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If you've never read this biography of one of AA's principal founders, you have a treat in store. It follows Bill through his early years in Vermont, college, and the first World War. Along the way his parents divorced and he was raised by his grandparents; his first great love died suddenly. After the war, he meets and marries Lois, has some success on Wall Street and does his part to keep the Jazz Era in full swing. The Great Crash and Depression is accompanied by his own crash and depression. He begins many failed attempts to get sober. If this sounds like enough for one person; for Bill, never one to do anything half-heartedly, all this is just a preamble. Increasing desperation and facing death or insanity, he has his famous Hot Flash spiritual experience and the pace picks up. Trying to help other drunks, he repeatedly strikes out over the next 6 months. Going down for the third time, he meets Dr. Bob and by trying to help him, he stays sober himself. On June 10, 1935 Dr. Bob has his last drink and AA is officially born. The growth of the program is anything but smooth as one setback follows another. But the funny thing is, some of the worst events lead to some of the best results: they keep their identities anonymous at first, for fear exposure would cause problems iin their personal lives. This leads to the most basic principle of humility which becomes the bedrock of the program. They hope a fund-raising dinner thrown by John D. Rockafellow for a group of his millionaire friends will solve the group's financial troubles. And then the Fat Cats decide money might ruin the organization so decide not to give them any. While this seems terrible at the time, it leads to AA's policy of corporate poverty. And all this is just the first half of the book. The book is loaded with great pictures of all the leading characters and events in AA's early history. I envy you the delight of reading this book for the first time. Oh, yeah! About that title: a newcomer to sobriety, upon meeting Bill at a meeting, was gushing on to him about how much the program meant to him and how he could never repay Bill for how he had saved his life. Bill took his hand in his own and said "Pass It On".Read full review
If you're in recovery, this is a great supplemental book to read AFTER you read pages 0 - 164. It gives some good/more background to Bill's life. The value received is excellent for the price I paid. It was as advertised and delivered in a timely manner. I would definitely use this Sellar again.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I decided to buy this book because most of my family are in the program of A.A., I had the book at one time and can't find it, a friend let me borrow his until I can get my own, This book was practiced along with the big book, by the old timers of A.A.,some of those old timers are gone, but I feel WE must keep there Legacy's alive, and pass these great words on, and keep the old A.A. alive, I also sell articles of A.A. but these are duplicates,because of A.A. family members that have died, but as for Pass it on, The Big Book, and 12x12, I think these three books should go hand & hand, I belong to a big book study group, which is also my home group, so we find our selves at times referring to one of these books for an answer, may sound cofussing, but it's logic to us, these are our tools to try to help the new comer stay sober one day at a time, along with a GOD of our understanding... Thank you for sending me the book it is beautiful. ShaunaRead full review
Evcellent reading for anyone interested in how the 12 Step Movement started with just a couple of guys trying to stay sober. Strongly suggested for those in recovery and interested in how it began.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Great story especially if you love the history of AA.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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