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“The Prisoner Freed” was printed only in the Second and Third Editions, so it will be heard for the first time by those who’ve otherwise been raised on the Fourth Editions alone.
As with some stories in the Second Edition, the author of this story is unknown. A deep dive on Google did not reveal the author, though the search terms “prisoner” and “AA” yielded a trove of links to AA’s rich history and association with correctional facilities and the alcoholics within the walls. Perhaps the best description of that association was written in a letter to a prison group by Bill W. in 1949 and later published in the book, “As Bill Sees It”: “Every A.A. has been, in a sense, a prisoner. Each of us has walled himself out of society; each has known social stigma. The lot of you folks has been even more difficult: In your case, society has also built a wall around you. But there isn’t any really essential difference, a fact that practically all A.A.’s now know. “Therefore, when you members come into the world of A.A. on the outside, you can be sure that no one will care a fig that you have done time. What you are trying to be–not what you were–is all that counts to us.”
Howard L, sober since January 1, 1988, presents this inspired reading of the Big Book and encourages listeners to revisit earlier podcast episodes that feature the main chapters and stories in the First and Second Editions of the Big Book. Enjoy listening on our website, BigBookPodcast.com, or download and subscribe to the podcast for free at Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. If you have a minute, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Also join our facebook group, Big Book Podcast Listeners, where you can share your thoughts and experiences with fellow listeners.
Check out Howard L.’s newest podcast, “AA Recovery Interviews“.