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amandalorianxo's review
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
A nonfiction book written by an Australian journalist who decides to cut alcohol out of her life for an entire year. It brings to light how a lot of people rely on drinking in order to engage in social activities and the stigma people face when they try to steer away from the status quo. I personally am someone who doesn’t drink as heavily as others I’ve witnessed and this book helped confirm that I am not alone in choosing not to put my body under unnecessary duress.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism and Addiction
mads_jpg's review
challenging
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
As someone who not only doesn't drink alcohol, but also doesn't drink soft drinks, I've felt the otherness that comes with going against the drinking grain even as a child. People genuinely look at me like I'm crazy when I knock back not just alcohol but also the lemonade they try to offer as an alternative. The fact I would take a water over most drinks is unfathomable to most people I've met. But surprisingly, I've felt the most pressure to drink from office coworkers, who suggest that they'll never really know the 'real' me if they never see me swig a beer on a Friday arvo.
I knew Australia's drinking culture is toxic before reading this book because I've lived it for as long as I can remember. But reading this book still revealed just how deep this toxicity goes. I was shocked by many of the stats and interviews Stark presents. Her "Stark Reality" drink name is perfectly fitting for this book, and it's a reality most of Australia needs to read about.
I knew Australia's drinking culture is toxic before reading this book because I've lived it for as long as I can remember. But reading this book still revealed just how deep this toxicity goes. I was shocked by many of the stats and interviews Stark presents. Her "Stark Reality" drink name is perfectly fitting for this book, and it's a reality most of Australia needs to read about.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol and Alcoholism
Moderate: Child death, Drug use, Grief, Mental illness, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual assault
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
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