My Name Is Bill: Bill Wilson--His Life and the Creation of Alcoholics Anonymous - Paperback

Definitive Biography of Bill Wilson and Alcoholics Anonymous

The definitive biography of Bill Wilson, the man who established Alcoholics Anonymous, and the first to be written with access to documents in that organization's archives, by a noted author who is herself a recovering alcoholic.

In this definitive and groundbreaking biography, acclaimed author Susan Cheever offers a remarkably human portrait of a man whose life and work both influenced and saved the lives of millions of people. Drawing from personal letters, diaries, AA archives, interviews--and Cheever's own experiences with alcoholism--My Name Is Bill is the first fully documented, deeply felt account of Bill Wilson and Alcoholics Anonymous.

Unprecedented Access to AA Archives

This biography stands alone as the first to be written with full access to Alcoholics Anonymous archives. Susan Cheever meticulously researched personal letters, diaries, and previously unavailable documents to create an authentic portrait of Bill Wilson. Her unique perspective as a recovering alcoholic herself brings additional depth and understanding to Wilson's struggles and triumphs.

Bill Wilson's Life and Legacy

Bill Wilson's creation of Alcoholics Anonymous transformed addiction recovery worldwide. This biography chronicles his personal journey through alcoholism, his path to sobriety, and the development of the twelve-step program that has helped millions. Cheever presents Wilson not as a saint, but as a complex human being whose own battles with addiction informed the compassionate, practical approach that became AA's foundation.

About Susan Cheever

Susan Cheever is the bestselling author of thirteen previous books, including five novels and the memoirs Note Found in a Bottle and Home Before Dark. Her work has been nominated for the National Book Critics Circle Award and won the Boston Globe Winship Medal. She is a Guggenheim Fellow, a member of the Corporation of Yaddo, and a member of the Author's Guild Council. She teaches in the Bennington College M.F.A. program. She lives in New York City with her family.

Essential Reading for Recovery

Whether you're in recovery, supporting someone on their sobriety journey, or interested in twentieth-century American history and social activism, this biography provides invaluable insight into the man who changed addiction treatment forever. The book serves as both historical documentation and inspirational reading for anyone connected to twelve-step programs.