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Alcoholics Anonymous: The Big Book
532 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 15, 2022
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20 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 25, 2023
This book saved my life ❤️
May 30, 2024
As someone who has only ever accidentally tasted alcohol for a brief moment of time before realizing what it was and spitting it out, I wanted some perspective on something I am totally oblivious to. As someone who has never drank alcohol I do not understand this “sickness”. I wanted to read from the point of view of someone who suffers from alcoholism and this book delivered.
I do have my qualms. Religion is heavily pushed (being 7 of the 12 steps) to overpower your addiction and put your faith in a higher power. I find some peace in that, “let go and let God” is the quote that comes to mind. The devil on my shoulder asks how can these people believe in something as serious as religion if they can’t even believe in themselves to make a change?
I also think a lot of the chapters, for example the wife, children, and employers chapters, encourages you to baby the alcoholic in your life. To allow the drunk to have a full temper tantrum, sometimes abusive, and let them know everything is okay and you can discuss it tomorrow? Yeah, ok don’t make a bad situation worse but if this dude is backhanding your mom don’t let him sleep this one off!
I don’t know, man. I thought this book would bring some new light to my perspective on drunks. Meh. The personal stories can be inspirational and I’m glad this book may have had a positive impact, but my opinion is so much more goes into healing yourself than reading a book and believing in God. I disagree with myself as I write this, I hope the best for everyone. Find peace. Hare Krishna.
I do have my qualms. Religion is heavily pushed (being 7 of the 12 steps) to overpower your addiction and put your faith in a higher power. I find some peace in that, “let go and let God” is the quote that comes to mind. The devil on my shoulder asks how can these people believe in something as serious as religion if they can’t even believe in themselves to make a change?
I also think a lot of the chapters, for example the wife, children, and employers chapters, encourages you to baby the alcoholic in your life. To allow the drunk to have a full temper tantrum, sometimes abusive, and let them know everything is okay and you can discuss it tomorrow? Yeah, ok don’t make a bad situation worse but if this dude is backhanding your mom don’t let him sleep this one off!
I don’t know, man. I thought this book would bring some new light to my perspective on drunks. Meh. The personal stories can be inspirational and I’m glad this book may have had a positive impact, but my opinion is so much more goes into healing yourself than reading a book and believing in God. I disagree with myself as I write this, I hope the best for everyone. Find peace. Hare Krishna.
February 1, 2023
This book was phenomenal! The focus on God and what God can do for us in our lives was so inspiring! It has some very specific ways we can invite God to make of our lives what we cannot.
March 15, 2025
At its core, The Big Book is a spiritual guide to overcoming addiction. It emphasizes the necessity of surrendering to a higher power—whether religious, spiritual, or a personal conception of a guiding force—as the first step toward recovery. This message of surrender is not about weakness, but about accepting that individuals cannot overcome their addiction alone and must rely on support from others, the group, and a higher power.
The structure of The Big Book is practical and deeply empathetic. The text is divided into two main parts: the first is instructional, outlining the 12-step program, which has since been adopted by countless other support groups beyond AA. These steps, ranging from admitting powerlessness over addiction to making amends with others, are a roadmap to personal growth, healing, and self-reflection. The second part of the book consists of personal testimonies from alcoholics who have found sobriety through AA, offering hope, validation, and a sense of solidarity to readers in similar struggles.
What makes The Big Book particularly powerful is its candid, no-nonsense approach to the addiction experience. The stories of those who have struggled with alcoholism are raw and honest, showing the depths of despair, the shame, and the destructive cycles that come with addiction. The book acknowledges the emotional and psychological aspects of addiction, but it is not a clinical or purely intellectual treatise; instead, it is a deeply human, compassionate work that speaks directly to people in pain.
Despite its effectiveness, The Big Book may not be for everyone. Its Christian-centric language and the emphasis on surrendering to a higher power can feel exclusionary to those who do not identify with traditional religious frameworks. Additionally, the writing style, while straightforward, can feel dated or even repetitive to modern readers, and the book’s focus on the 12-step model can be limiting for those who might seek other forms of treatment or personal growth.
However, for those willing to embrace its principles, The Big Book offers a remarkable tool for recovery. The clarity of its message—about the importance of community, self-awareness, and spiritual transformation—has led to profound changes in the lives of millions. It is not just a guide to quitting alcohol, but a guide to living a fuller, more intentional life.
Final thought: The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous remains an essential and powerful resource for those struggling with addiction and seeking a pathway to recovery. Its combination of spiritual guidance, practical steps, and personal stories creates a roadmap for healing that has touched countless lives. While its religious language and approach may not resonate with everyone, its enduring impact speaks to the universal need for connection, honesty, and the courage to change.
The structure of The Big Book is practical and deeply empathetic. The text is divided into two main parts: the first is instructional, outlining the 12-step program, which has since been adopted by countless other support groups beyond AA. These steps, ranging from admitting powerlessness over addiction to making amends with others, are a roadmap to personal growth, healing, and self-reflection. The second part of the book consists of personal testimonies from alcoholics who have found sobriety through AA, offering hope, validation, and a sense of solidarity to readers in similar struggles.
What makes The Big Book particularly powerful is its candid, no-nonsense approach to the addiction experience. The stories of those who have struggled with alcoholism are raw and honest, showing the depths of despair, the shame, and the destructive cycles that come with addiction. The book acknowledges the emotional and psychological aspects of addiction, but it is not a clinical or purely intellectual treatise; instead, it is a deeply human, compassionate work that speaks directly to people in pain.
Despite its effectiveness, The Big Book may not be for everyone. Its Christian-centric language and the emphasis on surrendering to a higher power can feel exclusionary to those who do not identify with traditional religious frameworks. Additionally, the writing style, while straightforward, can feel dated or even repetitive to modern readers, and the book’s focus on the 12-step model can be limiting for those who might seek other forms of treatment or personal growth.
However, for those willing to embrace its principles, The Big Book offers a remarkable tool for recovery. The clarity of its message—about the importance of community, self-awareness, and spiritual transformation—has led to profound changes in the lives of millions. It is not just a guide to quitting alcohol, but a guide to living a fuller, more intentional life.
Final thought: The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous remains an essential and powerful resource for those struggling with addiction and seeking a pathway to recovery. Its combination of spiritual guidance, practical steps, and personal stories creates a roadmap for healing that has touched countless lives. While its religious language and approach may not resonate with everyone, its enduring impact speaks to the universal need for connection, honesty, and the courage to change.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews