Chapter 1: My Reading Journey

In January 2021, I set a personal goal to become an avid reader. While I had occasionally picked up a book during vacations, such as on flights or at the beach, my commitment to reading was minimal. However, following my last drink on January 6th, 2021, I transformed into a dedicated reader. This positive shift has played a crucial role in maintaining my sobriety.

Instead of focusing on a specific number of books to finish—which felt overwhelming—I aimed simply to read more. I redirected my addictive tendencies into this new passion, eager to explore the narratives of others to feel a sense of connection and understanding in my journey.

How did I achieve this? It was straightforward: I dedicated a few hours each week solely for reading. Although I often thought I was too busy with work, household chores, children, and social media, I realized I could carve out time. Additionally, summer road trips provided ample opportunities for reading, as I don’t experience motion sickness.

With our increasing reliance on phones and computers, it became easier to reduce screen time and replace it with reading. Below is a list of the books I read throughout 2021:

1. This Naked Mind (Annie Grace)
2. Quit Like a Woman (Holly Whitaker)
3. Piece of Cake (Cupcake Brown)
4. We Are the Luckiest (Laura McKowen)
5. The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober (Catherine Gray)
6. Blackout: Remembering the Things I Drank to Forget (Sarah Heppola)
7. Drinking: A Love Story (Caroline Knapp)
8. Girl Walks Out of a Bar (Lisa Smith)
9. High On Arrival (Mackenzie Phillips)
10. My Fair Junkie (Amy Dresner)
11. How to Murder Your Life (Cat Marnell)
12. Strung Out (Erin Khar)
13. Wishful Drinking (Carrie Fisher)
14. Dreamseller (Brandon Novak)
15. Professional Idiot (Steve-O)
16. Tweak (Nic Sheff)
17. Party Monster (James St. James)
18. Beautiful Boy (David Sheff)
19. Addiction, Gravity, Love (David Atherton)
20. The Big Fix (Tracy Helton Mitchell)
21. Against Such Things (Rachel Baldwin)
22. The Weight of Air (David Poses)
23. Recovering From Reality (Alexis Haines)
24. Idiot (Laura Cleary)
25. A Happier Hour (Rebecca Weller)
26. Zoo Station (Christiane F.)
27. Model Citizen (Joshua Mohr)
28. Permanent Damage (Mercy Fontenot)
29. Portrait of an Addict (Bill Clegg)
30. More, Now and Again (Elizabeth Wurtzel)
31. I’m Just Happy To Be Here (Janelle Hanchett)
32. From The Ashes (Jesse Thistle)
33. Smashed (Koren Zailckas)
34. Between Breaths (Elizabeth Vargas)
35. American Drug Addict (Brett Douglas)
36. Drunk Mom (Jowita Bydlowsk)
37. Glorious Rock Bottom (Bryony Gordon)

It's astonishing to reflect on the fact that I managed to read 37 books last year!

Among these, selecting my top five "Quit Lit" titles is no easy task, as I enjoyed nearly all of them. Some were raw and unfiltered, while others were more light-hearted or factual. Here are my favorites:

1. This Naked Mind by Annie Grace - This book opened my eyes with its truth and scientific insights about alcohol. I was profoundly impacted and became a fan of her podcast as well. It's a must-read, even for those without alcohol issues.
2. The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober by Catherine Gray - This title intrigued me, and the book did not disappoint. Catherine's honest storytelling made me wish she were my friend. She tackles the stigma around sobriety head-on.
3. My Fair Junkie by Amy Dresner - A gritty and authentic portrayal of recovery, I was hooked after hearing Amy on a podcast. Her journey through addiction and recovery is a compelling read.
4. We Are The Luckiest by Laura McKowen - Laura's writing is pure magic, and I find myself wanting to revisit her story. It’s incredibly relatable and moving.
5. A tie between three incredibly wild memoirs: Piece of Cake by Cupcake Brown, More Now and Again by Elizabeth Wurtzel, and How To Murder Your Life by Cat Marnell. Each one offers jaw-dropping chaos that leaves readers astounded at the resilience of its authors.

As I continue my search for more "Quit Lit," I welcome any suggestions to enhance my reading list!

Chapter 2: Recommended Videos for Further Inspiration

To complement your reading, here are some insightful videos that delve deeper into addiction and recovery:

This video titled Best Books On Addiction (2020) offers an overview of essential literature that supports those navigating addiction. It provides valuable insights into various resources that can help individuals on their recovery journey.

Another powerful resource is 10 POWERFUL Stories of Addiction (& Recovery) | Rich Roll Podcast, which shares compelling narratives that can inspire hope and understanding in anyone dealing with addiction or supporting someone who is.

The Sober Vegan Yogi - Medium Read writing from The Sober Vegan Yogi on Medium. I'm Michele and I write about sobriety, healthy eating, yoga, and self-improvement.