Week 4 Discussion Guide

In this third session, we continue exploring Part Two and begin Part Three of A Marriage that Changed the World. This meeting builds on earlier discussions while introducing key developments in early recovery, relationships, and the formation of AA and Al-Anon.

Discussion Goal

To provide an opportunity to become acquainted with and discuss stories and ideas from the Wilson marriage and the founding of AA and Al-Anon. These discussions focus on themes relevant to personal recovery and carrying the message of family recovery today.

Reading for Week 4

April 12-13
Sunday group Part Three (Chapter 11, p. 142)
Monday group Part Two (Chapter 10, p. 123)

Note: Page numbers refer to the paperback edition. E-book page numbers may vary. Chapter titles and topics will help guide readers using electronic versions.

Monday Group Additional Reading

Chapter 10

• p. 123 (paragraph 1)
• p. 124 (paragraphs 1–2)
• p. 125 (paragraphs 1–3)
• p. 126 (paragraphs 1–2)
• p. 127 (paragraph 1, last paragraph)
• p. 128 (paragraphs 1–2, 4, last paragraph)
• p. 129 (paragraphs 1–3)
• p. 131 (paragraphs 1–4)

Both Groups

Note: Sunday group begins at p. 143

Chapter 11

• p. 135–137 (through next-to-last paragraph)
• p. 138 (paragraph 2) through p. 139 (paragraph 4)
• p. 140 (paragraph 3) through p. 142 (paragraph 1)
• p. 142 (paragraph 3) through p. 143 (end of page)
• p. 144 (paragraphs 2–4)
• p. 145 (paragraph 2) through p. 146 (paragraph 3)
• p. 147–148 (through paragraph 5)
• p. 148 (“Early Days”) through p. 150 (end of chapter)

Chapter 12

• p. 151 through p. 152 (paragraph 3)
• p. 153 (paragraph 2 through end of page)
• p. 154 (“The Akron Meeting”) through p. 158
• p. 159 (paragraph 5) through p. 165 (paragraph 2)
• p. 165 through top of p. 167 (paragraph 1)
• p. 168 (“The Suggested Twelve Steps”) through p. 170

Chapter 13

• p. 171–172 (photo)
• p. 172–173 (paragraph 2)
• p. 173 (“Af.-Am. First Experience”) through p. 177 (middle)
• p. 177 (“A Temporary Home”) through top of p. 178
• p. 178 (paragraph 4) through top of p. 179
• p. 180 (paragraphs 1–3)
• p. 181 (paragraphs 1–2)
• p. 182 (paragraphs 1–2)
• p. 183 (paragraphs 1–5)
• p. 184 through first paragraph

Chapter 14

• p. 187 through top of p. 189
• p. 190 (paragraph 1)
• p. 191 (“The Smiths Visit”) through top of p. 192
• p. 192 (last paragraph) through p. 193 (paragraph 2)
• p. 194 (paragraphs 1–4)
• p. 196 (paragraph 2) through p. 198 (paragraph 3)
• p. 198 (“Visiting AA Groups”) through p. 199 (end)
• p. 200 (paragraphs 1–2)
• p. 201–202 (paragraph 2)
• p. 203 (paragraph 2) through p. 206 (paragraph 1)
• p. 206 (paragraph 3) through p. 207 (paragraph 4)
• p. 208 (paragraph 1 through end of chapter)

Discussion Topics and Questions

Family Disease and Recovery

• What did you learn about the effects of alcoholism on families and the importance of family recovery?

The Wilsons’ Love and Marriage

Looking at early lives, courtship, and marriage:

• What stands out as important?
• Did anything surprise you or spark curiosity?

Hitting Bottom and Surrender

The drinking years and the loss of the possibility of children had profound effects on their lives.

• How did that impact them individually and as a couple and influence the founding of AA and Al-Anon?

Lois and Anne Smith Hitting Bottom

During the final days of Bill’s drinking:

• What might that time have been like for Lois?
• What might that time have been like for Anne?
• What might it have been like for Bill?
• What might it have been like for Dr. Bob?

Our Roots

The foundations that shaped AA and the Twelve Steps include:

• Ebby Thacher
• Rowland Hazard
• Dr. Carl Jung
• The Oxford Group

How are these influences still relevant today?

Growing Spiritually

Bill’s spiritual awakening was a turning point.

• What it meant to Bill?
• What did it mean to Lois?
• What it meant to Dr. Bob?
• What did it mean to Anne?
• What it meant to AA and Al-Anon
• What does it mean to us?