In her book "Drinking in America: Our Secret History," author Susan Cheever explores the complex relationship Americans have with alcohol throughout history. She highlights how the societal perception of sobriety has often been overshadowed by the prevalence of drinking in American culture, with notable figures and events intertwining with the narrative of alcohol consumption.

Cheever references poet John Berryman's remark that while sobriety merits discussion, it has not been sufficiently addressed. This observation underscores a cultural tendency to focus on drinking and its impacts rather than the merits of moderation and sobriety, prompting a reflection on how these themes are woven into the fabric of American life.