Mary Alice
Stephens
Reviews & Praise
“Don't be fooled into thinking this funny, open-hearted, soulful howl of a book is only for those on a sober journey -- this is a universal grab-you-by-the-collar-and-hold-you-wide-eyed-close kind of memoir that can inspire all of us.”
– Kim Culbertson, award-winning author of The Wonder of Us and Other People's Kids
With humor, honesty, and a growing self-awareness, Mary Alice Stephens peels back the layers of her years of alcoholism to examine her many physical and emotional attachments to drinking. She describes, in an eminently relatable voice, the power she assigned alcohol for her entertainment, her social anxiety, her coping with stress, and her family bonds. Her journey from the death of “Fun Mary” to the birth of “Sober Mary” is at turns deeply moving and amusing, and many readers will see themselves in her story. I was rooting for her the entire way.
– Kirsten Mickelwait, author of the novel, The Ashtrays are Full and The Glasses are Empty, and the memoir, The Ghost Marriage
“No heartfelt sobriety journey has impacted me as much as Uncorked. Mary Alice Stephens dug deep, both to do the work that has enabled her to lead a sober life and to illuminate all that it takes to stay sober for the rest of us. She deftly depicts the dichotomy of Fun Mary and Sober Mary, and how she continues to navigate the feelings of loss and loneliness that drinking masked. Uncorked is a must-read for anyone who struggles with alcohol use or is close to someone who does. And, let's face it - that's all of us.”
– Joanne Greene, author of By Accident: A Memoir of Letting Go
“Mary Alice Stephens’s detailed account of a challenging and life-changing decision is peppered with insight, heart, and humor. Beautifully rendered and bravely written, Uncorked is refreshingly candid and timely.”
– Suzy Vitello, author of Bitterroot and The Bequest
“Mary Alice Stephens’ account of her journey to sobriety is both searingly honest and refreshingly unapologetic. Infused with humor, and without a hint of self-pity, Uncorked is immensely readable.”
– Janis Cooke Newman, best-selling author of the memoir, The Russian Word for Snow, and novels, A Master Plan for Rescue and Mary; Mrs. A. Lincoln.
What readers are saying ...
“Smart, well-written … simultaneously gut-wrenching, funny, and rigorously honest.”
“I practically inhaled it.”
“The story was so compelling that I actually read the whole thing on my tiny phone screen.”
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“I absolutely loved it. It was deeply moving, hilarious, heartbreaking, brave, insightful, and relatable.”
“What a gift these words are going to be to other alcoholics.”
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“I devoured it in two days.”
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“I’m not getting anything done today because of Uncorked. I finally had to stop reading it because my eyes were crossing.”
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“I couldn't wait to keep reading. I found myself holding my breath.”
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“It is so rare for me to laugh out loud or be moved to tears from a book, both of which I did multiple times.”
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“I didn’t want it to end. Wow!!! Just wow!!”