Bill W: The absorbing and deeply moving life story of Bill Wilson, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous

by Robert Thomsen

Robert Thomsen's biography describes the story of Bill W., a stirring spiritual odyssey through triumph, failure, and rebirth, with vital meaning for men and women everywhere.

This is the story of a man whose discovery and vision have changed the lives of millions of people throughout the world. Robert Thomsen's biography takes readers through the events of Bill W.'s life, all the while detailing Bill's growing dependence on alcohol. Thomsen writes of the collapse that brought Bill to the verge of death and of the luminous instant of insight that saved him. This turning point led Bill to the encounter in 1935 with Dr. Bob and the start of what was to be a new beginning for countless others who despaired of finding rescue and redemption. Every night at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings around the world, a speaker says, "Our stories disclose in a general way what we used to be like, what happened, and what we are like now." This describes the story of Bill W., a stirring spiritual odyssey through triumph, failure, and rebirth, with vital meaning for men and women everywhere.

Genres: Biography, Addiction, Nonfiction

344 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1975

Reviews

[John Pitcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story about an amazing man and the organization he helped start. I found it to be enlightening on the addiction to alcohol many people suffer through. And how their loved ones also suffer and whether they continually support them or desert them.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and detailed look at the life of Bill W. I'm mystified how the author goes into such detail on Bill's state of mind so often, other than Bill's own diaries. I thought the book gained momentum as it went along.

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the insights into Bill and in a way to anyone that has had a drinking problem. The history of AA and Bill’s continued search for help with issues after getting sober was also interesting.

[Nicole Fulmino · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have clients who are in the field of recovery and once did a timeline for a case statement for one of them. I found it intriguing to begin to learn the history, so I wanted to learn more and picked up this book.

While this was a little bit of a slower read, chronicling Bill Wilson's entire life, I found it very interesting and would recommend it to anyone who has an interest in history or the recovery field.

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a child who had both an alcoholic grandmother and a father who drank heavily, this book made a HUGE impression on me. I really enjoyed it.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Biography of the co-founder of Alcholics Anonymous. Very good. I've only read the Reader's Digest condensed version.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Biography of Bill Wilson and his struggles with alcohol. He and Dr Bob are responsible for AA. Interesting history of how AA started. A bit drawn out but overall a good read.

[Margaret Boehm · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting story.