, babbling idiot" to one of the most charismatic men in the world. Special Printings one through nine of this reproduction were hardcover editions and included the first 164 pages from the 1955 edition of Alcoholics Anonymous.
201 pages, Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 1984
84 people are currently reading
1556 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
January 7, 2013
This is a real lifesaver of a book. I remember my Dad having this book when I was around the age of fourteen telling me "Farley, you should read this book... it's got some really good things to say"
Of course at that time I didn't read it. But, later when I was having a tough time myself, I picked up a copy (actually, I think I stole one... gulp).
It turned out to be a damn good book. I was able, with even a small amount of braincells left to comprehend it and feel as though I was there in the front row. I read and re-read this book, and it wasn't until recently that I mentioned it to someone, and thought about reading it again. I know that Ol' Chuck does have some views that might not fit with the world we live in today, but if you can forgive him for those, I guarantee you'll be a better person for taking a look at this.
for fun and for free, still resonates with me today...
Of course at that time I didn't read it. But, later when I was having a tough time myself, I picked up a copy (actually, I think I stole one... gulp).
It turned out to be a damn good book. I was able, with even a small amount of braincells left to comprehend it and feel as though I was there in the front row. I read and re-read this book, and it wasn't until recently that I mentioned it to someone, and thought about reading it again. I know that Ol' Chuck does have some views that might not fit with the world we live in today, but if you can forgive him for those, I guarantee you'll be a better person for taking a look at this.
for fun and for free, still resonates with me today...
July 9, 2025
A goofy little book with an important message- Chuck C would be the funniest member of your family according to your mother. A kind of reiteration of the messages of the big book and stories on giving into god, finding a spiritual well to drink from and giving back to other drunks.
I want to read a book or hear a circuit speaker that isn’t wildly successful- let me hear from a school teacher or a nurse, not a high price lawyer or land developer. Being a bit judgmental but having a lot of cash MAY make your relationship with a higher power feel easier.
I want to read a book or hear a circuit speaker that isn’t wildly successful- let me hear from a school teacher or a nurse, not a high price lawyer or land developer. Being a bit judgmental but having a lot of cash MAY make your relationship with a higher power feel easier.
May 26, 2012
What a great little book! Chuck C. shared some real pearls of wisdom in this book. Taken from talks he gave at a men's retreat, this book drives home the importance of transformation if one wants to find true happiness in recovery!
Currently reading
April 8, 2009Studying this book with a group. Understanding God, spirtuality, ego through the eyes (experience, strength, and hope) of a member of a 12-step program. Simple and honest.
January 10, 2019
I am pretty sure I read the entire thing but I was listening to it on audiobook.
It was amazing and very powerful. I will have to listen to it again.
Really good. Old school but not preaching. Felt the power of the program with out being turned off. Humility and spirituality. Great perspective.
It was amazing and very powerful. I will have to listen to it again.
Really good. Old school but not preaching. Felt the power of the program with out being turned off. Humility and spirituality. Great perspective.
November 23, 2023
There are a lot of great gems in here, and while I understand it's essentially a transcript of a speech, I do wish it had been edited a little more to read better. I'd recommend it, because there are some really quotable moments, but not sure I'll give it a re-read any time soon.
March 15, 2012
"It ain't no big deal" sticks in my mind...
May 19, 2022
I read this book many years ago. If you knew Chuck, you knew this book would be terrific.
FYI, I have met Chuck C., now of blessed memory. He was a great man.
FYI, I have met Chuck C., now of blessed memory. He was a great man.
May 19, 2022
It was so good that when I started reading, I could not stop. “It ain’t no big thing”
July 14, 2014
A New Pair Of Glasses, Chuck C., New Look Publishing Co., Irvine, CA, 1984
The author is a recovered alcoholic, who was by his own account a "tongue chewing babbling idiot" when he was approached by Alcoholics Anonymous. He recovered and went on to design and build shopping centers in California. He also helped countless people to recovery along the way.
His personal philosophy and actualized beliefs led to his becoming an iconic figure in Californian AA and eventually nationwide.
This book was taken from a spiritual retreat weekend which he lead. With his talks, this book and his personal living example he has affected, for the better nearly all AA members nationwide to this day.
A couple of quotes from the book (from memory) will perhaps encourage you to give this book an opportunity to change you, whether alcoholic or not.
• It doesn't matter what someone else thinks about me. It matters what I think about others
• Try to see the world with a new set of glasses.
• We can't hear until we can hear and we can't see until we can see. And it doesn't make a bit of difference who's talking
• We think and our selves become the thing we think about. It is axiomatic that if the only thing I pour into life is love, the only thing the law can give me back is love. Love is the fulfillment of the law.
It is delightful to read, full of wisdom, emotionally evocative and full of new thinking and new living given by a "twice born" man
I hope you will decide to read this book and apply its precepts to your life. You'll be—changed.
Carlton R. Smith, Author, The Ignorant Grandfather
website: http://www.theignorantgrandfather
The author is a recovered alcoholic, who was by his own account a "tongue chewing babbling idiot" when he was approached by Alcoholics Anonymous. He recovered and went on to design and build shopping centers in California. He also helped countless people to recovery along the way.
His personal philosophy and actualized beliefs led to his becoming an iconic figure in Californian AA and eventually nationwide.
This book was taken from a spiritual retreat weekend which he lead. With his talks, this book and his personal living example he has affected, for the better nearly all AA members nationwide to this day.
A couple of quotes from the book (from memory) will perhaps encourage you to give this book an opportunity to change you, whether alcoholic or not.
• It doesn't matter what someone else thinks about me. It matters what I think about others
• Try to see the world with a new set of glasses.
• We can't hear until we can hear and we can't see until we can see. And it doesn't make a bit of difference who's talking
• We think and our selves become the thing we think about. It is axiomatic that if the only thing I pour into life is love, the only thing the law can give me back is love. Love is the fulfillment of the law.
It is delightful to read, full of wisdom, emotionally evocative and full of new thinking and new living given by a "twice born" man
I hope you will decide to read this book and apply its precepts to your life. You'll be—changed.
Carlton R. Smith, Author, The Ignorant Grandfather
website: http://www.theignorantgrandfather
September 11, 2024
I had a spiritual experience reading this book. I was talking to my therapist and he pressed this book into my hands, saying “this book is talking about what you’re talking about.” I have no idea what I was even talking about at the time. What I do know is that later, when I took an epic 30 day trip across the country with my wife, when I was casting about for which books to bring with me, this is one of the two I ended up grabbing, in part because of how small and portable it is.
And so there I was in all of these beautiful places—parking our camper van for the night in Red Rock Coulee in Alberta, or a parking lot just outside Yellowstone, or on a mountainside logging road overlooking Hungry Horse Reservoir in Montana, or on Shadow Mountain looking out at the Grand Tetons in Wyoming—and each night, I would settle into my bed next to my wife and crack open this book for a few pages.
And a few pages is all it ever took to have a spiritual experience. Chuck C, the guy who wrote* this book, experienced profound life change when he worked the AA program. When he first came in, he was too shy to even get a sponsor—he would just sidle up next to other people that were talking after a meeting and eavesdrop to gain wisdom from them and figure out how he needed to work the steps. While I haven’t done that, I can totally relate to the embarrassment to ask someone else to “sponsor” me—asking for help never came naturally to me either.
He was also quite the self-centered asshole when he came into the program. He had wrecked all of his relationships with others. His wife was filing for divorce, his kids wanted nothing to do with him, his boss told him that if he ever showed his face at work again he would throw him through the window. But something beautiful happened: he realized how thoroughly he had ruined his life and everything that mattered to him. And so he adopted an attitude of realizing that he had lost his “right” to anything. He told his wife and kids, I don’t have a right to be in relationship with you. But I want to do anything I can to help repair the debt I owe you, so I just ask that if there’s ever anything I can do for you, that you will let me know so I can do it. And he told his boss, hey, I know you said you would throw me out the window for showing up again, and I know I’ve lost my job. I don’t deserve it. But I owe a debt to the company. So, if you’ll let me, I’d like to just show up and work until the debt is paid, and after that I’ll clear out my desk and leave.
Years later: his wife still hasn’t divorced him, his kids all love having him in their lives, and he never got around to clearing out his desk. In fact, after working at that company (which he used to constantly complain about, before recovery) for many years, he ended up buying his boss out of the business and owning it and running it for decades. When he sold the business to retire, he said every one of the guys who worked for him cried—big, tough contractors who worked with their hands—they cried.
Some of his stories seem impossible to believe. But I actually believe him. Because I’ve seen the transformative, regenerative power of God at work in people’s lives before. I’ve seen it enough times that I can “smell it” so to speak, when someone tells me a story like this, I can “smell” when it’s not BS—it’s the real deal. I never knew Chuck C., but I’ve gotten to see some of these other recovery stories unfold before my very eyes.
So anyways, he adapts this attitude of radical surrender, surrendering having any “rights” to anything. And perhaps the most remarkable part of his story, to me anyways, is how he conducted business. Instead of trying to convince people to give him business, he instead went out looking for what he could do for others. He wouldn’t make them sign any contract up front. He would just do the best work he could for them, and afterward they would ask him for a bill, and he would say to just pay him whatever they thought it was worth. Or if they insisted, he would write up a bill, but he wouldn’t charge for his own mistakes. And yet the people he did business with would pay him more than he asked for. And over time what happened is, when someone wanted his services, they wouldn’t even create a bid for it. They would just say, Chuck is getting this job. They wouldn’t even let other contractors bid against him. This pissed off his competitors, who came to him to try to learn his secret for playing the game so well…he would tell them outright how he did things. But they wouldn’t or couldn’t ever believe him. They would say, “you can’t do business this way. You’re a damn liar.”
But again, as crazy as his stories sound, I actually believe it. That’s not the kind of thing that people make up; he has nothing to gain by making it up. And I’ve seen crazy things like that happen.
So anyways, I was reading this book every night and started praying, “Higher Power…what if I lived this way? I’m scared to…but…what if?” Living life in such a way that you’re thinking always about what you can do to help other people instead of yourself. It’s a tough pill to swallow. It’s hard to let go that utterly. And honestly, I don’t even know if I can, if I have enough willingness. But I’m intrigued enough that I think I’m going to try to live this way, just a little bit, one experiment at a time. I’ve already implemented it in one area—I won’t go into the details on it, but suffice it to say…it was actually quite the liberating experience. So far the results are that this way of life is really worth it.
Can I really apply it as radically as Chuck C did? Maybe not. But I don’t have to worry about that. Maybe I can try it just for today.
I just can’t capture all of the other nuggets of wisdom packed into this little book. It’s profound, transformative if you let it be. It’s not an impressive book—it’s just a transcript of a talk he gave at an AA retreat, not really edited to make it more readable or streamlined or anything. It’s very plain. But the words are life-giving. So how can I criticize and give it anything less than five stars when it’s impacted me so deeply?
*Technically he didn’t “write” it; this book is a transcript of a talk he gave.
And so there I was in all of these beautiful places—parking our camper van for the night in Red Rock Coulee in Alberta, or a parking lot just outside Yellowstone, or on a mountainside logging road overlooking Hungry Horse Reservoir in Montana, or on Shadow Mountain looking out at the Grand Tetons in Wyoming—and each night, I would settle into my bed next to my wife and crack open this book for a few pages.
And a few pages is all it ever took to have a spiritual experience. Chuck C, the guy who wrote* this book, experienced profound life change when he worked the AA program. When he first came in, he was too shy to even get a sponsor—he would just sidle up next to other people that were talking after a meeting and eavesdrop to gain wisdom from them and figure out how he needed to work the steps. While I haven’t done that, I can totally relate to the embarrassment to ask someone else to “sponsor” me—asking for help never came naturally to me either.
He was also quite the self-centered asshole when he came into the program. He had wrecked all of his relationships with others. His wife was filing for divorce, his kids wanted nothing to do with him, his boss told him that if he ever showed his face at work again he would throw him through the window. But something beautiful happened: he realized how thoroughly he had ruined his life and everything that mattered to him. And so he adopted an attitude of realizing that he had lost his “right” to anything. He told his wife and kids, I don’t have a right to be in relationship with you. But I want to do anything I can to help repair the debt I owe you, so I just ask that if there’s ever anything I can do for you, that you will let me know so I can do it. And he told his boss, hey, I know you said you would throw me out the window for showing up again, and I know I’ve lost my job. I don’t deserve it. But I owe a debt to the company. So, if you’ll let me, I’d like to just show up and work until the debt is paid, and after that I’ll clear out my desk and leave.
Years later: his wife still hasn’t divorced him, his kids all love having him in their lives, and he never got around to clearing out his desk. In fact, after working at that company (which he used to constantly complain about, before recovery) for many years, he ended up buying his boss out of the business and owning it and running it for decades. When he sold the business to retire, he said every one of the guys who worked for him cried—big, tough contractors who worked with their hands—they cried.
Some of his stories seem impossible to believe. But I actually believe him. Because I’ve seen the transformative, regenerative power of God at work in people’s lives before. I’ve seen it enough times that I can “smell it” so to speak, when someone tells me a story like this, I can “smell” when it’s not BS—it’s the real deal. I never knew Chuck C., but I’ve gotten to see some of these other recovery stories unfold before my very eyes.
So anyways, he adapts this attitude of radical surrender, surrendering having any “rights” to anything. And perhaps the most remarkable part of his story, to me anyways, is how he conducted business. Instead of trying to convince people to give him business, he instead went out looking for what he could do for others. He wouldn’t make them sign any contract up front. He would just do the best work he could for them, and afterward they would ask him for a bill, and he would say to just pay him whatever they thought it was worth. Or if they insisted, he would write up a bill, but he wouldn’t charge for his own mistakes. And yet the people he did business with would pay him more than he asked for. And over time what happened is, when someone wanted his services, they wouldn’t even create a bid for it. They would just say, Chuck is getting this job. They wouldn’t even let other contractors bid against him. This pissed off his competitors, who came to him to try to learn his secret for playing the game so well…he would tell them outright how he did things. But they wouldn’t or couldn’t ever believe him. They would say, “you can’t do business this way. You’re a damn liar.”
But again, as crazy as his stories sound, I actually believe it. That’s not the kind of thing that people make up; he has nothing to gain by making it up. And I’ve seen crazy things like that happen.
So anyways, I was reading this book every night and started praying, “Higher Power…what if I lived this way? I’m scared to…but…what if?” Living life in such a way that you’re thinking always about what you can do to help other people instead of yourself. It’s a tough pill to swallow. It’s hard to let go that utterly. And honestly, I don’t even know if I can, if I have enough willingness. But I’m intrigued enough that I think I’m going to try to live this way, just a little bit, one experiment at a time. I’ve already implemented it in one area—I won’t go into the details on it, but suffice it to say…it was actually quite the liberating experience. So far the results are that this way of life is really worth it.
Can I really apply it as radically as Chuck C did? Maybe not. But I don’t have to worry about that. Maybe I can try it just for today.
I just can’t capture all of the other nuggets of wisdom packed into this little book. It’s profound, transformative if you let it be. It’s not an impressive book—it’s just a transcript of a talk he gave at an AA retreat, not really edited to make it more readable or streamlined or anything. It’s very plain. But the words are life-giving. So how can I criticize and give it anything less than five stars when it’s impacted me so deeply?
*Technically he didn’t “write” it; this book is a transcript of a talk he gave.
June 10, 2019
Like every good pusedo religion, the AA story is a well meaning dude who's ideas were twisted to build conformity. They seemed to work in that most people struggling just plain didnt have a network and a reason to be accountable and the community provided that. It seems like they probably could have formed around worship of a giant mole rat and still delivered the same outcome.
Its a boring book, but I suppose a great example of how a solution of 20% is better than one of 0, even if it comes with its own problems.
Id say dont read it and instead watch Master and Commander or somethig.
Its a boring book, but I suppose a great example of how a solution of 20% is better than one of 0, even if it comes with its own problems.
Id say dont read it and instead watch Master and Commander or somethig.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2009
This book changed my life. I didn't happen overnight but some of the concepts stayed with me and have changed my attitude and perspective over time. I used to be so angry, frustrated, and stressed out all the time. Chuck uses his own life story and his own experiences to illuminate on the topics of acceptance, patience, and serenity. It's true that when you spend your time thinking about your problems, they get bigger in your mind. But if you spend your time thinking about solutions, they get bigger, big enough to solve problems.
May 26, 2013
I've heard "A New Pair of Glasses" as speaker tapes, but it's a different experience to read the words slowly. I miss not hearing his laughter, but my mind inputs his laughter as I read it.
I didn't realize how many of the sayings in the rooms come from Chuck C, like this thing being an "inside job."
I didn't realize how many of the sayings in the rooms come from Chuck C, like this thing being an "inside job."
June 12, 2015
Insightful and inspirational, sounds a bit corny and old fashioned at times yet worth the pick up, Even though I put a finished date, it's the kind of book you don't really ever have to be finished with.
January 5, 2024
There were some classic foundational program truths in this book.
He’s a very Leo sort of guy and very obviously a white man raised in the states in the 50s bud what I took from this book I’ll keep with me. Glad I read.
He’s a very Leo sort of guy and very obviously a white man raised in the states in the 50s bud what I took from this book I’ll keep with me. Glad I read.
February 6, 2008
Recovery is a tough subject to study. For the learner who wants to live a program in their everyday life, this is a super share to tag along and apply to one's way of thinking.
February 26, 2009
Transcripts of talks by a well-loved member of AA are both down-to-earth and spiritual.
February 17, 2010
This book has literally changed my life. This guy is sarcastic and reverant at the same time, and I'm kind of sad I can't ever meet him. Read it; the man's a spiritual genius.
December 15, 2015
It's a small book jam packed with wisdom. The speaker is easy to relate to and entertaining in how he communicates his message. Empowering and beautiful.
Want to read
September 23, 2020 I want to read this book so badly. I have heard friends say that it has changed their lives and made them "see" things better , and as they really are. I often judge people and criticize, but I think this book helps one, to see people and see their good and beautiful qualities, rather than , one, seeing them in a negative light.
Like I have my glasses on (my view, my vision, my perception distorted.)
but what the hell do I know? I haven*t even read the book. Where to get it? & How much?
Like I have my glasses on (my view, my vision, my perception distorted.)
but what the hell do I know? I haven*t even read the book. Where to get it? & How much?
December 27, 2023
This “book” is clearly a transcription of the “author’s” speeches. I enjoyed, but would have appreciated some editing to avoid the vernacular.
Couple of good quotes:
“When virtue recognizes itself, it immediately becomes a vice.”
“Everything else in life you can change… you can change everything in this life but one. You can’t get away from you. You’re stuck with you forever.”
“It takes much more love to release than it does to hold onto. Emotional stability comes … out of this thing we call self-discovery.”
Couple of good quotes:
“When virtue recognizes itself, it immediately becomes a vice.”
“Everything else in life you can change… you can change everything in this life but one. You can’t get away from you. You’re stuck with you forever.”
“It takes much more love to release than it does to hold onto. Emotional stability comes … out of this thing we call self-discovery.”
September 19, 2022
For anyone a part of AA, this book is amazing. Great outlook on life, and reminders of the most basic principles out there. I couldn't put it down after a while. Inspired a return to selflessness in business, and offered a great way to get out of my head because I'm always trying to problem solve my life - it's not necessary.
July 6, 2017
Much that I found useful and even inspiring in this, especially the retelling of the story of the Prodigal Son. Somewhat dated, though, with prejudices I would hope he would have grown out of if he were still alive.
September 30, 2017
Awesome collection of talks Chuck C. gave at a convention about the "inside job" of recovery. A wise old-timer sharing his experience, strength and hope in a typically folksy and relatable manner. The book also contains the first 164 pages of the "big book," which outlines the program.
December 14, 2018
This is one of the greatest talks ever given in the community of recovery since AA first started. I can completely assure anyone that is actually serious and working a program of action will fucking love this book and the changes it will bring upon your perception and your peace.
Read
December 1, 2021This is an eminently readable little book that outlines a powerful metaphor for the Program; with the steps and the Program, we see the world through a new pair of glasses. Thousands of sponsors have had their pigeons read this one.
June 25, 2025
I have now read this 3 times in a 9 month time period. I am obsessed. Everytime I read it I notice something new that hits home for me. I will always cherish this book as one of the first in my recovery journey that kept me coming back and sitting down.
March 12, 2020
A classic, old timer book on working a recovery program. Some real gems in it! Enjoyed his compassion, spirituality and message of hope. RIP
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2020
a little dry. I recommend audio.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews