Host Your Own Book Discussions

One of the most meaningful ways to engage with a book is through conversation. Book discussions create space to explore ideas, share experiences, and learn from one another.

If you and your community are interested in using A Marriage that Changed the World for a group discussion, we encourage you to do so. The story of Bill and Lois Wilson opens the door to thoughtful conversations about recovery, relationships, spiritual growth, and the history of the recovery movement.

To help groups get started, we have created a simple discussion format that can be adapted for in-person or online gatherings.

Recommended Discussion Format

Below is a template we recommend for organizing a multi-week book discussion. Groups are welcome to adapt it based on their needs, schedule, or group size.

Length

A six-week discussion series works well for most groups, allowing enough time to explore the material while keeping participants engaged.

Meeting Format

Each discussion meeting lasts approximately 75 minutes and follows a consistent format designed to encourage participation and thoughtful reflection.

Welcome

• Opening welcome
• Review of group agreements
• Brief overview of the focus for the meeting

Brief Open Sharing

Participants are invited to briefly share:

• An “ah-ha” moment from the reading
• A question or reflection that stood out

Overview of the Week’s Section

A brief overview of the reading will be provided by the co-author(s) or discussion facilitator.

Reading of Selected Excerpts

Participants read several short passages from the week’s section to highlight key moments in the story.

Group Discussion

The group discusses themes and questions related to the reading.

Wrap-Up

Final reflections, additional comments, and closing thoughts.

Preview of Next Meeting

Review the focus and reading assignment for the following week before adjourning.

Weekly Agendas

Week 1

• Preface, Forewords, and Part One – Chapters 1–7
• Reading: Pages xv – 95 (paperback edition)
• For more information check out the: Week 1 Discussion Guide

Week 2

• Part One (continued) and Part Two – Chapters 5–10
• Reading: Pages 63 – 131 (paperback edition)
• For more information check out the: Week 2 Discussion Guide

Week 3

• Part Two (continued) and Part Three – Chapters 8–11
• Reading: Pages 99 – 168 (paperback edition)
• For more information check out the: Week 3 Discussion Guide

Week 4

• Part Two (continued) and Part Three – Chapters 11–14
• Reading: Pages 99 – 168 (paperback edition)
• For more information check out the: Week 4 Discussion Guide

Adapt the Format for Your Group

Every discussion group is unique. Feel free to:

• Adjust the number of weeks
• Change the reading schedule
• Focus on themes most meaningful to your community
• Invite guest facilitators or speakers

The goal is not to follow a strict structure, but to create a space for thoughtful conversation and shared learning.

Let Us Know About Your Discussion

If your group hosts a discussion using this book, we would love to hear about it. Sharing your experience helps build a larger community of readers exploring these important stories together.