8 Books for Alcohol-Free Inspiration
If you’re like me and like to dive headfirst into the subject you’re currently obsessed with and that current obsession happens to be going alcohol free you may start reading books. Lots of books! You may also, like me, look for the next book before you finish your current book so you don’t have to wait an entire 24 hours for Amazon to deliver your next literary fix. That would be a travesty.
While I was beginning my 100AF (100 Days Alcohol Free), I knew I would need extra motivation keeping my eye on the prize. Reading, what I now know is called Quit Lit, helped to open my eyes to the aspects of drinking that are not typically talked about in general conversation. Reading these stories helped to remind me that I am not alone, what I am dealing with is quite normal, and why it’s so darn hard to stop.
I am keenly aware that there are many different routes to ditching alcohol, but I also knew early on that the most popular route was not for me. Reading was my “group” in the early days (let’s be honest these are still the early days). I have reached out for professional help, more on that in another post, but in the beginning I wasn’t ready. Backwards? Yes. Did it work for me? Also, yes.
These are not really in order. Except the first couple, they were my favorites, each one of these books held space for a period, helping me get one more day alcohol free under my belt. I also added a bit on each about who each book may be best for. Remember, this is just my opinion.
I hope this is helpful.
Here’s my list of Quit Lit books I’ve read so far:
The Radical Choice to Not Drink in a Culture Obsessed with Alcohol
This was the first Quit Lit book I read when I went AF and still stands as my favorite for one reason; my eyes were opened. What I loved most about Holly’s book is her deep dive into the sneaky ways women have been targeted by the tobacco and alcohol industries. Holly also looks at the history of Alcoholics Anonymous and its creation by men for men, and challenges us to look at recovery through our feminine lens. Holly gives her female readers tools that may make more sense to women who already know they are not their own higher power. Women who don’t need to be told we cannot trust our best judgment, we need to learn to follow our intuition, and those of us that don’t have an ego that needs shrinking, we need to stop playing small.
I like Holly’s book because it’s brave. The systems in place are not systems made for women (although many women have found success there) and it takes courage to swim against the current. Moreover, it spoke to me. This book put words to feelings and under-currents that had been pulling me for years, explained why I felt I didn’t fit in certain places, and permission to move forward confidently outside the norm.
Who is this for? Women. Especially women interested in raising awareness on how alcohol has been used to sell us on the lie that we need it and it makes our lives better and more manageable.
Dry was my favorite read in this whole stack. I know I said Quit Like a Woman was my favorite and it was because the information within it was life-changing for me. But truthfully this is my number one as well and stands in a class of its own. Before I even finished Dry. I had ordered two more of Augusten Burroughs books. Augusten is a gifted writer and you become starkly aware of it within the first two pages of his book. If you love to read and re-read a well-crafted sentence, order this book today. Augusten’s story is a roller coaster of a journey through unthinkable trials and his vulnerability and commitment to telling his shocking truths are heart-rending. If you’re like me you’ll be ordering more Augusten Burroughs before you even get half-way through this “bru-tiful” life story. I believe he is also having a book made into a series, Sellevision…I read that one too.
Who is this for? The person looking to read a well written, shockingly honest, memoir of an addict searching for freedom.
How One Woman Stopped Drinking and Started Living
The Sober Diaries is just that, an account of one woman’s journey through her first year sober. This book tops my list for two reasons: Of the stories I read, Claires is closest to my own, and she is hilarious. Her candor and wit show out all through her journey of becoming sober and starting a blog to share that journey. We watch Claire grapple with the expectations vs. the realities of being sober - FYI it’s doesn’t miraculously fix everything - and her struggle to successfully navigate life sober when she gets life-changing news. If you’re in the midst of going AF and need a funny, light-hearted friend to walk it with you, grab this book, a refreshing mocktail and hang with Claire for a bit. She will lift your spirits.
Who is this for? Someone in the mood for a funny memoir from an average woman who decides to take on life in the middle without alcohol - with a bit of sobering twists cutting in to keep it real.
Control Alcohol, Find Freedom, Discover Happiness & Change Your Life
Wow, that title promises a lot! What I love about Annie’s book is how she works throughout the book to disassemble the beliefs we tend to hold around alcohol and its place in our lives. Her “Liminal Points” that are thoughtfully peppered throughout her book are each like little stopping points on a journey where you sit with a typical belief, learn its origin, and test its validity against your own best judgement. Is drinking a habit? Drinking helps me loosen up and have better sex. Drinking makes me happy. Is alcohol liquid courage? These are all liminal points Annie challenges her reader to take a critical mind to. This book is also brimming with science and a dive into why we drink, why we keep drinking, and why over time that always leads to more.
Who is this for? Those ready to deconstruct beliefs and habits around drinking, without too much fluff.
Why Can’t I Drink Like Everyone Else:
A Step-By-Step Guide to Understanding Why You Drink
and Knowing How to Take A Break
Rachels book is a great read for those who are short on time but ready for answers. This quick read is filled with helpful tips and truths about why drinking is so dang hard to quit or moderate. Using the Think, Feel, Act Cycle as a practice to overcome the moments that seem to rule your life can be a powerful tool and Rachel teaches it well. Her process helps to put the brakes on the moments that derail your efforts to stay alcohol free. This is a great read for anyone on this path to dive into at some point along the way.
Who is this for? The person short on time but ready to have your eyes opened to the route alcohol has taken through your brain and emotions so that you start to see it coming.
The Surprising Magic of a Sober Life
Once I read We are the Luckiest, I immediately wanted more Laura McKowen. So, I followed it up by listening to her latest book, Push Off From Here, Nine Essential Truths to Get You Through Sobriety (And Everything Else). I love her approach and authenticity, and was so impressed by what she has accomplished with her sober life. Laura’s sobriety led her to start an online recovery group that felt more true to her experience than the typical routes. Her online group, The Luckiest Club, offers a myriad of support groups that seek to provide safe spaces for all people. The Luckiest Club is dedicated to inclusivity and has a group to fit anyone.
In her darkest place Laura crafted these 9 Essential Truths that she needed to hear, from herself.
1. This is not your fault.
2. It is your responsibility
3. It is unfair that this is your thing.
4. This is your thing.
5. This will never stop being your thing until you face it.
6. You cannot do it alone.
7. Only you can do it.
8. I love you.
9. I will never stop reminding you of these things.
The truth, acceptance and personal responsibility of this list resonated with me. Facing this thing, knowing that its not your fault because alcohol is addicting, but also empowering yourself as the one to be the change, but not alone.
We are the Luckiest is a memoir of Laura’s transformation through recovery, while Push Off From Here takes a deeper dive into the nine essential truths. Both are life-changing reads.
Who is this for? Someone who deeply desires to control alcohol in their lives but is looking for a new way. Either of Laura’s books will help you overcome shame, begin the process, and connect to help in ways you may have not thought possible.
The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober
This book is like a directory full of resources, science, tips on living sober, and a fun list of unexpected things that get better when you ditch alcohol…like your hair. This is one to read with bookmark post-its so you can mark the pages you’ll want to return to later for reference.
Who is this for? Those of you who love all the information. This book is packed. You’ll keep it as a reference to look back on for months to come. If you order this one, order post-it tabs too, trust me.
Recommended to me by a friend, I had no idea when I purchased this book that the author was a fellow IIN (Institute for Integrative Nutrition) Graduate. This was a fun read for me because I could so relate to Bex. She’s a Holistic Health Coach, same as me, who felt like a fraud hiding her reliance on alcohol, which often led to other unhealthy choices. As popular blogger, Bex grapples with the implications of admitting to her readers the hold alcohol has on her life. This one hit home for me on many levels and may be a fun read for anyone who feels like their dependence on alcohol is in opposition of their calling.
Who is this for? If you have read more Quit Lit and you’re looking for another book to keep your head in the game, like I did, this is for you. Especially if you are in the health space and you struggle with your alcohol usage.
There you have it. These are the books I’ve read so far, I’ll update the list as I read. I hope one of these resonates with you. I look forward to hearing what you think.
If you’ve read a book that’s not on my list and think I need to see it, drop it below and I’ll be sure to check it out.
If you’ve read any of the books I mentioned please leave a note below on what you thought about it. I’d love to hear.
Happy reading!
💙 Jen
Disclosure: The links provided are Amazon affiliate links. I’d be happier to see you purchase from your local independent bookstore, but if you are going to buy from Amazon I’m appreciative of you using my link. Thank you!