Start turning the page in your sobriety journey by picking up a book.

So, Quit Lit. You might have heard the term once or twice. Maybe you thought, ‘yeah, quitting is pretty lit.’ If you found this article, you might be a little further along, but don’t know where to start when it comes to books about mindful drinking, sober curiosity and psych studies — Oh My! With so many reads, we’re here to give you the skinny on quit-lit so you can hit the books and read up on some of our favorites.

WTF is Quit-Lit?

According to AF Book Club, “Quit literature, popularly known as ‘Quit Lit' is a mixture of memoirs, self-help, and psychological or scientific study books about different relationships with alcohol, and what it takes to stay alcohol-free.”

After an increase in drinking during the height of the pandemic, a growing number of people rethought their relationship with booze. The NIAAA reported a 2.49 percent increase in alcohol sales, the highest increase in sales in more than 50 years. Enter Quit Lit. Psychotherapist Lesley Alderman wrote in the Washington Post that Quit Lit gave her clients the language they needed to describe their relationship with alcohol. 

“These confessionals about alcohol dependence shared a common theme: explaining in vivid detail the author’s battle with the bottle,” Alderman said in the article. “And the ways in which society has duped us into thinking that alcohol is a cool way to deal with life’s ups and downs, rather than a toxic substance with addictive properties.” 

So, to answer the question — wtf is Quit Lit? It’s any written material that gives you insight into sobriety to help you understand your own relationship with alcohol a little better.

WTF should I read?

Now that you have the lowdown on Quit Lit, we have the answer to your next question — ‘wtf should I read?’ We’ve done some reading and have a list of books to add to your reading bucket lists.

1. Quit Like a Woman: Journalist Holly Whitaker’s witty memoir is relatable and honest. Whitaker unpacks the absurdity of alcohol as a qualifier for belonging at wedding showers, birthday parties, brunches — you name it. But, sobriety is considered an anomaly. As you turn each page, you’ll begin to connect how her own reckoning with alcohol offers a critical perspective on alcohol’s own belonging in society. 

2. Sober Curiosity: This Quit Lit essential combines personal story with research and expert interviews. Author Ruby Warrington takes down myths that keep people drinking. Her judgment-free tone gives this read handbook-feel to living a hangover-free life. 

3. The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck: Though this book isn’t technically qualified as “Quit Lit,” this self-help book cuts through all the BS, as author Mark Manson is not known for sugarcoating. To introduce the book, Manson writes, "F*ck positivity. Let's be honest, shit is f*cked, and we have to live with it.” This book has it all — from insightful advice to profane humor — no matter where you are in your sobriety journey. 

4. Zero Proof: This recipe book, curated by veteran reporter Elva Ramirez, features 90 refreshing and lush recipes from the biggest names in cocktails. After collecting recipes from Paris, London and New York, she compiled the recipe book to elevate no-proof drinking and add sophistication to mindful drinking. With the most extensive non-al recipe collection, this book is a must-have in your Quit Lit library. 

5. Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies: Tara Schuster’s “Buy Yourself The F*cking Lilies” never grows old. Her narrative of hard-won lessons in learning self-love and care remains brutally honest and hilarious. Former vice president at Comedy Central Jordan Peele called Schuster’s work “ahead of her time” and New York Times bestselling author Glennon Doyle stated, “You’re going to want Tara Schuster to become your new best friend.”