Every book, pamphlet, magazine, tape, medallion, and piece of recovery history has a story behind it.
For some, collecting is a way to preserve the history of Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12 Step fellowships. For others, it is a way to stay connected to the people, principles, and spiritual ideas that helped save their life. Some collectors are drawn to early AA literature, Oxford Group books, Grapevine issues, conference materials, or rare recovery-related books because these items carry the voices and experiences of those who came before us.
This section was created to give members of the Recovery Collectibles community a place to share their stories.
There are no strict rules for what your story needs to be. It can be one sentence, a few paragraphs, or a longer essay. You may want to share how you began collecting, what AA history means to you, why a certain book or item is important, or how recovery literature has played a part in your own journey.
You are welcome to write about:
- Why you collect recovery-related books or memorabilia
- A favorite item in your collection
- How AA history has impacted your recovery
- A book, pamphlet, or piece of ephemera that changed your perspective
- The importance of preserving 12 Step history
- Your personal recovery journey, as much or as little as you wish to share
- Anything else related to recovery, collecting, history, or the Fellowship
Your story does not need to be polished or professional. It simply needs to be honest.
Our hope is that these shared stories will encourage other collectors, preserve meaningful memories, and remind us that recovery history is not just found in rare books and old paper — it lives in the people whose lives have been changed.
If you would like to submit your story, we would be honored to read it and consider sharing it with the Recovery Collectibles community.
You may include your name, first name only, initials, or remain anonymous.
Thank you for being part of this community and for helping preserve the history, spirit, and experience of recovery.