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Clare Pooley
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The Sober Diaries: How one woman stopped drinking and started living. Kindle Edition

by Clare Pooley (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 9,541 ratings
Editors' pick Best Biographies & Memoirs

BY THE AUTHOR OF NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER THE AUTHENTICITY PROJECT, THE BRAVE AND FUNNY MEMOIR THAT IS CHANGING LIVES.

How one mother gave up drinking and started living. This is Bridget Jones Dries Out.

Clare Pooley is a Cambridge graduate and was a Managing Partner at one of the world's biggest advertising agencies, and yet by eighteen months ago she'd become 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?'

In a desperate bid to turn her life around, she quit drinking and started a blog. She called it Mummy Was a Secret Drinker.

This book is the story of a year in Clare's life. A year that started with her quitting booze having been drinking more than a bottle of wine every day. It sees her starting a hugely successful blog, then getting and beating breast cancer. By the end of the year she is booze free and cancer free, two stone lighter and with a life that is so much richer, healthier and more rewarding than ever before. 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 frank story is research and advice, and 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? Will I lose weight? What if my partner still drinks? And many more.

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  1. Print length
    349 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Coronet
  4. Publication date
    December 28, 2017
  5. File size
    1.4 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Popular Highlights in this book
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  1. Let me not die while I am still alive. That’s what drinking does to us. We kill ourselves slowly, drop by drop, glass by glass, bottle by bottle, when we should be living. We drown ourselves in booze, and bury ourselves under layers of flab.
    Highlighted by 1,010 Kindle readers
  2. Alcohol is the only drug in the world where, when you stop taking it, you are presumed to have a problem, a disease, while those still indulging are viewed as ‘normal’.
    Highlighted by 729 Kindle readers
  3. Drinking today is just borrowing tomorrow’s happiness.
    Highlighted by 636 Kindle readers
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Brutally honest and sparkily funny―Sunday Express

The Sober Diaries is a misconception-busting book, which draws on Pooley's extensive research.―Sunday Herald

From the Back Cover

I take a brutal look at myself. I'm raddled. I'm the sort of woman that my mother would describe as having 'let herself go.' I'm two stone overweight, and most of that is on my belly. I can't remember the last time I made it through to the end of a movie before passing out on the sofa. But then I wake up at about 3am, tossing and turning, sweating booze and hating myself.
It feels like my whole life has been sucked into a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc. I used to be so fearless, so ambitious and optimistic. Yet now I feel anxious all the time. And the booze, my trusty old pal, that used to take the edge off and make me feel invincible, I suspect is only making things worse.
I have to stop.So, this glass I'm clutching is my last. Tomorrow is Day One.
Is it possible to live without alcohol in a world where you're more likely to be offered a glass of wine at a playdate than a cup of tea? Where Facebook is filled with references to 'wine o'clock'? Where every social event is fuelled by gallons of booze? Is there life after wine?
I guess I'm going to find out....

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B06W9J1V6D
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Coronet (December 28, 2017)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 28, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.4 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 349 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 9,541 ratings

About the author

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Clare Pooley

Clare Pooley

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Clare Pooley graduated from Newnham College, Cambridge and spent twenty years in the heady world of advertising before becoming a full-time writer.

Clare’s memoir - The Sober Diaries - has helped thousands of people worldwide to quit drinking.

Clare’s first novel - The Authenticity Project - was a BBC Radio 2 Bookclub pick, a New York Times Bestseller and the winner of the RNA debut novel award. It has been translated into 30 languages. Her second novel, The People on Platform 5 (titled Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting in the USA) was published in 2022, and How to Age Disgracefully is out in June 2024.

Clare lives in London and Cornwall with her long-suffering husband, three children and two border terriers. When she's not writing, you'll find her cooking, at the theatre, walking the South-West cliff path or wild swimming on the North Cornish coast.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
9,541 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book easy to read and enjoyable. They find it inspiring and humorous, with a down-to-earth writing style that makes the story relatable. Readers appreciate the author's honesty and authenticity in recounting her journey. The story is described as compelling and relatable.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

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ReadabilityInspirationHumorWriting qualityHonestyStory relatabilityStrength
128 customers mention "Readability"128 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and engaging. They describe it as a heartfelt memoir that makes them cry. The book is described as a light, informative read for anyone interested in sobriety or thinking about getting sober.

"What a terrific memoir. Heartfelt, hilarious, touching and, when needed, full of good research! I highly recommend!..." Read more

"Recommended to all who want a friendly companion and knowledgeable guide through efforts to stop drinking alcohol or abusing other substances...." Read more

"...There are so many wonderful things in Clare's book, she has a sense of humor! She got breast cancer and survived and tells you of her journey...." Read more

"Great book! For me as a woman and a mom, was so nice to read about someone else’s journey while having a family. Very raw, genuine, funny...." Read more

98 customers mention "Inspiration"98 positive0 negative

Customers find the book inspiring and helpful for their sober journeys. They appreciate the author's honesty, humor, and life lessons. The book is described as informative, thought-provoking, and motivating.

"What a terrific memoir. Heartfelt, hilarious, touching and, when needed, full of good research! I highly recommend!..." Read more

"Recommended to all who want a friendly companion and knowledgeable guide through efforts to stop drinking alcohol or abusing other substances...." Read more

"...Writing this review is a big step for me and Clare's book helped emensly!! Thank you so much!! I am free!!..." Read more

"...Pooley's *The Sober Diaries* is a life-changing read that helped me quit drinking. What makes this book stand out is how hilariously relatable it is...." Read more

94 customers mention "Humor"94 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book. They find the story relatable and lightening, with witty writing that is honest and vulnerable.

"What a terrific memoir. Heartfelt, hilarious, touching and, when needed, full of good research! I highly recommend!..." Read more

"Loved the idea of it being a diary format and she’s funny and not too serious that it’s too dramatic" Read more

"...Finally, this is an oftentimes humorous look at family life through the lens of a bright, honest and insightful woman/wife/mom/blogger." Read more

"...Very raw, genuine, funny. Highly recommend." Read more

58 customers mention "Writing quality"58 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well-written and relatable. They appreciate the author's easy writing style and relatable story. The book is written in a diary format, providing a day-by-day recount of struggles and successes. Readers find it interesting and hard to put down.

"Loved the idea of it being a diary format and she’s funny and not too serious that it’s too dramatic" Read more

"...at family life through the lens of a bright, honest and insightful woman/wife/mom/blogger." Read more

"...The book is so enjoyable, so readable, the story was so compelling, there were NO slow spots for me...." Read more

"This book is very well written, great read for people who are sober curious." Read more

49 customers mention "Honesty"49 positive0 negative

Customers find the book honest and humorous. They appreciate the author's candid and genuine portrayal of the recovery journey. The book is described as inspiring, funny, and factual.

"...oftentimes humorous look at family life through the lens of a bright, honest and insightful woman/wife/mom/blogger." Read more

"...I lost a few pounds, look and feel better and more alert. All these things take time there is no quick fixes. And...think of all the money you saved!..." Read more

"...Very raw, genuine, funny. Highly recommend." Read more

"Such an honest story of an embarrassing life tale for anyone. But an honest , flawed person as we all are." Read more

21 customers mention "Story relatability"21 positive0 negative

Customers find the story relatable and interesting. They describe it as a compelling autobiography that makes them feel like they're not alone in their journey. Readers appreciate the mix of relatable experiences, humor, and interesting facts. Overall, they find it a fun way to start or boost their sober journey.

"...The book is so enjoyable, so readable, the story was so compelling, there were NO slow spots for me...." Read more

"Such an honest story of an embarrassing life tale for anyone. But an honest , flawed person as we all are." Read more

"...I could relate with the story and struggles and learn a few important things along the way...." Read more

"Bravely written and that’s why it’s good.A great mix of relatable experience, dash of humor, interesting facts and deeply multi-faceted layers...." Read more

6 customers mention "Strength"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book relatable and insightful. They appreciate the author's honesty, vulnerability, and humor.

"...writing is witty, fun, honest and vulnerable and everything a woman needs as she explores her own relationship..." Read more

"...She is funny, touching, vulnerable and honest. Her insights ring true with my experience as I explore life without a drink in hand...." Read more

"...The monthly format and count of days is clever. Clare Pooley starts out strong, telling us how she arrives at the painful truth that she is alcoholic..." Read more

"...book- the author has an easy style, dispensing facts, insights, insecurities, information and humor in equal doses...." Read more

Damaged pages
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Lori Koenig
    5.0 out of 5 stars just what I needed!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    What a terrific memoir. Heartfelt, hilarious, touching and, when needed, full of good research! I highly recommend! Now I am off to start reading her novels!
    One person found this helpful
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  • LM
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Loved the idea of it being a diary format and she’s funny and not too serious that it’s too dramatic
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  • Amazon Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring and funny
    Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Recommended to all who want a friendly companion and knowledgeable guide through efforts to stop drinking alcohol or abusing other substances. Also helpful to women facing breast cancer diagnosis. Finally, this is an oftentimes humorous look at family life through the lens of a bright, honest and insightful woman/wife/mom/blogger.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Christina
    5.0 out of 5 stars Clare is Awesome!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I used to drink wine and had the same things as her. I could drink one bottle a night, I drank before bedtime to help sleep but found out I wasnt getting the good sleep I deserve. Another reason was big life changing events... I realize that alcohol is no place to go when stressed. You can drink more and it causes problems in your life. With Amnesia to blackouts and what example was this to my family? Having a alcoholic Father and Grandfather should have been first reason not to but now after 4 years I stopped. Cutting back didnt work cause it's hard to do. I like her wine witch, you'll have to read it. I got her words engraved in my mind! I also read Annie Grace's book too. Why would I drink something that tastes so awful, tons of empty calories, and becoming wine dumb. I didnt hit rock bottom like my Father though it wasnt easy at first, I desire it no more. There are so many wonderful things in Clare's book, she has a sense of humor! She got breast cancer and survived and tells you of her journey. She is awesome! Her fears and worries but overcame them, a survivor, and so grateful of her life and family! I maybe be jumping around on my review cause there is so much to say about her book and me being sober! It is known to be social thing, there is peer pressure and those suffering from depression like my Father turned to alcohol for relief but it ended up making his life worse. I didnt understand this back in 1994 and there was a stigma to alcohol and depression and not enough available resources you could find easily.

    I lost a few pounds, look and feel better and more alert. All these things take time there is no quick fixes. And...think of all the money you saved! I decided there is no benefits to alcohol. It is like an old friend that is hard to let go. But alcohol is no friend! It was hard to convince my unconscious mind for a long time. Writing this review is a big step for me and Clare's book helped emensly!! Thank you so much!! I am free!! You may or may not benefit from this book but keep searching until you find the right tool to guide you in the right direction!
    152 people found this helpful
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  • Sarah Gray
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Great book! For me as a woman and a mom, was so nice to read about someone else’s journey while having a family. Very raw, genuine, funny. Highly recommend.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Jill Ingenito
    5.0 out of 5 stars LOL while you quit or cut back on your drinking
    Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    The media could not be loaded.
    Claire Pooley's *The Sober Diaries* is a life-changing read that helped me quit drinking. What makes this book stand out is how hilariously relatable it is. Pooley's honest, no-holds-barred account of her journey to sobriety is both inspiring and incredibly funny. She captures the ups and downs of giving up alcohol with such wit that you find yourself laughing out loud, even while tackling a serious subject. The blend of humor, raw emotion, and practical advice made it not only enjoyable but also a crucial guide on my own path to sobriety. If you're looking to quit drinking or just want a good laugh, this book is a must-read.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Mary Kaber
    5.0 out of 5 stars I can't remember enjoying a book this much in DECADES
    Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I have been toying around with the idea of stopping drinking for awhile now. I am someone for whom moderation is difficult and the results of drinking seem to more conflict with my values than they do align anymore. I got online to buy "The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober" and when that wasn't available in Kindle version in my area, I bought this book while I waited for my paperback of the other to arrive. I have so much respect for Clare for sharing her journey so candidly. I LOVED her book and every evening I really just looked forward to curling up in bed and reading more of her story. I identified with her fears very much which felt so comforting, and her evaluation of the upsides of not drinking are genuine and give me lots of hope and inspiration. Her sense of humor was AMAZING. I am regrettably hard to make laugh and she is a RIOT. The book is so enjoyable, so readable, the story was so compelling, there were NO slow spots for me. Now I wonder if "The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober" could ever measure up to Clare's book. Thank you, Clare, for putting your story out in the world, you are doing such a good service to help anyone struggling or even simply considering if there might be a better way. I absolutely LOVED your book.
    83 people found this helpful
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  • Leslie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thoughtful and Honest
    Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I appreciate Clare's honesty about her addiction and experience with cancer. Her candor has given me a lot to think about in my own life.
    Thank you Clare
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Kristen Gray
    5.0 out of 5 stars Light, funny, and thoughtful
    Reviewed in Canada on November 21, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Great book for the sober-curious reader. It’s not preachy or serious. The author is relatable and highlights the positives of giving up alcohol.
    Report
  • Lorena
    5.0 out of 5 stars Yes
    Reviewed in Mexico on June 8, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    You are actually missing what you think you are winning. 23, almost 24 days, and never looking back. Thank you, Clare.
    Report
  • Georgina S
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fun, informative and honest
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 2, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    A great read- I could not put this down! Clare’s honesty and humour throughout her alcohol free journey made this book so relatable. I felt like I was experiencing everything with her and she became a friend along the way as I got to know her. She is so inspiring!
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  • Amazon Kunde
    5.0 out of 5 stars Tolles Buch - Inspirierend
    Reviewed in Germany on March 20, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Das Buch bietet eine tolle Mischung aus persönlichen Erfahrungen, einer gut erzählten Geschichte und medizinischen Fakten, die einem zu denken geben. Es ist so wichtig, dass solche Themen offener besprochen werden.
    Report
  • Drivinghorse
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyed it
    Reviewed in France on March 19, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed reading this book, it has really helped me to understand what drinking alcohol is all about, I would recommend this read to anyone who thinks they might need or want to stop drinking.
    Report

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