The Big Words In The Big Book Dictionary

Title: “The Big Words In The Big Book" - The Ultimate Dictionary For The "Big Book"

Jim estimates that during this process, it was necessary to go through the "Big Book" cover-to-cover at least fifty or sixty times. Below he explains what prompted the idea for the dictionary.

"Early on in treatment, it was evident to me that a large percentage of the meaning within the Big Book Of AA was escaping people, especially the younger people, because the text uses so many words and expressions that just aren't used today. As a result, a lot of people who were trying the 12 step method of recovery found it difficult to identify with the text, because they couldn't get past so much of the language used. And that's a crucial issue because the original intent by the founders of AA was to create a text that all people suffering from addiction would be able to relate to, and moreover, they would actually be able to see themselves within the personal stories.

And realistically, The "Big Book" of AA was published in 1939, the same year John Steinbeck published "The Grapes Of Wrath, and it uses similar language and vernacular. So basically, we're expecting younger people in treatment today to relate to a book that among other things, refers to the wives of alcoholics as "our women folk."

Clearly, attention spans have never been shorter than they are today and that's why about 95% of everyone who starts reading the Big Book never gets all the way through it. And that's a tragedy because if you uncover the meaning underneath all the arcane language in the Big Book, it's as relevant and meaningful today for alcoholics and addicts as it was in 1939. The idea that Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob had all those years ago of the healing nature of one alcoholic talking to soul-to-soul to another alcoholic really does work. Provided however, that the person reading the text actually comprehends and internalizes what they're reading.

Yet when I looked around to see what was available as a resource for people who weren't fully comprehending the text, there was basically nothing. So I knew right there and then I had to create something that would make what I considered the "magic" of the Big Book Of AA accessible to everyone, despite their level of education, or the strength of their vocabulary. So over the period of almost three years, I wrote it.

Naturally, in the early going, "The Big Words In The Big Book" met with a lot of resistance and quite frankly, I even received what could only be characterized as "hate mail" from some people. They were incensed that I had actually taken it upon myself to define words and terms in the Big Book, and acted as if I had changed the meaning of the text. They also thought I was suggesting that the dictionary could take the place of an AA Sponsor, which is simply ridiculous.

Of course these were always people who had never really taken the time to actually examine the book - they just dismissed it on principle. And in my opinion, if it was up to these types of people, we'd all still be lighting our homes with candles and tilling the soil with oxen teams. And ironically, these are the same people who will always be quick to remind you of the importance of "keeping an open mind," and that "half measures availed us nothing."

But negativity has never deterred me - I spent many years in the early days of the computer industry where believe it or not, a large percentage of people we dealt with were absolutely certain the computer would never "catch on." So there's always people who have little or no vision, and I've never taken it personally.

And I was never under the illusion that "The Big Words In The Big Book" was a cure-all, or a panacea that would magically enable everyone to be addiction-free for the rest of their lives now that they understood the Big Book. But obviously, it's a tool that does help a great many people, that's undeniable. And while it certainly doesn't eliminate the need for a good Sponsor - it absolutely gives a good Sponsor one additional tool to help their Sponsee(s) learn something, improve their vocabulary, and perhaps in the process, boost their self-esteem. I fail to see how that could be looked at as anything but completely positive.

It's estimated that 95% of people who join AA drop out in the first year. So I would humbly suggest that we should be open to anything that will help improve that statistic. And that's all I ever intended to do - it's what I did - and it works. Although we're basically distributing the book at, or in many cases, under our cost right now, there are many people in prisons, treatment centers and sober-living houses who still can't afford it because ostensibly, they can't afford anything. So my next goal is to work with the public and private sector in both the U.S. and Canada to change that."

Essentially, The Big Words In The Big Book levels the playing field for any and all who want to truly understand the Big Book Of AA (3rd and 4th editions) cover to cover. It's the most comprehensive, fastest and easiest-to-use dictionary and pronunciation guide ever made available for the "Big Book" of Alcoholics Anonymous.

You now have instant access to definitions and pronunciations for over eleven thousand words, terms, expressions and names. And as for speed, because of the unique layout, finding any definition or pronunciation takes on average, under ten seconds. There is no better way to understand the terminology of the "Big Book" cover-to-cover than by having this custom dictionary at your side. And as we always say, it doesn't replace having a good Sponsor - it just makes a good Sponsor that much better.

Every Foreword, Preface, Chapter, Personal Story and Appendix in both the 3rd and 4th editions of the "Big Book" are covered in this powerful and easy-to-use guide. Described by many as "a 12 Step Sponsor's dream," The Big Words In The Big Book is used by many of the most respected treatment facilities in North America. And it's not just for beginners or newcomers to the 12 step life. We regularly hear from Sponsors and other "old-timers" in the various 12 step Fellowships who use "The Big Words In The Big Book" as a regular source of accurate word and term reference.

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