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 —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 punishment—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 step—no matter how small—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 substances—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. It’s about becoming the kind of person who doesn’t need to.” This sentiment resonated with me deeply. Sobriety isn’t about deprivation—it’s about liberation. McKowen captures this essence beautifully in her book. In my own recovery, I have found freedom—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 luckiest—and Laura McKowen’s book is a beautiful affirmation of that truth.
The Sobees #QUITLIT Score: 4 out of 5
#QUITLIT: Push Off From Here by Laura McKowen: An Authentic and Courageous Journey to Sobriety
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