
A Marriage that Changed the World: Lois and Bill Wilson
and the Addiction Recovery Movement
Available on Amazon February 3, 2025!
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
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.
—Dear Abby, a.k.a. Jeanne Phillips
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. 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!
—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
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
About The Authors
Tom Adams, MSW, is a retired non-profit executive and consultant and an active student of the history and development of Alcoholics Anonymous and other Twelve Step programs. As a person in recovery, he is passionate about broadening awareness that recovery from addiction is possible for the individual with the addiction and their family. He is the author of The Nonprofit Leadership Transition and Development Guide and the Critical Conversations Blog (www.thadams.com). He posts often on spirituality, recovery, and racial justice.
Joy Jones is the author of six books for adults and children, including Jayla Jumps In, which has earned a starred review from Booklist. She is a popular speaker on topics of culture and literacy and the winner of the 2022 PEN/Phyllis Naylor Grant for her novel-in-progress, Walking the Boomerang. Jones has worked for the Psychiatric Institute of Washington and St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. Currently, she works for DC Public Library. Visit her at www.joyjonesonline.com.
Upcoming Events
January 24, 2025
Book Launch Party
Zoom Virtual Event – 11am ET and 7pm ET
Join us for our virtual book launch party with Stepping Stones Foundation. Those who join will be able to hear from the authors and support Stepping Stones! Sign up: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-wedding-anniversary-of-bill-lois-wilson-book-launch-party-registration-1140956293989?aff=oddtdtcreator
February 11, 2025
Recovery Speakers History Meeting
Zoom Virtual Event – 9pm ET
Join us via zoom as the authors provide a presentation on Lois and Bill Wilson and their marriage. To access the meeting please see: https://www.recoveryspeakers.com/history/rs-history-meetings/
April 27, 2025
Greenbelt Cinema Bill W Movie and Book Talk
5-8pm ET – Greenbelt, MD
Join 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.
More About The Wilson’s
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Gratitude for Bill Wilson on his Birthday by Tom Adams
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Honoring Lois Wilson on her Birthday by Joy Jones and Tom Adams
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Celebrating Bill and Lois Wilson and their Courage by Tom Adams
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Bill and Lois Wilson– A Love Story To Know About by Tom Adams
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Thinking About Lois Wilson – Not Your Typical Women’s History Month Hero by Joy Jones
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Slowing Death and the Wilsons – What’s the Connection by Tom Adams