Dick B discusses his new book on the 1st ed personal stories

Dick B.’s Interview will cover the newly-released book by Dick B. and Ken B., God, His Son Jesus Christ, & the Bible in Early A.A.: The Long-Overlooked Personal Stories in the First Edition of Alcoholics Anonymous.

The personal stories have been in limbo for decades. Yet they show exactly how A.A. pioneers practiced the early A.A. “Christian fellowship” program founded in 1935. Piece by piece, the stories were removed after the first edition, and their removal left AAs in a quandary: What did their original program look like? Could it be applied today.

The early program is summarized on page 131 of DR. BOB and the Good Oldtimers. The 16 principles and practices are specified in The Dick B. Christian Recovery Guide.

Today, Dick B. will read excerpts from the personal stories in the A.A. General Service Conference-approved book: Experience, Strength & Hope: Stories from the First Three Editions of Alcoholics Anonymous (2003). Each excerpt is a pioneer's testimonial in his own language and from his own point of view as to how he practiced the pioneer program. How he sought God's help. How he renounced liquor, read the Bible, prayed, sought God’s guidance, and endeavored to obey God’s will. Once cured, he helped others apply that program.

These are not war stories. Not “drunkalogs.” Not recitals about the Twelve Steps and the Big Book because, in early A.A., there was no Big Book, and there were no Steps at all.

You will remember these pithy statements long after you have forgotten the endless, wearying, drinking tales in today’s 12 Step programs. You will remember these personal stories because they speak of the power and love of God. You will remember them because they show that the Lord cured early AAs of their alcoholism.