File under: Not Your Mama’s Quit Lit ????
So apparently everyone but me knew who John Crist was. Yeah, that guy from that viral video. I was over here sipping my LaCroix and minding my sober business in the Pacific Northwest while the rest of the world was LOLing at this ex-Chick-fil-A-working, homeschooled, ex-evangelical-turned-stand-up-legend.
Well, thanks to my North Carolina bestie (hi, Jennifer ????), I’ve officially caught up. And let me tell you—Delete That is like scrolling through your most cringe-worthy Instagram posts… but in paperback form. With jokes.
???? What’s It About?
Crist pulls no punches as he drags all of us—yes, even you, filtered-selfie-queen—through the absurdity of online image crafting. You know, the curated chaos we post between yoga selfies and “accidental” humblebrags. He’s the first to admit he’s been a walking contradiction: preaching Jesus while partying like he’s on the Jersey Shore. Spoiler alert: it didn’t end well. Rehab happened. And not the kind of “reboot” influencers pretend is a juice cleanse.
But what makes this book stand out from other celebrity memoirs or comedy confessionals is that Crist doesn’t try to stick a neat little bow on his journey. He doesn’t declare himself sober forever or slap on a shiny “recovery” label. He just… tells the truth. And in this curated, brand-optimized, algorithm-worshiping world we live in? That’s refreshing as hell.
????♀️ Why I Related (and You Might Too)
I may not have been homeschooled (although, yes, my mom was my teacher—shoutout to small private Christian schools with big feelings – Go Centralia Christian School Lions!), but I definitely know a thing or two about guilt, shame, and screwing up your life while smiling in group photos. Crist’s musings on religion, addiction, people-pleasing, and public image hit close to home. Like, “am I reading my journal?” close.
Oh, and let’s not overlook the fact that this man name-drops Nickelback unironically. Respect.
???? Should You Read It?
If you want a raw, irreverent, and laugh-out-loud take on faith, fame, failure, and why we’re all basically liars online (yes, even you with the “no filter” posts), then yes—read this book. It’s funny. It’s honest. And it might just make you think twice before posting your next “I Voted” sticker selfie. (But don’t worry, we know it’s mostly for the likes.)
Is it classic quit lit? No. Is it spiritually adjacent, recovery-aware, and authenticity-forward? Absolutely. And that’s why we’re filing it in The Sober Curator approved section of our #QUITLIT Library archives.
????Final Sip:
John Crist may not be sure if he’s sober for life, but he is sure that the internet is full of crap—and so are we. Cheers to deleting that, and living life in real time.
#QUITLIT Sobees Score: 3.5 out of 5
(Would’ve been five stars if there had been a Chick-fil-A coupon inside.)
John Crist on Rehab and His Comedy Comeback EMOTIONAL
John Crist on Rehab and Getting Cancelled
DELETE THAT!! – A New Book from John Crist!
Welcome to The Sober Curator’s ultimate hub for SOBER ENTERTAINMENT & EVENTS —a vibrant space where living alcohol-free is anything but boring.
In the TSC Library, explore book reviews across three standout genres: #QUITLIT, Addiction Fiction, Self-Help, and even NA Recipe Book reviews.
On-screen? The Mindful Binge TV series reviews, Movie Night movie reviews, and Recovery Podcastland + Network podcast roundups all use our signature Sobees Scoring System, so you know exactly what’s worth your time.
More ways to get inspired:
- Music: Discover tunes to motivate your sober lifestyle
- Sober Sports: Stay in the loop on active, exciting events
- Sober Events: Find alcohol-free happenings in your community
- Sober Pop Culture & Celebrities: Get the latest buzz on sober stars and trends
From binge-worthy shows to can’t-miss events, this is your go-to destination for entertainment that fits your alcohol-free life.
SOBER POP CULTURE at The Sober Curator is where mainstream trends meet the vibrant world of sobriety. We serve up a mix of movie, podcast, fashion, and book recommendations alongside alcohol-free cocktails, celebrity features, and pop culture buzz—all with a sober twist.
We’re here to shatter the “sobriety is boring” myth with a mash-up of 80s neon, 90s hip-hop edge, early 2000s bling, and today’s hottest trends. From celebrity shoutouts to red-carpet style inspo, this is where sober is as chic as it is fun. To the celebs using their platform for good—our Sober Pop Trucker hats are off to you!
Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
