9 Books That Don’t Mention Alcohol: Your Ultimate Clean Reading List
Finding books that don’t mention alcohol can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. As you may know by now, we regularly send out recommendation posts. These include books, podcasts, movies, TV shows, and more. After publishing our most recent post, a request came back that I knew I needed to jump on.
Someone in the TNM community asked if I could curate a list of books that don’t revolve around drinking. They love a good mystery book, but were tired of all of them seeming to center around drinking to solve the sleuthing. I’m a voracious reader, but I’m far enough removed from my drinking days that these sorts of characters no longer trigger me. It’s like when I’m at the grocery store, and I don’t even notice there’s a wine aisle. It’s just no longer on my radar, but I know that for many of you, it can still be a turn-off or create a spiral when you’re invested in a good read, but the characters are just one long boozefest.
Why Clean Books Matter for Alcohol-Free Living
I immediately jumped on finding books you can read that either rarely mention alcohol or are completely free from it. And man, oh man, is my mind blown—it turns out that many genres include “clean” books! These are books that don’t rely on spices and vices to drive the plot. So that’s one way to find a book that won’t make you break your alcohol-free streak.
I also came across another amazing resource: The Storygraph App. This app includes filters that allow you to flag books that contain references to alcohol, drugs, addiction, or any other triggers you want to avoid in your books. So so cool!
And if you haven’t read This Naked Mind, The Alcohol Experiment, This Naked Life, or Buzz to Buzzkill yet—add them to your TBR list so you can be ahead of the game before my next book comes out!
How to Find Books That Don’t Mention Alcohol
So, based on these lists and the app I mentioned, I’m bringing you this list of clean books you can turn the pages without worrying about turning down a drink. I haven’t read all of these, but I’m adding them to my TBR list!
Quick note – When you buy something we recommend, we may get an affiliate commission — but it never affects your price or what we pick.
Want to see what we’ve recommended in the past? You can find it all here – https://thisnakedmind.com/category/recommendations/
Romance Books Without Drinking References
Midnight at The Blackbird Cafe by Heather Webber
Genre: Romance
Themes: Family secrets, magical realism, community, self-discovery
Trigger Warning: Underage drinking mentioned once, but not central to the plot.
Quote: “Pain changed people. I couldn’t go back to the way I’d been, because I wasn’t the same person who’d left.”
This enchanting novel blends southern charm with a touch of magic as Anna Kate Callow returns to her estranged grandmother’s cafe in Wicklow, Alabama. She soon discovers the cafe’s mystical secrets and the deep connections within the community, all while navigating her own path to healing. It’s a heartwarming read focused on finding your place and understanding your past.
Dropping The Ball by Melanie Jacobson
Genre: Romance
Themes: Self-discovery, relationships, personal growth, second chances
Trigger Warning: This is the latest romance novel by Melanie Jacobson, but most of her books are light or non-existent on drinking references. These books are light-hearted, fun, and quick reads!
Quote: “We leave here as experts in nothing, but that won’t matter if we stay students of everything.”
Melanie Jacobson is known for her clean and engaging romance novels that focus on relationships and personal journeys without relying on heavy themes or vices. If you’re looking for a feel-good love story that leaves you with a warm fuzzy feeling, her books are a perfect choice.
Thriller and Mystery Books That Don’t Revolve Around Alcohol
Going Zero by Anthony McCarten
Genre: Thriller
Themes: Surveillance, technology, privacy, ethical dilemmas
Trigger Warning: None explicitly related to alcohol or drugs.
Quote: “Some relationships bust you up. Some make you.”
In this high-stakes thriller, a group of ordinary citizens is chosen to participate in a competition: disappear from the digital grid for 30 days while an omnipresent AI tracks their every move. The implications for privacy and freedom are vast, making for a gripping and thought-provoking read that will keep you on the edge of your seat without any reliance on alcohol-fueled plot points.
The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency books by Alexander McCall Smith
Genre: Mystery
Themes: Kindness, community, traditional values, problem-solving
Trigger Warning: Any alcohol mentions are part of social settings but aren’t central to the theme or characters.
Quote: “We don’t forget…. Our heads may be small, but they are as full of memories as the sky may sometimes be full of swarming bees, thousands and thousands of memories, of smells, of places, of little things that happened to us and which came back, unexpectedly, to remind us who we are.”
Join Precious Ramotswe, Botswana’s only female private detective, as she solves cases with wit, wisdom, and a deep understanding of human nature. These gentle mysteries focus on the nuances of relationships and community, offering a refreshing approach to detective work that prioritizes empathy and observation over hard-boiled vices.
Classic Mystery Series Without Alcohol Focus
Father Brown Series by G.K. Chesterton
Genre: Mystery
Themes: Logic, morality, faith, human nature
Trigger Warning: None.
Quote: “My brain and this world don’t fit each other; and there’s an end of it.”
Father Brown, a unassuming Roman Catholic priest, uses his sharp intellect and deep understanding of human sin to solve baffling crimes. These classic mysteries are known for their clever plots and philosophical undertones, providing a captivating read that explores the complexities of good and evil without any reliance on alcohol.
The Cat Who Series by Lilian Jackson Braun
Genre: Mystery
Themes: Coziness, small-town life, feline companionship, gentle intrigue
Trigger Warning: While some of the books in these series may mention alcohol, it is not central to the theme or plot. These books are classic, quirky, and easy reads!
Quote: “When you don’t know what to do with yourself, do something for someone else.”
Join journalist Jim Qwilleran and his two Siamese cats, Koko and Yum Yum, as they solve mysteries in the quaint town of Pickax. These charming and quirky mysteries are beloved for their endearing characters, intriguing puzzles, and a general sense of comfort that makes them perfect for a relaxing, alcohol-free escape.
Science Fiction and Non-Fiction Books for Clean Reading
Orbital by Samantha Harvey
Genre: Science Fiction
Themes: Isolation, perspective, the human condition, existentialism
Trigger Warning: None explicitly.
Quote: “Don’t squander a life so miraculously given.”
This unique novel follows six astronauts aboard the International Space Station, offering a profound meditation on the human experience from an extraordinary vantage point. It delves into the characters’ inner worlds, their pasts, and their hopes, providing a reflective and introspective read that is far removed from earthly distractions.
The Craving Mind by Judson Brewer with Jon Kabat-Zinn
Genre: Psychology
Themes: Mindfulness, addiction, habit formation, behavioral change
Trigger Warning: Discusses addiction in a clinical and helpful context.
Quote: “How we relate to our thoughts and feelings makes all the difference.”
From a leading addiction psychiatrist, this book explores the science behind cravings and how mindfulness can help us break free from unhealthy habits. It’s an insightful and practical guide for anyone looking to understand the mechanics of their mind and cultivate healthier responses to urges, making it an invaluable resource for the TNM community.
Inspiring Memoirs That Don’t Mention Alcohol
Thirst: 2600 Miles to Home by Heather Anish Anderson
Genre: Memoir
Themes: Endurance, self-reliance, nature, personal triumph, overcoming adversity
Trigger Warning: None explicitly related to alcohol or drugs.
Quote: “I’d failed to live up to the expectations of my parents. I had not utilized my education in any real way and I’d given up on my marriage. For the first time, I accepted that I could not meet the expectations of others and make myself happy at the same time. Being true to myself had led me here–onto a wild trail in the middle of the night–not into a nine-to-five and the creation of my own family. I hated myself for not being able to conform happily. Hated myself for trying and failing. I loved myself for choosing to do what was right for me, no matter the cost. I forgave myself for trying to please others when I knew it wasn’t right for me.”
This inspiring memoir recounts Heather “Anish” Anderson’s incredible journey of setting a new record for hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. It’s a powerful story of physical and mental fortitude. Demonstrating the strength of the human spirit when faced with immense challenges, all while being a completely alcohol-free narrative.
Bonus: Free This Naked Mind Reading Recommendation
And I couldn’t close out this list without including a gift from This Naked Mind! If you haven’t read it yet, complete the form below to download This Naked Life. I affectionately call this the best book I never wrote! It’s a collection of 48 real, raw, and relatable stories from people who have bravely found freedom from alcohol. A story that encourages and inspires might be the best gift of all!
If you have a recommendation to add to this list, send it my way. I love reading and sharing your recommendations!
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