The Book Club Where Nobody Actually Read the Book – Anthony A.

About This Speaker Tape

Step 12 - 2021

Anthony A. dismantles the 'fellowship' version of recovery arguing that many members act like parakeets—repeating slogans without ever reading the books. He contrasts the 'self-improvement' trap with the actual 12th Step which he describes as the only insurance against a relapse. Anthony is blunt about the 'alcoholic mind' that persists even in long-term sobriety mocking the idea of avoiding 'people places and things' as a weak childish shield. He insists that true emotional sobriety comes from a total surrender to a Higher Power and a relentless commitment to working with others rather than hiding in a safe bubble or treating the program like a book club where you show up without the book.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:45 Anthony A. breaks down the two parts of Step 12 and the common misreading of 'as a result'.
• 2:15 Laughter: Discussion of 'getting cake' in fellowship meetings without doing the actual work.
• 5:30 Analysis of the 12 and 12 regarding the 'bait and switch' for agnostics and atheists.
• 8:10 Discussion on the 'pains of growing up' and the danger of sobriety complacency.
• 12:45 Anthony A. discusses the 'alcoholic mind' and the fallacy of avoiding 'people, places, and things'.
• 16:20 Critique of the 'superheroes' who shield newcomers from the concept of a Higher Power.
• 19:10 The 'wedding strategy' and the selfishness of the 'safe' recovery approach.
• 22:30 Final thoughts on the 'witch burners' and the importance of not showing hatred toward drinking.