Lucy Quick
- Apr 26
- 3 min read

Our Favourite Sobriety Books & Podcasts

Updated: Jun 15

"Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family." Kofi Annan.

The day I stopped drinking was the day my passion for learning about sobriety and alcohol began. I personally love reading and listening to books and listening to podcasts. Hearing about other people's journeys and deeply understanding alcohol and the affect it has on human beings, helped me to progress on my own sobriety and healing journey. Below I have complied a list of the sobriety books and podcasts I love.

Quit-Lit Sobriety Books

Sober Curious by Ruby Warrington

Still my favourite sobriety book. This was my introduction to the world of sobriety, the first book I picked up on my sober day one. I read it over 36 hours, and then re-read it six months later. I love how clearly Ruby has coined the term 'sober curious' and turned sobriety in to something that everyone can consider without judgement.

Alcohol Explained by William Porter

A definitive guide to alcohol and alcoholism. This book is a clear, detailed manual-style book explaining how alcohol affects human beings on a chemical, physiological and psychological level. This book is such a useful tool to have on hand and I often refer back to it when preparing my own research.

The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober by Catherine Gray

I absolutely loved this book! Filled with really helpful tips for early sobriety, in this uplifting book Catherine shares her stories of being a single, successful, problem-drinker in a way that is amusing, yet serious when required.

Quit Like a Woman by Holly Whitaker

Witty yet at times serious, Holly's book is super informative, relatable and a must read if you are thinking about sobriety (or not!). She takes a deep look at the drinking culture and provides amazing advice and support for how to navigate your way out of it.

We are the Luckiest by Laura McKowen

A stunning memoir, so beautiful written by Laura, sad, unsettling, authentic and inspirational. Laura's talent for writing kept me hanging off every word and her helpful tips so useful to anyone on their sobriety journey.

The Sober Diaries by Clare Pooley

This is the story that every problem-drinking mother should read. I found it so easy to relate to Clare's journey, she is a beautiful writer who keeps it simple and upbeat when it comes to building a sober life.

Drunk Mom by Jowita Bydlowska

A deep and dark tale of Jowita's alcohol battle, her journey to motherhood and a clear recount and insight in to why and how the problem-drinking doesn't just vanish after babies come along.

Blackout: Remembering the Things I Drank to Forget by Sarah Hepola

In her memoir, Sarah examines and openly shares her alcohol story, how she drank, why she drank and all of the misfortunes that occurred in her life on her journey to sobriety. Her honesty is refreshing, this is a sad/happy story that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Sexy Sobriety by Rebecca Weller

A light yet information memoir, fellow Aussie girl Rebecca's effervescent personality bubbles out of the pages as she wholeheartedly shares her story, her why for choosing sobriety and the beautiful journey that followed.

This Naked Mind by Annie Grace

This book combines Annie's own candid story of battling alcohol, with really effective tools to help you remove the psychological dependence to stop you craving alcohol. I didn't have a psychological dependence on alcohol at the time of reading this, so I can't comment on whether it works, however I loved reading it!

Drink by Ann Dowsett Johnston

This book is really well researched, full of important insight for early sobriety and talks about trends in relation to woman and alcohol. Must-read!

More books to help remove your desire to drink: