2011 is almost coming to an end, and we’d like to celebrate drinking-related reads (and some that are focused on recovery) by contributors to our blog. Our Drinking Diaries Year-End Reading Round Up is by no means exhaustive. Please feel free to add your own favorites (or your own books) to the comments section.
Nonfiction:
“Diary of an Alcoholic Housewife,” a memoir by Brenda Wilhelmson. Brutally honest, relatable story told in diary entries.
“Falling For Me,” by Anna David. David, an editor for the popular addiction site, “The Fix,” and an ex-addict herself, tells of her magical year, trying every new (wholesome) thing under the sun.
“The Happiness Project,” by Gretchen Rubin. Filled with insights on how to have a happier life (no drinking required!)
“I’m Kind of a Big Deal.” Stefanie Wilder-Taylor’s latest essay collection. Wilder-Taylor is a recovering alcoholic, and former cocktail mom, and her blog is full of insights, including a section called “Don’t Get Drunk Fridays.”
“Loaded: Women and Addiction” by Jill Talbot. The title says it all.
“Learning to Breathe,” by Priscilla Warner, shows the author’s quirky path to inner peace after a lifelong struggle with anxiety.
“Reading My Father,” by Alexandra Styron, about growing up with a brilliant and mercurial alcoholic father.
“Sober Siblings: How to Help Your Alcoholic Brother or Sister—and Not Lose Yourself,” by Patricia Olsen, M.D. and Petros Levounis, M.D.
“Unwasted: My Lush Sobriety,” a memoir by Sacha Scoblic. Unique because Scoblic, rather than dwelling on her drinking days, focuses on rebuilding her life once her drinking days are over.
Fiction:
“Best Kept Secret,” by Amy Hatvany, about an alcoholic mother trying to pull her life together.
“Father of the Rain,” by Lily King, about a daughter’s relationship with her difficult, alcoholic father.
“The Taste of Salt,” by Martha Southgate, about a family pushed to its limits by multiple generations of addiction.
Young Adult:
“Clean,” by Amy Reed, about five teen addicts who meet in rehab.
“Edges,” by Lena Roy, deals with two teens whose lives are affected by alcoholism.
