Language of the Heart – Grapevine Writings
The Language of the Heart documents a heartfelt journey that offers foundational knowledge and hope. For anyone in recovery from alcoholism or addiction, this uplifting and poignant collection provides a view into the early days of Alcoholics Anonymous as well as deep insights on emotional sobriety and personal struggle.
From Bill W., co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, a collection of inspiring and illuminating articles written for Grapevine magazine.
Bill W. was AA Grapevine’s most prolific contributor, having written more than 150 articles, from his first in June 1944 to his last in December 1970. An enthusiastic advocate, he also served for many years as a consulting editor of Grapevine, which started as an eight-page local newsletter and became the principal journal of the Fellowship.
In The Language of the Heart: Bill W.’s Grapevine Writings, readers will find Bill’s initial inspirations for what became the Twelve Traditions, his battles with chronic depression and spiritual pride, memories of an all-night drinking spree, and a vivid description of how he came to organize the Twelve Steps (there were six in the first draft).
In more than 150 articles, written over a span of twenty-six years, Bill Wilson documented the painstaking process of trial and error that resulted in AA’s spiritual principles of recovery, unity, and service, articulating along the way his vision of what the Fellowship could become.
Book Reviews
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Good book by the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) on the structures and processes of AA, and how these developed. Mainly taken from Bill Wilson’s contribution to ‘Grapevine’ AA’s monthly magazine, it is interesting for anyone involved with AA or interested in recovery from alcoholism.
Peter J
*****
The largest collection of Bill’s writings outside of the AA Archives in NYC. Absolutely worth reading…as “more will be revealed to you and to us.”
Lisa H
*****
All 12 step groups derive from the work of Bill W. This collection of articles provides valuable insight into the history of the traditions and steps. Like the Big Book is the foundation for all other books on the steps, this is the origin materials for the traditions and concepts.
Robert P
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One of my daily requirements in recovery. I find that a few minutes with this book as well as the “Big Book” sets me up for anything the day can throw at me. Highly recommend.
I can’t guarantee I will stay sober, but one day at a time if I do what is suggested, and I stay with the literature, there is a good chance I will add one more day to my sobriety.