Alcoholics Anonymous Conference-Approved Favorites — Three-Book Collection

Came to Believe… (1973) | Living Sober (1976) | Daily Reflections (1990) | All Second Printings

Offered here is a three-book collection of early printings of some of Alcoholics Anonymous’ most familiar and widely read publications: Came to Believe…, Living Sober, and Daily Reflections.

Published by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services between 1973 and 1990, these books explore three important aspects of recovery: spiritual experience, the practical challenges of maintaining sobriety, and daily reflection on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Each book approaches recovery from a different perspective, making the three an excellent companion collection for personal reading, study, and reference.

All three books are original paperback second printings, published shortly after their respective first printings.

Books Included

1. Came to Believe… — 1973

Second Printing | Paperback

First published in 1973, Came to Believe… explores the spiritual experiences and beliefs of individual members of Alcoholics Anonymous.

The book grew out of an effort to better explain the spiritual nature of A.A.’s program, particularly for newcomers who might associate spirituality exclusively with organized religion.

Its pages present a variety of personal experiences and perspectives, reflecting the diversity of spiritual understanding found throughout the Fellowship.

The foreword explains that the collection took five years to prepare and includes contributions from members describing their own spiritual journeys.

Book Details

• Title: Came to Believe… The Spiritual Adventure of A.A. as Experienced by Individual Members
• Publisher: Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
• Copyright: 1973
• Printing: Second Printing, 1973
• Binding: Paperback

Condition: The illustrated blue-gray covers exhibit rubbing, surface wear, and edge wear, including a small area of surface loss near the lower front cover. The interior pages show age-related toning and light handling wear.

2. Living Sober — 1976

Second Printing | Paperback

Originally published in 1975, Living Sober offers practical suggestions drawn from the experiences of A.A. members for navigating everyday life without alcohol.

Unlike books devoted primarily to the Twelve Steps or the history of the Fellowship, Living Sober focuses on practical matters that can arise in early and continuing sobriety.

Its chapters address topics such as avoiding the first drink, changing old routines, using the telephone, finding a sponsor, attending meetings, and dealing with difficult emotions.

The book remains a useful companion to the Big Book and other A.A. literature.

Book Details

• Title: Living Sober
• Publisher: Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
• Copyright: 1975
• Printing: Second Printing, 1976
• Printing Code: 100M 4/76 (A)
• Binding: Paperback

Condition: The original yellow and orange covers exhibit rubbing, age-related discoloration, and handling wear, including a diagonal crease across the lower portion of the front cover. The interior includes a handwritten notation identifying a sobriety date of May 24, 1973. There is discoloration near the lower inside cover and light wear to the page edges.

3. Daily Reflections — 1990

Second Printing, November 1990 | Paperback

First published in September 1990, Daily Reflections offers a collection of daily readings written by A.A. members for A.A. members.

The publication originated from an advisory action of the 1987 General Service Conference, which recognized the desire for a book of daily reflections based on A.A. literature and experience.

More than 1,300 submissions were received from members of the Fellowship. The resulting book pairs quotations from A.A. literature with personal reflections arranged throughout the calendar year.

Its readings explore the Three Legacies of Recovery, Unity, and Service and have made it a familiar resource for individual reading and group discussion.

Book Details

• Title: Daily Reflections
• Publisher: Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
• Copyright: 1990
• First Printing: September 1990
• This Copy: Second Printing, November 1990
• Binding: Paperback

Condition: The gray covers exhibit noticeable rubbing, discoloration, creasing, and wear along the edges and corners. The interior pages show age-related toning and scattered marks and discoloration, particularly on the preliminary pages.

A Collection for Reading and Reference

Together, these three publications offer complementary perspectives on the A.A. program.

Came to Believe… explores the personal nature of spiritual experience. Living Sober provides practical suggestions for everyday sobriety. Daily Reflections offers readings for continued reflection throughout the year.

With all three books dating from their early publication years, this collection also provides an interesting look at the appearance and presentation of A.A. literature during the 1970s and 1990.

An appealing addition to a personal Alcoholics Anonymous library, suitable for reading, study, or reference.

All three books are offered together as one collection.

Please review the accompanying photographs for additional details regarding condition.