Eliot Taintor’s September Remember is a moving and often humorous exploration of alcoholism and recovery set in 1940s America. The novel was first published in 1945 and then republished in 2015. This long-lost novel provides insight into the early days of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and the struggles faced by alcoholics of the time period.
The story follows Avery Rickham, a man whose love for adventure and “the bottle” leads him down a destructive path. After a particularly devastating bender lands him in a police station, Avery is forced to take a hard look at his life. He reluctantly attends an AA meeting, marking the beginning of his tumultuous journey toward sobriety.
Rickham then faces his painful past. After his wife had died, he left the care of his infant daughter to his sister-in-law, trying to escape his pain by embarking on an adventurous overseas career. His job duties returned him stateside, where he tries to rebuild the gap he left as an absent father.
Taintor writes about the realities of those who have an addiction through a cast of colorful characters and a mixture of heartbreaking, humorous, and heartwarming storylines. Much like Bill W and Ebby T, Avery has an old friend, Jim Hollis, who has been sober in AA for a period and is a valuable mentor who shows him the ropes.
My favorite quote from Jim is when he explains the concept of one day at a time to Avery. He says, “The AA’s got at it another way. We’re only dry twenty-four hours. That’s all. Any dope can lay off liquor for one day.”
The origin of the book’s title is a fascinating learning in itself. The title is part of a rhyme that describes hurricane season in the Atlantic. The full rhyme is “June too soon, July stand by, August look out you must, September remember, October all over.” I love it.
September Remember is notable for its historical significance. It is the first novel to put AA in fiction. The reader needs to keep in mind the period and norms of the time when reading the book. The portrayal of women and minorities reflects the time period in Northeastern America. I found it charming as it transported me to a time in history that I admire for its significance to recovery.
Eliot Taintor is a pseudonym for Ruth Fitch and Gregory Mason. While there is no documentation indicating either were recovering alcoholics, the writing would suggest a close involvement with alcoholism in some fashion. The storytelling approach is straightforward and easily accessible to any reader looking for a great story about the ups and downs of those suffering from alcoholism.
Overall, September Remember is one of my favorite novels about addiction and recovery. I love the timeframe in which it was written and the accurate representation of the struggles and triumphs of practicing alcoholics and the early recovery experience.
In my opinion, it is a must-read for those interested in the history of addiction and recovery. Although the novel may not appeal to all readers due to its historical context, it remains a valuable contribution to the literature of addiction and a testament to the enduring power of human resilience.
The Sobees #QUITLIT Score: 5 out of 5
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.
A Disco Ball is Hundreds of Pieces of Broken Glass, Put Together to Make a Magical Ball of Light. You are NOT Broken, Friend. You are a DISCO BALL!
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.
Follow The Sober Curator on X, the artist formerly known as Twitter
