Sober Curious: The Blissful Sleep, Greater Focus, and Deep Connection Awaiting Us All on the Other Side of Alcohol

LOVED this book. I was already considering quitting drinking, had stumbled across this book in an article and ordered a copy for myself. Fast forward 3 days and my company holiday party is here, and I proceed to get pissed drunk and don't remember how I got home. The next day, hungover AF, feeling like sh*t, this book is delivered on my doorstep. I made a promise that would be the last hangover I would have, and my journey began with this book.Other reviews bash the author for being too political but I disagree. Every person who is even thinking about getting this book is obviously doing some serious self reflection about their own personal drinking habits, and she goes into the importance of that in detail throughout the book. Over and over she narrates her own personal experiences with alcohol but emphasizes how important it is to discover your own reasons for why you might be considering dropping the bottle. She provides articles, scientific data, and personal experience to put things in perspective and in a way that's easy to understand, and more importantly, easy to RELATE to. I have more hope now than I ever did before that I'll be able to stick to sobriety, and I promise you, this is a great first step to getting there too. She goes into detail about our society and the role it plays in our overall alcohol consumption, and while some people think that's too political for a sober book, it's reckless NOT to cover those, because they play such a huge role in our drinking habits. First and foremost its about your personal choice to quit, but it goes deeper than that. We need to dive into those depths- those clever marketing tools the advertisers plaster on billboards, the funny puns and tshirts stating "Rose all Day", the pressure we feel from all around us from a young age to just have a glass of wine and drink your cares away, and that in order to really let loose and have fun we need to drink. It's imperative to discuss those things, because they are a part of our daily lives.Please don't worry about it being too political. There's plenty of material to help you do some serious self reflection, and to get to the core of your drinking habits. It offers natural healing alternatives to find that inner peace, and gives you SO much hope that you have what it takes to make better decisions for yourself.

What a guide. I highly recommend this book to anyone who's questioned/questioning/curious about their relationship with alcohol, whether it be in a sober moment realizing you can feel utterly grateful to be alive without outside influence or in the throes of a 48-72 hour hangover full of tears and existential crises (I didn't recognize I suffered that second part consciously until Ruby spelled it out). I found myself reflected throughout this book, sometimes in shocking and hilarious parallel, and it helps in recognizing just how connected and relatable we are to every other human in both triumph & joy and in our darker emotions and experiences. Ruby writes from compassionate place of common experience and comes across as a friend.Ruby thoughtfully explores and shares data woven into a nakedly honest narrative with gentle humor and lack of judgment. She carefully examines every aspect of the human existence, especially in how we socialize, and the possible differences in how we might experience each without alcohol, acknowledging the moments where we might use alcohol to assist or protect ourselves, and where we might not be realizing how it can contribute to greater harm, adverse results, and dulled clarity, both in our lives and in our collective consciousness. This book is full of guidance without being dogmatic, and while some of the subject matter can weigh heavy on the mind in prompting stark reflection, I find it balanced with plenty of opportunities for smiles and giggles.As a fellow privileged white, cis-gendered, able-bodied female, I appreciate her consistent acknowledgement of how our daily existence differs from the systemically oppressed and marginalized in our society and lacking the daily prejudices and violence BIPOC (black, indigenous, people of color) face. This is awareness I've committed to growing in myself, and she discusses how becoming sober curious can enable those interested in the same to step outside of ourselves and have more energy to act and uplift those who don't benefit from the privileges I know I possess without earning. Comfort and safety look difference from each perspective, but through incorporating insight from thought leaders and healers from all communities, she seeks to illustrate the benefits and provide guidance to free resources so that any human might benefit from this exploration, through better sleep, more balanced emotional responses/management, more energy, and beyond. I personally am experiencing an awakening to my own power and the control I do possess, however more easily I might be able to wield it than others.In previous attempts to moderate or take extended breaks from drinking, I found I was full of disbelief and an aching to return to my previous consumption patterns at the end of each stint. This time feels different, not only because I spent December examining and questioning my behaviors in the face of being laid off due to company financial troubles, returning to college, and the amount of hustle and clarity my life will require for survival, but because Sober Curious helps me take a softer approach and focus on what's being added to my life--not the deprivation mindset I used so many times before. I hope those who pick this book up find comfort and shared humor in the journey, even if that journey is just absorbing this knowledge before/without practically applying it to life. I know it's helping me in several ways, and for Ruby and her work, I'm forever grateful.

This book is what got me started on my Alcohol Free journey. The research, facts, and data are shared in a way that we don't see in our daily lives. Questioning the lies that we've been told about alcohol and setting the record straight has improved my days/life.

My father is alcoholic which makes my relationship with alcohol complicated and painful. I know it's just a substance, and yet it is still remains very emotionally loaded for me even after 7 years of therapy. I believe I am lucky because I never had a predisposition for the stuff but I've been bone sober since meeting my husband (a non drinker) four years ago. Seeing the mental decline of my dad today and how rapidly the world is changing - makes me think staying sober is more important than ever to a successful life.So - I hope Warrington's message sticks. It's a noble cause. However, I do think she's barely scratched the surface on how ENTRENCHED alcohol is. I'm a 33 year old woman, and at a bridal shower over the weekend, I was asked if I wanted champagne and the bride exclaimed; "no she doesn't drink"! I immediately started to backtrack or explain myself, "well I am breastfeeding..." almost escaped my mouth. Then I remember that I didn't have to explain a frickin word! And yet I somehow felt I had to explain myself. WHY???? It's such a weird thing in our culture. Looking forward to more from her.

At last, here is an approach to giving up alcohol that doesn't tell you off, wag a finger at you or try to make you feel guilty. It is ALL positive. The drift is that giving up alcohol is a decision you make about your life that will give you a clear head, a healthier body and a better life all round. It's not about being strict with yourself, it's about setting yourself free. The author writes a personal story in there that really helps you to locate yourself within this brilliant and simple approach, with tips and hints about getting through the hard part - overcoming the social pressures.

This book describes itself as a consideration and discussion of the possible benefits of reducing alcohol consumption however by page 30 it is very clear that the author does not drink at all and that the book is geared towards helping and encouraging you to give up alcohol totally. This does not interest me and so the book felt like a polemic and criticism of my choices. However if you are wanting to give up totally and want a full navel gazing analysis of why you enjoy a glass of wine (but should not) then it would be the book for you!

This is the best book I have read this year so far. Ruby is an inspiring soul writing from a place of love and light. This books is not only inspiring and engaging with the idea of not drinking alcohol (which I don't anymore) but also connects this idea to wider topics and areas related. Truly inspiring and educating read by a contemporary voice which we should all listen to and take on board.

Very readable and even more relatable. I have combined this with ‘Alcohol Explained’ to start my new life of sobriety. Thank you!

I coukd really relate to this book and it has been my trusted ally on my sober curious journey that started a month ago. It helps keep me on track with a mix of anecdotal and factual information.