Customer Reviews

Back to Basics

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In the NE and NW areas of Houston, we now have seven AA groups offering the "Back-to-Basics" approach to allow those alcoholics who come our way to get their needed miracle promptly, the way Dr. Bob did it with Earl T. (as described on page 292 of the Big Book). From mid-April through August of '98, we have worked the steps with over 300 people. They are now using the book in service to other alcoholics who need so desperately the message of real Alcoholics Anonymous. This book is a tremendous supplement that allows any alcoholic to use our basic text, the Big Book, in the "keep it simple" way that Dr. Bob begged us to.

Just finished reading;using the book for the purpose the author intended. It is a manuel that is direct and to the point. The experience the author brings to the subject is refreshing.Thanks for the authors' dedication to a most rewarding solution.

I read Wally's book, knowing that in Houston we are giving out 20000+ desire chips annually but less than 2000 one-yr. chips annually. I have seen in our large group on the north side that fewer than 1 in 10 are making it a yr.

Knowing that our founders had a 75-93% success rate, I determined to seek a solution to the problem with Pop AA. I found the problem to be that the message around the tables is no longer the message in the Big Book.

Since reading the book, we have cancelled all discussion meetings since Real AA never had them anyway, and we offer Beginners' and Refresher Classes now. In the last month, three of us have taken over 40 people through all 12 steps.

Last week, we had 2 guys who had been drinking a month before doing fifth steps with newcomers! Amazing. THIS is Real AA. Over 200 groups in the US are now offering these classes. Some have been at it a year, and they have over 90% still sober.

I invite anyone who can see the numbers of people suffering in Pop AA, not getting the real message, to read this book and try using it, one-on-one or in a group. Your group or club will benefit greatly, too, for you will be getting $1in the basket from 7-9 out of ten instead of 1 out of 10. That'll keep the lights on, and give us more opportunity to carry this message.

God bless your reading and use of this book.

Floyd H. Spring, TX

The original AA beginners instructional classes began in the early 1940's in Cleveland, Ohio and spread throughout the United States. Today, many in AA think that one has to go through the Steps, one Step a year. Wally P. in this book, shows how the early members got their instruction on how to get well and continue on with their lives in recovery. Though not a replacement for the AA program, these classes are an adjunct for both the newcomer and long-term AA member alike. If one wants to see how early AA worked, and worked quite well at that, Wally's book is a must read. If anyone in the treatment field wants to increase their success rate, these classes should be incorporated into their program as well.

I have had a brief, yet disappointing experience with this book and it's "followers." People that don't know anything about Alcoholics Anonymous and the "Big Book" could innocently mistake this "way of thinking" for the real deal (AA). This text and the meetings that accommodate it are a TOTAL misrepresentation of what the 12 steps are about. The meeting I attended was more like a tent revival than an AA meeting. They actually took the steps in a group setting. It was ridiculous. I hope my review of this book discourages anyone from buying the book, or God forbid, actually reading it.

Back to Basics is a Con! How can he know the steps when he does not know the traditions he tells you his name Wally Patton!Why do people have to pay for the Book? If Wally Paton is on a spiritual program then why does he charge for this book when it can be downloaded for free.( He owns the Company that prints it)
Where are his 150,000 members and the 2500 groups? (They are not listed in the AA where to find)
Why does Wally Quote James Houck who did not come to AA until the late 80's? Why does Wally ask for cash for none AA projects for James Houck? I can only state again that if Wally paton does not know that the Foundation of AA is Anonymity then how can he profess to know the steps!!!
There is no rush to do the steps " take it easy ".
Wally P states that AA has lost its message well his message is one of breaking the traditions !!! I think wally had better read the traditions and then get a good sponsor to take him through the steps !!!
It is Wally paton that has lost the message not AA.