BOOK REVIEW

I've just finished reading The Sober Diaries by the brilliant Clare Pooley and surprisingly loved it. I say surprisingly because I was unsure how I would relate (not being a drinker) but also questioned how genuine it was going to feel. Thankfully it exceeded all my expectations and I found The Sober Diaries to be an emotive, bravely honest but also witty and light account of one woman's struggle. The book is Clare Pooley's diary during the year she accepted she had a problem with alcohol, decided to quit the booze for good, discovered and defeated breast cancer and worked hard on falling in love with being a mum to her three young children again.

Clare's book is based on her hugely successful blog Mummy was a secret drinker. Clare a Cambridge graduate became managing partner at one of the world's biggest advertising agencies and, after having her children, decided to become a full time stay at home mum. However, fast forward 18 months, she had 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?'. The first half of the book centres around Clare realising and accepting her problems. I found it incredibly endearing just how open and frank she was in accepting her own demons and realising the road ahead was not going to be an easy ride. I think many readers will be able to relate to those feelings of fear when facing personal challenges and the strength you find in yourself to take the first few steps towards whatever it is you're aiming to achieve. 

The Sober Diaries is an upbeat, funny and positive look at how to live life to the full. It delves into topics about motherhood, depression, addiction, the pressures of juggling a busy modern life whilst all the while making you laugh and nod along with Clare's hilarious musings. Interwoven within Clare's own very personal and frank story is invaluable research and advice and answers to questions like, How do I know if I'm drinking too much? How will I cope at parties? How do I cope with cravings? Will I lose/gain weight? And many more.

I would absolutely recommend The Sober Diaries, currently sold in hardback at £16.99, available at Bay Tree Books & Gifts.