A Happier Hour

by Rebecca Weller

What if the very thing you believed to be your biggest flaw and weakness, actually turned out to be your biggest gift?

When Rebecca Weller's pounding, dehydrated head woke her at 3am, yet again, she stared up at the ceiling, wondering why the hell she kept doing this to herself. At 39 years of age - and a Health Coach, no less - she knew better than to down several bottles of wine per week.

Her increasingly dysfunctional relationship with alcohol had to stop, but after decades of social drinking, she was terrified of what that might mean. How could she live a joyful existence, without alcohol? How would she relax, socialise, or celebrate - without wine?

In sheer frustration, on a morning filled with regret and tears, she embarks on a 3-month sobriety experiment that becomes a quest for self-discovery, and ultimately, transforms her entire world.

A Happier Hour is a heartfelt, moving, and inspiring true story for anyone who has ever had to give up something they loved in order to get what they truly wanted.

Genres: Memoir, Self Help, Nonfiction, Addiction, Health, Biography, Book Club

210 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2016

About the author

Rebecca Weller is a Health and Life Coach, Author and Speaker. Named 'one of Perth’s Leading Health-preneurs’ by The Sunday Times Magazine, Rebecca helps brave-hearted souls from around the world to get their sparkle back and create a life they love. Creator of SexySobriety.com, Rebecca leads one-on-one and group coaching programs and hosts live events.

Rebecca writes about love, life, and the strength and potential of the human spirit. Her books include the international bestselling sobriety memoir, A Happier Hour, the long-awaited follow-up, Up All Day, plus Chameleon: Confessions of a Former People-Pleaser, and her newest book: RSVP Sober: Your Guided Journal for Socialising Alcohol-Free.

Her work has been featured by the Telstra Business Awards, The Australian, The Huffington Post, Fast Company, MindBodyGreen, SBS Food, Good Health Magazine, Marie Claire Australia, and Elle Quebec.

Learn more at BexWeller.com.

Reviews

[Carla Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book may have changed my life. I’m deciding to try sobriety this summer. I wonder what the universe has is store for me.

[Angie · Rating 2 out of 5]

eh. I expect a little more rawness and self-awareness from a memoir about addiction. It wasn't awful but her style is not my style.

[Lou Cervantes · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Because in the end, it didn't matter whether I drank everyday or binge drank once a week. What mattered was the EFFECT drinking was having on MY SOUL. Alcohol wasn't good for ME and I was much better off WITHOUT it. People could call that what they liked".

I love this quote, which nears the end of the book.⬆️I think it's a great one for those that are debating the read. I also think it's a great one for the naysayers that say, "Rebecca wasn't an alcoholic". Or, "She never hit rock bottom". (I always respect people's ratings and opinions)...But...

Rock bottom is different for everyone. Drinking never caused her to lose a job. She never blacked out on a street and woke up bloody or without clothes, wondering how she got there. She never lost custody of children (that she didn't have), or pushed her family away from her.--(All things I've personally witnessed firsthand with VERY close family members).😔

The above being said? She also never woke up from an AFTERNOON bridal shower or EARLY evening happy hour w/co-workers...without feeling anxious, dehydrated, sick, and utterly embarrassed for two whole days. DAY(S). Plural. Nearing forty, she found herself in this situation at LEAST once a week. A lot of times, more. She felt within her heart and soul, that this was no way to live. No way to continue living. And, definitely no way to prosper.

She felt and knew there was a better way to not only live, but to create. To create abundance. To live a life joyfully, w/o shame or regret. However, she didn't know where to start on her rode to sobriety. And, once on the path to sobriety, she didn't know how to socialize without her ever present, glass of comfort; to which she spent the past two decades, cozying up to. In this book, we follow her journey to sobriety. Her journey to creating a life of joy and passion.

Rebecca is honest. She is REAL. She'll have you tearing up on one page and laughing on another. She's easy to fall in love with. If she didn't live in Australia, I'd totally try to befriend her!👯We would drink tea, talk essential oils, and bake vegan desserts. And, of course, do the YOGA!

She describes her experiences in layman's terms, without the scientific jargon. Most of all? Rebecca inspires!!!--I'm currently doing a #dryjanuary and after reading her book, have decided to extend it through February. May even do her 90/100 day challenge. We'll see.🤷🏽‍♀️🤔🤷🏽‍♀️*stranger things have happened.

Friends and family, I rarely write book reviews. And, I've never ONCE shared a review on social media. While this topic is often taboo, it's one that SHOULD be shared, and without shame or hesitation. If any of this resonates with you...either for a friend, family member, or yourself; give it a read! I highly recommend it. After you read it, let's discuss...over tea.😌🍵🙌🏽With lavender EO on our temples and wrists.🌱💦While eating vegan dessert.🍫Happy 2018 to ALL of you! Don't be afraid to live your life to the fullest or encourage your loved ones to live their best lives! If that means cutting down or cutting out entirely...do it. And, by all means, share. The world needs 2 b woke sometimes, dawg!💥💥🌎💃🏻🕺🏽💥💥-NAMASTE.🙏🏽💙

[Courtney · Rating 1 out of 5]

The beginning was interesting but it dragged on towards the middle and the end.

I found myself skipping entire pages because it became very redundant. Also, I thought Bex was a bit irritating. I would not recommend it to a friend.

[Natalie Soelke · Rating 1 out of 5]

Shameless self promotion for the author’s two businesses/lifestyle websites.

[Wade Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kudos to Bex!

The beast is real. I call it stinking thinking but it comes by for a visit frequently. A Happier Hour is the outline of darkness to light. A must read for all of making choices about a sober life.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many of her points rang true for me. Yes, some of the book did come off as a commercial for her different blogs/resources/programs; but her experiences were relatable and the lessons she learned applicable. Very inspiring read.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very thoughtful and honest look at the impact of alcohol on our lives. Particularly how hard it can sometimes be in a culture where alcohol is so readily accepted as the norm.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a bit disappointed in some of the more negative reviews I saw about this book, but people are entitled to their opinions. RECOVERY IS NOT THE SAME FOR EVERYONE YA'LL! Some people rock bottom and get DUI's, lose everything, their jobs, their spouse, their kids, their house, and their dog before they realize that they have to quit drinking. Other people just get tired of blacking out, of losing time, of feeling terrible, of the toll it takes on relationships, of putting alcohol before their loved ones, or even just good decision making. It's okay to have different relationships with alcohol and to have different lines in the sand. You don't have to rock bottom the same, and you don't even have to rock bottom the same amount of times. Hers was certainly a somewhat fluffier rock bottom if you experienced my first example up top. But everything is relative. When you're the life of the party but you wake up embarrassed, with that constant pit of spiraling shame in your stomach because you don't know what you did the night before, and your tongue feels twice it's normal size but you'd gladly choke down another bottle of whatever is available to just not have to feel that shame....you might have reached your own personal rock bottom. I think she did a fine job with this memoir. And while I was a bit surprised that she found massive success with her very first go round at sobriety, not everyone has to relapse. I had to stumble a few times on my own path, it had to be part of my own personal process for me to find the strength to stay sober, but for her, the straight and narrow was found on the first go. I think that had to do with the massive community of support she found. She didn't have to go via AA, she created her own group, and that's quite the accomplishment. I commend her for that and think she should be massively proud. I think this was a great, snappy read, with real depth to it and I enjoyed it and was able to find some real points of connection in it. If you're just starting out in your sobriety journey it certainly can't hurt to give this a read.

[Stacy Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Like sitting down and having a heart-to-heart with your most trusted girlfriend. While Bex’s story is about her path to sobriety, I could easily sub in any one of the self-destructive behaviors I engage in regularly, and it translated perfectly. Although, to be perfectly honest, some of Bex’s observations on drinking rang a few too many familiar bells for me, which has me thinking. Regardless, though, of whether it’s alcohol (or food or self doubt) that derails me, there’s this: “I didn’t want something so stupid to hold me back..... I hated that I couldn’t even imagine a joyful existence without alcohol [or other vice]. I was sick of the anxiety, the shame... slowing me down and keeping me from rocking my passions.” And if I’m being truly honest, I don’t even know what my passions are. So clearly, I have a Step 1. And I sorta think, according to Bex, I gotta cut through my wall of BS to figure it out. Because I really am sick of the anxiety and shame that comes with hiding.

[Mary Allen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't finished the whole thing. A self help health leader with an alcohol problem? Didn't seem plausible - or something seemed inauthentic
Seemed a little superficial to me

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shows how alcohol is such a socially accepted drug.

[Katy Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

The raw truth of addiction and one woman’s journey to sobriety. I loved the honesty and emotion that this book brought on the topic of alcohol addiction.

[Season · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to write a review now a few weeks after I read this book because it impacted me in a lot of ways. It was a good book, but I feel the message was probably more important then the writing itself.

My parents didn't drink much growing up, but my older brothers did, and I idealised them. I loved the underage drinking parties and went nuts when I got to university. As I started climbing the ranks at work, while I wasnt partying as frequently, I was using alcohol regularly to calm myself down after a long day. When I was preparing for post grad exams, I would open a bottle to ease the process along.

I have never been an alcoholic, yet alcohol was not always helpful, and often the hangovers were harmful in my life. This book encouraged me to have a few experiments of going without alcohol - going to parties and bringing non alcoholic drinks, (soda water, mint and lime is a favourtite or kombucha), being the designated driver, going home when I felt like it. Saving money. Listening to my body. staying at home with a book. inviting people to picnics and bbqs instead of parties.

I was surprised so much by how much I do not miss it. I listen to friends talk about about how they had a horrible day at work and need a glass of wine - I get that, but now I call a friend and make a cup of tea. I have also lost weight. 5kg and 10cm off my waist. That's in combination with exercise as well, I am also much more likely to exercise not having alcohol on board.

So Yeah, I strongly recommend this book for girls like me. People who don't necessarily have disordered drinking, but just those who occasionally think that perhaps, it would be nice to go without alcohol once and a while. Perhaps that it might be helpful.

[Kathy · Rating 1 out of 5]

In addition to my love of nonfiction accounts of plagues and natural disasters, I also gravitate towards memoirs written by people who have overcome huge personal challenges. This book, which chronicles the author’s decision to stop drinking, seemed promising, but quickly devolved into an advertisement for her “wellness coaching” services. Very flat and poorly written. And I’m shaking my head that her decision to BECOME a wellness coach came while she was a raging alcoholic who admittedly did not exercise. At all! Apparently she thought making vegan desserts was the only credential she needed. At least it was a fast read. Skip this one!

[Meg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started off pretty strong but a little less than half way through it began to feel rushed and then overly upbeat and phony. Like a completely scripted movie. Maybe this IS her authentic self 🤷🏻‍♀️ who am I to judge. Wasn’t for me. I like real and raw. I almost felt insulted at how perfectly easy life should be according to her.
Whole second half of the book felt like an advert for her wellness company.

[Jennifer Graff · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good and honest account of the "just one more" mentality. I kept telling my husband "wow, this could have been me writing this story." The only thing I didn't like were the last few chapters. I just skimmed them, too much about the business side of it. It felt a little too much like a business pitch. However, the first 3 quarters were fantastic!! Well done!

[Cheryl Bentley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ms Weller is no great writer, but she is courageous and sincere. This book recounts her decision that alcohol could not be part of her life. An easy read and one that is encouraging, if not exactly inspiring.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a sober woman in a traditional 12 step program I had a hard time swallowing the “experiment” and suggestions in this book. Sobriety was life or death for me. This book made sobriety sound like a game when it is not. I live my life by Trusting god, cleaning house and helping others.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent memoir about a woman's journey to sobriety after being a life long party girl. Very honest, emotional, and so in touch with many womens' struggles. Inspiring!

[Liz · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was okay, I guess. Some of what she said actually hit home but deteriorated into (too old to be a) millennial vision board BS.

[Christy L · Rating 1 out of 5]

Self promoting and repetitive. Dialogue is phony. This is a must miss.

[Traceyhilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has struggled with alcohol dependency for nearly a decade, I have been trying to find a story to relate to and that would inspire me to continue trying to truly take a step back from drinking. So many of the books I picked up shared tales that were indeed harrowing and engrossing but nothing like my experience so finding Weller’s autobiography felt like a sign from the universe.

While admittedly Weller stays very surface level regarding her ‘whys’, the descriptions of her unhealthy relationship with booze are strikingly similar to mine and therefore very relatable as is her prose. The book is quite slim and could easily be consumed in one sitting but I opted to take it slow and really mull over some of her observations and actions.

For those looking for a deeper dive on the subject this likely isn’t the book for you but worth noting that the author’s website, which she started as a result of her quest for sobriety, is still up and running if you wanted to pursue further information.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know when you are going through something and you feel you are all alone…Like you are the ONLY person experiencing a certain pain, shame, guilt, worry, fear, etc.? This book reinforces that you are NOT alone, and anything you are going through, there is someone else out there just like you… on the same journey as you…and luckily this author was willing to share her relatable story to help give so many others hope. This isn’t just a book on sobriety, it’s a book about letting your guard down, forgiving yourself and listening and believing in your authentic self so that you can uncover that there is something more magical on the other side.

[Kristin Ogburn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. Honest and interesting look at one woman's journey to sobriety.

[Amy Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I agree with other reviews the first three quarters of the book are relatable in her struggle with alcohol, but the last bit does feel a bit like a sales pitch for her business. Nonetheless a good easy read.

[Jennifer Zink · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author is endearing and her story is heartfelt. I felt so happy for her as the story went on, and have already checked out another of her books. 😊

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, easy read, it’s a nice peek into the life of someone who is coming to grips with alcohol’s dominating role in her life. I read this on the heels of the Unexpected Joys of Being Sober which has a lot more meat. I’d start here then progress on. And check out her website.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

"When I discovered, at age sixteen, that alcohol could magically transform me into the confident and outgoing girl I longed to be, I fell in love with it. Never mind that it regularly kicked my ass, made me do and say stupid things, and stole my self-worth. Most of the time (okay, at least half of the time), it made me feel glamorous, fun, and hilarious."

Weller's story of her love affair with alcohol, her decision to test out sobriety, and her first eights months booze-free is a very heartfelt little tale. She's very open about the embarrassing things she'd do under the influence such as lose her phone, wake up in last night's clothes with no recollection of how she'd gotten home, or yell at her boyfriend. And she was subsequently forthcoming about how those things would make her feel in retrospect - guilty, embarrassed, wondering if her friends were upset with her, and vowing that next time she'd do better and drink less. Obviously there are people out there with a far more destructive relationship with alcohol - which she acknowledges. But I have a sneaking suspicion that many-a-person out there have similar tales of "hey, I haven't lost my job/lost a spouse/killed anyone due to alcohol... but damn, why can't I just stop at two or three glasses like all of my friends can?" who will relate to Weller's story.

But damn, Weller is one annoying chick. I would never want to meet her in person for fear that my eyes would roll into the back of my head and get stuck there. There were so many passages about vision boards, green juice, raw foods, yoga, giggling, words of intention, and action plans. She has friends named (no joke) Ashleigh, Sophie, and Chloe. Her big breakthrough decision to test out sobriety came at a wellness event where she was an Earth Angel - which is a pretentious title that simply means volunteer. She's an online wellness coach called Vegan Sparkles, and her website about abstaining from alcohol is titled Sexy Sobriety. She goes by Bex, even though her name is Rebecca (hi hon, there isn't an x in your name). Uuugghhhh.

I liked Weller's story, but I wouldn't like Weller as a person.

[Jeaninne Zanewich · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was really good for the most part. Where it fell short, was the simplification of the struggle. Many, many people embarking on the sobriety journey are not lucky enough to take up the challenge of 100 days without drinking and be successful. From my experience, people have set backs and it would have been good to read some of the interviews for readers to relate to different struggles.

She did a great job in describing her anticipation of attending events and the overwhelming battle to not drink in those situations. And it was important to read about the devil (not her word) tempting her to drink because it's easier.

Finally, the repetition became somewhat boring and I was ready for the book to end. Overall a good book, with a great beginning, good middle and a little flat at the end, though I was over the moon happy for her!