Alcoholics Anonymous - Big Book - Original Edition

By: BN Publishing

Narrated by: Jason McCoy

Length: 5 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

It's more than a book. It's a way of life.

Alcoholics Anonymous - the Big Book has served as a lifeline to millions worldwide. First published in 1939, Alcoholics Anonymous sets forth cornerstone concepts of recovery from alcoholism and tells the stories of men and women who have overcome the disease. This is the most widely used resource for millions of individuals in recovery.

©2009 BN Publishing (P)2009 BN Publishing

Good book for everyone!

I'm not an alcoholic, but I think everyone has addiction to some degree. This book was tremendously helpful to me in facing my own challenges. It's principles are the power to become happy and successful.

POWERFUL!

For ANYONE looking to improve their life mentally and spiritually. The manual for those whom have recovered from a seemingly hopeless state of mind.

But wait... there’s more

That ending was such a twist! Believe it or not, any doubters are absolutely wrong, simple as that.

NOT THE CURRENT EDITION

This is the ORIGINAL EDITION from the 1930's. It is still relevant but it is not current and updated. This edition is a good starting point, but recommend the current edition. I hope that audible.com will attempt to acquire the most current edition.

Legendary Book- Tragic Job Performing & Recording

The Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book is one of the best selling books of all time, having sold over 30 million copies. Time magazine placed the book on its list of the best and most influential books ever written. No one can argue that it has helped save millions of lives.
SO, this recording baffles me completely. Of all of the books that Audible offers, this legendary book is recorded in such a shotty way, it's shameful. Really bad.
The narrator mispronounces hundreds of words, including "phenomenon" (over and over) and "vague". In fairness, some of the language isn't commonly used today, but no words that are used in the book are extinct from the English language. Some words are difficult to pronounce, but the solution should have been to rerecord over the errors- instead of just releasing it 'as-is'. The recording also has background noise.
The inflections of the narrator are also way off- definitely not the right guy for this book. He sounds like a radio announcer who's not paying attention to what he's reading and just getting it done. This is a book that should be read by someone who understands the book, preferably by an alcoholic in the AA program. Laughably, Audible would not have to pay an AA person- because it would be service work! 90% of people in the AA program would do this as a volunteer- and most would do a better job than what Audible has done.
Audible failed miserably here.
The only reason this recording is being listened to at all, is because it's the beloved Big Book and to those who can't read it, listening to it is a great way to get the information. It's getting some decent reviews for the same reason, I'm sure.
I hope Audible staff actually read these reviews- and will hopefully get the message to RERECORD this essential book someday very soon. It's one of the most important books ever written- I don't think that's going to change anytime soon.
(Oh, and the clipart 'cover' image is also tacky).

Just read the real big book

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Yes. One thing it showed me, was just how well I actually know what the wording of the big book is.

What other book might you compare Alcoholics Anonymous - Big Book - Original Edition to and why?

There is no other book to compare this to.

Would you be willing to try another one of Jason McCoy’s performances?

No. He had way too many misquotes. I was not happy about that.

Do you think Alcoholics Anonymous - Big Book - Original Edition needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Not a follow-up, but a reread. And someone needs to make sure that it is word for word.

Any additional comments?

This should really be taken off your choices until someone cones up with a correct version.

This Book Provides Your Grounding

Would you listen to Alcoholics Anonymous - Big Book - Original Edition again? Why?

I listen to this when I am in trouble and need a meeting but there isn't one. I enjoy listening as well as reading. If I have a drive, I will turn it on in the car. I could listen to the Big Book every day, although I don't. I am never tired of it, or going to meetings.

What did you like best about this story?

The program of the Twelve Steps is a miracle. It is a clear path to healthy living and a healthy spiritual life. Most of us, by the time we find the Twelve Steps, are broken even if we don't know just how broken. Alcohol is deadly, as are other emotional conditions. The Twelve Steps are a way out of hell, of our own making/thinking, and into living a better life.

Which character – as performed by Jason McCoy – was your favorite?

N/a

What’s an idea from the book that you will remember?

The people who are fortunate enough to recover are those who are honest with themselves.

Any additional comments?

The AA program is adaptable to all fallings and losses. Working it can only help you become a more compassionate human being willing to help others.

Useful book

It was the original Big Book and even with its' age it was a useful book to listen to.

Worst Reading Ever!

I have to believe you could throw a dart out the window and hit someone…ANYONE that could have read this book better.

This is the worst audiobook reading I've ever heard.

It's like listening to a bad "radio commercial pitch man" audition.

Agree with all the other reviews - Narration :(

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

The narration is really awful. PLEASE re-do this, audible.com!!

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Jason McCoy?

ANYONE!!

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

The material itself!

Any additional comments?

Please re-record with an actual AA member!