Bill W.: A Different Kind of Hero: The Story of Alcoholics Anonymous [Hardcover]

Tom White (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up

An inspiring account of an extraordinary life. There are heroes of politics, religion, war, and history. There are heroes of sport, science, and legend. Bill Wilson was an entirely different kind of hero. After years of unhappiness and hospitalizations for alcoholism, he hit bottom. Although not a religious man, he called out to God in desperation. In response, he experienced a tremendous inner vision. Instantly, he was a changed man. In 1935, he co-founded Alcoholics Anonymous and created the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions that would serve as the foundation of AA's program for recovery from this widespread addiction.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-10-An interesting introduction to one of the founders of AA who also helped to build the organization into a worldwide movement. The book starts with a dedication to readers, and may encourage those dealing with their own struggles. Insights into Wilson's feelings and thoughts are based on extensive research at the Stepping Stones Foundation, archives at AA Headquarters, Wilson House, and interviews with Bill's secretary and many AA members. White chronicles his subject's life from his birth in 1895 through his longtime marriage to Lois Burnham, the cofounder of Al-Anon, to his death in 1971. The author portrays him as a sometimes troubled man who made many mistakes but who was able to rise above his defects and serve others. The volume is illustrated with black-and-white photos. Two lists, "The Twelve Steps-" and "The Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous," are included. This well-researched biography conveys Bill W.'s energy and strength.
Debbie Stewart, Grand Rapids Public Library, MI
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 4-7. Bill Wilson, one of the cofounders of Alcoholics Anonymous and a revered figure in 12-step communities worldwide, is the subject of this hopeful biography. After discussing Wilson's troubled family life and his service in World War I, White explores his decades-long battle with liquor. Wilson's endless failures at being a "big shot" led him to drink more and more frequently, and each time he had one drink, he found himself unable to stop. His salvation came in the form of faith in a "Higher Power" and fellowship with other alcoholics, which became the foundation of Alcoholics Anonymous. Readers will wish for more about Wilson's youth--both because they'll identify more with Wilson the child than Wilson the alcoholic, and because the information would help them better understand the reasons for his drinking. Still, for kids with parents in recovery, this will be a valuable resource, indeed--a readable story that introduces the pain of alcoholism as well as the possibility of recovery through one man's heroic story. John Green
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: Boyds Mills Press (April 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590780671
• ISBN-13: 978-1590780671
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,184,652 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Valuable & Worthwhile Addition to this Alcoholic's Library, March 31, 2003

By 

M KIRK-DUGGAN "Reverse Mike" (El Cerrito Fellowship, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bill W.: A Different Kind of Hero: The Story of Alcoholics Anonymous (Hardcover)

It is amazing how much valuable information the author has packed into this short 64pp volume. And the pictures, many of which have not appeared elsewhere in the hagiography of Bill Wilson, make this volume one of a kind. Although the publisher indicates that it is directed to the Ala-Teen and Ala-Tot audiences, those 10 to 14, this 71+ multi-diagnosed addict and alcoholic recommends it to those with the diseases of addiction and alcoholism, as well as those surrounding we chosen ones. ["I am grateful that God chose me to be an alcoholic and an addict."]

I was particularly gratified when the author correctly states how the name "Alcoholics Anonymous" came to be identified with Bill W.'s organization; e.g. Cleveland, the "Brewmaster", adopted the name from the book, and the larger organization took the name from Cleveland. White also gives Bill's drinking buddy and sponsor, Ebby Thatcher, proper credit for Bill's last drink. White also points out that Bob Smith did not recover on-the-spot from talking with Bill Wilson, but instead went directly to a bender.

White does shy away from diagnosing Bill's bi-polar disorder, but does not omit the symptoms.

This reader hopes that the author will turn his eye, and add succinct biographies of Mrs. Marty Mann and Lois Wilson to what promises to be a most worthwhile series. [Mann, who like Clarence Snyder eschewed anonymity, was responsible for more persons coming to AA than the Saturday Evening Post article.]

I will use this volume in the future with my more recalcitrant pigeons.