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The Sober CuratorThe Sober Curator
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • โค๏ธ CONTENT
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    • SOBER NOT SUBTLE
    • SOBER POETRY ๐Ÿ–‹๏ธ
    • SPEAK OUT! SPEAK LOUD! ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ
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Home - We Are the Luckiest: The Surprising Magic of a Sober Life by Laura McKowen
#QUITLIT

We Are the Luckiest: The Surprising Magic of a Sober Life by Laura McKowen

Alysse BrysonBy Alysse BrysonAugust 15, 20234 Mins Read
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As someone with long-term recovery from alcohol and substance use disorders, reading Laura McKowen’s ‘We Are the Luckiest: The Surprising Magic of a Sober Life’ felt like an intimate heart-to-heart with a dear friend who truly understands the journey. McKowen’s book is not just a memoir and how-to โ€”it’s a raw, honest, and profound exploration of life in sobriety.

The title itself, ‘We Are the Luckiest,’ powerfully asserts that sobriety isn’t a punishmentโ€”it’s a gift. As I turned each page, I found myself nodding enthusiastically in agreement. Yes, we are indeed the luckiest. Recovery isn’t just about abstaining from substances; it’s about discovering who we truly are beneath the haze of drugs and alcohol.

So Fresh and So Clean, Clean

McKowen’s writing is refreshingly candid. She doesn’t shy away from the grim realities of addiction. She acknowledges the pain, the shame, the broken relationships, and the moments of utter despair. But she also highlights the beauty in brokenness and the strength that comes from vulnerability.

As a woman who identifies as a person in long-term recovery, I deeply connected with McKowen’s depiction of sobriety as a journey rather than a destination. After 17 years around the sun sober, my experience matches McKowen’s. It’s not a linear path but a winding road filled with bumps, detours, scenic views, and muth’a f’in expensive and unexpected pitstops. Her book reminded me that every stepโ€”no matter how smallโ€”is a step towards healing. One of my favorite mantras is “the best is yet to come,” I pick up those vibes when I read McKowen’s story, both in her books and in how she presents publicly.

Self-love, Forgiveness, and Personal Growth

McKowen’s ability to delve into recovery’s emotional and spiritual aspects sets’ We Are the Luckiest’ apart. She explores themes of self-love, forgiveness, and personal growth with such depth and compassion that it feels like a warm embrace. It’s a reminder that recovery is not just about quitting alcohol or substancesโ€”it’s about rebuilding our lives from the inside out. I’ve witnessed scores of people transform in ways I wouldn’t have believed possible, but for not seeing with my own eyes.

One of my favorite quotes from the book is, “The biggest, best-kept secret of sobriety? It is not at all about not drinking. Itโ€™s about becoming the kind of person who doesnโ€™t need to.” This sentiment resonated with me deeply. Sobriety isn’t about deprivationโ€”it’s about liberation. McKowen captures this essence beautifully in her book. In my own recovery, I have found freedomโ€”freedoms I didn’t even realize I could or would ever be free of.

If you’re new to the #QUITLIT world, ‘We Are the Luckiest: The Surprising Magic of a Sober Life’ is a must-read. It’s a testament to the power of resilience, the beauty of sobriety, and the magic that unfolds when confronting our demons head-on. As someone in long-term recovery, I can attest that we are indeed the luckiestโ€”and Laura McKowen’s book is a beautiful affirmation of that truth.

The Sobees #QUITLIT Score: 4 out of 5

QUITLIT-4-Sobees


#QUITLIT: Push Off From Here by Laura McKowen: An Authentic and Courageous Journey to Sobriety


Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body. 

#QUITLIT is our curated list of addiction and recovery book reviews. All Sober Curators should be well-read, from addiction and recovery memoirs to fiction and self-help. You can also find us on Goodreads here. 

Whatโ€™s on your nightstand? We want to hear about what youโ€™re reading and the addiction and recovery books you canโ€™t live without. Please email us at thesobercurator@gmail.com

In the mood toย #ADDTOCART?ย Check out our curated list of #QUITLIT books in ourย Amazon Shop.


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!

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Alysse Bryson
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Alysse Bryson is a strong woman in recovery, an innovative media maven, marketing guru, and gal about town. "I'm just a laid-back old school Seattlite...with sober superpowers. You can take the girl out of the party, but you can't take the party out of the girl."

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BigVision Recovery Horror Film Reading
October 22 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm PDT

BigVision Recovery Horror Film Reading

BigVision 309 Social Club 309 East 49th Street @ 2nd Ave, New York
$15.00
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Hill Country RV Resort and Event Center 17740 Texas 16, Medina
$55.20
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October 23 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm PDT

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SOBER AF Bottle Shop Tacoma 5222 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma
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Hill Country RV Resort and Event Center 17740 Texas 16, Medina
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Planted Cafe 333 Smith Street, Brooklyn
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Hill Country RV Resort and Event Center 17740 Texas 16, Medina
$55.20
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October 25 @ 5:00 am - November 2 @ 2:00 pm PDT

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Cusco, the Salktanay Trail, and Machu Picchu!
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Antigua 12 Sober Travel Retreat
October 25 @ 9:00 am - November 1 @ 5:00 pm PDT

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$4000 โ€“ $5000
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October 25 @ 5:00 am - 9:00 am PDT

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Pier 76 Hudson River Park 408 12th Avenue, New York
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October 25 @ 11:00 am - 6:30 pm PDT

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Goodman Community Center - Iron Works 149 Waubesa Street, Madison
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Bodecker Foundation 2360 NW Quimby St., Portland
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October 23 @ 2:00 pm - October 26 @ 10:00 am PDT

15th Annual Texas Serenity Run 2025

Hill Country RV Resort and Event Center 17740 Texas 16, Medina
$55.20
MACHU PICCHU | Capsule Adventures
October 25 @ 5:00 am - November 2 @ 2:00 pm PDT

MACHU PICCHU | Capsule Adventures

Cusco, the Salktanay Trail, and Machu Picchu!
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Antigua 12 Sober Travel Retreat

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MACHU PICCHU | Capsule Adventures Our journey blends the culture and cuisine of Cusco with the legendary Salkantay Trail, culminating at the Incan masterpiece of Machu Picchu. Trek through shifting

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Antigua 12 Sober Travel Retreat

Antigua 12 Sober Travel Retreat

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Antigua 12 Sober Travel Retreat

Rediscover Peace & Purpose in Antiqua If youโ€™re in recoveryโ€”whether newly sober or years into your journeyโ€”and ready to reconnect with your purpose, build meaningful connections, and embrace a life

$4000 โ€“ $5000
October 23 @ 2:00 pm - October 26 @ 10:00 am <span class='timezone'> PDT </span>

15th Annual Texas Serenity Run 2025

October 25 @ 5:00 am - November 2 @ 2:00 pm <span class='timezone'> PDT </span>

MACHU PICCHU | Capsule Adventures

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Antigua 12 Sober Travel Retreat

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BigVision Recovery Horror Film Reading Step into the shadows for a spine-chilling evening at the 309 Social Club. Join us for a live reading ofย In The Ghost Light, a recovery-themed

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October 23, 2025 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
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October 23 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm PDT

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October 24, 2025 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm
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