Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age: A Brief History of Alcoholic Anonymous

As I've gotten more days of sobriety under my belt I started to get curious about the history of AA. I figured that a program that has been around as long as AA needed some investigation.I discovered, after reading "Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age", that AA had some tough times getting started. It's all in the book: How AA spread from state to state; the money problems; the wives; the early meetings. Incredible, interesting stories!After reading this book I had a better understanding and appreciation for how the program works. It's really miraculous. And it is illuminating to see that Bill and Bob tried just about everything to get the program going -- so when I question their suggestions or get in the mood to "rewrite" a tradition or two I have to remember that many of my ideas are not original -- it's most likely been tried before!The "spirit" of helping others was made clearer to me. In these modern times when so many people come into the rooms from rehab or the courts, it is easy to forget what a wet drunk is and how to work with him/her. The book makes it clear that the early fellowship SOUGHT OUT drunks!! How many of us actually do that today? This is incredible ... especially when reading about the first fellowships in other cities. These guys did some MAJOR 12-stepping.So if your program is stale or you are feeling curious, read this book for an injection of gratitude and appreciation. It worked for me!

I have had a copy of this book since early in my sobriety and it has helped me follow the path that Bill W. and Dr. Bob took when they started the fellowship of AA. It is indispensable when trying to put together spiritual and religious concepts. As it states on pp. 166-167: "Such were the final concessions to those of little or no faith; this was the great contribution of our atheists and agnostics. They had widened our gateway so that all who suffer might pass through, regardless of their belief or lack of belief." "God was now expressed in terms that anybody - anbody at all - could accept and try." So if you or someone you know wants to know the "why" of it, direct them to this book! In case you were wondering my sobriety date is 1/25/1977 and AA literature has been an absolute necessity in my recovery.

I am from Eden Prairie, MN. and this is a thoroughly enjoyable piece of homework that a sponser can give a sponsee. In our AA Fri. nite meeting (it's been around for 25 years), we consider it a don't miss title.

If you want to know some of the history A.A., this is the book. Find out about 'Rule 62' and the controversy surrounding the steps, traditions and affliations - even the story of how the booze industry almost co-opted AA! The early days are all here - well, almost all.