The Plain Language Big Book is written to help readers understand the book Alcoholics Anonymous, which was first published in 1939.

This new book is designed so that the A.A. Twelve Step program of recovery from alcoholism may be easily understood and accessible by all people who have a desire to stop drinking.

Members of A.A. fondly call the original book Alcoholics Anonymous "the Big Book." It is the basic text of the A.A. program.

The Plain Language Big Book has been written to present the original ideas and same spiritual message of the Big Book. This new text is not intended to replace the much beloved Big Book. Rather, The Plain Language Big Book is a book crafted over several years by A.A. members and publishing professionals to support alcoholics on the path to recovery. The book is intended to help people who have a problem with alcohol gain access to A.A.'s lifesaving message.

For years, A.A. members have expressed a need for a plain language Big Book. Based on the shared experience of A.A. members, some people may not have regular contact with other A.A. members to help them understand the A.A. program of recovery and the specific vocabulary as it is used throughout the original book, Alcoholics Anonymous. Other people have a hard time reading, especially books that were written long ago. The Plain Language Big Book is written in simpler language to support readers in their recovery.