These are vital writings. Today that would not be read at the average meeting. This is not CAL.
Bu the AA BB can be found in a lot of our homes- and it is well worth reading at home.
Chapters 8 and 9 in the AA Big Book showed the way- and showed the impact of addictive drinking on the family.
"To Wives" was written on 1939, fourteen years before Alanon was formed. I am not sure who it was actually
written by, but it is written by a wife.
For me chapter nine:- "The Family Afterward" speaks volumes. It shows care and compassion.
Since these chapters were written the gender lines have criss-crossed all over the place. Signs of the times.
I was the only male in my group- for over 20 years. I never ever felt out of place. Coming to an online group
like this I had to show a little caution. Showing too much familiarity too soon can be a bit scary for some...
...but having said that- once trust is secured- it is plain sailing. ...
I had an AA friend to visited both Stepping Stones in New York State- also the home of CG Jung. I have been to Stepping Stones-
and to a range of meetings- Alanon and Open AA in the USA.
Looking for that precious gift of sobriety/serenity. ...
Debb said
Apr 30, 2021
Thank you David, I always learn something new when you write about literature and music that I would
not otherwise had known about!
Lyne said
Apr 30, 2021
Hi David. I think the AA BB must be the alcoholics anonymous blue book or big book? I have not read it but maybe I should to help understand my A. I have the utmost respect for all 12 step programs and the people who attend. We are all seeking that serenity and it doesn't come easy. :)
Iamhere said
Apr 30, 2021
For anyone who has interest in the BB (Big Book of AA), it's available 100% online. Thus, no investment required. It's truly not too long - 164 pages and then there are personal stories that I find fascinating. I would recommend it for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of the disease and recovery from it.
David is correct in that it was written a long while ago so roles have changed and certainly so have family dynamics.
DavidG said
Apr 30, 2021
IAm... ...I was always interested in origins- but was badly and sadly locked up in the past.
This has changed a lot in the latter years. As well as meeting Betty, and attending her home meeting I also met John F., who founded the MIP groups. It was near fishing pier in NC. The owner was a native American, and a VA member. he kind of tagged along with our conversation. It was in his car park.
I know most of John's story. He told me that his sponsor had the attributes of a lay therapist. And I could see that he had acquired some of those attributes. Of the five groups coming under the MIP banner, Alanon is by far the biggest. And the ACA group appears to be chugging along nicely.
I was always always impressed with the AA clubhouse on the USA. And I went to Alanon or ACA meetings in quite a few.
So when I picture this group of messagings boards and the chat facilities I liken it to a clubhouse.
Each group has a message board and a business board. And we also have a combined MIP business board.
Except that here the biggest group i based on the Alanon Family Group.
I spent the last week close to the city. I did some maintenance work- and saw to our caravan, which is my SO's pride and joy.
We have gotten solar panels fitted... ...
It is autumn here today. It is going to be a bonny day- with lots and lots of sunshine! ...
Freetime said
Apr 30, 2021
I have a copy of the Big Book of AA and I value it, and I also appreciate the "older" literature of Al-Anon as well. Times have changed, roles have changed, language has changed -- but it gives me great humility and gratitude to see how our program started, and to read shares from the early times, even if I have to add a grain of salt in some places. Grateful to those who started our program and to those who continue to keep it alive.
Did you know that Al-Anon is working on a new daily reader? I have no idea when it will be published, but they have gathered shares from members on all sorts of program topics, so I think it will reflect our times of today. I can hardly wait, but it will be in the higher power's time, not mine.
-- Edited by Freetime on Friday 30th of April 2021 04:21:01 PM
DavidG said
Apr 30, 2021
Oh boy! A new reader, Freetime...
...I heard it here! Thanks... ...
a4l said
Apr 30, 2021
I've never particularly liked that chapter; it seems very male centric and I doubt it was written by a woman. My copy of the big book is very old. I've often thought that it could use some modern inclusions to stay relatable. Possibly I need to update my copy. My fifth of a dimes worth anyway
Bu the AA BB can be found in a lot of our homes- and it is well worth reading at home.
Chapters 8 and 9 in the AA Big Book showed the way- and showed the impact of addictive drinking on the family.
"To Wives" was written on 1939, fourteen years before Alanon was formed. I am not sure who it was actually
written by, but it is written by a wife.
For me chapter nine:- "The Family Afterward" speaks volumes. It shows care and compassion.
Since these chapters were written the gender lines have criss-crossed all over the place. Signs of the times.
I was the only male in my group- for over 20 years. I never ever felt out of place. Coming to an online group
like this I had to show a little caution. Showing too much familiarity too soon can be a bit scary for some...
...but having said that- once trust is secured- it is plain sailing.
...
I had an AA friend to visited both Stepping Stones in New York State- also the home of CG Jung. I have been to Stepping Stones-
and to a range of meetings- Alanon and Open AA in the USA.
Looking for that precious gift of sobriety/serenity.
...
not otherwise had known about!
David is correct in that it was written a long while ago so roles have changed and certainly so have family dynamics.
This has changed a lot in the latter years. As well as meeting Betty, and attending her home meeting I also met John F., who founded the MIP groups. It was near fishing pier in NC. The owner was a native American, and a VA member. he kind of tagged along with our conversation. It was in his car park.
I know most of John's story. He told me that his sponsor had the attributes of a lay therapist. And I could see that he had acquired some of those attributes. Of the five groups coming under the MIP banner, Alanon is by far the biggest. And the ACA group appears to be chugging along nicely.
I was always always impressed with the AA clubhouse on the USA. And I went to Alanon or ACA meetings in quite a few.
So when I picture this group of messagings boards and the chat facilities I liken it to a clubhouse.
Each group has a message board and a business board. And we also have a combined MIP business board.
Except that here the biggest group i based on the Alanon Family Group.
I spent the last week close to the city. I did some maintenance work- and saw to our caravan, which is my SO's pride and joy.
We have gotten solar panels fitted...
...
It is autumn here today. It is going to be a bonny day- with lots and lots of sunshine!
...
I have a copy of the Big Book of AA and I value it, and I also appreciate the "older" literature of Al-Anon as well. Times have changed, roles have changed, language has changed -- but it gives me great humility and gratitude to see how our program started, and to read shares from the early times, even if I have to add a grain of salt in some places. Grateful to those who started our program and to those who continue to keep it alive.
Did you know that Al-Anon is working on a new daily reader? I have no idea when it will be published, but they have gathered shares from members on all sorts of program topics, so I think it will reflect our times of today. I can hardly wait, but it will be in the higher power's time, not mine.
-- Edited by Freetime on Friday 30th of April 2021 04:21:01 PM
Oh boy! A new reader, Freetime...
...I heard it here!
Thanks... 
...