Are you a fan of personal transformation memoirs that pull back the curtain on life’s most vulnerable moments? Mrs. D is Going Without by Lotta Dann is one such memoir. It chronicles one suburban housewife’s raw and strikingly honest account of her first year of sobriety. It’s a tale of self-discovery, addiction, and resilience told with the warmth and relatability you’d expect from a heartfelt conversation with a friend.
Whether you’re a seasoned #QUITLIT reader, someone exploring sobriety, or simply a lover of memoirs, this book offers a unique perspective on the challenging, messy, and ultimately rewarding path to self-renewal. Here’s what you can expect from Mrs. D is Going Without and why it’s worth adding to your list—or perhaps your Audible queue.
What is Mrs. D is Going Without About?
At first glance, Lotta Dann is the picture-perfect suburbanite. She’s a wife, a mother, and articulate to a T. But beneath her polished exterior, Mrs. D wrestles with a secret she can no longer ignore—she is an alcoholic. Not the stereotype you might immediately imagine, but rather the “5 pm mommy wine juice” drinker who unwinds from the stresses of the day (and then some) with a generous pour of sauvignon blanc.
The book begins at the breaking point, where Dann recognizes her dependence on alcohol and makes the courageous decision to quit for good. But, unlike the rehab-and-support-group tales you might associate with sobriety, Mrs. D is Going Without takes readers down a different path. Over the course of her first year sober, Mrs. D navigates this life-altering decision independently, seeking solace and solidarity from an unexpected online blog she starts as a personal diary. What begins as a private outlet turns into something remarkable, connecting Mrs. D to a network of others battling similar struggles.
This book is more than just a self-reflection. It’s a lens into how sobriety can transform not just one’s pantry shelf but one’s family, friendships, and inner world.
Why Mrs. D is Going Without Stands Out
For fans of the #QUITLIT genre, Mrs. D is Going Without strikes a specific chord. It’s not overly dramatic or harrowing in its storytelling—in fact, that’s what makes it relatable for a certain audience. Here are some standout reasons to give it a read (or listen!).
1. A Unique Sobriety Journey
Sobriety memoirs often involve “hitting rock bottom” moments and spiritual awakenings. Mrs. D’s experience is refreshingly different. Her account is relatable to those who might not identify with the darker, more extreme portrayals of addiction but still feel trapped in a toxic relationship with alcohol. There’s no DUI, no public breakdown—just a quiet, internal acknowledgment of the problem and a determination to change her life.
2. A Window into Early Recovery
Dann’s vivid portrayal of early sobriety taps into a rollercoaster of emotions many will find familiar. From embarrassment during social events to the unexpected joy of self-discovery, her depth of reflection lays bare the emotional highs and lows of leaving alcohol behind. This aspect resonates deeply with readers exploring their first months without booze.
3. Online Community Power
What sets this memoir apart is the pivotal role of technology in Mrs. D’s recovery. Her blog begins as a private space to record thoughts but blossoms into a robust online community of supportive strangers. It’s inspiring to see such a modern sobriety tool—a space where anonymity enables honesty and connection—play a key role in her story.
4. It’s Better on Audible (Trust Me)
While I’m usually a fan of flipping through the physical pages of a book, Mrs. D is Going Without shines as an Audible pick. Lotta Dann’s charming accent and heartfelt narration make listening a rich and intimate experience—like confessionals told directly to the listener. If you enjoy audiobooks while driving or exercising, or if you’re a sucker for a good Kiwi accent, this memoir is especially captivating when heard.
My Struggles with the Book
That being said, reading—or listening to—Mrs. D is Going Without wasn’t without challenges for me. While I appreciate memoirs documenting sober journeys different from my own, I found Mrs. D’s path difficult to connect with. She describes stopping alcohol through self-will—a stark contrast to others who find strength through structured programs or a higher power. While this may resonate with many readers, it left me feeling a degree of disconnect.
However, one of the greatest lessons in sobriety is learning to focus on the similarities in others’ stories rather than the differences. I had to flex that muscle more than usual while reading this memoir. That effort, however, was rewarded with fresh perspectives and charm.
Why It’s Worth the Read
Even with my occasional reservations, the relatability and candidness of this book make it a compelling addition to the #QUITLIT shelf. Mrs. D’s tale reminds us that sobriety is deeply personal and customizable. What works for one person might not work for another, and that’s perfectly okay. Her story highlights that there’s no singular way to redefine your life without alcohol, just your way.
And if you enjoy memoirs like Dry by Augusten Burroughs or Quit Like a Woman by Holly Whitaker, this book offers another meaningful entry point to explore the world of sobriety literature.
Final Thoughts—and My #QUITLIT Score
Overall, Mrs. D is Going Without is a heartfelt and honest memoir with a unique sobriety perspective. While I found her approach personally difficult to connect with, there’s no denying Lotta Dann’s ability to articulate the emotional waves of giving up alcohol and the inspiring transformation that follows.
I’d recommend this book to readers curious about varying routes to recovery, fans of blogs-turned-memoirs, and anyone seeking a heartfelt story about resilience and self-respect. All that, plus the added bonus of Dann’s charming Kiwi voice if you opt for the audiobook!
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Sobees
It’s worth a read—or rather, worth a listen.
#QUITLIT Sobees Score: 3.5 out of 5
Craft Your Own Sober Transformation
If you’re exploring sobriety or searching for more inspiring stories, Mrs. D is Going Without is a great place to start. Don’t forget to check out other gems in the #QUITLIT world in The Sober Curator Library archives and explore how these personal journeys could resonate with your own.
Have you read Mrs. D is Going Without, or do you have a favorite sobriety memoir you’d like us to review? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!
TSC LIBRARY: Welcome to The Sober Curator Library! We don’t just read books; we immerse ourselves in literary journeys, tune in on Audible, and craft insightful reviews. Our digital shelves are organized into three genres: #QUITLIT, Addiction Fiction, and Self-Help.
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.
