Drinking: A Love Story

by Caroline Knapp
Drinking: A Love Story cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Biography and Memoir
Technical
  • ID: 1832
  • Added: 2025-10-10
  • Updated: 2025-10-10
  • ISBN: 9780385315517
  • Published: 1996-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

Caroline Knapp's 'Drinking' is a powerful and moving memoir that delves into her twenty-year struggle with alcoholism, a disease that affects millions. She describes alcohol as her 'liquid armor,' a way to shield herself from family tension, social insecurity, and the pain of her parents' deaths. Despite her successful career and Ivy League background, Knapp was a functioning alcoholic who relied on alcohol to face life's challenges. The book is written with warmth, candor, and wisdom, offering a story of addiction and recovery that begins in despair but ends with hope. /n/nKnapp's journey is one of self-discovery and resilience, as she learns that alcohol only exacerbated her struggles rather than solving them. Her story is a testament to the strength within each of us to survive and thrive without the crutch of addiction. The memoir provides a raw and honest look at the realities of alcoholism and the path to recovery, making it a compelling read for anyone touched by addiction.

Reviews
The Sober Curator · 2021-01-10
candid 4.00

The book is noted for its candid exploration of addiction and its impact on relationships, making it a significant contribution to the literature on alcoholism.

This reviewer found 'Drinking: A Love Story' to be a frank and revealing memoir that delves into the secrets and myths surrounding addiction. They appreciated the book's exploration of the destructive relationships that often accompany alcoholism, noting that it provides a valuable perspective on the broader impact of addiction. The reviewer believes the book is a crucial read for anyone looking to understand the complexities of alcohol use disorder and its effects on personal and family dynamics.

Quick quotes

    This book breaks open the secrets around addiction, the family myths, and destructive relationships that go hand in hand for those who suffer from alcohol use.

    Knapp's honesty and vulnerability make this memoir a powerful and important read.

    It's a book that sheds light on the often hidden struggles of those battling addiction.

Betsy the Book Whisperer · 2019-03-14
insightful 4.50

The book is praised for its raw and honest portrayal of addiction, making it a valuable read for those dealing with similar struggles. Knapp's writing is commended for its mastery and emotional depth.

This reviewer found 'Drinking: A Love Story' to be a powerful and moving account of one woman's battle with alcoholism. They appreciated the book's honesty and the way it sheds light on the often hidden struggles of addiction. The reviewer also highlighted Knapp's skill as a writer, noting that her ability to convey complex emotions and experiences makes the book a compelling read. They believe this book could be a good starting point for anyone seeking to understand addiction better, whether for themselves or a loved one.

Quick quotes

    If you know someone struggling with any type of addiction, this book would be a good start.

    Knapp is a masterful writer and I am more than impressed with her ability to convey complex emotions and experiences.

    This book is a raw and honest portrayal of addiction that sheds light on the often hidden struggles of those who suffer from it.

Reddit - stopdrinking · 2015-01-01
inspiring 4.50

The book is highly recommended for its inspiring and raw story of overcoming alcoholism, with the reviewer finishing it in just 48 hours.

This reviewer was deeply moved by 'Drinking: A Love Story,' describing it as an inspiring and raw account of one person's journey to overcome alcoholism. They found the book to be so engaging that they finished it in just two days. The reviewer believes the memoir is a must-read for anyone looking for a powerful and honest story about the struggles and triumphs of battling addiction. They particularly appreciated the book's ability to convey the emotional and psychological aspects of alcoholism, making it a valuable resource for those in recovery.

Quick quotes

    Overall: 9/10. I highly recommend this book for those looking for an inspiring, raw story about overcoming alcoholism.

    I finished it in 48 hours because I couldn't put it down.

    It's a powerful and honest account of the struggles and triumphs of battling addiction.

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