Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers: A Biography, with Recollections of Early A.A. in the Midwest

It's not that this book is the most exciting story ever told or that it's sheer poetry to read. Two seemingly ordinary men created something extraordinary, something that's affected the lives of millions of people. In LIVING their beliefs, they showed the power that exists in being conscious of the choices we make 24 hours a day, one day at a time. AA got its real start in Akron -- that's where it started because that's where Dr. Bob and his Annie were. Bill had a harder time in NY. As Dr. Bob said, "Love and service keep us dry" and he really lived it. Bill may have been the better writer but in Dr. Bob's story we experience the early HEART of AA and we understand why it grew to be the powerful force it did. Dr. Bob isn't as well known as Bill W., he just didn't live as long, but the love and spirit he brought to AA played a crucial role in making it what it became.

The only historical work out of GSO worth reading. Brings home the powerful message that the good Doctor carried. Gives one puase to think of what AA could have become if Bob had outlived Bill.

This is a very interesting biography. His life took many fascinating twists and turns. Some of the other reviewers noted that the writing is a little bland, but it really doesn't get in the way of a good story!

I picked this up as part of research project on the history of alternative therapies in America. I thought it'd be some dry recount of the early days of AA, but instead I found it to be a very warm account of a very intriguing man. The writing style lacks flair, but the plain language makes it readable for practically anyone. His final weeks are especially inspiring.

Overlooked piece of AA literature, which is sad. A wonderful story about Dr. Bob's life, his partnership with Bill, and the growth of AA in Akron/Cleveland.Between Bill and Bob, it was the Akron proctologist that was the spiritual one. Bill understood it intellectually and could write about it (Big Book), but Dr. Bob lived the program.This book is full of horrifying memories as well as funny and tender moments. The description of Dr. Bob's final days, and his appearance at the 1st International Convention gave me all sorts of new appreciation for the man.