The Best Alcoholics Anonymous Books to Read
Alcoholics Anonymous has its own publishing house in order, it is said, to maintain AA’s integrity, which is, for the program, a good thing.
However it can also mean that a critical eye is not cast over some of their output.
However, there is also plenty of other Alcoholics Anonymous literature written by people about AA. This is not published by AA’s own press so it can have a more balanced approach.
You can read about the critical variety elsewhere, here we concentrate on the ten books that are essential reading for anyone involved in the Alcoholics Anonymous program.
“If at any point you’re struggling with your sobriety, speak to one of our supportive counselors. With many having first-hand experience, they have been in your shoes. The free chat is confidential & they are available 24/7.”
The Top Ten Alcoholics Anonymous Books
1.The Big Book of AA
Naturally, the leader in Alcoholics Anonymous books would have to be the Alcoholics Anonymous – Big Book.
The original Big Book was first published back in 1939.
The book told the story of Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith, the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous.
They shared their own personal experience with alcoholism as well as giving many practical tips that helped them find and maintain sobriety.
This remains the most famous and most read of the Alcoholics Anonymous books as the entire tenets of the organization originate with that text.
The Big Book has since been updated and revised to reflect changes in language and popular culture. The current version was published in 2001.
2. Twelve Steps and 12 Traditions
Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions is another of Bill Wilson’s works.
Published in 1953, this was a collection of Wilson’s essays that explained the twelve step program in detail.
These steps had just been formally adopted three years earlier. This book is often used during Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
There are certain meetings that involve reading a step or tradition from it and discussing how it relates to each individual participating in the meeting.
These meetings, that use this specific book, are generally called ‘Step Meetings’ or ‘Tradition Meetings’.
3. Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age
Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age was published in 1957.
This book is a history of how AA came to be and what they stood for.
This is one of the Alcoholics Anonymous books that helped to spread awareness of the group’s goals and philosophies.
4. Daily Reflections
Daily Reflections is a book along the principles of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series.
A short meditative essay is provided for daily reading, each written by an AA member.
There are many books similar to this, each having a daily inspirational/educational thought or quote to help those in recovery.
This one, however, is specifically written by and for Alcoholics anonymous participants.
5. Living Sober
Living Sober is one of the Alcoholics Anonymous more practical guides.
Rather than simply sharing stories, this book offers real guidance for living a life free of alcohol.
6. As Bill Sees It
As Bill Sees It is an anthology of writings by Bill Wilson, one of the founders of AA.
It remains one of the more popular selections in the Alcoholics Anonymous books on offer.
It can be very cathartic to realize that alcoholism’s effects on the individual and those around him or her are the same today as they were seventy years ago.
7. Came to Believe
Came to Believe is one of the Alcoholics Anonymous most popular inspirational readings.
As with other volumes of Alcoholics Anonymous literature, this was compiled from writings of AA members.
8. Experience, Strength and Hope
Experience, Strength and Hope is another compilation of stories of the personal experiences of AA members.
Many of the publications from AA literature have drawn from personal stories of members.
The purpose of this is to encourage members to relate to others’ experiences of alcoholism and recovery.
This is so they can see that they and their problems are not ‘special’ and that recovery from alcoholism is a very real possibility whatever circumstances they are currently going through.
9. The Language of the Heart
The Language of the Heart contains an anthology of stories and articles that Bill Wilson wrote for The Grapevine magazine through the years.
These stories highlight the evolution of the group through time.
10. Dr. Bob and the Good Old-timers
Dr. Bob and the Good Old-timers tells us of the other founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, Dr. Bob Smith, as well as the early history of AA and how it grew.
Alcoholics Anonymous Literature, or more precisely that published by the program’s own publishing house, is specifically aimed at recovering alcoholics participating in the Alcoholics Anonymous program.
The books are not examples of outstanding literature, they are not trying to be.
They are written with the sole purpose of encouraging alcoholics in their fight against alcoholism. Even though Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is the biggest mutual-help organization for people battling with alcohol abuse, its specific ideas that sustain and encourage behavior change are badly understood.
So don’t expect an objective analysis of Alcoholics Anonymous if you buy one of the above books. If this is what you want then read The Ten Best Critiques of Alcoholics Annoymous.
Alcoholics Anonymous Literature, or more precisely that published by the program’s own publishing house, is specifically aimed at recovering alcoholics participating in the Alcoholics Anonymous program.
The books are not examples of outstanding literature, they are not trying to be.
They are written with the sole purpose of encouraging alcoholics in their fight against alcoholism. Even though Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is the biggest mutual-help organization for people battling with alcohol abuse, its specific ideas that sustain and encourage behavior change are badly understood.
So don’t expect an objective analysis of Alcoholics Anonymous if you buy one of the above books. If this is what you want then read The Ten Best Critiques of Alcoholics Annoymous
Are You Looking for Additional Treatments and Support?
If you believe that you need more support and alcoholism treatment options aside from Alcoholics Anonymous, help is readily available! Please contact a treatment provider today to help you determine the best treatment options for you.
“If at any point you’re struggling with your sobriety, speak to one of our supportive counselors. With many having first-hand experience, they have been in your shoes. The free chat is confidential & they are available 24/7.”
I am a Mental Health Counselor who is licensed in both New York (LMHC) and North Carolina (LCMHC). I have been working in the Mental Health field since 2015. I have worked in a residential setting, an outpatient program and an inpatient addictions program. I began working in Long Island, NY and then in Guelph, Ontario after moving to Canada. I have since settled in North Carolina. I have experience working with various stages of addiction, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, stages of life concerns and relationship concerns.
I tend to use a person-centered approach which simply means that I meet you where you are and work collaboratively to help you identify and work towards accomplishing goals. I will often pull from CBT when appropriate. I do encourage use of mindfulness and meditation and practice these skills in my own life. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity and compassion.
I recognize that reaching out for help is hard and commend you for taking the first step. We have professionals available who would be happy to help you move closer to reaching your goals related to your drinking concerns. You may reach these professionals by calling 877-322-2694.