It’s been a bit of a slow start on the blog front, but nothing motivates me more than being asked for some recommendations for a friend. I mean yes, they just asked if I could recommend A book, and I’m going to send them information on LOTS of books, but still. So, here are some thoughts on useful books for my sunshine friend. 

I’ve read a lot of quit lit and feel like most books fall roughly into three categories.

• Books by people who could be perceived as “normal drinkers” quitting alcohol 
• Books by people who could be perceived as “alcoholics” quitting alcohol 
• Information and mindset changing books that are useful for all who are seeking to reduce their intake

I would love for anyone who reads the books recommended to look for the similarities between themselves and the authors, and not the differences.  It’s so easy to say “well, I didn’t wake up under a table, so I don’t have a problem”.  However, I think there’s an alcohol use spectrum that we’re all on, with some further along than others.  It starts at a non-drinker and ends as someone where alcohol severely negatively impacts their lives. Some people will never move past where they are now (my lovely sister in law will likely stick at her two drink max forever, so strong are her embedded cultural queues on her behaviour), whereas others will continue to move along this spectrum. This could be at a steady plod or a sprint, with both time and trauma impacting the speed of the journey. So, even if you’re at a very different point on the spectrum to the author, please try to look for anything you share in common with them. 

All links go to World of Books, mainly as my friend said this is better for the planet than Amazon. It’s not a commission thing as I have one blog reader (Hi Rach!).

Ostensibly “Normal drinkers” quitting 

The Sober Diaries, Clare Pooley
This is my #1 book and has been the most impactful on the change in my relationship with alcohol. Saying that, part of that will be because I read it at the right time. Once I had purchased and devoured this on audible, I saw that I’d actually purchased it on my kindle about three years ago, at which point I didn’t make it past the second chapter. 

Why like it 
– It’s relatable to me (middle age mother)
– It explains concepts you’ll hear elsewhere like “pink cloud” and “PAWS” in an easy going manner
– I found it really comforting, I’ve actually listened about three times now and has become a great falling asleep listen

Why you might not
– There is a cancer subplot that I know could be hard for some, I’m not sure exactly where it comes in but I’d say it’s at least post chapter 9 (and she is ok!)
– It’s not super heavy on facts being a memoir

A Happier Hour, Rebecca Weller
Another memoir, but this time of a young Australian wellness professional. I imagine this appealed to me largely on that basis, but also it demonstrated to me how other people’s perceptions of your drinking can be so different to the actual reality (for me, I feel like reality was worse than perception). 

Why like it
– If you’re a social drinker you may see real parallels in your story
– She’s Australian so the books is set in Aus, what’s not to like

Why you might not
– I found it a good supporting cast member to other books I’d read, but not the “main event” as such 
– If you’re cynical about wellness in general it might not be for you

Ostensibly “Alcoholics” quitting

Glorious Rock Bottom, Bryony Gordon
I hadn’t come across Bryony until I read this book and hats off to her for her open and honest portrayal of her life and how alcohol impacts it.  This one had me hooked (and inspired me to visit her back catalogue, but this is my favourite of the ones I’ve read). 

Why like it 
– For me, it showed me how addiction can play out.  She’s also very open to sharing the impact this has on her young daughter, I found this imminently relatable as I also have a young family
-It shows the commitment needed to make a change in your life

Why you might not
– Its brutal (which made me like it more, but might not be for everyone)
– It may feel too far from “where you are” but see note above!

The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober, Catherine Grey
I read this story years ago (at which point I focused on what I thought the “fun parts” of the story were), and when I read it initially I felt so separated from it that I didn’t think it was relatable to me at all. On a re-read I found it useful, and it seems to have been helpful for lots of people which is why I’ve popped it here even though I didn’t “love love” it.  If you like it you can also read the follow up of “Sunshine Warm Sober”.  I admire what she’s doing in trying to change the public’s perception of what “being sober” means (hint, she doesn’t think it should mean boring, which is typically how it’s perceived).

Why like it 
– It’s open, honest and contains practical information if you have stopped drinking (e.g. how you should approach a wedding)

Why you might not
– I can’t put my finger on it, but perhaps it’s the split between the “story” element and the practical advice being so stark. I think I find practical tips easier to take in when they are part of the story being told as opposed to an aside

Information and mindset books

Drink? Professor David Nutt 
For me this is a must read for all people, whether you drink lots and have no interest in quitting or are looking to give up the booze.  Professor Nutt lays out the facts in a relatively neutral way (apparently he actually owns a wine bar, so is definitely less “quit, quit, quit” than other books).  I’ve posted a table below that I found to be one of the most impactful parts of the book.

I won’t explain or properly reference this here, read the book- it will give you the context and caveats, but this chart definitely gave me pause for thought.  I also believe it’s not just about the years of your life, but it’s also about the life in your years; I think alcohol can do a number on both of those factors. 

No pros and cons for this one, just read it. 

This Naked Mind, Annie Grace
This book really resonated with me and helped me change my mindset towards alcohol. If you are still curious to stop drinking after a couple of memoirs I’d highly recommend reading this book next.  I found it a highly engaging and informative read that helped me with a path forward to quitting that didn’t involve white knuckling it for the rest of my life. 

Why like it
– It provides a method to quitting that is apart from what I’d experienced previously (which is the disease approach)
– It’s engaging, I motored through it and have listened twice now

Why you might not
– I’ve read that it’s quite similar to Alan Carr’s books (which I haven’t read) so if you’ve read them perhaps it won’t add value
– Again, I feel it’s more targeted at women 

Alcohol Explained, William Porter 
I was very excited when I found this book! Mainly because I feel this one is accessible for anyone who’s looking to quit drinking (and prefers facts and figures to memoirs).  I found it built on “Drink?” to add even more well researched reasons to my non-drinking armoury.

Why like it 
– Full of facts and a broad appeal

Why you might not
– The audible narration is very dry, depending on where you are in your journey this may put you off 

And the rest…
I’ve read so many other amazing books that have shone a light on things I’ve needed to think about.  I’ve listed more below* without any context, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t great and depending on when you read them in your journey may be just right for you. 

*To be on this list I have to have finished them, I do have quite a few abandoned so finishing means I found value in them

• Blackout, Sarah Hepola
• Drink: The Intimate Relationship Between Women and Alcohol, Ann Dowsett Johnston
• Drinking, Caroline Knapp
• Drinking Games, Sarah Levy 
• Dying for a Drink, Amelia Baker
• Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing, Matthew Perry 
• Sober Curious, Ruby Warrington 
• The Accidental Soberista, Kate Gunn
• The Good Drinker, Adrian Chiles
• The Sober Girl Society Handbook, Millie Gooch 
• We are the Luckiest, Laura McKowen