The Wilson Book

A Marriage that Changed the World: Lois and Bill Wilson and the Addiction Recovery Movement

Where to Purchase

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Without the marriage of Bill and Lois Wilson, there would be no A.A. or Twelve Step movement. Without the attention paid by the Wilsons, the Smiths, and other Twelve Step pioneers to healing for the family, family members would not know how to find help for themselves and their loved ones.

Learn how Lois Wilson brought Twelve Step programs to life through her extraordinary commitment and leadership – in a time when women were seldom allowed to lead, offering the world hope and recovery. Discover how Bill Wilson helped found and shape A.A. in a way that has impacted millions through the addiction recovery movement.

Whether you are interested in history in general, Twelve Step history in particular, or want to understand better the magic and mystery of the recovery movement, you will want to know more about Lois and Bill Wilson and how their marriage is still changing the world.

Praise for A Marriage that Changed the World

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Dear Abby, a.k.a. Jeanne Phillips Addiction has been mentioned in the Dear Abby column practically since my late mother began writing it. Al-Anon and A.A. have been a blessing for many individuals and families. Al-Anon and A.A. have changed countless lives and will continue to do so in decades to come. Those interested in learning more about this life-saving program should read this book. 
Mike Fitzpatrick Founder, Recovery Speakers A Marriage that Changed the World is a deeply insightful exploration of the extraordinary partnership that transformed global addiction recovery. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, this book unveils the personal struggles, spiritual evolution, and pioneering contributions of Bill and Lois Wilson, offering a profound understanding of the origins of the Twelve Step movement and its enduring impact on millions of lives worldwide.
Christie Tate Author, New York Times bestseller GROUP: How One Therapist and a Circle of Strangers Saved My Life and B.F.F.: A Memoir of Friendship Lost & Found Tom Adams and Joy Jones have written a beautiful, comprehensive portrait of Bill and Lois Wilson’s marriage, highlighting how they— separately and together—contributed to the recovery movement. For the millions of people who’ve landed in Twelve Step rooms to recover from addiction, this book is a valuable addition to the historical record about recovery’s founding couple. Most notably, Adams and Jones have brought Lois Wilson out of the shadow of her larger-than- life husband and let her words and incredible life works stand next to his. This is a must-read tribute!
Dr. Anita Gadhia-Smith Psychotherapist and Best-Selling Author of From Addiction to RecoveryA Marriage that Changed the World is a brilliant contribution to the recovery movement, helping the reader understand the process of addiction, hitting bottom, recovery, and the interplay of relationships. It inspires hope, faith, and belief in the power of each human spirit to change the world!

About The Authors

Upcoming Events

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27
April2025
Greenbelt Cinema Bill W Movie and Book TalkJoin us at the Greenbelt Cinema for a book talk with authors Tom Adams and Joy Jones followed by a screening of Bill W. Book signing will also take place! More info to follow.
5-8pm ETGreenbelt, MD

More About The Wilson’s

Press Kit

Members of the press can access our press kit here. For personal interviews and statements please email [email protected] for more information.

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About Tom Adams

Tom AdamsTom Adams writes and speaks on topics vital to the intersection of our personal lives with our community and global lives. He has for decades been engaged in and written about nonprofit leadership and transitions, spirituality and spiritual growth, how we each contribute to a more just and equitable world and recovery from addictions and the Twelve Step recovery movement.