Finished reading the Big Book - Any other good books out there?

[gravity]

Last night, I finished reading the Big Book. Awesome book by the way – I highly recommend it if you haven’t read it yet .

I read every night before bed and I was reading a story each night. In addition to the ESH, I found the Big Book to be very interesting. I learned something new every time.

My late father grew up during the depression & World War 2 and was a genuine, train-hopping, hobo. I remember him telling me that these were some of the best years of his life – people helping each other, giving him odd jobs, sharing what little food they had – incredible caring. Reading some of the old stories - the language they used, the environment they were in – felt like going back in time, made me think of my father. It’s all good stuff for me to know.

I’m wondering if anybody has any recommendations – AA history, biographies of the founders. Hopefully something still in print, that I can order off of Amazon (don’t trust eBay, no used book stores in town).

Any help appreciated.

ps - still going to keep reading the Big Book

[suki44883]

You could do a search on Amazon. You might try half dot com. I've order many books and movies from there and I've never once been burned.

[AW2486]

Originally Posted by gravity

I’m wondering if anybody has any recommendations – AA history, biographies of the founders. Hopefully something still in print, that I can order off of Amazon (don’t trust eBay, no used book stores in town).

There are many.

As Bill sees it
Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers
Twelve Steps Twelve Traditions
Pass It On
Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age
Language of the Heart
A New Pair of Glasses

[Boleo]

If you liked the stories in the back of the 4th edition of Big Book, you might like to read the old stories that were in the back of the 1st, 2nd and third editions.

Experience, Strength and Hope

[sugErspun]

Check out silkworth . net

There is a wealth of information on that site - it took me awhile just to learn to navigate. But a lot of archival articles (like a copy of the original Saturday Evening post article about AA..) Letter's from Bill Wilson to Carl Jung (and the response) about R. Hazzard..good stuff all about.

I don't believe it is a commercial site (.net), so I think I am safe posting the website address here..if not, I apologize.

It was a great find for me and I can always find something interesting there.

[bballdad]

The Little Red Book
Stools and Bottles
The 24 Hour A Day Book(daily reading)

[Signal30]

You Can't Make Me Angry, by Dr. Paul O.

He was the one who wrote "Acceptance Is The Answer."

Great book

Tom

[navysteve]

Last night, I finished reading the Big Book. Awesome book by the way – I highly recommend it if you haven’t read it yet .

Unfortunately, too many in the rooms don't read it. Another great book is Language of the Heart.

Sermon on the Mount by Emmet Fox ( great for the eleventh step!)

My name is Bill Wilson by Susan Cheever ( non-conference approved, gives you something of a less biased look at our co-founder. Shows the human side of the man. Some of the "facts" are debatable but all in all a great book.

Varieties of Religious Experience by William James. You can download that off Welcome to Silkworth.net -Alcoholics Anonymous . . . experience the history . . . lest we forget!

What is the Oxford Group? By The Layman With a Notebook. An awesome read. Great history about AA's beginnings!

Great Big Book study guide (Dr. Paul Oligher Step Study Program) because you should read it again and again and study it. (Life or death?)

The Confessions of Saint Augustine ( portions can be found on silkworth also)


And of course, Dr Bob and the good ole timers alnog with Pass it on

[Tazman53]

In recovery I am finding there is an unlimited wealth of information to be found just by looking, what other have suggested is great and should keep you busy for a few days!!! LOL

[navysteve]

Another great place to order books is half.com ( ebay affiliate however) I never had a bad deal there. Bought books for 50 cents that I cherish

[Music]

Originally Posted by gravity

Last night, I finished reading the Big Book. Awesome book by the way – I highly recommend it if you haven’t read it yet .

I read every night before bed and I was reading a story each night. In addition to the ESH, I found the Big Book to be very interesting. I learned something new every time.

My late father grew up during the depression & World War 2 and was a genuine, train-hopping, hobo. I remember him telling me that these were some of the best years of his life – people helping each other, giving him odd jobs, sharing what little food they had – incredible caring. Reading some of the old stories - the language they used, the environment they were in – felt like going back in time, made me think of my father. It’s all good stuff for me to know.

I’m wondering if anybody has any recommendations – AA history, biographies of the founders. Hopefully something still in print, that I can order off of Amazon (don’t trust eBay, no used book stores in town).

Any help appreciated.

ps - still going to keep reading the Big Book

Maybe you overlooked what it says in the Big Book right in the front. The Big Book is the basis text of AA. I don't read it and put it away. I study it so I can continue to learn. So, I suggest you read and re-read it again and again, lest you forget the consequences of the past.

[Emimily]

i KNEW someone was going to say it! haha, music... hahahaha...

i think dr. bob and the good old timers is a trip to read. that's just me.

[Tazman53]

ps - still going to keep reading the Big Book

Gravity I did read the above, so I did not see the need to repeat, I did enjoy reading Dr. Bob and the good old timers.

[Cathy31]

I love the stories in the various editions...also :

dry by augusten burroughs (awesome - he found recovery in AA)
the twelve and twelve
language of the heart - collected articles from bill wilson to grapevine mag

and all the rest on the list above!

The BB rules though!

cathy31
x

[todd6138]

You can get a subscription to the aa grapevine which is our meeting in print.. Alcoholics Anonymous Grapevine Magazine they also have an archive of all the articles and for a small fee you can look up all the old articles they also have all the old jokes for free and some are great; such as "why are drunks terrible singers? Because they only know one note- mi mi mi!

[Cathy31]

Originally Posted by Music

Maybe you overlooked what it says in the Big Book right in the front. The Big Book is the basis text of AA. I don't read it and put it away. I study it so I can continue to learn. So, I suggest you read and re-read it again and again, lest you forget the consequences of the past.

LOL Music, I think you overlooked what Gravity said ito still intending to read the big book!

[Music]

Originally Posted by Cathy31

LOL Music, I think you overlooked what Gravity said ito still intending to read the big book!

Thanks Cathy. I saw that but the key word is "read" as opposed to "study!"

[Tazman53]

Ya know Music that is something my sponsor pointed out to me and I point out to my sponsee's, it is a text book and not a novel. I am always learning something new every time I open it.

[gravity]

Thanks for all the recommendations. I ran searches for all books on Amazon and Indigo and only one book is listed as available (You Can't Make Me Angry, by Dr. Paul O). I am going to ask around, perhaps borrow from others and go on a search mission the next time I am in a larger city (a bit of work won’t hurt me ). I’m also checking out the links.

At a recent meeting, an older long time member was lamenting how many people don’t even own a Big Book let alone read it on a regular basis and how many people think that the short readings at meetings are enough (I got her message loud & clear). My sponsor always shares how each time he reads the Big Book, it takes on a new, deeper meaning – I am starting to experience the same thing.

I do study the Big Book in that I highlight passages that jump out at me, even in the stories. I also spend some time reflecting on the words, discussing it with my sponsor, and applying it to my shares at meetings. I need to do more of this though. I am also trying to (and having some success) integrate the principals into my daily living. I guess I am looking for supplemental reading to enhance my understanding & appreciation of the words in the Big Book. It was kind of an unexpected bonus that I actually enjoy and look forward to it (saw it as more of a chore initially).

Thanks again for your help. Don

[Cathy31]

Originally Posted by Tazman53

Ya know Music that is something my sponsor pointed out to me and I point out to my sponsee's, it is a text book and not a novel. I am always learning something new every time I open it.

Taz I like that VERY much - that is sooo true! Thanks for pointing that out, that really puts it into perspective - and thanks Music, your point is a good one, study as opposed to read.

Thanks guys!

Cathy31
x

[jlo34]

Big Book studies are great!! 12&12 studies are great!!!

If you're having trouble finding some of the books at used book stores, try the library!! Where I live we are able to request a book and if the library doesn't carry the book, they will look into the other county libraries where I live. If they don't have it, then they will look into other library systems. Doesn't cost a cent. Usually only get the book for 2 weeks if it's out of the system; but hey, what do you want for free?!?!??!

Usually the AA books can be found at conferences and some of the meetings. They are usually sold at cost. I haven't paid more than $6.00 for a book yet that I bought at an AA meeting!!!!

The amazing thing about the Big Book; every time I read it something new jumps out at me that I don't remember seeing or reading before!!!

Another great tool are tapes/CDs. Someone from AA gave me a set of CDs by Bob D regarding the "spiritual malady". Boy that came in handy when I was suffering from a spiritual malady (again)!!!

Blessings,
Jen