The Lois Wilson Story: When Love Is Not Enough

by William G. Borchert, Robert Hoguet (Foreword by)

A long-awaited look at the unsung story of Lois Wilson, wife of the famously anonymous Bill W. Acclaimed author and screenwriter William G. Borchert does a masterful job in revealing the life and times of this spirited and determined woman, exploring the tender emotional territory beyond Lois’s role in the formation of AA and the subsequent creation of Al-Anon. From her privileged childhood in turn-of-the-century New York City, to her unexpected but exhilarating courtship with the dashing Bill Wilson, to her socialite status as a "Wall Street Wife" in the Roaring Twenties, to the couple’s audacious cross-country motorcycle excursions in the 1930s, Lois was every bit the adventure-seeker her legendary husband was. But nothing could have prepared her for the chaos, pain, and loss caused by her beloved Bill’s seventeen-year descent into the depths of alcoholism. In the end, however, her husband’s addiction proved not to be the tragic undoing of this brilliant, promising couple, but rather the beginning of one of the twentieth century’s most important social movements. Features a 16-page section of black-and-white archival photographs.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Addiction, Scotland

381 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Karla Osorno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating 4.75 stars.

Biographies when well done are some of my favorite reading. The Lois Wilson Story: When Love is Not Enough testifies to a well done biography - informative, fascinating, engaging, and entertaining. This one has it all.

William G. Borchert writes beautifully with facts, anecdotes, and balance. The writing carried me along and never once got in the way of the beauty of the story. These words from Lois’s mother are telling for the support Lois had in her “A man who does this kind of terrible thing to a wife and family he loves has to be a very sick man who needs a great deal of love and help himself.”

I’ve been on a tear watching and reading many things about Bill and Lois Wilson. This one about Lois was thorough - delivering her timeline and also some of her inner thoughts from her own memoirs and interviews. Seeing the progression for the founding of Al-Anon was interesting. More interesting was her progression and healing from codependency and her “addiction to Bill”. The lessons shine through and the tone is story based and never preachy. Wilson’s humility and honesty are beautiful.

Here is an example. “Lois later recalled slumping to her knees, leaning over her husband, and pounding him on the chest and arms, lightly at first, then harder and harder. She grew hysterical, saying, ‘I lie for you. I cover up for you. I can’t even look my own father in the face because of you. Every time you get drunk, I’m the one who feels guilty. Like it’s my fault. Because I couldn’t have children. That I’m not a good enough wife. But it’s not my fault! It’s not my fault! You can go to your bootleggers, your speakeasies. Where can I go? Tell me! Where can I go?’”

If you have any connection to an alcoholic (we all do) or any interest in biographies, I highly recommend this book.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! If you or anyone in your life has struggled with an addiction of any kind this is a great book to read. It chronicles the story of Lois Wilson, the founder of Al-Anon and the wife of Bill W, one of two founders of AA. The author did extensive personal interviews with Lois for this book.
It was worth five stars to me, but it is not especially well written. But, if you have this interest it is gives an awesome understanding of the life and times of this amazing couple who have brought hope to so many drowning in dire circumstances!

[Dorothy Baty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great biography of Lois Wilson and also a history book of the Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon, and Stepping Stones organizations. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about these amazing people, who served to help millions of people recover from Alcoholism, and later, because of effects of the twelve steps, many other addictions.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring novel that captures the struggles, heartbreak and triumph over the disease of Alcoholism/Addiction. Lois is not written about as the little woman who "stands by her man" but a force to reckon with. Nothing is sugar coated in this depiction of the tragedies that befall family members of those afflicted with Alcoholism.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Very inspirational, especially considering the setting of this story. In the end, it truly is a love story about the founders of Al-Anon and Alcoholics Anonymous.

[Joi Grabowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down..a true love story about codependance and how she dealth with Bill W co founder of AA..an a true alcoholic.

[Candace Haskell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating story (to me, being a 12 step enthusiast) about one of the founders of Alanon and the wife of the co-founder of AA. It was such fun to learn the adventures that made her tick, get some of her painful and fun experiences and hear her informed observations about the evolution of the 12 Step spiritual juggernauts of AA and Alanon.

[Kelly Munguia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautiful biography to read and learn about the disappointments and anger that comes with being with an alcoholic are normal!. In the end, Bill gets his life together and creates AA. Lois realized she had a lot to change about herself, in order for the both of them to evolve together. The last quarter of the book was a little dragged. Nonetheless, it was a wonderful read to remind us of what true love looks like.

[Tracy Schillemore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very inspirational for both the addict and those effected by addiction.

[Lindsey Holcomb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relatable for me and I loved knowing the back story of the family side of AA

[Patricia]

I enjoyed learning the story behind Al-anon. The reason this program fits neatly beside AA is because it emerged organically from the lives of Bill and Lois Wilson. Though I wanted things to move along more swiftly, the truth is that it generally takes a long time for an alcoholic or an addict to find their way into recovery, so the long brutal journey this couple traveled before Bill stopped drinking and began to develop the program that became AA is actually authentic. Moreover, it took Lois an equally long time to decide she needed something similar in her life because, as the couple came to believe, alcoholism is family disease. The belief is that for every alcoholic, there are three or more people who are affected by this one person's drinking.

The way the story is written, the reader is able to see how some of the AA/Alanon principles and concepts developed in the context of the couple's life. Borchert captures Lois's story well, but I felt he took a lot of latitude with point of view, frequently writing the story from a first person perspective and at other times shifting to third person. This is not great writing, but the content was what I was looking for in terms of a clear, well-informed history of the Alanon movement.

[Jane B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this biography of the wife of one of the founders of AA. Learning about the origins and growth of AA from her perspective fascinated me. I was intrigued by how she came to create Al-anon and Alateen by working with family members of people helped by AA. Although I found the book dragged in the last quarter, I recommend it to anyone interested in alcoholism and it's effects on a family.

[Kathryn Whitlatch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books ever. It appropriately tells the story of Lois Wilson, founder of Al-Anon. Its a very emotional book, especially if the reader has any experience with alcoholism. Nevertheless, it tells a love story and a story about the beginnings of a organization that helps so many people today.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This true story was great! Lois Wilson tells of her husband's years of battle with alcoholism and how he founded AA after many, many years of being drunk. She tells the story through her eyes and all the struggles she went through until he became sober! It is an amazing story even if you don't know anyone with a drinking problem. I also checked out the video with the same name!

[Arthea J. Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hopeful

Although I'm sure there were times she felt like she couldn't take it any mire, serendipity stepped in and now Al Anon families can heal as well. The alcoholic is a disease but it changes non-drinking family into people they no longer recognize.

Thanks to this book which is highly helpful.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting story, especially enjoyed learning about Lois and Bill when they were young and first met. It was slow at times, but overall a good and important story. I definitely cried and related to much of it.

[Pamela Grover · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was well written and very insightful into the lives of Bill and Lois Wilson. If alcoholism touches your life in any way, this book will encourage you. The history of AA and Al-Anon is very intriguing, too!

[Trudy Jaskela · Rating 2 out of 5]

The biography of Lois Wilson, co-founder of Al-Anon. Her husband was the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. Stressed the point that when a spouse is alcoholic, the entire family is ill and requires treatment.

[Mapscat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Biography

This is a well written book about a woman who was as important to the recovery movement as her husband Bill W. She recognized that addiction affects many more people than just the addict and they need just as much help and compassion.

[Linda Thornton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A detailed account of how alcoholism destroyed a man and how he overcame it, told through a biography of his wife.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book, though it focuses *a lot* on the dramatic drunken episodes Lois endured. A bit too sensationalistic at times. Or maybe I'm just maxing out the alcoholic stuff.

[Noe · Rating 5 out of 5]

very well told story...

[Bill Gunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well written book. I could not put this book down.

[parastoo]

I love it but its not enough...

[Mary Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book about Bill & Lois Wilson, the co-founders of AA, Al-Anon and Al-Ateen. It's more about Lois but you can't have a story about Lois without Bill.

[Tiffanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

1 of the best stories I have ever read... highly recommend it to anyone

[Ashley Walliser Hettler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing story, well-written, and so encouraging! Everybody should read this book - whether or not they are an addict themselves or know someone struggling with some type of addiction.

[Shawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story. A good read for anyone who has dealt or is dealing with a love one who is an acoholic.

[Flesicia Roland]

How do you read the books? I been clicking on it and don't know how to read? Help I really wanna read it

[Al Canary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well done, with many useful Alanon tools for this reader