Quit literature, otherwise known as ‘quit lit’ is a mixture of memoirs, self-help, and psychological or scientific study books about different relationships with alcohol, and what it takes to stay alcohol-free.
For me, quit lit has been an essential and lasting tool in my sobriety tool kit. One that I regularly add to and re visit. Reading other people’s experiences and scientific studies into alcohol and addiction has helped me feel like I am not alone. Feeling like you can relate to the authors journeys helps you feel less alone.
Its been really important for me to educate myself on alcohols effects. It helped re programme my brain into seeing the truth of alcohol and addiction. No more looking at alcohol through rose tinted glasses!
The first book I read was The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober – by Catherine Gray. I know this is also one that resonated with many other people. I adore this book and if your new to quit lit – this is a fantastic one to start with.
Must read Quit Lit to support your journey
The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober by Catherine Gray
Catherine Gray’s was stuck in a hellish whirligig of Drink, Make horrible decisions, Hangover, Repeat. She had her fair share of ‘drunk tank’ jail cells and topless-in-a-hot-tub misadventures. This book goes beyond the binges and blackouts to deep dive into uncharted territory: What happens after you quit drinking? This gripping, heart-breaking and witty book takes us down the rabbit-hole of an alternative reality. A life with zero hangovers, through sober weddings, sex, Christmases and breakups.
When I read The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober, I immediately related to Catherine Gray. The party girl with the great career, a social butterfly drinking like all women drink, right? Her tale is funny and hear breaking in equal measures. Reading her book, I immediately felt like I wasn’t alone.
Catherine delves into the science of drinking in the latter part of the book, exploring what drinking does to our brains and bodies. This is an enjoyable book and not at all hard reading. You will love this book!
The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober – by Catherine Gray
This Naked Mind by Annie Grace
Millions of people worry that drinking is affecting their health, yet are unwilling to seek change. This is likely because of the misery and stigma associated with alcoholism and recovery. They fear drinking less will be boring, involving deprivation, difficulty and significant lifestyle changes.
This Naked Mind offers a new solution. This book is packed with surprising insight into the reasons we drink. It will surely open your eyes to the startling role of alcohol in our culture.
Annie Grace brilliantly weaves psychological, neurological, cultural, social and industry factors with her extraordinarily candid journey.
This is the perfect book for the deep dive into drinking as a subject. I love that the book contains lots references for further reading to further expand your knowledge. I believe that knowledge is power and this book will give you just that.
This Naked Mind – By Annie Grace
The Sober Diaries by Clare Pooley
Like many women, Clare Pooley found the juggle of a stressful career and family life a struggle. She left her successful role as a Managing Partner in one of the world’s biggest advertising agencies to look after her family. She knew the change wouldn’t be easy, but she never expected to find herself an overweight, depressed, middle-aged mother of three who was drinking more than a bottle of wine a day, and spending her evenings Googling ‘Am I an alcoholic?’
By the end of the year, she is booze-free and cancer-free, she no longer has a wine belly, is two stone lighter and with a life that is so much richer, healthier and more rewarding than ever before. She has a happier family and a more positive outlook. Sober Diaries is an upbeat, funny, and positive look at how to live life to the full.
This is another book that I whizzed through, very funny, very relatable and just a pleasure to read. This book is the bravely honest story of a year in Clare’s life.
Glorious Rock Bottom by Bryony Gordon
In Glorious Rock Bottom Bryony opens up about a toxic 20-year relationship with alcohol and drugs and explains exactly why hitting rock bottom – for her, a traumatic event and the abrupt realisation that she was putting herself in danger, time and again – saved her life.
Bryony relives the darkest and most terrifying moments of her addiction. She never shys away from the hard truth that alcoholism robs you of your ability to focus on your family, your work, your health, your children, yourself.
Although not a story I can relate to I found the insight into rehab, AA meetings and therapy realy insigntful. So too her blend of shining a light on addiction and mental health. A fantastic book.
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Although this isn’t exactly Quit Lit, Atomic Habits is a game changer book for all areas of life.
People think that when you want to change your life, you need to think big. James shows us that real change comes from the compound effect of hundreds of small decisions: doing two push-ups a day, waking up five minutes early, or holding a single short phone call.
He calls them atomic habits.
in this book, James reveals exactly how these minuscule changes can grow into such life-altering outcomes. He uncovers a handful of simple life hacks (the forgotten art of Habit Stacking, the unexpected power of the Two Minute Rule, or the trick to entering the Goldilocks Zone), and delves into cutting-edge psychology and neuroscience to explain why they matter.
Along the way, he tells inspiring stories of Olympic gold medalists, leading CEOs, and distinguished scientists who have used the science of tiny habits to stay productive, motivated, and happy.
A serious must read for any personal development journey.
Exploring self development books
Aside from traditional Quit Lit, theres a plethora of self development books available. A great way to suppliment your reading, to focus on other areas that may help assist your recovery journey. From mental health, gratitude journals, managing anxiety, there is a book to help guide every area of your recovery.
This list is by no means extensive and are just a few of the books that helped me in early sobriety. For a more extensive list, you can check out my other post.
I would love to hear if you have a favorite Quit Lit book that aided your recovery, or self development book for that matter! Please do share in the comments.
