The inclusion of her internal monologue allows us to understand the nature of her relationship with alcohol.

Reading this searingly honest memoir is hard going— it’s super readable— but hard to digest, especially as I am at the beginning of my own similar journey.The honesty is so appreciated and I had to keep reading portions aloud to my husband as I knew he would totally relate to Harry. Would recommend for anyone wanting to educate themselves on addiction (especially from a female POV), or seeking help with growth and wellness.

Growing up surrounded by alcoholics as a kid, nothing pleases me more than to see people actively inching step-by-step towards a timely recovery. I was struck by the light that reading this account of Bryony’s alcoholism shone on her other novels; while running the marathon she was looking forward to the bottles of prosecco she would have to celebrate and her drunken hijinks in her twenties were followed by a period of crippling anxiety and regret. I also find many of those who have been able to overcome an addiction go on to live happier and more fulfilled lives than many of those who never experienced such challenges. Bryony does this beautifully and shows that a sober life isn't instagrammable hot yoga, green smoothies and boundless positivity and energy but a difficult yet wonderfully worthwhile journey to acceptance and self esteem and a place where shame no longer thrives. Writing this review as someone with an intimate knowledge of the disease of addiction, I can say that this is written by a lady who certainly knows her stuff, I identify with you, Byrony, all the way, I just wish I had your gift with words.And then, a chink of light as the hard work begins – rehab; twelve-step meetings; endless, tedious, painful self-reflection – a rollercoaster ride through self-acceptance, friendship, love and hope, to a joy and pride in staying sober that her younger self could never have imagined.

Her account does not suggest that sobriety will be an easy journey, but does suggest that to her, it was worth it. Her descriptions of cringe-inducing “therapy speak” are hilarious, while her frustration and pain as she battles her cravings made me want to reach through the page and comfort her.I felt deep sympathy and optimism while reading this book— and it’s definitely changed my understanding of addiction (for the better! In Glorious Rock Bottom Bryony opens up about a toxic twenty-year relationship with alcohol and drugs and explains exactly why hitting rock bottom – for her, a traumatic event and the abrupt realisation that she was putting herself in danger, time and again – saved her life. I like Bryony's writing style, it's like she's telling me her story over coffee so some parts/stories are brief.

I read this is a few hours while feeling desperate to understand more about a close friend’s struggle with alcoholism. This book, warts and all, is a beacon of hope and is a testament to the human ability to persist and endure. Bryony Gordon] has now charted the whole journey through her through alcoholism and subsequent recovery in her no-holds-barred new book. Her sober anniversary is my birthday, and later this month when I celebrate, I will raise a glass of non-alcoholic something to her. It's not an easy read, and there were times the author's self-doubt really wore on me, but it's SO REAL.I’d recommend it to anyone who has found themselves at a tremendous low point or feel alienated by the ‘rainbow and sparkle’ lives that people share on social media, or indeed in real life. However, they still remain somewhat trite and I can't help wanting a little more to elevate this book above others in the field. In some other ways this book made me feel a little sad though, as Bryony was honest about her ability to overcome her addiction thanks to a lot of the privileges and support she had, I reflect on those who are not able to secure the help they need because of lack of access to finances and practical support, I think of how our country could better support those in need. For me one of the most memorable parts is when she's sober for the first time at Christmas, and is able to observe how other people handle alcohol - sipping it slowly, just having one glass, choosing not to drink because they need to get up early etc, and the understanding that it's been a totally different experience for her, she could never have behaved in a reasonable, "sensible" way around alcohol. She’s not afraid to delve into topics of shame, pain or disgust which plague most people with mental illnesses and addiction.