I’m going to be really honest right now. When I asked Allison @ The Book Wheel for a “U”-titled suggestion in order to complete my A-Z Book Challenge, I was kind of underwhelmed about the idea of reading Unbearable Lightness by Portia de Rossi, the actress that I basically have no idea about except for the fact that she’s married to Ellen.
I was so wrong about my first impressions of this book. It was REALLY good.
Portia de Rossi (born Amanda Rogers, a name so boring and common that she wanted to change it in order to be unique) started out as a model then turned actress. From the time she was a young teenager, Portia battled with weight issues, dealing with forms of anorexia, bulimia, and extreme exercise and dieting.
She also was a closeted homosexual, hating basically everything about herself. But she knew it would be better once she reached that “perfect” weight.
Portia de Rossi really let you inside her mind for this novel. I’ve read books about eating disorders before, but I have to say, this is the first book where I UNDERSTOOD what was really going on inside the mind of someone with a severe eating disorder. She gave me a viewpoint that I hadn’t received before, and it was enlightening.
And the Epilogue was really good, discussing issues with dieting and her path to healing. Don’t skip it if you read the book.
The only thing I would warn you is that if you personally have battled an eating disorder, be careful about choosing to read this book. I felt like I understood Portia’s rationale, which could be challenging for someone who has dealt with an eating disorder, maybe even at some points reminding you as to why you felt that way in the first place. Read a sample first before making the decision to read Unbearable Lightness.
I loved this book, and sped through it. I really connected with it as a woman, since we are all thrown images of “perfect” women all the time. Should I gain weight? Lose weight? Have some plastic surgery? Go to the gym? Eat that cookie? Eat the vegetables?
Portia was able to find happiness and acceptance. And I know that once we’re all happy with ourselves as we are, then we can find the same.
Let’s build some self esteem here: What do you love about yourself?
Thanks for reading,
What a great review. I’ve thought about reading her book after seeing her on Oprah, talking about it. Now that I see you liked it and felt like it got to the heart and truth of who she is and what she went through, I feel more motivated to read it . Thanks Rebecca! ~Ilene
Ilene,
I don’t think you will be disappointed. I have read a few books about eating disorders but this one felt like I could almost relate to what Portia was going through. I could understand her thoughts and actions, and I had not gotten that from the other books in the same way.
Thanks for reading!!!!
Rebecca
I was surprised by how good this book was too. I don’t remember why I picked it up but I was glad I did
I’m glad you picked it up! It seems to be a book that has slipped away from people, and maybe it’s because Portia is famous, but I think it’s one that is a valuable read!
I told you! I’m just happy that after all of your awesome recommendations I was able to give one to YOU. I read this after her emotional interview on Oprah and it made watching Ally McBeal on Netflix an entirely different experience when it came to her scenes that referenced in the book.
As for what I love about myself, it’s my perseverance and optimism. Even when I have bad days, I know that at the end of my sulking, I will be hopeful again. It’s also one of the things I love about you! That and your ability to make me feel pretty in pictures
What a great response!!!!!
I am now going to tell you something I love about you: You totally have my back and are really thoughtful! Like when I was out of town at the wedding, you responded to people on Twitter for me so they wouldn’t think I was ignoring them! So thoughtful!!!!
And yeah, you also recommend awesome books! I now have thousands of new books thanks to you
Awww
I really like Portia, though I don’t know if I’ll read her book. I’m feeling a little female-actress-memoir burnt out at the moment. But she’s a really great actress, and I’m glad that she’s happy and healthy these days!
Maybe in a few years when you’ve had a female-actress-memoir break! Or never, it’s up to you!
I don’t usually read those type of books, and this one felt more like a book about eating disorders to me since I didn’t even know her as an actress!
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