Big Book
Stories & readings
Jump to any chapter or personal story from the 4th edition. Each item opens the official Alcoholics Anonymous World Services PDF on aa.org (chapter PDFs and compiled personal-stories parts) so you can follow along in Big Book study meetings.
Steady Sponsor is not affiliated with A.A. World Services. The Big Book is published by Alcoholics Anonymous; this app links to aa.org PDFs only and does not host or scrape literature.
Front matter
Main text
Bill's StoryBill W.'s story — how the program began for him.
There Is a SolutionThere is a solution: the experience of the fellowship.
More About AlcoholismThree more stories about alcoholism and denial.
We AgnosticsA spiritual path for those who doubt.
How It WorksThe Steps and early step work.
Into ActionSteps Five through Eleven in practice.
Working With OthersCarrying the message — sponsorship and Twelfth Step work.
To WivesFor spouses of alcoholics.
The Family AfterwardHealing for the family when the alcoholic gets sober.
To EmployersHelp for employers understanding alcoholism and A.A.
A Vision for YouEarly A.A. history — hope for the newcomer.
Personal stories — Part I (Pioneers of A.A.)
Dr. Bob's NightmareCo-founder Dr. Bob's personal story.
Alcoholics Anonymous Number ThreeThe third member — proof the program worked early on.
Gratitude in ActionGratitude as a way of life in recovery.
Women Suffer TooA woman's experience.
Our Southern FriendSouthern fellowship and recovery.
The Vicious CycleThe cycle of drinking and remorse.
Jim's StoryJim's path to sobriety.
The Man Who Mastered FearOvercoming fear in recovery.
He Sold Himself ShortSelf-worth and the program.
The Keys of the KingdomFaith and the new life.
Personal stories — Part II (They stopped in time)
The Missing LinkFinding what was missing.
Fear of FearAnxiety and recovery.
The Housewife Who Drank at HomeIsolation and drinking at home.
Physician, Heal ThyselfA physician in the program.
My Chance to LiveA second chance at life.
Student of LifeLearning a new way of living.
Crossing the River of DenialBreaking through denial.
Because I'm an AlcoholicAcceptance of alcoholism.
It Might Have Been WorseGratitude despite consequences.
TightropeBalancing sobriety and life.
Flooded With FeelingEmotions in early sobriety.
Winner Takes AllCommitment to the winner: sobriety.
Me, an Alcoholic?The moment of identification.
The Perpetual QuestThe ongoing journey.
A Drunk, Like YouIdentification with fellow alcoholics.
Acceptance Was the AnswerThe spiritual principle of acceptance (formerly "Doctor, Alcoholic, Addict" in earlier editions).
Window of OpportunitySeizing the moment to get sober.
Personal stories — Part III (They lost nearly all)
My Bottle, My Resentments, and MeResentments and the drink.
He Lived Only to DrinkBottom and desperation.
Safe HavenFinding safety in the fellowship.
Listening to the WindListening for guidance in recovery.
Twice GiftedGifts of sobriety and service.
Building a New LifeRebuilding after alcoholism.
On the MoveRecovery while mobile or traveling.
A Vision of RecoveryHope and vision in sobriety.
Gutter BravadoFrom bravado to honesty.
Empty on the InsideEmptiness before spiritual awakening.
GroundedFinding solid ground in the program.
Another ChanceAnother chance at life.
A Late StartGetting sober later in life.
Freedom from BondageFreedom from fear and resentment.
A.A. Taught Him to Handle SobrietyLearning to live sober.