I wasn’t overly familiar with who Portia De Rossi (now Degeneres) was prior to reading this book. All I really knew was she acted on Arrested Development (brilliant) and single-handedly destroyed 1001 lesbian stereotypes. However, no more than 10 pages into the book, I knew her extremely well. I didn’t know her because of the honest and frank details she was sharing through her writing. I knew her, because she was the spitting image of so many women I work with.

The book is her personal account (no ghostwriter) of her life struggling with an eating disorder and her sexuality. I would say over 80% of the book is focused on her issues with bulimia, anorexia and compulsive exercise. The bottom point of her disorder landed her at 82 pounds at a height of 5’8 and collapsing. After collapsing, she was examined by doctors and told she had bone and liver deficiencies and was misdiagnosed with Lupus.

You could be thinking, “Great, another book about an eating disorder. Just what we need!” I have read quite a few books and memoirs on the subject. Not to mention, the real life experiences. I can easily say this is at the top of the list that touches on the reality of the situation, while maintaining an very interesting (and at times intense) read. She wasn’t afraid to “go there.” It wasn’t dramatic or trite. It was just the right amount of exposure.

I like that she doesn’t end it in a “the birds are singing and world is shinning” kind of way. She (self-admitted) is still dealing with certain issues and is still healing. Overall, it is a great read.

Why Am I Reviewing This Book?

Obviously, a memoir isn’t the normal type of book review I give on the site. There is an important reason I chose to review this book, put up the podcast I did this week, and the post about the blood tests.

Everyday, sometimes multiple times a day, I get an email that begs me for help. These emails can be 2000+ words long, are always layered in panic and anxiety, and running out of hope. The number one question I get now is – “When is MRM going to be re-released?” I do the best I can to answer these emails, but there is only so much time in a day. Normally I use to refer to the MRM book and call it a day. I didn’t realize how many people were helped and affected by that book.

Recently, I have had an increasingly large influx of email. I highly doubt it’s just my ever growing and adoring fan base. Be it the state of our current industry or pressure of the world – things are getting worse in the area of eating disorders. It is important to take this seriously now and hit it head on.

Because of all this, I am putting a higher priority on getting it re-written. It will be even more detailed and help (I think) more than before. I am also setting up a separate email list for those who want information on this type of stuff specifically and when MRM comes out. It will be the best way to stay updated on things in general. If you are interested – sign up below. I am going to do what I can to try and get the book re-written and edited by the new year. Stay tuned.

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  3. Ultimate Warrior Workouts – Martin Rooney – Review
  4. Review Week – Aka: Was there a product release memo I missed?
  5. A Different Body Composition Book Club