The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober

By: Catherine Gray

Narrated by: Catherine Gray

Length: 10 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's Summary

Ever sworn off alcohol for January and found yourself drinking by the 7th? Think there's 'no point' in just one drink? Welcome! There are millions of us.

Before embracing sobriety, Catherine Gray was stuck in a hellish cycle of drink, horrible decisions and hangovers, during which she had her fair share of 'drunk tank' jail cells and topless-in-a-hot-tub misadventures.

'I discovered that I was about a million times happier sober than I ever had been while drinking. As were the hundreds of sober pals I picked up along the way. I found myself with dozens more hours in the week, heaps more energy, £20K more money over three-and-a-half years, deepened friendships, revived family relationships, better skin, a tighter body, tanned legs for the first time ever, the ability to sleep for eight uninterrupted hours, a bone-deep sense of wellbeing, a totally turned-around positive outlook and an infinitely more successful career. What's not to like?!'

This inspirational, aspirational and highly relatable narrative champions the benefits of sobriety with a three-pronged approach combining the author's personal experience; factual reportage and contributions from expert sources; and self-help advice for anyone who wants to reduce their alcohol intake or eliminate it completely. The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober is the new bible of sobriety.

©2017 Catherine Gray (P)2017 Octopus Publishing Group

Is she trying to convince me or herself?

More than half of the book is dedicated to the virtues of being sober. I feel like she’s trying to either convince me to become sober or she trying to convince herself as to why she quit drinking in the first place. She repeats her message so many times than it starts to feel preachy.

On top of the bland performance, it’s also terribly written. The language and conversational style is mor suited to a diary entry than a book. In fact, it feels like much of the book had been taken, entry for entry from her diary.

The only solace is that I’m sure this book will help someone. And maybe that’s enough for an audio book of this nature.

Amazing!

Catherine’s is a heartfelt journey wonderfully told and beautifully written. You can hear the raw emotion in her voice and I was gripped right from the start. I listened to the complete audiobook within three days... If you have a uneasy relationship with alcohol you simply MUST read / listen to this book.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Intelligent, thought-provoking & inspiring

I loved this book. The writer comes across as very genuine, relatable, likeable. I found her story humbling. It takes a lot of courage to write so honestly. She is of course right about alcohol. We all know it, but we’re scared to really admit it. I’d say this book is essential reading for anyone sober curious, anyone who’s ever worried about their drinking, anyone wondering why alcohol has such a grip on socialising in the UK. I particularly liked her analogies about tunnels and trapdoors - what an accurate way of describing drinking to numb anxiety and pain. I’ve recommended this book to many of my friends.

Thank you Catherine & I wish you all the best for the future!

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Highly recommended

Any additional comments?

An amazing book written by a very inspirational lady. Catherine, you have been on one hell of a journey but show incredible grit and determination. Thank you for sharing your story. You give hope and show that life without alcohol can not only be possible, but a remarkable difference to life with it. I very rarely write book reviews or read a book twice but both apply here. I have it on audible so have been listening to it on and off for a few days and have cried, laughed, smiled, nodded my head in agreement, laughed and cried again, many times over.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

fantastic

Great listen if you are interested in quiting alcohol. A very personal story and lots of interesting facts that really made me think.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

A fantastic book that will make you think

I downloaded this book, thinking I wanted to cut down on drinking in the new year, no intention of stopping. Having absorbed Catherine's amazing story, I'm now working on my first 30 days of sobriety, and am already feeling some amazing benefits.

Catherine is lovely to listen to, feels like a close friend and you can only admire her for having the courage to honestly share everything she's been through.

If you are questioning your relationship with alcohol and the way it makes you feel, do not hesitate to give this book a go!

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

modern and honest

Where does The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is the best book so far I have read on recovery no banging on about 12 steps very honest at times heart warming very realistic and modern

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Really insightful

This book really help give insights on the life and struggles of someone suffering from an addiction as well as the coping mechanism and challenges. I would recommendation it even for those supporting loved ones struggling with drinking.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Life changing.

I never planned or expected to quit alcohol but after listening to this, I did. That's the best thing about it, the book and Catherine spoke to me, quite literally. I couldn't recommend it highly enough.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Brilliant

Thanks to Catherine Gray for writing this honest and insightful account of her story and relationship with alcohol. So many people think drinking is just the norm and so to find a life without alcohol is hard . This is the best and most comforting book I’ve read on my journey to sobriety. Catherine has helped me to think differently and several parts of the book really highlight how advertising and social media play a big part in the drinking culture. Little subtle messages on the positives of drinking are every where . I would recommend this book for its feel good factor for anyone wanting to change their drinking habits or achieve complete sobriety.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Enjoyable Joy of Being Sober

I really enjoyed Catherine's story and narration. I found a lot of it relateable and inspiring. I think anyone looking to cut down or give booze up will benefit from it.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful