The Sober Diaries cover art

The Sober Diaries

How One Woman Stopped Drinking and Started Living

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The Sober Diaries

By: Clare Pooley
Narrated by: Karen Cass
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About this listen

Like many women, Clare Pooley found the juggle of a stressful career and family life a struggle, so she left her successful role as a managing partner in one of the world's biggest advertising agencies to look after her family.

She knew the change wouldn't be easy, but she never expected to find herself an overweight, depressed, middle-aged mother of three who was drinking more than a bottle of wine a day and spending her evenings Googling 'am I an alcoholic?'

This book is the bravely honest story of a year in Clare's life. A year that started with her quitting booze and then being given the devastating diagnosis of breast cancer. By the end of the year she is booze-free and cancer-free, no longer has a wine belly and is two stone lighter and with a life that is so much richer, healthier and more rewarding than ever before. She has a happier family and a more positive outlook.

Sober Diaries is an upbeat, funny and positive look at how to live life to the full. Interwoven within Clare's own very personal and brilliantly comic story is research and advice as she discovers the answers to questions like:

  • How do I know if I'm drinking too much?
  • How will I cope at parties?
  • What do I say to friends and family?
  • How do I cope with cravings?
  • If I stop drinking, will I lose weight?
  • What if my partner still drinks?

And many more.

©2017 Clare Pooley (P)2017 Hodder & Stoughton Limited
Addiction & Recovery Alcoholism Dysfunctional Families Dysfunctional Relationships Fatherhood Motherhood Parenting & Families Relationships Substance abuse Funny Inspiring Witty Feel-Good

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All stars
Most relevant

What made the experience of listening to The Sober Diaries the most enjoyable?

The Sober Diaries are easy to listen to, informative, real life and the message is enhanced with appropriate humour.

What did you like best about this story?

Many books about going sober are written by self-proclaimed alcoholics that hit rock bottom.Claire's book is different, she was a 'normal' 3-6 large glasses of wine a day drinker, has a good career and family. Many of us can see ourselves as 'normal' drink too much imbibers and can relate to Claire's diary entries as they reflect ourselves. We are functional and never need a park bench, yet, we have an unhealthy relationship with the booze.

Have you listened to any of Karen Cass’s other performances? How does this one compare?

I have not listened to any other performances by Karen Cass. This performance is one of the best read audio books I have listened to.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

A moving part was Clare's cancer and not having a drink to numb things when told she had it. I had cancer and chemo over many months on two separate diagnosis a few years ago and I can relate what was going through her mind. She was so strong, it would have been easier to reach for the bottle as she had only been alcohol free for a few months at the time.

Any additional comments?

Although I drink alcohol, I have not had any since listening to The Sober Diaries. Perhaps I will ditch the booze permanently as it does not contribute anything to my life (I'm crazier at parties when not drinking as no one can point the finger and say 'he must have had a few!'

A Book We Can All Relate To

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Well done Clare
Without your courage, honesty and straightforward story, we would not be able to benefit from your wisdom
Extremely motivating to anyone who wants to lead a more fulfilling life

Wake up call for us all

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A talented writer who took me on her journey and made me laugh and cry with her
Great book

heartwarming and witty

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im sure this will be an incredibly useful read to anyone who has become addicted to alcohol but is also an insight for those thinking..' there but for the grace of God. ..'

insightful and interesting.

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Entertaining and funny. Great narrator .. listened to this several times and it’s just as good as the first! Highly recommend ☺️

Great story great narrator

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