What is your fav AA book besides the Big Book? - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information

lizw · 07-21-2008, 03:42 PM

AA has quite a few confrence approved books besides the Big Book, so what is your favourite and why?

Personally I like 'Come to Believe'.
I like it because my 2nd sponsor gave me a copy after I relapsed but I also like all the short little stories. It's quite easy to read.
I am also rereading it right now.

This time round I have been touched by:

- A story of a sober AA guy who after a series of bad events decides to go to another town to get well and truly drunk, but ends up in a bar where the bar tender is a guy who heard him speak at an AA meeting a few months earlier and tells him to reconsider his request when he tries to buy a drink. I think the last line of the story says something like "...the bartender was a reminded he was an AA member and did not belong there (in the bar)."

- A story about a guy who is had a mental breakdown in soberity and sets out one night to drown himself in the ocean, only to run in to a priest who sits and talks with him to the feeling of wanting to kill himself passes. Then he bumps into the preist a few years later when he is mentally well again, and there is a story as to what brough the priest outside that evening.

So what's your fav and why?

:ghug

psyk0 · 07-21-2008, 03:47 PM

Living Sober

bballdad · 07-21-2008, 03:51 PM

12x12

TTOSBT · 07-21-2008, 04:03 PM

Living Sober. I love pages 7-9 where it discusses the disease and how to live with it.
I love the fact that it focuses not on getting sober but how to live sober once you have stopped.

Sheryl85 · 07-21-2008, 04:45 PM

Approved - It's a toss up between "The Twelve and Twelve" and "Pass It On"

Non-Approved (but should be) - "A New Pair of Glasses" by Chuck C.

dgillz · 07-21-2008, 07:34 PM

Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers. Because I am a history buff and this covers early AA history.

lizw · 07-21-2008, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dgillz

Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers. Because I am a history buff and this covers early AA history.

I stole this one (just keep forgetting to take it back) from one of my local groups and have had it for a few years. This is another reminder that I should return it. Lol.

I've tried reading it, a few pages at a time, but find it really heavy reading.

Cathy31 · 07-22-2008, 12:04 AM

I love As Bill Sees it, and also came to believe - stories from all of the editions so far...and those collected grapevine writings of Bill...in fact, thanks for the reminder I am going to go and dip into those right now !

Cathy31
x

Jfanagle · 07-22-2008, 01:02 AM

I too have to say mine is DR. BOB AND THE GOOD OLDTIMERS. For me it highlights just how dedicated the early practitioners of AA were. They just rolled up their sleeves and dived in. The stories serve to remind me that when the first members of the fellowship decided that there had to be a better way it was not easy to be a "recovering" alcoholic. "Nice people" were not drunks and families were not willing to "understand."

Jon

Tazman53 · 07-22-2008, 03:31 AM

12X12, DR. BOB AND THE GOOD OLDTIMERS, As Bill See's It, Came To Beleive, & Living Sober.

navysteve · 07-22-2008, 11:59 AM

Language of the Heart. In that book we learn that there are no new arguments in AA. I love the way Bill broke the Traditions down in that book.

RufusACanal · 07-22-2008, 12:26 PM

The Little Red Book and Stools and Bottles

**Peter** · 07-22-2008, 01:20 PM

I like the classics:

"As Bill See It" is one of my faves. I love reading the little snippets from his old letters.

Sugah · 07-22-2008, 05:50 PM

I have to chime in with Language of the Heart. I think it's an awesome reflection on the personal, spiritual program of recovery with emphasis on the very important service element of sobriety.

Peace & Love,
Sugah

Spiritual Seeker · 07-22-2008, 06:10 PM

One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and the Twelve Steps
by Kevin Griffin

Dharma Punx
by Noah Levine

sugErspun · 07-22-2008, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spiritual Seeker

One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and the Twelve Steps
by Kevin Griffin

Dharma Punx
by Noah Levine

Dharma Punx is great. I have listened to Kevin Griffin's talks a few times - but have not read the book.

On the Dharma Punx website - in the mp3 section. There are many talks on the twelve steps and Buddhism. They definitely dovetail. I have gone to meditate with Noah a few times and there are quite a few AA's in attendance.

**nandm** · 07-23-2008, 10:04 AM

"The Spiritual Life is not a theory"

lizw · 07-23-2008, 05:00 PM

40 days of purpose is not an AA one, it is christian based and talks about the chruch etc...

Has anyone else read it?

I brought it for $1 at a 2nd hand book store and have been reading it for about a year, even though it's suppose to be read in 40 days. It is quite good.

The 'day' I read last night talked about God using our weaknesses to help other people.

bballdad · 07-23-2008, 09:38 PM

some people in AA want the Living Sober book dropped because it is written by a gay man
Barry L.

sugErspun · 07-24-2008, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bballdad

some people in AA want the Living Sober book dropped because it is written by a gay man
Barry L.

Who? Seems like a rather serious accusation.

Then again - the notion of 'approved' and 'non-approved' is utter nonsense.

Zoobear · 07-24-2008, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RufusACanal

The Little Red Book and Stools and Bottles

Old school BABY!!!!!

scaredykat · 07-24-2008, 02:40 PM

My favorite is "Came to Believe" and "Living Sober".

I also love the AA Grapevine even though that's considered a magazine. I get it in the mail every month.

debs4321 · 07-25-2008, 05:17 AM

I have 2 favorites.................

"Drop the rock"
Steps 6 & Seven

(awesome book)

and

"The Little Red Book"

Love,
Deb

07-21-2008, 03:42 PM	#1 (permalink)
lizw God's Kid Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: New Zealand Posts: 1,536	What is your fav AA book besides the Big Book? AA has quite a few confrence approved books besides the Big Book, so what is your favourite and why? Personally I like 'Come to Believe'. I like it because my 2nd sponsor gave me a copy after I relapsed but I also like all the short little stories. It's quite easy to read. I am also rereading it right now. This time round I have been touched by: - A story of a sober AA guy who after a series of bad events decides to go to another town to get well and truly drunk, but ends up in a bar where the bar tender is a guy who heard him speak at an AA meeting a few months earlier and tells him to reconsider his request when he tries to buy a drink. I think the last line of the story says something like "...the bartender was a reminded he was an AA member and did not belong there (in the bar)." - A story about a guy who is had a mental breakdown in soberity and sets out one night to drown himself in the ocean, only to run in to a priest who sits and talks with him to the feeling of wanting to kill himself passes. Then he bumps into the preist a few years later when he is mentally well again, and there is a story as to what brough the priest outside that evening. So what's your fav and why? :ghug __________________ ....blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.

07-21-2008, 03:51 PM	#3 (permalink)
bballdad Is my work solid so far? Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Albemarle,N.C. Posts: 2,024	12x12 __________________ Faith should not stand in the wisdom of men,but in the Power of God

07-21-2008, 04:45 PM	#5 (permalink)
Sheryl85 '55 Classic Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Waco, TX Posts: 619	Approved - It's a toss up between "The Twelve and Twelve" and "Pass It On" Non-Approved (but should be) - "A New Pair of Glasses" by Chuck C. __________________ "Temper is a quality that at a critical moment brings out the best in steel and worst in people." - William Grohse NOTE: All Big Book quotes are from the First Edition of the Big Book

07-21-2008, 07:34 PM	#6 (permalink)
dgillz Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Mobile, AL Posts: 2,014	Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers. Because I am a history buff and this covers early AA history. __________________ If the only tool in your toolbox is a hammer, then all your problems look like nails....

07-22-2008, 12:04 AM	#8 (permalink)
Cathy31 1 bite&all resistance crumbles Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: IRELAND Posts: 2,046	I love As Bill Sees it, and also came to believe - stories from all of the editions so far...and those collected grapevine writings of Bill...in fact, thanks for the reminder I am going to go and dip into those right now ! Cathy31 x __________________ Sober since 22nd March 2006 by the Grace of God and the Programs & Fellowship of AA and NA :ghug Life is Beautiful! Fake it til you make it... :atv

07-21-2008, 03:47 PM	#2 (permalink)
psyk0 Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 64	Living Sober

07-21-2008, 04:03 PM	#4 (permalink)
TTOSBT To Thine Own Self Be True Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: So Cal Posts: 1,832	Living Sober. I love pages 7-9 where it discusses the disease and how to live with it. I love the fact that it focuses not on getting sober but how to live sober once you have stopped.

07-22-2008, 01:02 AM	#9 (permalink)
Jfanagle Another Day in Paradise Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Upland, CA Posts: 555	I too have to say mine is DR. BOB AND THE GOOD OLDTIMERS. For me it highlights just how dedicated the early practitioners of AA were. They just rolled up their sleeves and dived in. The stories serve to remind me that when the first members of the fellowship decided that there had to be a better way it was not easy to be a "recovering" alcoholic. "Nice people" were not drunks and families were not willing to "understand." Jon __________________ Indecision may or may not be my problem!

07-22-2008, 03:31 AM	#10 (permalink)
Tazman53 Follow Directions! Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Fredericksburg, Va. Posts: 9,284	12X12, DR. BOB AND THE GOOD OLDTIMERS, As Bill See's It, Came To Beleive, & Living Sober. __________________ All BB quotes are from the First Edition of the BB Follow directions! Sobriety date 18 Sept. 2006 Sober today thanks to AA

07-22-2008, 11:59 AM	#11 (permalink)
navysteve Member Asteroids Champion! Join Date: May 2008 Location: pennsylvania Posts: 1,682	Language of the Heart. In that book we learn that there are no new arguments in AA. I love the way Bill broke the Traditions down in that book. __________________ No rhetoric Just results All Big Book quotes are from first edition

07-22-2008, 12:26 PM	#12 (permalink)
RufusACanal Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 1,872	The Little Red Book and Stools and Bottles __________________ "Weather forecast for tonight: dark. Continued dark overnight, with widely scattered light by morning." George Carlin Excerpts from Original Manuscript of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous

07-22-2008, 01:20 PM	#13 (permalink)
Peter Moderator Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Leaving Sparta Posts: 2,742	I like the classics: "As Bill See It" is one of my faves. I love reading the little snippets from his old letters.

07-22-2008, 05:50 PM	#14 (permalink)
Sugah Om, Aum, Ohm... 12 Many Champion! Blast Billiards Champion! Mah Jongg Solitaire Champion! mahjong Champion! Mini Pool 2 Champion! MiniPool Champion! Pool Jam Champion! Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Punxsutawney/Pittsburgh Posts: 3,689	I have to chime in with Language of the Heart. I think it's an awesome reflection on the personal, spiritual program of recovery with emphasis on the very important service element of sobriety. Peace & Love, Sugah __________________ There's a train leaving nightly called when all is said and done Keep me in your heart for awhile ~WZ ANS 01/29/86 - 08/04/08

07-22-2008, 06:10 PM	#15 (permalink)
Spiritual Seeker get it, give it, grow in it Join Date: May 2007 Location: Calif coast Posts: 2,529	One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and the Twelve Steps by Kevin Griffin Dharma Punx by Noah Levine

07-23-2008, 10:04 AM	#17 (permalink)
nandm Life the gift of recovery! Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Home is where the heart is Posts: 5,310	"The Spiritual Life is not a theory" __________________ NOTE: All Big Book quotes are from the First Edition of the Big Book WHY DOGS LIVES ARE SO MUCH SHORTER THAN HUMANS: People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice. Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long

07-23-2008, 05:00 PM	#18 (permalink)
lizw God's Kid Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: New Zealand Posts: 1,536	40 days of purpose is not an AA one, it is christian based and talks about the chruch etc... Has anyone else read it? I brought it for $1 at a 2nd hand book store and have been reading it for about a year, even though it's suppose to be read in 40 days. It is quite good. The 'day' I read last night talked about God using our weaknesses to help other people. __________________ ....blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.

07-23-2008, 09:38 PM	#19 (permalink)
bballdad Is my work solid so far? Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Albemarle,N.C. Posts: 2,024	some people in AA want the Living Sober book dropped because it is written by a gay man Barry L. __________________ Faith should not stand in the wisdom of men,but in the Power of God

07-24-2008, 02:40 PM	#22 (permalink)
scaredykat Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Upstate, N.Y. Posts: 4,357 Blog Entries: 5	My favorite is "Came to Believe" and "Living Sober". I also love the AA Grapevine even though that's considered a magazine. I get it in the mail every month. __________________ One Day at a Time Sobriety Date: Jan 19, 2008

07-25-2008, 05:17 AM	#23 (permalink)
debs4321 Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Marietta, GA Posts: 120 Blog Entries: 1	I have 2 favorites................. "Drop the rock" Steps 6 & Seven (awesome book) and "The Little Red Book" Love, Deb

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