"book" in the Big Book

This is the great news this book carries to those who suffer from alcoholism.

Nothing would please us so much as to write a book which would contain no basis for contention or argument.

If you are an alcoholic who wants to get over it, you may already be asking—“What do I have to do?’’ It is the purpose of this book to answer such questions specifically.

The distinguished American psychologist, William James, in his book “Varieties of Religious Experience,’’ indicates a multitude of ways in which men have discovered God.

We think few, to whom this book will appeal, can stay dry anything like a year.

The experiment of quitting for a period of time will be helpful, but we think we can render an even greater service to alcoholic sufferers and perhaps to the medi* True when this book was first published.

Well, that’s exactly what this book is about.

That means we have written a book which we believe to be spiritual as well as moral.

This applies, too, to other spiritual expressions which you find in this book.

In this book you will read the experience of a man who thought he was an atheist.

In this book you read again and again that faith did

Taking this book down from our shelf we turn to the page which contains the twelve steps.

You might place this book where he can see it in the interval.

Don’t, at this stage, refer to this book, unless he has seen it and wishes to discuss it.

If he shows interest, lend him your copy of this book.

If he is sincerely interested and wants to see you again, ask him to read this book in the interval.

TO WIVES* W ith few exceptions, our book thus far has spoken of men.

We hope this book has answered some of them.

read this book or at least the chapter on alcoholism.

Show him your copy of this book and tell him what you have found out about alcoholism.

Show him that as alcoholics, the writers of the book understand.

Sooner or later, you are likely to find him reading the book once more.

He may not share your enthusiasm, but he is practically sure to read the book and he may go for the program at once.

Talk about his condition or this book only when he raises the issue.

In some cases it may be better to let someone outside the family present the book.

In any event, try to have your husband read this book.

Since this book was first published, A.A. has released thousands of alcoholics from asylums and hospitals of every kind.

We do not like the thought that the contents of a book or the work of another alcoholic has accomplished in a few weeks that for which we struggled for years.

If there is no Al-Anon listing in your local telephone book, you may obtain further information on Al-Anon/Alateen Family Groups by writing to its World Service Office, 1600 Corporate Landing Parkway, Virginia Beach, VA 23454-5617.

One of the many doctors who had the opportunity of reading this book in manuscript form told us that the use of sweets was often helpful, of course depending upon a doctor’s advice.

Had they fired me first, and had they then taken steps to see that I was presented with the solution contained in this book, I might have returned to them six months later, a well man.

Whether you mention this book is a matter for your discretion.

To return to the subject matter of this book: It contains full suggestions by which the employee may

We suggest you draw the book to the attention of the doctor who is to attend your patient during treatment.

If the book is read the moment the patient is able, while acutely depressed, realization of his condition may come to him.

You are betting, of course, that your changed attitude plus the contents of this book will turn the trick.

Meanwhile, we are sure a great deal can be accomplished by the use of the book alone.

If your organization is a large one, your junior executives might be provided with this book.

After reading this book, a junior executive can go to such a man and say approximately this, “Look here, Ed.

Your junior executive may not agree with the contents of our book.

Our hope is that when this chip of a book is launched on the world tide of alcoholism, defeated drinkers will seize upon it, to follow its suggestions.

These men later became co-founders of A.A. Bill’s story opens the text of this book; Dr. Bob’s heads the Story Section.

one man with this book in your hand.

Still you may say: “But I will not have the benefit of contact with you who write this book.”

He will show you how to create the fellowship you crave.* Our book is meant to be suggestive only.