The Plain Language Big Book: A New Chapter in AA Literature
AA World Services has just published the “Plain Language Big Book,” a significant addition to AA’s literature that aims to make our program’s message more accessible. The book is now available for purchase at meetings, through Amazon, and directly from AA World Services.
This publication represents years of careful development and has received full approval as official AA literature. The process began at the 71st General Service Conference (GSC) in 2021, which advised the book’s development. Progress reports and sample chapters were reviewed at subsequent conferences, with the final draft receiving approval by substantial unanimity at the 74th GSC in April 2024. This thorough process establishes the text as Conference Approved Literature.
Understanding the Purpose
The Plain Language Big Book isn’t meant to replace the original Big Book but rather to serve as an additional resource. It was crafted by AA members and publishing professionals specifically to support alcoholics on their recovery path. This new version addresses a long-expressed need within the fellowship. Some members may have limited contact with others who could help explain AA’s program and specific vocabulary. Others might struggle with reading, particularly with language from an earlier era.
What’s Different
The new publication maintains the essential content of the original Big Book while presenting it in more contemporary language. For example, here’s how the often-read first paragraph of Chapter 5 has been rewritten:
“It’s very rare for someone to complete commit to the A.A. program and still fail. People who do not recover are the ones who can’t or won’t follow this simple program. They are usually people who simply cannot be honest with themselves. We don’t meet a lot of people like this, but they do exist. It is not their fault. They seem to have been born this way. But because they cannot be honest with themselves, they are unlikely to succeed in their recovery.”
The book includes helpful additions like a glossary defining common AA terms such as “dry drunk” and “abstinence.” Dr. Silkworth’s foundational letters (“To Whom it May Concern” and “The Doctor’s Opinion”) are presented alongside “Plain Language Explanations” that provide context and modern interpretation. The first 164 pages, Bill’s Story, Dr. Bob’s Nightmare, and the appendices are all included in this new format.
You can view some sample pages here. And you can order a copy from AA Worldservice here, although it is currently backordered.
Early Reactions and Looking Forward
As with any significant change in AA literature, initial reactions in online forums have been mixed. Some members question the need for this new version, while others welcome the effort to make our message more accessible. As our fellowship has learned over decades of experience, time and practical application will be the true measure of this publication’s value.
I look forward to providing a more detailed review after reading the complete text. For now, this effort to make AA’s life-saving message more accessible aligns perfectly with our primary purpose of carrying the message to the alcoholic who still suffers. Any tool that helps more people understand and engage with our program of recovery deserves thoughtful consideration.
[Editor’s note: I will update this post with a full review once I’ve received and read my copy of the Plain Language Big Book.]
