Look Alive, Sis!

by Jenn Kautsch

Feeling pulled in a mental tug-of-war at wine 'o clock? Some days do you feel like Chardonnay is the boss of you? Sick of the “detox to retox” cycle of drinking? Look Alive, Sis! is about stepping into your full potential by becoming more awake, alive, and present in your own awesome life! It’s for the “sober curious,” those already on the journey to find freedom from the bondage of drinking, and anyone who wants to “look alive” in their own life! Discover practical tools to break out of the “detox to retox” loop. Experience the benefits of being sober minded. Understand how alcohol affects your relationships, your emotions, and even your mental health! Read about stories of breakthrough... all leading to a life of more freedom. Rather than continuing to live divided ― as a mindful person by day and a mindless alcohol-sipper at night ― you can finally align your mind and your actions (James 1:8). Look Alive, Sis! and the Sober Sis community, equip you to succeed.

176 pages, Paperback

Published April 25, 2023

Reviews

[Patty McMahon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Look Alive Sis is a book that helps you take a closer look at your relationship with alcohol in a more sober curious way. Through 40 Themes such as the comparison trap, knowing your "why", and course correction. Jenn Kautsch shares stories from her own life as well as from listening to thousands of hours of zoom calls from her programs helping women to live a more sober minded lifestyle. These sober curious topics are like the seeds you plant on the path of your journey, each with the potential of much deeper roots to help you flourish in living more present in your life.

This book reads differently than other quit-lit books I’ve read. The chapters are shorter, more digestible, and can be read on their own– kind of like blog posts or Instagram captions but without all the ads and hashtags. It felt great to hold in my hand.

As a mom, who is interrupted by her young kids several times in an hour, I was relieved to finish a section and pause to think about how each theme applied to my life. I had the opportunity to ask Jenn a few questions about the book, and she suggested reading the book a section a day, kind of like a devotional, or use the table of contents to read a part that resonates with you and your situation.

I have been on this journey for over a year and a half as of reading this book, and it was a great reminder of the foundations that helped me switch my mindset from I don’t want to be an alcoholic to what is this drink doing for me, really. Reading it I am relieved to know that guilt, shame, and regret are taken off the table and owning your own story is.

Just a note here– that if you are looking for the science about what happens when you drink, this is not the book for you, yet. However, this is a great book to help you reflect on how alcohol impacts your life.

There is comfort in reading other people’s strokes, and Jenn does a great job of supplying many stories to help you get the social reality of taking a closer look at your relationship with alcohol. But I wanted even more! I have taken some of her programs before, so I know the wealth of depth of knowledge Jenn has about the effects of alcohol on your body, mind, and spirit.

Jenn is big on sharing the philosophy that if you change your thoughts, you change your life, and there are a lot of stories we tell ourselves about alcohol. The first step is to get curious; this book surely helps one do this.

I would definitely recommend giving Look Alive, Sis by Jenn Kautsch for any woman even slightly interested in taking a break from drinking alcohol.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

These stories tell the shared experiences of women who are all in a situation with alcohol and unsure of how we got here. Everyone drinks and only some people have a “problem,” right? Jenn realized there were a long of regular women out there working hard, raising kids, keeping up with all the challenges of life doing fine by day. But, at night after decision fatigue, we drank to relax, be social, numb feelings, or reward ourselves for just getting through the day. That turned into many days. Most days. That’s what’s called gray area drinking. You’re not sure if you have a problem, but you’re not happy with the cycles of drinking, quitting, thinking about it all the time either. It’s starts one way and because alcohol is an addictive substance, tolerance and quantity increases. I know I just didn’t want to want it anymore. If you’re looking to examine whether or not alcohol is working for or against you in your life, this book is a great place to start. The short vignettes are completely relatable and help women really look at the truth and the lies behind the reasons why we drink and the industry that perpetuates it. The author is as true and authentic as they come, both in her life and her writing.

[Mary Slater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book from the founder and the creator of the SoberSis community, Jenn Kautch. The 40 daily meditation seeds offer the reader healthy tools to restructure their beliefs and build new, healthier habits around alcohol. The personal, real-life stories are uplifting, encouraging, and give great insight on how to hang in there when life gets tough. Some of the meditation seeds were exactly what I needed for encouraging myself, and then there were those chapters that helped me encourage someone else. Over time, I know I will read this book again and again. The book would be lovely as a gift to those on the journey of sober-minded living or those who are sober curious and just starting out.

[Meg Geisewite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Look Alive, Sis! takes the reader's hand on a 40-Day journey to self-discovery by providing helpful tools and advice that encourage curiosity and introspection on your sober curious journey. Look Alive, Sis! stories expose the real-life challenges one can face on their sober curious journey.

The author's willingness to be candid and vulnerable throughout allows for a beautiful transformation for the reader. Jenn's sense of humor and relatable stories make the reader feel seen, heard, and not alone throughout this handbook.

This page-turning, easily digestible, non-judgmental read empowers women on their alcohol-free journey and is a must-read!

[Lorena LoLo Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Look Alive Sis contains 40 seeds of wisdom to help get off the hamster wheel of daily drinking. Alcohol has become such a norm in our society that the truth of it is covered by the false promises of good times & happiness. Once we are stuck on the cycle of drinking and trying to moderate it consumes us and leaves us feeling ashamed and alone. Jenn Kautsch is a life expert of how easily it is to get trapped and how hard it is to get out; and she has taken her experience and knowledge to help others realize that it is possible. The seeds are easy and practical but rich in knowledge and power. It’s her way of KISSing the reader…Keep It Simple Sister!

[Courtney Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a jumpstart or reboot as it pertains to your relationship with alcohol “Look Alive, Sis! “ is a fun easy read that will stimulate your curiosity and inspire you to make positive changes that fit your lifestyle. Jen takes you on a 40 day journey to dismantle ingrained beliefs we have been taught about alcohol and what it is actually doing to our mind and bodies. The book is full of helpful tools, practical advice and relatable stories from women that have discovered there is a better way. It empowers women to get out of the negative “detox to retox” loop and start living a more free full life! Jen and her tribe of like minded women are the Real Deal!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was SO relatable for me, I feel like I could have written it myself! Jenn Kautsch is a woman’s woman, she writes in a tone I was able to get comfortable with. Reading her words was like hearing from a friend. This book is for anyone who’s “sober curious” and evaluating their relationship with alcohol. I read a chapter a day through the beginning of my sober journey and pick it up often for reminders!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the world of quit lit, this one checks all the boxes. Jenn is transparent and relatable - you will likely see yourself in these pages and feel less alone because of it. She covers so much of what is initially hard about becoming alcohol free, but also captures the hope of what freedom is on the other side. I loved that it was written in bite sized pieces and would often read a quick entry first thing upon waking or in bed before I drifted off to sleep.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed "Look Alive, Sis!" It was an easy read that I couldn't put down. Jenn Kautsch uses every word perfectly to really make the reader feel connected to her stories. Her short stories are a great pick-me-up when you're feeling the urge to drink. This book is a must-read, and a great gift for those in your life who may be struggling with gray area drinking.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started this book as a curious observer but soon learned it described me. Jenn’s real life example of grey area drinking helped me think about my own relationship with alcohol and that it could be different. I highly recommend this book and get ready because it is a start to something magical that can happen to you!

[Stacy Moulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fantastic read!! Love Jenn's authenticity and heart!! I can definitely relate and connect to so much of what she says and she is so encouraging, honest and heartfelt in her approach.

[Book Reviews By Leva Styles · Rating 5 out of 5]

How long have you been pondering your relationship with alcohol? You don't think you have a problem because your family, relationships, and job are all in tact. But there's something that continues to gnaw at you. The fact that you crave alcohol to survive every day situations suggest that you may have a toxic relationship with a toxic substance.

Don't worry! There are tens of thousands of women like you struggling with this same issue. You're not alone. And, author Jenn Kautsch sheds light on this sensitive topic, without judgment. You'll enjoy this easy-to-read book. It contains thought-provoking questions that will prompt you to revisit the question that we're all afraid to answer, "Am I drinking too much? Yeah I finished a bottle of wine in one night. But that doesn't make me an alcoholic does it?"

Kautch's short stories, seeds of wisdom, and scriptural insights will give you cause for pause. You may even decide to join her tribe of sisters via SoberSis.com if you're seeking a community of like-minded, encouraging women, on a journey to an alcohol-free lifestyle.

I enjoyed this book and had many takeaways. It's a must read for anyone seeking to be the best version of themselves.

[Sandy Alter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Outstanding book which has become a reference.

[Chana Dolbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relatable and easy to read. Honest and inspiring. Very good book!

[Julie Holst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written book with practical advice and women’s stories woven in. It’s where daily devotional meets how to! I loved it and will read it over and over again!

[Kimberly Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent guidance and real life short stories about your relationship with alcohol - but moreover, the end goal to be "sober-minded" - which means being awake, aware, alert, and PRESENT in your own life. This book is an encouragement with 40 different short stories (easy read) and take-aways for daily encouragement in the journey to change your relationship with alcohol. Highly recommend!