Brian Larson’s new book is “the work of a writer who deeply cares about the person on the other side of the page,” Malala Yousafzai wrote
Credit: Ryerson Dekker; Broadleaf Books
NEED TO KNOW
- Author Brian Larson explores the transformative and joyful possibilities of sobriety in The Afterparty
- The forthcoming book blends memoir, cultural critique and practical advice while addressing sobriety’s impact on identity, mental health and relationships
- Malala Yousafzai and Lukas Gage praised The Afterparty, which debuts May 2027
A recovering alcoholic is illustrating sobriety not as an end, but as a beginning, in The Afterparty.
For many, sobriety can feel rigid and limiting, writes author Brian Larson, who’s experienced the challenge firsthand. But then he discovered the “joyful, honest and far more expansive” side of choosing not to drink, which he imparts in his new book, The Afterparty, debuting in May 2027.
“So much of the language around sobriety focuses on what you’re giving up, and it can leave you wondering whether life will ever feel spontaneous, social or fun again,” Larson shares with PEOPLE. “I wanted The Afterparty to focus instead on what can come back to you: your time, your curiosity, your relationships, your creativity and a clearer sense of who you are.”
Credit: Broadleaf Books
“The Afterparty is the book about sobriety I wish I could have handed myself 10 years ago, when I was struggling to imagine what a life without alcohol might actually look like,” the author continues. “I also wanted to show that there is no single way to build a sober life, and that sobriety is possible even for people who don’t see themselves reflected in the traditional Twelve Step model.”
The Afterparty blends memoir, cultural critique and practical guidance while also addressing how mental health, social life, hobbies and passions can be affected by the choice to be sober. His book also unpacks the “messy intersection of alcohol, identity, sexuality, shame and belonging,” per the book’s description.
Larson’s perspective as a gay man uniquely connects him to both the LGBTQ+ and sober communities, but he hopes to reach people from all walks of life who are interested in discovering the beauty of sobriety.
The Afterparty has received stellar reviews ahead of its release next year, including a comment from human rights activist Malala Yousafzai, who called the book “a comprehensive and compassionate guide to recovery.”
“Brian’s story is one you won’t forget and his advice is clear-eyed and kind in equal measure—the work of a writer who deeply cares about the person on the other side of the page,” Yousafzai wrote of The Afterparty.
Actor Lukas Gage also praised Larson’s forthcoming book as “vulnerable, funny and beautifully human.”
Credit: Ryerson Dekker
Larson tells PEOPLE The Afterparty is his “invitation to live a sober life in full technicolor.”
“Sobriety doesn’t have to mean the party is over. Sometimes it means you’re finally arriving at the part worth staying for,” he says. “So get your dancing shoes on and meet me under the glow of the disco ball.”
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The Afterparty debuts May 4, 2027 and is available for pre-order now, wherever books are sold.
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