A Marriage That Changed The World - by Tom Adams & Joy Jones (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Addictions each year wreak havoc and destruction on more individuals and families in the U.S. and around the world. Without the marriage of Bill and Lois Wilson, there would be no Alcoholics Anonymous 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 led millions to recovery 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. This is the first time this history has been told from the perspective of both Lois and Bill Wilson and their marriage. Point of view matters.

Review Quotes

Book Endorsements

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.

-Jeanne Phillips, a.k.a. Dear Abby

A 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!

-Dr. Anita Gadhia-Smith

Psychotherapist and Best-Selling Author of From Addiction to Recovery

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.

-Mike Fitzpatrick

Founder, Recovery Speakers

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. 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!

-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

I consider Bill and Lois Wilson to be the First Couple of Recovery. This book reminds us that addiction is a family illness, and that love is the greatest healing force in recovery.

-Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC

Founder of Online Museum of African American Addictions, Treatment and Recovery