The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober

Book Review by Janine Melvin (2021)

Please would you introduce yourself?

My name is Janine Melvin, I am the Work-Related Learning and International Mobility Coordinator for the school of Humanities and Social Science. I have worked at LJMU for 25 years, ever since graduating from LJMU with a degree in English Literature.

What interests you in the LJMU Bibliotherapy initiative? 

As a Literature graduate, I am an avid reader, I read many books, and there are books that I have read many times. Books to me are like friends, I spend time with them, get to know them, and rely on them when times are tough. I can really appreciate why the ‘Book My Mind Initiative’ has been created, as reading books is such a calming activity that can take you away from your own troubles and give the worrying side of the brain something else to think about.

How do you feel about books being used therapeutically?

Books are such good therapeutic tools! For one thing they are so portable and convenient (and that is before thinking about e-readers which take the convenience to another level). It is much easier to sit and read on a train for example than it is to paint, crochet or take a run! And if you are not on a train and you do want to sit and paint or crochet, or go for a run you do can these things and still enjoy an audio book.

Is there a reason you chose the book that you did?

I read this book about two years ago when I saw it in a pile of ‘sale’ books and I was intrigued by the title. Since reading it I keep recommending it to people, as I found it life changing and empowering.

Please give a brief description of the book. What are the major themes?

The major theme of the book is alcohol, and the relationship the author and modern British society has with alcohol. The narrator has had years of drinking too much, too often, and has so many regrets associated with her behaviour whilst drinking.  The narrative interweaves her own funny, sad and relatable story with an analysis of how many people have to struggle not to drink in modern Britain. The book highlights how pressure is applied to people to drink, and to over-drink and how alcohol has managed to have a fun, glamourous, sexy image, despite the problems it causes.

Can you please say what you enjoyed/disliked about the book? Is the book unique in any way?

I particularly liked how the narrator exposes alcohol as a really crap ‘coping mechanism’ that many people use to help them to relax and enjoy social situations. I could really relate to this, my introverted personality has found it easy to hide itself away behind a much more extraverted performer after a few drinks, but it is my introverted self that woke up the next day full of embarrassed regrets!

How did the book make you feel?

The book made me feel that I can say ‘No, thank you!’ when I don’t want to have a drink, and to expect more pressure and be ready to deal with it.  It also made me realise that it is OK to be the quiet one at a party, and to leave when I have had enough.

Where were you when you read your book, and how long did it take you to read it?

Before lockdown I did most of my reading on the train, or when sitting in my car waiting to collect my kids from wherever.  I think this was a fairly quick read, just a day or two.

Who do you feel would benefit from reading this book? Is it a book that someone would read at a particular point in their life?

I wish I had read this when I was a student! That was a time in my life when I was drinking too much to be one of the group.  I think you can read it at any time of life, but I would particularly recommend it to anyone who is trying to reduce their alcohol consumption, or go teetotal.

Is there anything about the author to be mentioned or any other books you would recommend?

Catherine Gray is a writer – a career many English, Media and Creative Writing students are considering, the book also gives an insight into her career which may be of interest. (Sorry, that is the Work-Related Learning Coordinator in me!).

Would this book be one that would work well to be discussed as part of a therapeutic group?

Yes! It would be great. As well as the story itself there is a very helpful detailed bibliography of sources at the end too.