Best Selling Books by Alcoholics Anonymous

Commonly referred to as the “Twelve and Twelve,” Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions comprises 24 foundational essays by Alcoholics Anonymous co-founder Bill W. that have helped millions of A.A. members worldwide both to get and stay sober “one day at a time,” and to ensure that their "Fellowship" — Alcoholics Anonymous as a whole — will be there for them tomorrow. First published by Grapevine in 1952, the 12 essays in the book’s opening expand upon each of A.A.’s landmark Twelve Steps — its program of recovery from alcoholism — with practical applications, helpful examples and personal insights, many of which enlarge upon themes raised in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. The second 12 illuminate the Twelve Traditions and explain how spiritual principles such as anonymity, humility and self-support serve to safeguard the unity of Alcoholics Anonymous and shield it from internal and external challenges. Whether read aloud at meetings, referred to while working with a sponsor, or turned to in a quiet moment, The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions can serve as a vital resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of the Steps and Traditions. Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions has been approved by the General Service Conference.

This collection of readings moves through the calendar year one day — and one page — at a time. For every day, a favorite quotation from the literature of Alcoholics Anonymous is followed by an A.A. member’s personal reflection, making for daily reading that is at once inspired and inspiring. While focusing broadly on the Three Legacies of Recovery, Unity and Service, this volume offers experience, strength and hope on specific topics such as willingness, faith, making amends — themes that recovering alcoholics must address each day — and reminds us that we are never really alone in Alcoholics Anonymous. Whether using the day’s reading as a source for their morning meditation, discussing it with a sponsor or sharing it with their home group, many in Alcoholics Anonymous consider Daily Reflectionsto be a critical tool in their “spiritual toolkit.” Features a topical index to help guide discussion. Daily Reflections has been approved by the General Service Conference.

Co-founder Bill W. was keenly aware of the importance of personal stories, writing, “The story section of the Big Book ... is our principal means of identifying with the reader outside of A.A., it is the written equivalent of hearing speakers at an A.A. meeting; it is our show window of the results.” Experience, Strength and Hope offers back to the A.A. Fellowship the candor, wisdom and wit of 56 members whose stories are no longer available in the fourth edition of Alcoholics Anonymous. With each edition, new stories were added to reflect A.A.’s changing membership, while others had to be dropped. Numerous requests from A.A. members led to the publication of this book, where now can be found such classics as “A Feminine Victory,” written by one of A.A.’s very first female members, and “The Car Smasher,” by “A.A. Number 3” — third after the co-founders themselves. A.A. membership continues to grow and change, but the voices contained here will never be outdated. From poignant accounts of sorrow and loss to more raucous tales laced with deprecating humor, this collection of stories offer today’s A.A. members the timeless gift of experience, strength and hope. Experience, Strength and Hope has been approved by the General Service Conference of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Living Sober is an extremely informative book which does not offer a plan for getting sober but does offer us sound advice about how to stay sober. Living Sober is an extremely informative book which does not offer a plan for getting sober but does offer us sound advice about how to stay sober. Basic, essential information from Alcoholics Anonymous. As the book states, "Anyone can get sober. . .the trick is to live sober."

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Written by and for incarcerated alcoholics, this volume contains 26 stories by A.A. members who found their way to the Fellowship and got sober while behind bars. All of these individuals reveal how, through the program of Alcoholics Anonymous, they transformed their lives and found serenity despite their surroundings. One after the other, these recovering alcoholics — of all ages and all types — share how they came to grasp that no prison is as formidable as active alcoholism. From one story: “It may sound crazy to feel freedom in jail or prison. But that’s exactly what I have. I’ve known more freedom in these past 15 months than in all my 32 years of life.” Full of clear-sighted honesty, personal revelations and, most of all, hope in the most challenging circumstances, A.A. in Prison: A Message of Hope is a must-have piece of literature for incarcerated alcoholics as well as for the A.A. member engaged in service in correctional facilities. A.A. in Prison: A Message of Hope has been approved by the General Service Conference. -- Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.

Living with an Alcoholic: With the Help of Al-Anon is a deeply empathetic, practical, and empowering guide for those affected by the destructive spiral of a loved one''s alcoholism. Drawing upon the collective experiences of Al-Anon members and the shared wisdom of families and spouses who have walked this path, the book addresses the emotional, psychological, and spiritual toll of living in the shadow of addiction. It explores the patterns of denial, enabling, and emotional dependency that can silently erode the lives of those who love alcoholics, often leaving them anxious, isolated, or consumed by guilt. Through relatable stories, reflective insights, and simple yet profound guidance, the book provides tools for reclaiming peace and sanity. Central to its message is the idea that one cannot control another''s drinking, but one can take charge of their own reactions, emotions, and choices. It introduces the Twelve Steps of Al-Anon in a gentle, non-dogmatic tone, offering a spiritual framework rooted in acceptance, surrender, and growth. Readers learn how to detach with love, establish healthy boundaries, and rebuild their sense of worth, whether or not the alcoholic in their life seeks recovery. It also highlights the importance of community support, shared experience, and finding hope through mutual understanding. While not an official Al-Anon publication, this book reflects the core values of the program and provides a lifeline to those navigating the chaos of addiction in a family setting. Compassionate, clear, and affirming, it is an essential companion for spouses, parents, children, and friends seeking light amid the darkness of alcoholism.

Gathered in this booklet are the heartfelt stories of more than 75 A.A. members from around the world who share what the phrases "Higher Power” and "God as we understood Him" mean to them. The title — the first three words in the second of A.A.’s Twelve Steps — hints at the book’s theme: that recovery in Alcoholics Anonymous is not a destination, but a spiritual journey that takes place over time, while living “life on life’s terms.” Sometimes humorous, sometimes poignant, but always honest, the stories in Came to Believe present a wide range of perspectives on what spirituality can look like in the context of Alcoholics Anonymous, demonstrating how the A.A. program is best described as “spiritual but not religious.” The rich diversity of voices we hear reflect the infinite number of paths available to those seeking freedom from alcohol. From newcomers just finding their way to longtimers seeking new perspectives, A.A. members of all kinds may find in Came To Believe added insight and inspiration to breathe enrich their recovery journey. Came to Believe has been approved by the General Service Conference.