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No Lost Causes Club: An Honest Guide to Recovery, and How to Find Your Way Through It
Part confessional memoir, part vital guide, No Lost Causes Club is a compassionate exploration of what navigating sobriety looks like in our modern world, from the author behind the popular Instagram account @brutalrecovery.
When she was told that her life expectancy could be as low as twenty-five if she did not stop drinking, Lauren felt absolutely nothing – then the sparks of despair. How was she here? Surely, sobriety was for middle-aged divorcées who’d lost everything, not young, struggling singers who didn’t have anything to lose in the first place? Besides, when alcohol is the only medicine that makes the world feel bearable, how can you possibly stop taking it?
Six years later, Lauren has found her way to an intricate answer. Entwining practical, empathetic suggestions with intimate memoir, No Lost Causes Club is an intrinsically vulnerable and brutally honest exploration of what living a full life after you get clean looks like. From delving into the social complexities that often leave people hopelessly dependent on alcohol, to centring the struggles of those newly navigating sobriety, this book is a soothing balm for anyone wondering how to carve a beautiful life from a world that never made sense before.
When she was told that her life expectancy could be as low as twenty-five if she did not stop drinking, Lauren felt absolutely nothing – then the sparks of despair. How was she here? Surely, sobriety was for middle-aged divorcées who’d lost everything, not young, struggling singers who didn’t have anything to lose in the first place? Besides, when alcohol is the only medicine that makes the world feel bearable, how can you possibly stop taking it?
Six years later, Lauren has found her way to an intricate answer. Entwining practical, empathetic suggestions with intimate memoir, No Lost Causes Club is an intrinsically vulnerable and brutally honest exploration of what living a full life after you get clean looks like. From delving into the social complexities that often leave people hopelessly dependent on alcohol, to centring the struggles of those newly navigating sobriety, this book is a soothing balm for anyone wondering how to carve a beautiful life from a world that never made sense before.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 17, 2025
83 people are currently reading
2577 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 24, 2025
a book written for feral sober gremlins by the queen of feral sober gremlins. Loved every second of this.
July 9, 2025
No Lost Causes Club by Lauren McQuistin. Thanks to @blackstonepublishing for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a different sobriety story than others I read because it serves as a guide as well. Addiction and sobriety can be so deeply personal. While everyone’s story is different, there are threads of consistency. This book shows what the before and after looks like. It can serve as hope to show a meaningful life is on the other side.
“Alcohol and drugs answered every prayer. It was fun until it wasn’t, and they worked until they didn’t.”
No Lost Causes Club comes out 7/15.
This is a different sobriety story than others I read because it serves as a guide as well. Addiction and sobriety can be so deeply personal. While everyone’s story is different, there are threads of consistency. This book shows what the before and after looks like. It can serve as hope to show a meaningful life is on the other side.
“Alcohol and drugs answered every prayer. It was fun until it wasn’t, and they worked until they didn’t.”
No Lost Causes Club comes out 7/15.
July 23, 2025
Informative, honest, and perceptive!
𝐍𝐎 𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐂𝐀𝐔𝐒𝐄𝐒 𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐁 is the first-hand, candid story of Lauren McQuistin's struggles with alcoholism.
The writing is clear, moving, and educational, and the novel is an exceptionally researched, impassioned tale of one woman’s battle to become sober and remain sober.
𝐍𝐎 𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐂𝐀𝐔𝐒𝐄𝐒 𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐁 is, ultimately, a memoir that is a valuable, emotive resource for anyone, anywhere who suffers from, works with, or is affected in any way by an alcohol-use disorder that wreaks havoc on over 400 million lives worldwide.
𝐍𝐎 𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐂𝐀𝐔𝐒𝐄𝐒 𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐁 is the first-hand, candid story of Lauren McQuistin's struggles with alcoholism.
The writing is clear, moving, and educational, and the novel is an exceptionally researched, impassioned tale of one woman’s battle to become sober and remain sober.
𝐍𝐎 𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐂𝐀𝐔𝐒𝐄𝐒 𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐁 is, ultimately, a memoir that is a valuable, emotive resource for anyone, anywhere who suffers from, works with, or is affected in any way by an alcohol-use disorder that wreaks havoc on over 400 million lives worldwide.
July 14, 2025
not just a book on sobriety but a book on how to recover & heal from your past, the last few pages made me tear up. im 10 months sober and had no doubts that it was the right choice but reading books about other people's experiences w sobriety just make it even more obvious that there's more to life than being stuck in a cycle of self hatred and escapism. 5 star read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 20, 2025
I bought this book because Lauren makes THE BEST sobriety memes on the entire internet, she mixes up with the cynicism of early sobriety, the slivers of hope that keep us going, and the miracle of recovery. I was not disappointed with her book… highly recommend this to those that may just be tiptoeing into the rooms and was a beautiful reminder as to why I am here too.
Thank you, Lauren, for your service 💛
Thank you, Lauren, for your service 💛
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June 11, 2025The book is real and grit and if you are familiar with addiction in an capacity whether it’s yourself or those you love then this book hits some truths that are painful and raw but also I found myself saying ‘yep, yeah that’s true. 100% this.’ It was full of shared experiences, loving someone with addiction is the hardest thing in the world. Unless you’re the person with the addiction and then being loved is just as hard. Both sides are devastating sometimes. I won’t rate this book because it doesn’t feel right. It’s not fiction, it’s life and that’s so bloody hard.
I will say this is written so well. There is such a strong voice from the author. The pacing was quick and although the topic was somber and testing, reading was actually really easy going. I think if it wasn’t for the heavy hitting topic I could have knocked this out in one sitting but to protect my own mind I read it in a few little sittings. I highly advise to take breaks if needed!
Release date: 17th July 2025
Thankyou so much to @4thestatebooks for gifting me a proof and thankyou @brutalrecovery for such an open and honest book.
I will say this is written so well. There is such a strong voice from the author. The pacing was quick and although the topic was somber and testing, reading was actually really easy going. I think if it wasn’t for the heavy hitting topic I could have knocked this out in one sitting but to protect my own mind I read it in a few little sittings. I highly advise to take breaks if needed!
Release date: 17th July 2025
Thankyou so much to @4thestatebooks for gifting me a proof and thankyou @brutalrecovery for such an open and honest book.
August 3, 2025
I have never felt so seen by a book before. Full stop.
So many recovery and 12step books are written by cis-het men in their 50s. No wonder I, and so many millennial women, could never relate. Having this book written by a strong, badass, queer millennial woman is everything. Her stories, the joy, the sadness, the uncomfortable, the hilarity, the trauma, the very real experiences of women (and female presenting persons) growing up in the early-mid-aughts, the details of it ALL, and the flow of Lauren’s beautifully significant writing had me reading it extra slow so that it would never be over. I was soaking it all in while feeling immensely seen and validated. It ate and left no crumbs. I am gearing up for a second read.
What I’ve taken from the book has been more than every other book or podcast I’ve listened to in the last 5.5 years of my sobriety combined. Thankfully it’s not the most “common” sobriety book, as it hits on a deeper more relatable plain with zero basic b*tch self-help jargon. It resonates in a way that electrifies you to your core and validates every experience you’ve had as an elder millennial. Thank you for your words. Thank you for your humo(u)r. Thank you for sharing these very real and serious experiences and being so terrifyingly vulnerable. Thank for making me feel seen and validated in a plethora of ways. Thank f* for this book xx
So many recovery and 12step books are written by cis-het men in their 50s. No wonder I, and so many millennial women, could never relate. Having this book written by a strong, badass, queer millennial woman is everything. Her stories, the joy, the sadness, the uncomfortable, the hilarity, the trauma, the very real experiences of women (and female presenting persons) growing up in the early-mid-aughts, the details of it ALL, and the flow of Lauren’s beautifully significant writing had me reading it extra slow so that it would never be over. I was soaking it all in while feeling immensely seen and validated. It ate and left no crumbs. I am gearing up for a second read.
What I’ve taken from the book has been more than every other book or podcast I’ve listened to in the last 5.5 years of my sobriety combined. Thankfully it’s not the most “common” sobriety book, as it hits on a deeper more relatable plain with zero basic b*tch self-help jargon. It resonates in a way that electrifies you to your core and validates every experience you’ve had as an elder millennial. Thank you for your words. Thank you for your humo(u)r. Thank you for sharing these very real and serious experiences and being so terrifyingly vulnerable. Thank for making me feel seen and validated in a plethora of ways. Thank f* for this book xx
August 3, 2025
I switched to the audiobook version of this about a third of the way through and I'm so glad I did. Memoirs and a lot of non-fiction come across SO much better when they're being narrated by the people who have poured so much of themselves into the book.
This book is gritty and raw, and because of that sometimes difficult to read. It took me ages because, like Lauren mentions at many stages, it's important to do things at your own pace. Whether you have struggled with addiction or not, I think there's something in here for everyone, and I would gently nudge this in the direction of anyone who feels a bit lost and broken.
I was sure at first that I wouldn't be able to relate but wanted to read it anyway, and then realised that actually, I probably do have areas I could spend some time healing. Writing about everything around sobriety that may hinder the process, I left the book with motivation and a sense that what feels like the end isn't always the end. There's always time to grow and heal.
Thank you to NetGalley and 4th Estate for the ARC.
This book is gritty and raw, and because of that sometimes difficult to read. It took me ages because, like Lauren mentions at many stages, it's important to do things at your own pace. Whether you have struggled with addiction or not, I think there's something in here for everyone, and I would gently nudge this in the direction of anyone who feels a bit lost and broken.
I was sure at first that I wouldn't be able to relate but wanted to read it anyway, and then realised that actually, I probably do have areas I could spend some time healing. Writing about everything around sobriety that may hinder the process, I left the book with motivation and a sense that what feels like the end isn't always the end. There's always time to grow and heal.
Thank you to NetGalley and 4th Estate for the ARC.
October 1, 2025
I read this book mainly because I follow Lauren on instagram, and though I’m not in recovery I find her gripping memes incredibly relatable. The past few years have made me question my relationship with alcohol and I’ve been sober-curious for a while, which also served as a motivation for reading this.
Normally, in autobiographies, I find other people’s lives so far (or so close) from my own that I end up disliking the author. I haven’t read a single memoir from a woman in her 30s that I haven’t found annoying and obnoxious, which made me skeptical about reading this one. I’m glad it wasn’t the case.
I obviously cannot relate to anything about her life circumstances, but this made me want to cry several times because of how much I related to the feelings and coping mechanisms. I know it has “an honest guide to recovery” in the title, but I didn’t expect it to include so much advise on how to live a fulfilling life, sober or not. I absolutely loved that. I loved that she embraces the fact that life is hard when you’re sober too. You just have to learn better ways to cope with it, and that leads to loving yourself, liking yourself, enjoying yourself and the people around you. It helps you connect, to yourself and others.
Listening to the audiobook was like listening to the advise of an elder sister (which I’m aware she is) who has gone through really tough things and has come on top. All in all, I’m really glad I read this.
Normally, in autobiographies, I find other people’s lives so far (or so close) from my own that I end up disliking the author. I haven’t read a single memoir from a woman in her 30s that I haven’t found annoying and obnoxious, which made me skeptical about reading this one. I’m glad it wasn’t the case.
I obviously cannot relate to anything about her life circumstances, but this made me want to cry several times because of how much I related to the feelings and coping mechanisms. I know it has “an honest guide to recovery” in the title, but I didn’t expect it to include so much advise on how to live a fulfilling life, sober or not. I absolutely loved that. I loved that she embraces the fact that life is hard when you’re sober too. You just have to learn better ways to cope with it, and that leads to loving yourself, liking yourself, enjoying yourself and the people around you. It helps you connect, to yourself and others.
Listening to the audiobook was like listening to the advise of an elder sister (which I’m aware she is) who has gone through really tough things and has come on top. All in all, I’m really glad I read this.
September 24, 2025
An incredible “quit lit” book I am so thankful to have stumbled across in the bookstore. The author doesn’t make sobriety seem scary, impossible or boring while still acknowledging thag it will feel like all of those things along the way. I noted no fewer than 100 quotes, other books to reference and read later and most helpfully- practical guidance and quick tips for dealing with emotions and all of the hard parts that “thaw” once the alcohol is no longer there to numb the sticky stuff. I consumed this in a day and would recommend it to anyone who is thinking about their own drinking OR if you want to read an incredibly accurate accounting of what it’s like to truly take recovery by the horns. While the author mentions 12 step recovery she by no means falls back to one modality or solution which is so key. Sobriety isn’t black and white. I also appreciated that she called out the very real “reality” that is our current world.
So much of this book took words right out of my mouth and it was so wonderful to feel less alone in my own journey through the authors lived experience. I can’t wait to journal through some of the pieces that I highlighted to come back to later.
So much of this book took words right out of my mouth and it was so wonderful to feel less alone in my own journey through the authors lived experience. I can’t wait to journal through some of the pieces that I highlighted to come back to later.
August 24, 2025
Having struggled with addictions of various forms myself over the course of my life, it was honestly very refreshing to read this “recovery primer”/memoir from somebody that seemed a lot more relatable to me than the average person you meet around the coffee pot at an AA meeting.
McQuistin’s IG meme page has meant a lot to me when dealing with my own heavy emotions, and I’ve enjoyed reading and relating to her newsletters as well… I knew I just had to pick up the book at some point; and after a heavy couple of weeks this was the right time to read it!
Clearly and cleverly written, while also being funny and most importantly inclusive of all kinds of recoveries: this is an excellent book for anybody struggling to relate with the usual language and attitudes surrounding 12-step recovery (which the author importantly does not try to push people into!).
McQuistin’s IG meme page has meant a lot to me when dealing with my own heavy emotions, and I’ve enjoyed reading and relating to her newsletters as well… I knew I just had to pick up the book at some point; and after a heavy couple of weeks this was the right time to read it!
Clearly and cleverly written, while also being funny and most importantly inclusive of all kinds of recoveries: this is an excellent book for anybody struggling to relate with the usual language and attitudes surrounding 12-step recovery (which the author importantly does not try to push people into!).
July 13, 2025
This book is nothing short of sensational. Lauren writes so eloquently about the experience of being a millennial addict both before and after choosing sobriety relatively young. Not only has she given words to so many of my own internal experiences, but I believe this book will enlighten so many who are unsure about their relationship with anything addictive; work, sex, spending, substances... you don't need to be sober to appreciate how beautifully she has put words to an experience so many encounter, accompanied with clear suggestions of how to be and do better punctuated with personal stories. Fantastic read and will be recommending to all my friends and family, sober and not!
November 28, 2025
Having read a few stop drinking books, a lot of the general points aren't new to me, so I'm not as amazed by some of it as other people may be who haven't read a book about sobriety before. However, I felt like this was really relatable, worrying about losing the stories of your escapades if you quit, people would think you're weird if you don't drink even though engaging with the culture frequently sees the worst parts of your personality displayed. A good tactic that she mentions is that when you're tempted in the initial stages actually think are you actually HALT (Hungry Angry Lonely Tired)
August 18, 2025
4.5/5
This memoir is full of heartache but also so healing. I loved learning Lauren's story, not just because it is inspiring but also so honest and leaves you with a feeling of peace at the end of each chapter. I did not expect to relate to this book much and I was so wrong because it is so relevant and needed no matter what you're recovering from. Each part of Lauren's story feels like something someone out there needs to hear and it is a reminder that we're not alone, and that our stories and lived experiences matter.
This memoir is full of heartache but also so healing. I loved learning Lauren's story, not just because it is inspiring but also so honest and leaves you with a feeling of peace at the end of each chapter. I did not expect to relate to this book much and I was so wrong because it is so relevant and needed no matter what you're recovering from. Each part of Lauren's story feels like something someone out there needs to hear and it is a reminder that we're not alone, and that our stories and lived experiences matter.
August 13, 2025
This book is a pure goldmine even if you never took a drink. She’s full of compassion and honesty about life, loneliness and our need for connection. Loneliness and alone are not the same. Solitude and isolation are not the same. Planning a time to be unobserved and away from stimulation can be an act of self care. It’s a struggle as well as a joy to be alive every day. Love this writer. Thanks Lauren.
September 3, 2025
I adored this book! Part memoir and part guide, it’s beautifully written. Lauren writes with such a gentle and forgiving tone, and I think that’s really important when so many people trying to get sober are also dealing with shame and trauma. I wish this book was available three years ago when I first got sober. I’d definitely recommend for anybody new to recovery or even thinking about quitting drinking.
September 27, 2025
Good book for anyone questioning their relationship with alcohol and also mental health, I feel like this book would be great for a lot of people with mental health issues too.
As someone with loved ones who are addicts it really helps to explain certain behaviours and how I can help them more (as well as acknowledge tendencies within myself). I think this is a valuable book and could really help people in their own journeys.
As someone with loved ones who are addicts it really helps to explain certain behaviours and how I can help them more (as well as acknowledge tendencies within myself). I think this is a valuable book and could really help people in their own journeys.
October 24, 2025
I started following Lauren when I was contemplating sobriety. I found this book was during a time I needed help but didn’t know how to start. I can’t praise this writing enough - thank you for this. Some parts were difficult and required reflection, others captured exactly how I feel. I’m 1 year, 9 months, and 1 day sober and this made me feel less alone.
August 7, 2025
I loved this - it is a true guide on how to find your way! Very relatable and readable. So funny and sad and engaging with strategies that anyone could take away regardless of where they are in recovery.
October 12, 2025
I loved McQuistin's down-to-earth style. No Lost Causes Club is the story of a real person, making a real mess of her life, then getting real with herself to put her life back on track. But none of it is without consequences. I appreciated the honesty, the humor and the hope.
October 20, 2025
The only memoir-ish book on sobriety I’ll ever recommend to anyone anymore. Brutal recovery indeed: honest and direct.
Thank you Lauren. This found me when I needed it the most and helped me get back on the beam and stay there.
Thank you Lauren. This found me when I needed it the most and helped me get back on the beam and stay there.
July 21, 2025
An actual, practical, First Aid kit for people who just Will Not Stop Fucking Up, but would also like to Stop Fucking Up.
July 28, 2025
absolutely obsessed with this book! anyone who wants to know more about recovery should go & give this a read 🖤
July 29, 2025
Like any good first step meeting Lauren shares her experience strength and hope. Enjoyed reading her story but the self help aspect of the book was not for me. Take what you need and leave the rest.
October 3, 2025
This book is beautiful. As someone who has been navigating sobriety for almost 2 years, it’s the kind of guide I wish I’d had from the start. Thank you for your bravery and vulnerability, Lauren.
November 22, 2025
There is so much insufferable collateral at the expense of other people on the way to becoming a better person xoxoxo
November 29, 2025
Funny and warm.
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December 5, 2025Was curious to read and it took me a bit but now that I've finished, I think this book could be helpful for a lot of people.
December 10, 2025
One of the more relatable recovery books I have read. This book is inclusive and easy to follow.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews