Hungry for Life

A Gripping Account of Anorexia and Recovery

This book is a fascinating first-person account of the author’s struggle with anorexia nervosa and the years that followed as she worked towards recovery.

Growing up in a safe, homogeneous community with nurturing parents and having a privileged upbringing did not prevent an eating disorder from setting in, and it’s the perfect illustration of why this is a disease that does not discriminate.

There were troubling signs even in kindergarten, but it wasn’t until she encountered her nightmare of a first grade teacher, whose cruelty could only be rivaled by Miss Hannigan from Annie, that things truly started going downhill. Relentless bullying became the norm and continued all the way through high school, leading to feelings of inferiority and a crushed self-esteem. Her experience with a psychotic friend from drama club is especially unsettling.

As time progressed, obsessive behaviors began to manifest and dieting became more extreme. Her quest for academic perfection was a driving force and often interfered with her social life. Family mealtimes turned into a war zone as the struggle between her concerned parents and Rachel’s need to control her food intake intensified.

After graduating high school, Rachel became increasingly withdrawn as college progressed. She did find success in the theater, but even that wasn’t enough to quell her feelings of unworthiness.

The author does a remarkable job of describing her journey through the debilitating effects of an eating disorder and the therapy, both inpatient and out, that followed, and recounting the events that led to her eventual recovery.

Narration by the author is excellent. She brings the different individuals in the book to life through tone and inflection, and you can hear the pain in her voice when she relives the torment of years past, as well as the joy of finding new love and new life in recovery.

The latter portions of the book cover facts, statistics, observations and offer helpful advice regarding eating disorders, making this an invaluable resource for those struggling, as well as their loved ones.

*I was given a free review copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

3 sur 3 personne(s) ont trouvé cet avis utile.

❤️

A fascinating look at an eating disorder. A whole lot of heart and soul went into the writing. Made me tear up a few times. Well worth a listen.

Fantastic job by the narrator. Very well done.

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review.

1 sur 1 personne(s) ont trouvé cet avis utile.

Intriguing

I enjoyed listening to this book. The story line was so in depth and I loved learning about her life outside of the eating disorder as well as the struggle she goes through everyday fighting the disorder. If you want to learn more about the impact of eating disorders, this book is for you!

1 sur 1 personne(s) ont trouvé cet avis utile.

Fantastic!!!!

This was an emotional story and honestly I cried a few times. I have struggled with my own eating disorder and even though my situation was different, I felt so much for this story. Great writing and the narration was really well done as well. I highly recommend this audio!!!

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

1 sur 1 personne(s) ont trouvé cet avis utile.

Anorexia from the mind of an anorexic

This is a powerful book. A truly honest look at anorexia from someone who has lived it. We hear of anorexia but most of us don't understand that it is truly devastating to the person who has it. Through this book I can see how it takes hold of the mind and totally distorts it so the way the person thinks about their body and weight loss is so far out of whack they can easily starve themselves to the point of death and still think they are too fat. This book takes us right inside her mind so we can understand how it starts, progresses and how it takes over her life and distorts her mind. Although at times it is difficult to listen to, this is a truly amazing book and I recommend it to everyone. I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

1 sur 1 personne(s) ont trouvé cet avis utile.

wow, What a story!

This is such a tragic story. About one girls struggle with life. It starts early in her life of just 5 years old. From everything from a eating disorders, to OCD, and just not feeling worthy of life. Its truly heart breaking. And it shows the struggles of life for her. Just something as simple as eating with her family at dinner was a chore, even at such a young age.
this is truly worth a listen, especially if you know someone with an eating disorder. it shares such an insight into their life.

The writer is also is the narrator, she does a great job telling us her story.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

1 sur 1 personne(s) ont trouvé cet avis utile.

Hungry for life

Though, I found some of the narration a bit over the top,I enjoyed this book.I was not sure what to expect.Rachel is a normal child who latches on to not eating to keep slim.Her anerexia is a lifelong ailment.This book delves in to every aspect of the disease.It was informative and entertaining.Rachel herself,does a fine job narrating.“I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.”