Plain Language Big Book: A Tool for Reading Alcoholics Anonymous

by Alcoholics Anonymous World Service Inc.

The Plain Language Big Book is a tool to help readers understand the book Alcoholics Anonymous, which was first published in 1939. This new book is designed so that the A.A. Twelve Step program of recovery from alcoholism may be easily understood by all people who have a desire to stop drinking.


The Plain Language Big Book has been written to present the original ideas and same spiritual message of the Big Book, Alcoholics Anonymous in simpler language. The Plain Language Big Book covers the core content of what is the “abridged version” (the edition without personal stories) of the original Big Book.


This book is General Service Conference-approved literature.


This book has been published in accordance with Advisory Actions passed by substantial unanimity of the General Service Conference (GSC) of Alcoholics Anonymous. The final draft of the Plain Language Big Book was reviewed and approved by substantial unanimity at the 74th GSC, in April 2024.

183 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2024

Reviews

[Bradley · Rating 3 out of 5]

AA’s veneration of founding literature remains one of the most cult-like aspects. There are much-needed updates in this version that address the sexism and cultural bias of the original. It’s a shame to frame it as a mere companion piece, when what’s needed is an overhaul to better reflect the lived experience and background of AA’s current fellowship. I was disappointed to find even more spiritual chauvinism - emphasis on capital-G-god - than the original, particularly in We Agnostics, always a challenging chapter for spiritual but not religious members.

[Dave Marder · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was much controversy leading up to the release of this book. I did not want to show “contempt prior to investigation” so decided to read it before I passed judgment. I think the book is great. It’s a good companion to Alcoholics Anonymous AKA The Big Book. I’m glad they kept the original wording of the prayers as well as the last paragraph of “A Vision For You”. My main criticism is they changed the word “recovered” to “recovering” except in the chapter “Working With Others”. They should not have changed that. I am a recovered alcoholic!! I am glad they wrote that it’s not intended to replace The Big Book.

[David Given Schwarm · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great update to the recovery literature shelf--easy and honest and fun to reflect on some of the changes.

[Patrick Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book was amazing. Every time I read the big book I love it more. This was the first time physically reading it in some time. Reading it is different than listening. I can really savor it. I was reading it like a play, with a cast characters, broken into acts, with a whole production.

I loved the plain language. It was simple, understandable, slightly modern. It was a larger book, with clear font, there was plenty of space for me to annotate. I loved that design. I wish more books gave me that space. They kept chapters close to 10 pages, which was easier to read.

The message was the same, words slightly different. It was interesting what words were kept and which were altered. Plain language is an official designation and concept. More information can be found here

https://plainlanguagenetwork.org/plai...


It really helped me understand the traditions and better conceptualize the concepts. I have to dive more into the concepts, they are fascinating.

Some notes:
- ‘To employers’ is the only one written in the first person, Hank P wrote it
- They changed it to ‘to partners.’ It’s still a difficult chapter for me, as well as ‘to the family’ and ‘to employers’
- I am seeing the cast of characters and want to know who the stories are referring to
- Wow, Dr. Bob’s story, that dude drank
- I loved it

[Doug Hoyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple solution

A breath of fresh air for Alcoholics Anonymous!
A 21st century solution to an ages old malady.
Plain Language says it all.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very welcome addition to the AA-approved literature library.

[Ann · Rating 1 out of 5]

If I could give this book negative stars, I would. A completely ignorant bastardization of the text of “Alcoholics Anonymous”. What was AAWS thinking?