Alcoholics Anonymous Books

Fox captures a time and place that is so hard to replicate, Hollywood circa 2007. Buzzkill is a winner, I couldn't put it down. The characters are all people you know, even though you're not willing to admit it. The only thing better than who actually done it is how Fox gets there.

I've read tons of books in my day, so when a friend recommended Rob Fox's "Buzzkill" I felt obligated to at least skim through it. Well, I'm glad I did! This truly is a book I couldn't put down! As I entered the world Mr. Fox created...right here in my hometown...I couldn't stand to leave! I kept trying to figure out how this was going to turn out, and I was constantly wrong!
A real updated Hollywood Film Noir, with characters that jump off the page and a lead character you just cheer for the whole way. You might not want to live next door to these guys, but you'll be glad they do!
Thanks Mr. Fox for a terrific ride! I look forward to reading more of your work.

Buzzkill is an entertaining read, filled with bizarre characters and plot twists that are still somehow believable. Rob Fox's sharp wit and ironic observations of the Hollywood industry hit spot on. I especially enjoyed the hilarious and mocking physical descriptions of the characters.

Buzzkill by Rob Fox is smart, sexy, and funny. Fox's insider view of Hollywood is spot on. His characters are wonderful. Buzzkill is an entertaining book that makes you think!

Clever & enjoyable read; Mr. Fox makes our sad but hopeful hero loveable and sympathetic. Can't wait for another book....

This is a great supplement to the big book, especiall if you are a group leader or if you just want to improve you understanding of the 12 Steps.

The item I ordered arrived very quickly and in terrific condition. I will gladly utilize this seller again

Re: Mike McF. I don't think AA is for you, but I can assure you that AA does work for some people. Live and let live one day at a time easy does it.

This is a Hazelden book specifically written as a study aid to The Big Book. It helps to clarify and illuminate the 12 step process and is often used by sponsors as they guide their sponsees through the steps. It is a tool which, if used in addition to (and not in replacement of)the basic program literature, may add a layer of depth and understanding to the step process. This book is also used as the basis of step-study groups in some areas. It appears to have been used to a much greater extent in the past than it is now and it deserves a second look for what it may have to offer.

Useful and worthy book for anyone wanting to practice the 12 steps in their life.

This was very well done, and I think illustrated Lois Wilson's personality. One topic I wish the author had added a little more detail on is the issue of co-dependency.

For all those struggling with loved ones with the disease of alcoholism, this book is excellent.

This book should be available through every public library for those who do not have it on their own shelf.

Excellent book and tranaction. Received as promised and in excellent shape.
Thanks you Seller

The Lois Wilson Story: When Love is not Enough
By: William G. Borchert
Hazelden
Center City, Minnesota 55012-0176

Lois Wilson was an amazing, wonderful woman and the world is a better place because she and her husband were in it. Author William G. Borchert used his words to express this woman's life, her trials, tribulations, and sanctification. Lois Wilson was the co-founder of the Al-Anon, and Alateen fellowships. Her husband Bill Wilson was one of the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous.

This amazing book about her life starts as a flash back. It begins with introducing you to a very unhappy Lois in the early 1930's. Then it shifts to her beginnings. The book takes your hand and walks you through the entire life of Lois Wilson, her family, and some of her friends. It gives you explicit details about her life, how AA came about, Bill, and Al-Anon.

Lois met her husband Bill, who was four years her junior, in Vermont. This would prove to be a love that stood the test of time and alcohol. They married in January, before he went of to fight in WWI. They had a beautiful wedding in her parent's house in Brooklyn, and they were married for fifty-three years.

Lois's life with Bill was full of ups and downs. He was in the Army, and then an investigator on Wall Street. Bill was a genius. He began his drinking days when he was overseas, and it continued as it was seen as acceptable in his profession. This later carried on into him becoming an alcoholic.

Lois was forced to be the breadwinner of the family as Bill's drinking got worse and cost them everything that they had. Through all the years that she went through with him having this horrible sickness, she began to change and harbor much resentment. To add to her pain she was unable to have children, and when they tried to adopt, a friend put a stop to it because of Bill's drinking. Later Mrs. Wilson came to realize that it was for the best that they did not have children, and she looked at all the alcoholics in AA as her dear children.

As Bill started to recover after many hard years of his illness, Lois was still hurting inside with deep resentment, and anger. Bill formed Alcoholics Anonymous with Dr. Bob Smith, in Akron, Ohio. He found that the only way for him to stay sober was to be with another drunk. This revelation only injured the already wounded heart of Lois even more. She had wanted to be the reason and the one that caused her husband to be sober and to stay that way.

As the fellowship of AA continued to grow, one day Lois went out on the porch and noticed that there were other wives just sitting in the cars that lined the street. She went out to the other women and invited them in. She had a revelation that there were others out there hurting just as badly as she from this horrible alcohol demon. Thus started her little kitchen group. As the years progressed, this kitchen group concept developed into what is now Al-Anon. They followed the same twelve steps that AA did, but they also had their own twelve steps to follow as well.

Once it was realized that the children were being left out Lois, and some of the volunteers who helped with Al-Anon decided that something needed to be done for them, thus the dawning of Alateen. It was headed by one of the original volunteers, and each group was set up to be fostered by an Al-Anon member. Lois took particular interest and joy over the group for the children.

Because of the will and determination of Bill and Lois wisdom, there is now what is called a "cure" for alcoholics, and their families. Alcoholism is a disease that effects all members of a family, co-workers, and even some people in the community. Monumental steps were made by these two amazing people, and none of it would have happened if Lois had not stayed by Bill's side.

This is a story about heartache, pain, stamina, faith, and above all love. God had both Lois and Bill Wilson here for a reason, and I believe that they fulfilled their calling. Mr. Borchert did a wonderful job of telling the story, and letting the reader feel that they also personally knew Lois Wilson. This was a hard life to read about, but I learned a lot from the experiences in the pages. I hope that God will use this book to expand understanding about alcoholism, and the strong family that it takes to support one.

The Anonymous Disciple is for anyone struggling with an addiction of if they have a family member who is addicted. My brother has ALS and has been in AA for many many years. I taped this book for him including my laughter and my tears. He loved it and his care giver loved it. I want to thank the author for writing such a moving story of MAN.

Mary M. Shanks

Excellent book, and though it stands alone, it may be best to read after reading "Father Fred and the Twelve Steps: A Primer for Recovery" since Father Jim followed fellow Jesuit Father Fred through the doors of AA recovery.

I found this book difficult to put down, as it started by introducing some "unknown" speaker at an AA meeting (Fr Jim) through the eyes of a "newbie" third party, and and then immediately took the reader back many years to a desperate Fr Jim in a near-hopeless situation. The book takes us through his struggle in recovery, Fr Jim's work among the "disposables" (institutionalized alcoholics and addicts) and how together they became healthy, both in mind and spirit. A really inspirational true tale.

You will not regret reading this book.

I have been in recovery for many years, and have always thought that sober alcoholics (and drug addicts) have much to offer. This book, "Anonymous Disciple," is a triumph of the human spirit. There is hope for even those who are near death with their disease (addiction). The book renews my faith in God and in humanity.

My daughter gave Anonymous Disciple to me as a gift on my 12th sober birthday. Never in my life have I read a book that has had such a tremendous personal impact. This is much more than a book on recovery; it's a journey of one man's life, which was willing to be used for the benefit of others. This book will definitely create personal introspection, and cause the reader to think, "What is my commission, and how can I be used to help others?"

This was really a beautiful book about a Jesuit priest (Father Jim) getting sober. I think anyone in recovery, regardless of their religious beliefs, would be touched by it. I had so much gratitude after reading it!

I'm an AA. My former wife was an Al-Anon though she is now deceased. I've devoted 19 years to researching the spiritual roots of Alcoholics Anonymous, the Twelve Steps, and the early program. Making Known the Biblical History and Roots of Alcoholics Anonymous: A Sixteen-Year Research, Writing, Publishing, and Fact Dissemination Project. One of the first books I was given by an A.A. oldtimer was Lois Remembers. And I hustled out and bought two Al-Anon books. I believe all of us in the recovery movement should have the perspective of both A.A. and of Al-Anon. My former wife and her sister (both married to alcoholics) believed they never could have made it without Al-Anon. And whether we recover, reconcile, or just make amends, we need to know this family program. I also think Al-Anons and AAs need to know how much the two programs were alike at the beginning. Early A.A. in Akron dealt with families--fathers, mothers, children.Real Twelve Step Fellowship History. They all attended. Dr. Bob's wife Anne Ripley Smith dealt with the wives, and actually counseled Lois Wilson with some frequency.Anne Smith's Journal, 1933-1939: A.A.'s Principles of Success. Henrietta Seiberling was prominent in early A.A. development, and so was Clarace Williams, wife of T. Henry Williams, at whose whom the family meetings were held.Henrietta B. Seiberling: Ohio's Lady with a Cause, Third Edition. Anne Smith started a woman's group a year after A.A. was founded. And Lois herself wrote that Al-Anon people should never forget the important role that Anne played. In one sense, we are all in this together. For those of us who are believers, God is the One with whom we relate and seek to establish a relationship.By the Power of God: A Guide To Early A.A. Groups and Forming Similar Groups Today . And the Biblical principles of early A.A. were applied alike to women and family members. The Good Book and the Big Book: A.A.'s Roots in the Bible (Bridge Builders Edition), and The Good Book-Big Book Guidebook. Excellent reading. Important!

You want recovery? Work the Steps and Traditions. This is the book that will help you do it if you have been affected by someone else's drinking, thinking and/or behavior. As one other reviewer has already stated, if I could have only one Al-Anon book, this would be it. This book is truly a blessing.

If you are working the steps, this book is a great guide. It offers Insight on the steps, members Experience, Strength and Hope, and some guiding questions.

This is the basic text of the Al-Anon program, and in it you will a new freedom and a new happiness in your life. If you were raised in a home affected by alcoholism, or in a home affected by depression or co-dependency, where you were unable to form healthy boundries, then this book will help you So Much.

I love what someone said in it when they commented on the 2nd Step "Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity." Someone wrote, "Restore me to sanity? How about introduce me to it!" The book is filled with other such gems. Get it today...

Michael Z, author of The Wisdom of the Rooms "A Year of Weekly Reflections"

Pathways to Recovery is an excellent book for recovery from living with an Alcoholic or just help with having healthy relationships.

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.

While looking for a book by Dr. Bob Arnot, I accidently came to this book review for Dr. Bob and The Good Oldtimers. Well, I read the reviews and then asked an AA friend of mine of he had the book in his library. He did, so I borrowed it.

There's no author listed in the book, so I gather it might have been written by a group of archivists? The writing has that dry, "committee" like feel to it. Which is a little sad, because Bob Smith lived one interesting life! His story is very inspiring.

I read it in one sitting, about three hours, so it's not long. From my perspective, you don't have to be an alcoholic to enjoy this book. Cause I enjoyed it.

I enjoyed Marty's story so much. She was such an intelligent, attractive, successful woman, and yet alcohol brought her to a point of utter despair and poverty. I could truly relate to how it feels to have so much and yet not be able to save yourself from alocholism. With the help of AA I have found my life again, and continue to grow in all areas of my life. Reading Marty's story was so good for my self esteem and confidence. It truly emphasizes that alcoholism is a disease and not a moral issue. I enjoyed this book so much I stayed up until 2am the first night I started reading it. This has been a good read for me! I would recommend it to females in AA especially.

Riveting and educational! A page turner! Marty Mann was an incredible woman and we finally get to read about her life in detail. This is a must read for those who are recovering from alcoholism, those affected by alcoholism, social service and public health providers and legislatures. We have much to learn from Marty Mann and we must continue her mission today.

This was written with the language of the heart... and was informative, fascinating, and well done in every way. I enjoyed the pictures too. I felt privileged to see inside this fabulous woman's life.

I loved this book. It is well-written, expertly researched and completly honest.As a recovered person myself, I thoroughly enjoyed the the weaving of historical accounts of the early days of AA and NCA. Even without that, the story of Marty Mann was impressive and powerful. The account of the founding, growth, growing pains and success of NCA was a primer on how to get an impossible job done. Many other historical facts that were intertwined throughout the book provided a sense of reality about developments in our country that are rarely discussed.

My thanks to the authors for writing a book I will treasure it and make it a permamnent part of my personal library.

As its title implies, A Biography Of Mrs. Marty Mann, The First Lady Of Alcoholics Anonymous is the uplifting life story of a singularly strong and incredible woman - one who crusaded to teach all of America, men and women, that alcoholism is a treatable disease. Her life, which spanned most of the 20th century encompasses despair, hope, and redemption through crusading to battle the pernicious evils of alcoholism, and perhaps just as bad, ignorance about the nature of alcoholism. In Marty's own words, "People who dislike the terms 'alcoholic' and 'alcoholism' should consider the alternative of not knowing what was the matter with them and could believe only that they were hopelessly insane." An unforgettable biography of one of America's most fervent public-health reformers.

It is not often that a woman sees into the heart and mind of a young man. This is one of the gifts Holt brings us in this lovely little volume of stories. Young Jimmy, in 'A Day at the Ballpark', comes to grips with the adult failings of his parents, and his uncle JD. He also muses about his sister - in spare, unemotional language, Jimmy details the shocking and sad fate of Kate.

'Checkup' is more a prose poem than anything else. As such, it cuts to the core and with no wasted words shows us an unhappy relationship -- lies, deception, and despair. Three pages -- a moment in time that promises the years ahead for this couple.

I live on Cape Cod. I have seen Jimmy. I've seen those guys sleeping on the beaches. And Holt explains why they are there-- or at least why Jimmy is there. 'Outside' puts the reader into the head of this young man. It's not a comfortable place to be.

But the surprise is in the except from Holt's novel 'Realworld.com'. Peopled with movers and shakers of the online world, with high-tech geniuses, and assorted brainy types, the novel also introduces us to Willow, a young teen-age girl. Well, now. Willow comes alive on these pages. She is torn between independence and reliance on her mother. She is ambivalent about life and her inability to make decisions for her own future -- she is still young enough to do as her mother wishes. Willow is not a main character to this story, but she is so well drawn I wish she were. As she discovers her talent for basketball, and excels at the sport, we wonder about her parentage --- but I get ahead of things here. Holt stops the excerpt: a king-sized cliffhanger if I ever saw one! And there are no promises of when we get to read the rest of 'Realworld.com'!

There's more to look forward to in this novel than Willow. But this character was a surprise. Tucked in among some larger-than-life characters (well, I think I can guess upon whom they are modeled!) is this one young girl who shines and shows us without question the perception and sensitivity of Steve Holt. I'd like to see more of what Holt has to offer and am waiting for the rest of this book!

It is not often that a woman sees into the heart and mind of a young man. This is one of the gifts Holt brings us in this lovely little volume of stories. Young Jimmy, in 'A Day at the Ballpark', comes to grips with the adult failings of his parents, and his uncle JD. He also muses about his sister - in spare, unemotional language, Jimmy details the shocking and sad fate of Kate.

'Checkup' is more a prose poem than anything else. As such, it cuts to the core and with no wasted words shows us an unhappy relationship -- lies, deception, and despair. Three pages -- a moment in time that promises the years ahead for this couple.

I live on Cape Cod. I have seen Jimmy. I've seen those guys sleeping on the beaches. And Holt explains why they are there-- or at least why Jimmy is there. 'Outside' puts the reader into the head of this young man. It's not a comfortable place to be.

But the surprise is in the except from Holt's novel 'Realworld.com'. Peopled with movers and shakers of the online world, with high-tech geniuses, and assorted brainy types, the novel also introduces us to Willow, a young teen-age girl. Well, now. Willow comes alive on these pages. She is torn between independence and reliance on her mother. She is ambivalent about life and her inability to make decisions for her own future -- she is still young enough to do as her mother wishes. Willow is not a main character to this story, but she is so well drawn I wish she were. As she discovers her talent for basketball, and excels at the sport, we wonder about her parentage --- but I get ahead of things here. Holt stops the excerpt: a king-sized cliffhanger if I ever saw one! And there are no promises of when we get to read the rest of 'Realworld.com'!

There's more to look forward to in this novel than Willow. But this character was a surprise. Tucked in among some larger-than-life characters (well, I think I can guess upon whom they are modeled!) is this one young girl who shines and shows us without question the perception and sensitivity of Steve Holt. I'd like to see more of what Holt has to offer and am waiting for the rest of this book!

Funny, the Random House blurb says the short stories read like Richard Ford's writing, but I think the novel reads like Tourist Season by Carl Hiassen. It moves very easily from South Beach to rural Vermont to Harvard Square to backwoods Arkansas to an internet chat room, but each place is very real and so are the characters. When is the rest of the novel coming out? Has Bill Gates read this?

I heard about this from a friend in Chicago and I decided to give it a read. Kind of an amazing book. The narrator in the short stories seems to be the same guy, at different stages in the process of a difficult life, growing up on Cape Cod. The voice is very simple yet it registers a pretty powerful range of emotion, whether the scene is a baseball game, an exchange between father and son, an incident that occurs to the kid while hitchhiking, or whatever. You can feel the kid trying to hold onto important things in his life as he is losing his innocence and things are kind of breaking down all around him. Great stuff, and you don't often get it in guy fiction. I haven't seen other stuff by Holt, but he knows his baseball, among other things. Then there's a long excerpt from a novel, called Realworld.com, and that is totally different, almost slick in a way similar to Turn of the Century (Kurt Andersen), but with hilarious caricatures of day traders, a pretty scary Bill Gates-like character, etc. and a very likeable main character named Overtime Overton, who's a washed up pro basketball player. I recommend it, although I'll be kind of ticked off if I never get to read the rest of the novel.

I loved this book !!! Don't be fooled by its small size..it's filled with real life in all its pain, mystery, pathos and laughter. If the excerpt of Realworl.com is but a tease, bring it on, Steve !!!! I will try to wait patiently for the full text...

I just finished reading this book. It is my absolute favorite 12 step book that I have read...I like it even more than the big book. I am in a 12 step program but not AA, and I still found that I could relate very much to Father Fred. He shares a lot of wisdom. I am thinking of getting this book for everyone at a 12 step retreat that I am doing in a couple of weeks. Get this book - you won't regret it.

This book contains one of the best interpretations of the 12 steps that I've read. Fr. Fred was an alcoholic in Worcester, MA and was later asked to give these talks. The book, published by a small press, has received its popularity by word of mouth. Do not be put off that the talks are by a priest; he is a man of faith but does not proselytize. His description of the addict as "without a defense" and needing "the care of God" is very, very clear. Buy this book!

This is a simple,brilliant explanation of the 12 steps of alcoholics anonymous.Father Fred explains the steps in clean plain prose[though the ist edition is littered with typos].His explanation of the 2nd step is particularly excellent,though after a rather slow ist step introduction, each of the steps are magnificent. Pardon the hyperbole, but this is one of the few necessary books I own. I have given out at LEAST 50 copies of this book,and I have found 1,1 person who did not find it very useful.Anyone,especially those in A. a. ,will find it 's clarity and brevity welcome. Do not be put off by the title,it is not a sectarian religious book.

Sometimes book titles are deceiving. For example: I am not an alcoholic, so I would not usually pick up a book that might seem to deal with that illness. The old axiom "don't judge a book by its cover" fits really well here. No one person in this world is free from problems. These may come in various packages such as addicitons, mental illness, depression, etc. However, if we strip away the outside package, the human condition is the same across the board. Pain is pain. Suffering is suffering. These need to be dealt with, and Fr. Fred's sharings on each of the 12 steps of AA is a most valuable tool to help anyone, not just those with addictions. It has helped me to look at the situations in my life squarely in the face and realize that I don't have to live with them any more. Read it. Ponder it. Read it again and again. It will become a most valuable part of your life. It will empower you to change. It will help you find wholeness.

According to the publisher Fr. Fred is 50 years a jesiut priest,an a member of alcoholics anonymous for almost 40 years. This very well written{especially when you consider they are simply transcriptes of talks],clear rendering of the 12 steps. A great deal of the literature on the 12 steps takes a teacher-student dialogue approach,whereas fr. fred seems to be far more humble,and so much more effective.He breaks down each step chapter by chapetr[his 3rd step,6th and 7th are worth thr price of the book alone].His language is VERY SIMPLE AND CLEAR.I have avidly read almost everything that i can get on the 12 steps, and i agree with the previous reviewer,this is essentila,and BY FAR AND AWAY THE BEST BOOK ON THE 12 STEPs i have read.No preaching, no religion,no oldtimer nostagia[which,unfortunately clutters up some other books.}10 stars,20 stars. This is life affirming stuff.

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 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.

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.