Catherine Gray’s book, The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober, is an inspirational and relatable narrative that highlights the benefits of sobriety. The book, which combines the author’s personal experience, factual reportage, expert contributions, and self-help advice, takes readers down an alternative reality of a sober life with zero hangovers.
Gray shines light on society’s drink-pushing and talks to top neuroscientists and psychologists about the science behind why we drink. The book is not just about the netherworld of addicted drinking but also about the escape and why a sober life can be more intoxicating than you ever imagined.
The book has been praised by Condé Nast Traveller, Marie Claire, Sasha Tozzi, and Alice O’Keeffe, describing Gray as an exceptional writer with deep honesty, pragmaticity, and humor. It is a delightful, informative, and compelling read for all those who are sober or seeking sobriety.
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About the Author
The Guardian, Stylist, The Telegraph, Grazia, The Lancet Psychiatrist, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, BBC Earth, Women’s Health, and Stella are just a few of the publications that have featured the work of award-winning author and editor Catherine Gray.
Within two weeks after its release, Catherine’s popular first book, The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober, shot to the top of the Sunday Times bestseller list. The Guardian, Grazia, T2, Private Eye, Woman’s Hour, Stylist, BBC Breakfast, The Telegraph, and Grazia all gave it favourable reviews.
If Catherine isn’t writing, she’s usually shooting twenty (similar) photographs of the sunset, pondering why she’s always the sweatiest person in yoga, resisting her impulse to “spend it all!” or observing strangers’ body language to determine if it’s acceptable to pat their dog.
Review
Although I thought Catherine’s writing was amazing and I think she would be a fantastic chick-lit novelist, this book didn’t make me reconsider my relationship with alcohol the way other novels had.
I appreciated her willingness to reveal everything, even if I felt that 80% of the book was made up of recollections of all the harsh, drunken, and, in her own words, self-centered and selfish things she did.
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She claims that because her father is an alcoholic, her mother drank during her pregnancy, she had social anxiety disorder, she is Irish, and she lives and works in a culture that values becoming angry, it is understandable why she struggled. I suppose that instead of reading a book full of stories about challenges, I would have like to read more about overcoming them.
“This book goes beyond the binges and blackouts to deep-dive into uncharted territory: What happens after you quit drinking?” was the promise made in the marketing pitch. This captivating, poignant, and humorous tale transports us to a different reality. A life without hangovers, including sober weddings, sex, breakups, and Christmases.
Catherine Gray explores the science underlying the effects of alcohol on our bodies and minds in The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober, shedding light on society’s drink-pushing and speaking with leading psychologists and neuroscientists on why we drink.
I simply couldn’t locate the promised depth. Catherine Gray was known for pushing drinks and not much else. I actually only scanned the majority of the ranting about having several partners, being a bitch to get people to stop drinking, and other nasty discoveries, but that’s what alcohol can do, isn’t it?
I hope others will be inspired to cut back or quit, and I’m happy she saw the light. I thought several nice ideas, like bringing a fluffy toy and watching cartoons to assist ride the early days of sobriety, were sweet, as were some helpful recommendations for what to say when someone makes fun of you for not drinking.
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Summary
We explore Catherine Gray’s “The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober” in this 20 Minute Books episode. This book challenges the popular belief that alcohol is required for enjoyment and relaxation by providing a strong case for the numerous advantages of sobriety.
Gray illustrates how sobriety may result in better health, more financial stability, and more joy via personal stories and encouraging statistics. Purchase best-selling books online.
Experienced journalist and best-selling author Catherine Gray uses her own recovery experience to offer advice that anybody trying to quit drinking may use. Gray’s writing is both approachable and meaningful, and it has been printed in prestigious periodicals. His impassioned voice has helped many others on their sober journeys.
This book is intended for those in recovery looking for sincere and compassionate advice, those interested in leading a sober lifestyle, or anybody who has taken part in dry January and has wondered why they shouldn’t continue. Come along with us as we examine how giving up alcohol might improve your life in unexpected ways.