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Rating: 
Summary: Give it a Try!
Review: I found the volume to be convincing for me, and a wonderful source of suggested directions, where no other existed before, except by fee or conformity. The book claims all humans have some form of emotional and psychological problems and when this is coupled with alcohol abuse the sufferer can feel hopeless and beyond human aid. This text gave me a new type of perspective into my mind and of others around me. The book never claims to be the only perspective. Give it a try. No one will make your decisions for you, that (Thank God or what ever you choose to be a higher power or not to chose or whatever you want, no rules here) you will get to do all on your own. Perhaps thats why many scoff, because the truth is YOURS TO BE FOUND, and it enflames the scoffers emotionally or psychologically. Finally if you are reading this GO TO A MEETING NOW!!!!!!! P.S. that is not a subliminal message for you cult fans. I would of loved to give my name but it's about being anonymous, you know that stuff about ego deflation.
Rating: 
Summary: Mixed Feelings
Review: I received a copy of this book recently. I haven't read through it in its entirety but I am familiar with the AA program, having attended AA meetings myself and also having friends who are in AA.Without a doubt, AA has helped many people. And for that, it deserves the praise and recognition it receives. However, it does not work for everyone. And for those who are not helped by it, it's not a matter of not "working the program" or any other failure on their part. We all come from different backgrounds, some of which are not conducive to the AA approach. For example, some people who have been hurt by fundamentalist religions seem to have a natural aversion to AA. It may be because of similarities having to do with self-debasement (You are helpless. You are powerless. You need to turn your will over to a Higher Will, etc.). In any case, it demonstrates the point that AA is not for everyone. There is also the issue of intellectual integrity. For unbelievers (e.g. agnostics and atheists), many have reached their unbelief through a deliberative process. So, it is unrealistic to think that one should have to leave one's unbelief at the door in order to be "saved" from alcohol. One need not (and should not have to) prostitute one's mind in order to deal with chemical addiction. Other effective programs (e.g. Secular Organizations for Sobriety; and SMART Recovery) demonstrate that fact. That people should not be forced by law to listen to ideas that are contrary to their own conscience seems as American as apple pie. Yet, the current healthcare system is heavily biased towards AA, often coercing people against their conscience. Fortunately, the courts are slowly coming to accept the fact that non-spiritual alternatives exist; and that people should be permitted to go where they receive the best help for their situation.
Rating: 
Summary: The Bible for the Addicted Person
Review: Why are there so many AA groups around today? You know the answer. This book is a must-have for anyone with an addiction problem. Even if you are a drug addict, and not an alcoholic, you should still get a copy of The Big Book. (If you are an addict, get a copy of the Narcotics Anonymous Basic Text as well!) This book lays out a plan for sobreity that has worked for countless others. It contains the twelve steps and traditions of AA, and explains then as well. It also contains chapters called "We Agnostics" (for those questioning the spiritual priniciples of AA/the existence of a higher power) and "To Wives" and "To Employers." Overall it is a great book. But one of the best parts is the stories in the second half. It has tales of recovery from AA pioneers, doctors, as well as young people and people who "nearly lost all". Although this book is written in a bit of an old fashioned way (probably because its about fifty plus years old!), you can get past the "thee" and "thou" wording if you want "what they have."
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