Written by Bill G., who got sober in 1945, this story runs the gamut from being a successful business man to literally being a bum on the street, pawning his shoes, living under a bridge, and drinking Sterno. As bottoms go, it's hard to imagine one going much lower.

As graphic and engaging as this story is, it was printed only in the Second Edition of the Big Book, so it has remained largely unseen by those AAs who’ve otherwise been raised on the Third and Fourth Editions.

Not that much is known about Bill, except what’s revealed in his story. However, Bill was recorded in 1989 speaking at the 3rd Annual Tampa Bay Roundup. In an hour-long rendition, he reiterated his entire story from the Big Book. But, he did shed some additional light on his early days in the Program, reminiscing about the first time he was asked to speak when he had 90 days of sobriety. Said Bill of that experience some 45 years earlier: “I had a carefully prepared text in my pocket, some 2000 words, and I got up there in front of those 12-15 people, and (stutter, cough, stammer)…’I’m an alcoholic’, I said and sat down.  And the applause was tremendous. I have since found out it was because I was so brief!”

Howard L, sober since January 1, 1988, presents this inspired reading of the Big Book and encourages listeners to revisit earlier podcast episodes that feature the main chapters and stories in the First and Second Editions of the Big Book. Enjoy listening on our website, BigBookPodcast.com, or download and subscribe to the podcast for free at Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. If you have a minute, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Also join our facebook group, Big Book Podcast Listeners, where you can share your thoughts and experiences with fellow listeners.

Check out Howard L.’s newest podcast, “AA Recovery Interviews“.