Emeraldstorm

Which book it the best book to go through AA with?

Is it the "big book", that little blue book, or the one that say "Twelve steps and traditions?"

ANGELINA243

The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous is the main book used. It contains the core of the program including "precise" instructions on how to work the 12 steps. The 12x12 helps break down both Steps and traditions. Some use that book in addition to the Big Book in working their recovery program. The first 164 pages (what you may have heard about) are found in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous.

yeahgr8

Big Book, i needed a sponsor to help me understand what it was all about though, the 12&12 is a lot easier to read and will help you get an understanding of the steps:-)

CarolD

Hmm...
I'm not sure what you mean by
I'm guessing that is the first 164 pges of the BB?

It has a soft blue cover.not published by AAWS
can't recall who does publish it. It's cheaper and
smaller ...easer to carry... as it drops the stories.
I've seen members use that...usually for BB discussions.

I've not bought one....because I find the Stories fascinating.
I was already an AA recovered alcoholic before I saw one
via God-BB Edition 3 and used the 12 & 12 in conjunction
with the BB.

Sorry....I may be off vase with my guess

Sugah

AA does publish it, Carol (although Hazelton also has a version). We order it from New York and sell it at our meetings. Cost=$2.75, I believe. It has the first 164 + Dr. Bob's Nightmare in it and I believe (don't have mine handy) the appendices.

Peace & Love,
Sugah

CarolD

Sugah .....Thanks for the correct info...

We are now selling hard cover BB for $9.50
I just bought one for a new member this week.

Something to mention ar our next GC I think...

Boleo

The "Best" part of the Big Book is contained in the first 164 pages of any Edition (aka basic text). I am guessing The Little Blue Book you mentioned is a Pocket Edition which is pretty much all you need to get started.

The 12 Steps & 12 Traditions is a good supplement to the Big Book but should be read after the Big Book as it does not contain the directions to working the steps.

CarolD

Keep...
My home group elects a literature person
who orders all materials.

To save money..... we buy in bulk
from Atlanta Central Office ...pick up the order.
We factor the tax in when priceing.

I have no clue when that book was purchased by us.
We have a monthly budget for materials.

We keep both the BB and 12 & 12 in an
unlocked bookcase....use the honor system
Anyone can take them without paying.
We also donate them to various places.

When I did that service work for 2 years
and kept track.....we ended up $7.50 ahead.

The reason I said I'd bring the pocket version
up in a GC.....is because we've never stocked it
and perhaps it would be a good idea to do so.

What other groups do...I

FanofJoeMcQ

We hand out the 'mini' Big Book first 164 pages. Then we give 12/12 free. Then we give Living sober at 30 days....several members of my homegroup 'anonymously' pay for the literature/books we give out. We also give out 'as bill sees it' and 'Came to Believe'...

The way our group works is whomever greets the new person functions as a temp for them so they have a friendly face to contect with. So glad you are trying a new way of life!!!!

Wolfchild

Have you asked your sponsor about this?
Good to hear of your desire to recover!