Portia de Rossi weighed only 82 pounds when she collapsed on the set of the Hollywood film in which she was playing her first leading role. This should have been the culmination of all her years of hard work—first as a child model in Australia, then as a cast member of one of the hottest shows on American television. On the outside she was thin and blond, glamorous and successful. On the inside, she was literally dying.
In this searing, unflinchingly honest book, Portia de Rossi captures the complex emotional truth of what it is like when food, weight, and body image take priority over every other human impulse or action. She recounts the elaborate rituals around eating that came to dominate hours of every day, from keeping her daily calorie intake below 300 to eating precisely measured amounts of food out of specific bowls and only with certain utensils. When this wasn’t enough, she resorted to purging and compulsive physical exercise, driving her body and spirit to the breaking point.
Even as she rose to fame as a cast member of the hit television shows Ally McBeal and Arrested Development, Portia alternately starved herself and binged, all the while terrified that the truth of her sexuality would be exposed in the tabloids. She reveals the heartache and fear that accompany a life lived in the closet, a sense of isolation that was only magnified by her unrelenting desire to be ever thinner. With the storytelling skills of a great novelist and the eye for detail of a poet, Portia makes transparent as never before the behaviors and emotions of someone living with an eating disorder.
From her lowest point, Portia began the painful climb back to a life of health and honesty, falling in love with and eventually marrying Ellen DeGeneres, and emerging as an outspoken and articulate advocate for gay rights and women’s health issues.
In this remarkable and beautifully written work, Portia shines a bright light on a dark subject. A crucial book for all those who might sometimes feel at war with themselves or their bodies, Unbearable Lightness is a story that inspires hope and nourishes the spirit. [via GoodReads]
GIVEAWAY: I have 1 copy up for grabs!
As always, leave a comment for one entry. If you'd like extra entries just say so in your comment or separate comments (extra entries for followers, Twitter, sidebars, Facebook, my spiffy All About {n} button, etc.) Make sure to leave an e-mail address, especially if you are leaving a comment under Anonymous.
Rules: This contest is open internationally! Winners will be drawn Saturday, December 18.
As always, leave a comment for one entry. If you'd like extra entries just say so in your comment or separate comments (extra entries for followers, Twitter, sidebars, Facebook, my spiffy All About {n} button, etc.) Make sure to leave an e-mail address, especially if you are leaving a comment under Anonymous.
Rules: This contest is open internationally! Winners will be drawn Saturday, December 18.
136 comments:
I have been really tempted to pick up this book. I'll try to win it, but after that, the wallet is coming out. Great review :) I think most people have been at war with their bodies, at least a little bit...
I've heard so much about this book. Saw Ellen DeGeneres on a show recently talking about her partner's book. Count me in for this one too and if I don't win it, I'm off to the bookstore to get myself a copy. :P
Oh wow...I remember hearing that Portia had a book that was coming out a while ago, I hadn't actually heard the title until now though. It sounds heartwrenching, and I am definitely going to be reading it in the near future, whether I win it or not :)
Thanks for the giveaway and for sharing this book with me :)
Ambur
ambiepie_6(at)hotmail(dot)com
I'm a GFC follower(.ambur.)
Ambur
ambiepie_6(at)hotmail(dot)com
I'm a twitter follower (@AmburHostyn)
Ambur
ambiepie_6(at)hotmail(dot)com
I'm a networked blogs follower (Ambur Hostyn)
Ambur
ambiepie_6(at)hotmail(dot)com
I also have your button on my sidebar: http://burningximpossiblyxbright.blogspot.com/
Ambur
ambiepie_6(at)hotmail(dot)com
I really want this book. I work at a book store and see it everyday! I would love to get a copy!
natashajennex(at)gmail.com
This book intrigues me for a number of reasons...it's on my library list, but I'd love to win a copy!
Thanks for the giveaway!!
vidisha
vidishamun@gmail.com
Follower
vidisha
vidishamun@gmail.com
Please enter me! I've seen this book around, and it sounds really interesting.
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Thanks!
jlelliott08 AT gmail DOT com
I REALLY want to read this book.
I follow you with GFC,
on Twitter (mekyser),
on Facebook (megan kyser),
on Goodreads (megan kyser), and I have your button on my blog.
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megankyser at gmail dot com
I'd love a chance to read this, I am a follower also :)
Please count me in for this book. I have heard quite a bit about this book.
mystica123athotmaildotcom
I follow you on GFC
mystica123athotmaildotcom
I love reading memoirs and autobiographies, I am on a big kick right now. I would love to win this book, thanks for hosting this giveaway!
I am a follower!
sleepingbette[at]yahoo[dot]com
When she was introduced to Ally MacBeale, Portia was one of my favorite characters. I was quite surprised when I later read about her problems.
This sounds like a very honest and painfull book andI would dearly like to read it.
Please enter me in the giveaway.
I follow via GFC (buddyt)
Thanks
Carol T
buddytho {at} gmail DOT com
I've read several reviews of this book and would really like to read it.
I tweeted
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I posted to my sidebar
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I posted your button on my blog
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eva.s.black[@]gmail[.]com
I definitely want to read this one.
GFC follower.
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Goodreads friend.
FB networked blogs follower.
JHS
Colloquium
jhsmail at comcast dot net
Thanks for the giveaway!
Haven't heard of this before but I remember reading about when she collapsed.
crimson_haze(at)hotmail(dot)com
Thanks for the giveaway, I´m in!
GFC follower (seesen9)
twitter follower (@seesen9)
have your button here (http://thelovetoread.blogspot.com)
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I saw her doing interviews about the book. I had no idea this was happening. I would love to read it.
I am a gfc follower.
debbie
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
I am a follower. :)
Michelle
michelle_thebookjunkie@hotmail.com
Oooo I have been eyeing this one in the stores, but reminded myself I need to buy Christmas presents before books for myself. LOL SO maybe I'll have a chance at winning it instead!
Thanks for the great giveaways!
chrystal(dot)mclean(at)yahoo(dot)ca
I've been thinking about picking this one up too! I really want to read it!
Casey
caseyrandom@gmail.com
and I'm a follower
caseyrandom@gmail.com
Wow, this sounds great. Sign me up. I am also a follower of yours :)
Super giveaway. I'd love a chance.
frellathon(at)gmail(dot)com
I follow
This book sounds so amazing, especially after her Oprah interview!
adw7984 at gmail dot com
Saw her on Oprah and Ellen...would love to win.
littleone AT shaw DoT ca
I follow on GFC.
littleone AT shaw DOT ca
Great contest. Read so many good things about the book.
I follow you with GFC,
on Twitter (@gconoy),
on Facebook (gertrud conoy).
hrududu AT hrududu DOT de
I'd love to win this giveaway.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net
I would like to win this book. Thanks for the chance!
I'm a GFC follower.
musmekipi at gmail dot com
I remember seeing Portia De Rossi on Ally McBeal and thinking she was absolutely gorgeous (if not more than a little thin). I had no idea she had all these issues going on! I would love to read this.
candc320@gmail.com
I am a GFC follower (Colleen Turner).
candc320@gmail.com
I am a Networked Blogs follower (Colleen Turner).
candc320@gmail.com
I am a goodreads friend (Colleen Turner).
candc320@gmail.com
Body image has become such a major problem in this country. Children are starting earlier and earlier to diet and comment on other's figures. The 'ideal' model body is unrealistically thin and unrealistic. What a shame girls and women starve themselves literally to death, just to reach or maintain an unreal and unhealthy weight and image. Unfortunately, Portia had even more issues to deal with.
This should be a very interesting read.
librarypat AT comcast DOT net
I am a GFC Follower.
librarypat AT comcast DOT net
I subscribe by email at the address below.
librarypat AT comcast DOT net
Sounds really good.
ruthiekb72ATyahooDOTcom
I friended you on Facebook.
librarypat AT comcast DOT net
This book sounds interesting! Thank you for the review. I'd love to be entered :)
judittten at gmail dot com
I'm GFC follower
judittten at gmail dot com
I follow you on Twitter (@judittten)
judittten at gmail dot com
I have your button on my humble blog :)
http://loveinbooks.blogspot.com/
judittten at gmail dot com
I'm a GFC follower. Thanks so much for the giveaway!
lvtink21@wi.rr.com
How could a person have the will power to lose so much weight.
Please enter my name in the giveaway for the book. Thanks!
pboylecharley AT hotmail DOT com
I have heard some really positive things about this book. Its on my wishlist.
Misha
mishamary@gmail.com
GFC Follower
Misha
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Blog button - Right sidebar under blogroll
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mishamary@gmail.com
I am a twitter follower @Misha_1989
Misha
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Goodreads friend
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mishamary@gmail.com
even though this is such a heartwrenching subject, i've really been looking forward to reading this book. i'll just have the tissues handy...
k_sunshine1977 at yahoo dot com
i friended you on goodreads (kisah)
k_sunshine1977 at yahoo dot com
i'm your friend on facebook (kisah j)
k_sunshine1977 at yahoo dot com
i am a gfc follower
k_sunshine1977 at yahoo dot com
Wow, lots of people are interested in this book. I am so excited to read this one!. I'm an old follower. Ps. Love the christmas change to your header! (cute!!!!)
Katie
kate182(at)gmail(dot)com
I am a follower and email subscriber. Please enter me in contest. I would love to read this book. Tore923@aol.com
Old follower...
I saw Portia on Oprah and was enthralled with her story! Thx for the giveaway!
Jen @ I Read Banned Books
jenbigheart@yahoo.com
Great Giveaway! Enter Please!!
- GFC Follower
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PelicanJL(at)hotmail(dot)com
I'd love to read this book. Thanks for the giveaway.
(I'm a GFC follower :) )
Lucia
fernandezalmiron(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Please enter me. I'm very intrigued by her story
jpetroroy at gmail dot com
I'd like to read this raw and intriguing book. Thanks.
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com
follow your blog
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com
follow you on twitter, partymix25
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com
I've heard a lot about this book and I'd love to read it, especially after seeing Portia interviewed about it. Thanks for the chance to win it!
kate1485 at hotmail.com
I'm following via GFC as Jasmine1485
Kate1485 at hotmail.com
Hi, thank you for this giveaway!
+1 Follower of your blog
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+1 Twitter follower (@Syki)
+1 I retweeted your tweets about giveaways
+1 I have connected my Twitter with my FB account, so all my friends can see status about this giveaway
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Take care <3
am a follower via GFC
FairyWhispers
maidenhealer@hotmail.com
sounds like a really good memoir
Sounds fantastic! I'd love to read it-
i'm a follower.
k_anon[at]hotmail[dot]co[dot]uk
I'd love to read this!
Extra entries:
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Thanks for the giveaway!
entrelibros_blog at hotmail.com
Thank you for the giveaway!
xlacrimax[at]gmail.com
I saw her discussing this book on OPrah and was so moved by how she described being gripped by her eating disorder - sounds like it affected you too.
thanks for hosting this!
booksncity@gmail.com
I am a GFC follower
booksncity@gmail.com
Thanks so much! I'm an old GFC follower.
texas_gal45(at)hotmail(dot)com
I've heard great things about this book and would love to read it.
I follow on GFC
pbclark(at)netins(dot)nt
I've been wanting to read this since I saw her do an interview on Oprah. It sounds like such a good book.
Thanks!
Jules
mooncatfarms at yahoo dot com
+1 GFC follower
Thanks for bring this book to light for me it sounds really interesting...also for the chance to win!
heidivargas [at] live dot com
Nice giveaway! I wanna read this!
jusiplabninsky at yahoo dot com
I follow on Twitter as ninskylabjusip
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I follow via GFC. :D
jusiplabninsky at yahoo dot com
Thanks for makig this international, I would really like to win this book.
natalie23(AT)hotmail(DOT)co(DOT)uk
I follow on GFC as natalie23
natalie23(AT)hotmail(DOT)co(DOT)uk
I'd love to win this book!
aikychien at yahoo dot com
Blog follower
aikychien at yahoo dot com
Twitter follower @aikchien
aikychien at yahoo dot com
Facebook fan [Aik Chien]
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aikychien at yahoo dot com
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Blogged:
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aikychien at yahoo dot com
This sounds like a compelling memoir. Please enter me.
+1 email subscriber
+1 Twitter follower(@Kulmona)
+1 GFC follower(MonaG)
monagargATyahooDOTcom
I realize I forgot to include my e-mail, it is strandedhero(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks for the chance to win this book!!!
Jessy.wicked[at]gmail[dot]com
I'm GFC Follower!
I'm suscribe by e-mail ^^
Jessy.wicked[at]gmail[dot]com
Count me in, please.
And +1 for following.
dr.strangelove.vs.citizen.kane
@
gmail.com
This book looks so great!
TaraTagli at gmail dot com
I follow you on Twitter!
@TaraLin
TaraTagli at gmail dot com
This sounds great! Please count me in.
nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
I follow
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I follow on Twitter
nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
Please enter me in!
+1 follower
horselovercutie@yahoo.com
On this one as well, please!
goncalo(dot)mil(at)gmail(dot)com
Count me in.
:)
catarina.magoito AT gmail.com
Please enter me !
raluk.93 at gmail (dot) com
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button on sidebar : http://booktopiasign.blogspot.com/
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added you as a friend on facebook (Jenny Misty)
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added you as a freind on goodreads (rallz)
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Please enter me, would love to read this book!
Thank you,
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Follow you via GFC
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Follow you on Twitter (@Stella_ExLibris)
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Have your button on my sidebar
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Have your button on my sidebar
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Thanks for giveaway.
pinkpeonyblossom at gmail dot com
GFC follower (jennifer)
pinkpeonyblossom at gmail dot com
Thanks a lot for the giveaway!
ana13kl AT gmail DOT com
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/rachellemv/status/16099239520112640
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Blog button on sidebar: http://reluctant-reader.blogspot.com/
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I'm also a GFC follower.
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Great offer!
:)
jafantunes AT sapo.pt
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