AA Book Club

 AA history/literature post - a 1947 Bill Wilson Grapevine article on Tradition One: Tradition One Copyright © The    A.A. Grapevine, Inc., December 1947 Our whole AA program is securely founded on the principle of humility — that is to say, perspective. Which implies, among other things, that we relate ourselves rightly to God and to our fellows; that we each see ourselves as we really are — “a small part of a great whole”. Seeing our fellows thus, we shall enjoy group harmony. That is why AA Tradition can confidently state, “Our common welfare comes first.” “Does this mean,” some will ask, “that in AA the individual doesn’t count too much? Is he to be swallowed up, dominated by the group?” No, it doesn’t seem to work out that way. Perhaps there is no society on earth more solicitous of personal welfare, more careful to grant the individual the greatest possible liberty of belief and action. Alcoholics Anonymous has not “musts.” Few AA groups impose pe...

  Saturday AA speaker/history post - The only known recording of Anne Smith (with Dr. Bob) and recollections of their son 'Smitty': Anne Smith's voice and Smitty's recollections

  Big Book Topics for study, mediation or use with a sponsee (from our online AA study guide at AABookClub.org ):   Is it Directions or Suggestions? We believe, and so suggested a few years ago, that the action of alcohol on these chronic alcoholics is a manifestation of an allergy; that the phenomenon of craving is limited to this class and never occurs in the average temperate drinker. These allergic types can never safely use alcohol in any form at all; and once having formed the habit and found they cannot break it, once having lost their self-confidence, their reliance upon things human, their problems pile up on them and become astonishingly difficult to solve. Frothy emotional appeal seldom suffices. The message which can interest and hold these alcoholic people must have depth and weight. In nearly all cases, their ideals must be grounded in a power greater than themselves, if they are to re-create their lives.(Page xxvi) ...they cannot start drinking wit...

  Tuesday AA literature post - Thoughts on Tradition One from the Shropshire (UK) Intergroup:  (More at the link: Twelve Traditions Study - Tradition One )   Short form Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon AA unity. Long form Each member of Alcoholics Anonymous is but a small part of a great whole. AA must continue to live or most of us will surely die. Hence our common welfare comes first. But individual welfare follows close afterward.   Tradition One Discussion Questions In my group am I a healing, mending, integrating person, or am I divisive? What about gossip and taking other members’ inventories?  Am I a peacemaker? Or do I, with pious preludes such as “just for the sake of discussion,” plunge into argument?  Am I gentle with those who rub me the wrong way, or am I abrasive?  Do I put down some AA activities as if I were superior for not participating in this or that aspect of AA?  Am I informed about ...

  Saturday AA speaker/history post - the only known video of legendary AA speaker and historian Chuck C, Part 4 (Poor quality):  

  Throwback Thursday AA history post - "Alcoholics Anonymous Landmarks and Milestones" presented by Drew H.: Drew H. AA Landmarks and Milestones  

"The purpose of this book" according to the Big Book and Twelve and Twelve:   Big Book: “To show other alcoholics precisely how we have recovered is the main purpose of this book.” Forward to First Edition “Yet it is our great hope that all those who have as yet found no answer may begin to find one in the pages of this book and will presently join us on the high road to a new freedom.” Foreword to the Second Edition "We have a way out on which we can absolutely agree, and upon which we can join in brotherly and harmonious action. This is the great news this book carries to those who suffer from alcoholism.” Page 17, There is a Solution “We hope this volume will inform and comfort those who are, or who may be affected.” Page 18, There is a Solution “If you are an alcoholic who wants to get over it, you may already be asking – ‘What do I have to do?’ “It is the purpose of this book to answer such questions specifically.” Page 20, There is a So...

  Throwback Thursday AA history post - Timelines in AA History:     Many heartfelt thanks go out to  Archie M.  of Tennessee, who did much research in order to compile this “Timelines in AA History” and to Arthur S., Northeast Texas Area Archives, who has built upon Archie M’s original Timeline file. Timelines In AA History – 1951 To Present 542 views 2 aa 1951-1952  -12 & 12 written, 1st published 2 editions, 1 distribution A.A. groups, 2nd costing $.50 more intended sale bookstores & distributed through Harper & Brothers  ( P  352, 355-356)   1955-1967  -A.A. groups increases 5,927 to 13,279, overseas groups 20% A.A. population  ( A  x)   1956-1960  -Nell Wing worked alone most time, Bill visited weekly  ( G  16)   1956-1961  -Leonard V. Harrison chairman board  ( G  74)   1957-1966  -Dr. Harry Tiebout General Service Board Class Trustee  ( G ...