Mary Alice
Stephens
KIRKUS REVIEWS
A valuable, enlightening window into one woman’s decision to quit drinking. A memoir focuses on the difficulties and triumphs of the early days of the author’s sobriety journey. ... The engrossing book switches between the author’s present-day grappling with her drinking and flashbacks to past instances of regrettable behavior brought on by alcohol use ... Stephens’ insights into her alcoholism as she worked on the 12 steps are illuminating and feature wisdom that may be helpful to others in a similar situation.​
Hippocampus Magazine
It’s refreshing when writers write well! ... Her voice shines in her cleverly crafted sentences ... Uncorked is entertaining and enlightening; it’s not just another memoir about an alcoholic ... Even non-drinkers will be able to identify with parts of her life, such as those awkward teen years trying to fit in or encountering similar family situations and relationships ... Valuable lessons and advice for all ... My copy is filled with highlighted passages and quotes; my highlighter ran out of ink.
Lisa Fuentes,
book reviewer
Some memoirs sip politely at the edges of the truth. Uncorked takes the wine glass, hurls it against the wall, and says, ‘Alright, let’s talk.’ Fun Mary is a character you almost don’t want to let go of until you remember the blackouts, the three-story fall, and the part where she nearly burned her whole life down. And Sober Mary? She’s raw, funny, and navigating a minefield where even a date night or a father’s toast can feel like temptation wrapped in nostalgia. You didn’t just write a sobriety memoir, you wrote a universal ‘start-over’ story that makes readers laugh, wince, and maybe hide their wine opener for a while.
I do not claim this about most memoirs, but Mary Alice Stephens has something to share and most of us should listen ... the author is bold, brilliant and beyond reproach, as she spars 'Fun Mary' against 'Sober Mary' in many contentious battles ... she forces us to take a long hard look at ourselves and the ones we love ... the writing is wonderful, humorous and engaging ... Ms. Stephens’ memoir is a moving read as well as a catalyst for self-reflection.
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– excerpted from A Book Junkie Reviews
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.
Uncorked is a lively read, written by a consummate literary professional able to disguise her skill under an engaging veneer of vulnerability and rigorous honesty. Well done!
– BC Cowling, author of Leaving San Francisco
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!!”
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​"This memoir isn’t just about loss or starting over, it’s about what happens when we stop clinging to the life we thought we wanted and begin making space for something new.
With her raw honesty and witty humor, Mary Alice Stephens invites us into her own journey of reinvention while she navigates loss, her identity as “fun Mary”, relationships, motherhood, and purpose. All while reminding us that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.
So if you’re looking for a cozy and relatable read about personal growth, reinvention, and self discovery this book is a perfect fit! Also a great book to discuss at book club."