‘Going Dry: A Workbook’ by Hilary Sheinbaum is a practical guide for anyone looking to reduce their alcohol consumption and improve their overall quality of life. The book is designed as an interactive workbook, filled with exercises and tools to help readers evaluate their drinking habits, set goals, and develop healthier routines. Sheinbaum approaches the topic with empathy and understanding, making this a supportive resource for anyone interested in drinking less and living more.

Accuracy: ★★★★☆
The information in ‘Going Dry’ is accurate and well-researched, drawing on both scientific studies and anecdotal evidence to support its recommendations. Sheinbaum provides a balanced view of alcohol consumption, acknowledging its social and cultural significance while also highlighting the potential risks associated with excessive drinking. The workbook format ensures that readers can apply the strategies in a practical, personalised way.

Perspective: ★★★★☆
Sheinbaum’s perspective is both practical and compassionate. She doesn’t push for complete abstinence but instead encourages readers to find the balance that works best for them. This approach is refreshing and realistic, acknowledging that cutting down on alcohol doesn’t have to mean giving it up entirely. Her emphasis on mindfulness and self-reflection helps readers understand their relationship with alcohol and make informed decisions about their consumption.

Relevance: ★★★★☆
With the growing interest in "sober curious" movements and a cultural shift towards healthier lifestyles, ‘Going Dry’ is highly relevant. It addresses the concerns of many who are questioning their drinking habits, offering a structured approach to reducing alcohol intake. The book is timely and provides practical tools that can be easily integrated into daily life, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to make positive changes.

Engagement: ★★★★☆
The workbook format of ‘Going Dry’ keeps readers engaged by encouraging active participation. The exercises and reflection prompts make the content interactive, allowing readers to personalise their journey. Sheinbaum’s writing is clear and approachable, which helps maintain interest throughout the book. While the topic might seem daunting to some, the author’s supportive tone makes the process feel manageable and even empowering.

Readability: ★★★★☆
‘Going Dry’ is well-written and easy to follow. The language is straightforward, and the workbook format is intuitive, guiding readers step by step through the process of reducing their alcohol consumption. The book is organised in a way that makes it easy to dip in and out, allowing readers to work through it at their own pace. The exercises are clear and practical, making it an accessible resource for anyone, regardless of their starting point.

Enjoyment: ★★★★☆
For those who are motivated to make a change in their drinking habits, ‘Going Dry’ can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. The interactive elements make the process engaging, and the author’s encouraging tone helps keep the mood positive. While the subject matter is serious, Sheinbaum’s approach is empowering, making the journey to drinking less feel like an opportunity for growth rather than a chore.


‘Going Dry: A Workbook’ by Hilary Sheinbaum is a valuable guide for anyone looking to reduce their alcohol consumption and improve their overall well-being. With accurate information, practical exercises, and a compassionate approach, the book offers readers the tools they need to make meaningful changes in their lives. The workbook format keeps the content engaging and accessible, making it a useful resource for both those just starting their journey and those already on the path to drinking less. Whether you’re looking to cut back or quit entirely, ‘Going Dry’ provides the support and structure needed to succeed.

I guess I wanted to read something like this just bring sober curious but I keep not getting to it. No rating

I enjoyed browsing through this. Feels really attainable and a good place to start if going dry is something that you want to do.

For anyone "sober curious" or interested in cutting back on alcohol consumption, this new title from Hilary Sheinbaum is a great way to get started. Blending relatable anecdotes from the author's own sobriety journey with practical, thoughtful exercises, Sheinbaum's workbook aims to help her readers develop a deeper understanding of their own relationships with alcohol and support them in making healthier lifestyle choices. I'm looking forward to sharing an excerpt from this title in an upcoming issue of our print magazine.

Engaging and accessible. A recommended purchase for collections where sobriety and self help titles are popular.

This is such a good idea. There are tons of books about drinking less and going 'sober' out there, but I have never seen a workbook!
Firstly, this book is beautiful to look at! Its really bright and colourful, and easy on the eye - so that's always a plus. You will WANT to pick this up as it's just so pretty!
Secondly, the prompts are useful and relevant. There's a ton of prompts covering day-by-day.

I don't know how useful this would be as a guide for drinking less as this is not something I am looking to do right now - but I could definitely see myself looking at this again when the time is right.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. I thought it would be more of a book than just workout. It was just ok.

As a mental health therapist I am always looking for engaging, easy to read/use workbooks for my clients. So many of my clients are considering drastically reducing drinking or quitting all together and there is a distinct lack of material in the world currently to support people considering "going dry". This workbook is PERFECT for anyone who is curious about sobriety and is looking for a way to explore their thoughts, feelings and behaviors around drinking in a non-judgemental way.
I will absolutely be recommending this workbook to clients once it is published!

A tremendous workbook for anyone interested in a dry life, whether during Dry January, Sober October, or for a longer or shorter time. Beautifully designed, filled with exercises and prompts to help you reach your dry goals. Recommended!

Hilary Sheinbaum's "The Dry Challenge Workbook" is a comprehensive and encouraging guide for anyone considering taking a break from alcohol. Whether you're motivated by Dry January, Sober October, or just a personal goal to cut back, this workbook offers a plethora of tools and strategies to ensure success.

From the outset, Sheinbaum, a seasoned journalist and lifestyle expert, shares her personal journey with Dry January, adding a relatable and genuine voice to the narrative. What began as a friendly bet transformed into a life-enhancing annual ritual, and she uses this experience to foster a sense of community and support for readers. This personal touch is one of the workbook's greatest strengths, making the effort to change feel more like a shared journey than a solitary endeavor.

The workbook is structured in a clear, user-friendly manner, starting with the basics of what it means to go alcohol-free and why it might be beneficial. This is personalized by asking the reader to reflect on thier own journey and relationship with alchol. This foundational knowledge helps to reinforce the reader's commitment to the challenge by highlighting the tangible benefits they can expect.

One of the standout features of the workbook is its wealth of interactive elements. The checklists and prompts are not only engaging but also immensely helpful in keeping the reader motivated and on track.

Moreover, the workbook excels in its inclusion of fun, alcohol-free alternatives. The space for mocktails and place to brainstorm for hosting non-alcoholic gatherings are a delight, proving that abstaining from alcohol doesn’t mean missing out on social enjoyment.

While the workbook is incredibly supportive, it doesn't shy away from addressing the possible setback, such as what to do when you fail, as many people trying to change do.
Overall, "The Dry Challenge Workbook" is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to explore life without alcohol. It balances motivational support with practical advice, making the daunting task of giving up alcohol much more approachable and achievable. Whether you are a seasoned participant in alcohol-free months or a newcomer curious about the benefits, Hilary Sheinbaum’s workbook is a supportive companion that promises to make the journey both successful and enjoyable.