if god is what you want, this is the book for you. If is a way to seperate your self from the horror of alcohol abuse, look else where. By reading the previous reviews, all I see is a bunch of name calling. AA members learn to seperate themselves from the so called NORMIES, and only find understanding through surrounding themselves with other alcoholics. This upsets them, and leads to the attacks you read here. Understand, this is a book review, not a whos right or wrong blog. After reading this book, I have deducted that the teachings are cult like and support no scientific fact. The version of the book has been updated over time, but still contains the premise originally written over 69 years ago. 69 years? You are going to treat a behavior problem with a technique that old? Its like cutting off your leg to treat a broken ankle. Things have changed, along with the treatment of substance abuse. About the authors, You have the internet USE IT. William Wilson, writing the book was going through withdrawls and under the influence of a drug called belladonna. Any one would report "seeing god" under those circumstances. Wilson was unfaithfull to his wife, with new members of AA, this is called 13th stepping. Most of all he plagerised other authors to develop his program. The Steps were stolen from a man named Buchman, who wanted control through his religous beliefs. Please, if you are getting mad at my review, Check the internet or other books that support my statements. Support your recovery.

Have just ordered another copy of "The Big Book" as mine has about worn out. Alcoholics Anonymous - the book and program together have stood the test of time. Many tens of thousands of people have become sober long term by keeping the "Big Book" handy. Alcoholics Anonymous literally saved my life. It is a blueprint for living that could benefit anyone. The seriousness of Alcoholism can be identified as an insidious killer of person, family, friends, work reltionships and more. Keep the book around - it can work for you!!

Yes, the spiritual ideas encompassed in this book are timeless. In fact, all the principles within are found in any mainstream religion. It has been extrodinarily helpful to me in transforming my life.

That said, it is a cumbersome and poorly written text. The great secret is that most AA members have done nothing more than a cursory reading of this book. Written in 1939, it has a style and construction that makes it hard for the average reader to understand just what points are being made. The sentence structure is complex and the book contains numerous 1930's cultural references that will be lost on the reader in 2006.

Add to that the prejudiced tone found in many passages. The chapter, "To Wives" is a horrifying piece of sexist trash that AA would do well to edit out of its next edition. A number of AA Big Book Study groups skip that chapter when it comes around.

There have been a wave of other books that have taken the ideas in this book and presented them in a way that a 2006 reader can understand. My suggestion, try something else.