Cravings: How I Conquered Food

by Judy Collins

A no-holds-barred account of folk legend Judy Collins's harrowing struggle with compulsive overeating and of the journey that led her to a solution.

Since childhood Judy Collins has had a tumultuous, fraught relationship with food. Her issues with overeating nearly claimed her career and her life. For decades she thought she simply lacked self-discipline. She tried nearly every diet plan that exists, often turning to alcohol to dull the pain of yet another failed attempt to control her seemingly insatiable cravings.

Today, Judy knows she suffers from an addiction to sugar and grains, flour and wheat. She adheres to a strict diet of unprocessed foods consumed in carefully measured portions. This solution has allowed her to maintain a healthy weight for years, to enjoy the glow of good health, and to attain peace of mind.

Alternating between chapters on her life and those of the many diet gurus she has encountered along the way (Atkins, Jean Nidetch of Weight Watchers, Andrew Weil, to name a few), Cravings is the culmination of Judy's genuine desire to share what she's learned--so that no one else has navigate her heart-rending path to recovery.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Music, Health, Audiobook, Food, Biography

272 pages, Hardcover

Published February 28, 2017

About the author

Judith Marjorie Collins is an American folk and standards singer and songwriter, known for the stunning purity of her soprano; for her eclectic tastes in the material she records (which has included folk, showtunes, pop, and rock and roll); and for her social activism.

Reviews

[Judy Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iconic singer, (folk legend) songwriter, and author, Judy Collins delivers her most timely and critical memoir yet CRAVINGS: How I Conquered Food — courageously told, a personal harrowing struggle with painful addictions and her battle food: bingeing, bulimia, weight loss, and gain.

One of hope, recovery, renewal, and inspiration.

CRAVINGS is the author's heartfelt honest story of finally "filling the black hole" in her soul that comes from untreated food addiction. Sixty years of experience, struggling to find a solution. Compulsive eating. How she "slayed her demons" and conquered food addiction.

Insightful and informative, the musical star shares her personal story with others, to help them find a way to break free. Folk singer Judy Collins' tumultuous relationship with food began when she was a child, and led her into a downward spiral of bingeing, purging, and alcoholism that followed her for much of her life.

"In music, Judy found spiritual solace. In her addictions, she lived in a spiritual desert and had to find water and sustenance, the spark of inspiration and some solution that would end the drama of diets, pills, plans, doctors, extreme answers and mutilating consequences. . . "

Her proven plan has been a success offering joy and continued health. She is sharing her discovery with others. To help others out there seeking answers to their own food disorders. A new life, "free" of cravings.

It wasn't until she met her now-husband, Louis Nelson, in the 1970s that she decided to get sober and recover from bulimia. Collins, now 77, hopes her upcoming book, will help others resolve their own addictions

Her solution is a balanced food plan "free of the foods" that cause the addictions: Sugar, grains, flour, wheat, corn, and many foods which she is allergic to (containing alcohol). The foods which cause bulimic, anorexic, or overweight disorders; causing feelings of fear and self-loathing; diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease, among many others. (It works. Trying removing all these items for your diet, and you will remove the cravings.)

Collins highlights her life from childhood through her music career and her battle with alcoholism. Her personal and business relationships. Her family and the many people she has met along the way and influences in her life. Diet Gurus and others in her fight. Her ups and downs. She has spoken out previously and references here, regarding her alcoholism and the suicide of her only child, and the survivor of her own attempt to end her life at age fourteen.

With CRAVINGS the author wants to encourage others who suffer from the same problems—there is a way "through the dark" night of the soul of compulsive overeating.

The folk star has been sober for thirty-eight years from alcohol; however, has had to learn to eat in a different but healthy way. Someone who was controlled and obsessed by food. From fasting, compulsive exercise, restricting food, bone loss, purging, bulimia and an array of dieting.

As we learn from Judy’s personal story and account, this horrible addiction begins at childhood. With our children and grandchildren today — being subjected to large amounts of sugar, processed foods, chemical, additives, and preservatives— (as well as adults) trouble lies ahead which will carry into teens and adulthood in many ways, if not identified and corrected. We all have to take control. She like many of us, have become an advocate for healthy foods, speaking out against the big food companies which make money with added corn, fat, sugar, salt, and additives.

Judy steps out to share her tragedies, even from an early age of three, nothing made her happier than to devour sugar in any form. Sugar fueled her race through life, as does many others today. It was the beginning of her dance with the devil.

From depression, hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, sadness, nightmares, anxiety attacks, and blackouts. She spent most of her life deep into her addictions, trickling over into other areas of her life. She explains how alcohol addiction is sometimes twinned with sugar addiction.

“My mind is clear, my heart is light, my health is perfect, she writes. . . I surrendered to it and never looked back." Collins has been sober now for 39 years and recovered from bulimia for more than 33 years.

"We are all in the same lifeboat, but the rescue ship is in the harbor, and we can all come aboard," she writes, hoping that readers will be inspired by her story to resolve their own addictions.

In summary: Teaching people about addiction and opening up a forum is part of Collins’ goal with Cravings.

After reading her latest book, have even more respect for her incredible journey. She is a timeless legend. Compelling and absorbing, readers will be moved by her inspiring journey and hopefully educated about food addictions— and make the necessary changes needed. Highly recommend!

A special thank you to Doubleday and NetGalley for an early reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

JDCMustReadBooks


* * * * *

On a side "food/health"note:
As many of you know, I am a food advocate. Having severe food allergies, and after keeping years of food journals, about ten years ago, went to a totally vegan diet. I found additives, preservatives, and chemicals to be causing my health problems, plus all the items Judy has listed in the book. I do not drink alcohol or eat sugar, or processed foods. I do not take any medications, nor do I eat grains, sugar, flour, corn, etc. The slightest addictive or chemical, I can experience Anaphylaxis or heart issues. Plus without the junk, you maintain your health, weight, and your size 4.

The exact foods Judy outlines are some of the main factors which cause these problems. When you eliminate these things from your diet, these health problems go away. Yes, it takes planning, no you cannot dine out and a little more difficult when traveling; however, it is worth it in the end. Our society today is lazy and will not take the time and effort to stay away from these foods and take a bolder stand. If they did, our food industry may be different, today.

I totally agree with the addiction. I see my son and his family. Always dieting, exercising, and health issues at a young age and grandchildren. They crave the sugar. One thing leads to another. When I visit, I tell them they must throw out everything in their pantry and refrigerator. I cringe. I refuse to eat any of these items and until they take their health seriously, they keep doing the same things and expecting different results, as many others.

On a side note "about the name": Fun to see my name on a book cover.

We all love "The Judy Collins!" (After all, I have her name). I was born Judy Dianne Collins (my parents love her, as well). The name Judy was very popular in the 50s. If you grew up in the 50s, 60s, and 70s, you have to be a fan of Grammy-winning folk-music legend Judy Collins, known for her iconic renditions of "Amazing Grace", "Send in the Clowns" and “From "Both Sides, Now."

After my divorce, I legally took back my maiden name, Judy Collins in the early 80s, and have been referenced to the “Queen of Folk” throughout my career with the same name. Especially when in the media, advertising, and publishing business in Atlanta— always a reference to “The Judy Collins,” and her songs.

Proud to bear her name! However, when it was time to find a domain for my website and blog, and social media, of course, that spot was taken by the "queen" herself, so I had to avert to Judith D Collins.

Have listened to her music for years, enjoyed her concerts, her record albums, and her books — still a huge fan of her music. An inspiration to many. Exciting, to see she still is "full throttle" ahead at age 77 with Judy Collins and Ari Hest: Silver Skies Blue Album. Nice! Do not see retirement in her future.

[Richard Derus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5* of five

It's #Booksgiving! Start getting your bookish friends their read on...if someone in your life is a celebrity follower, this is a good idea, but if someone you care for needs help with food addiction, this is perfect.

Judy Collins's memoir of battling alcohol and food cravings her entire adult life. I gave it 3.5 stars because, while inspiring, its ideas for what and how to fight the fight are untenable for someone of average financial and social resources. My full review is on my blog.

[Renée Roehl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sadly, I only give this 1.5 stars but I reserve one star for things I pretty much hate.

I read many memoirs on eating disorders, alcoholism, drug addiction, etc. to gain insight, glean motivations, see how they got themselves out, etc. as research for the work I do with clients.

The sub-title should've been the giveaway for me: "How I conquered food." Food is apparently still viewed as an enemy, and I personally feel that those with eating disorders eventually learn to be friends with food, not "conquer" it.

This was a poorly written book with uninteresting sentences, and unnecessary name dropping. Collins likes to tell us how awful it all was, in a redundant manner over the course of way too many pages. It's clear she has strong opinions about wheat, corn, grains, sugar, as she repeats this over and over and over how they are poison. I personally can only agree with the sugar part.

It's not an emotionally honest book with any depth, and I don't think it could be because it appears that Collins has not actually done the inner work to figure out why she was ever an alcoholic with a severe eating disorder, even though she's been 'sober' for many years. If she did do this work, she doesn't let the reader in on it. The tragic life of her son is a throw away. And why she actually got custody when she made it pretty clear (inadvertently?) she wasn't equipped to be a mother at that time is a mystery.

The end is where the 'answers' might lie and yet there are none. No internal epiphany, just a diet and and acetic one at that, one that most people wouldn't be interested in as a life long plan.

One thing I did like about the book was the history of diet gurus she interspersed between her "journey."

[Joyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not one for memoirs, but Judy Collins's recent memoir about conquering her food addition was both compelling and inspiring. On review called it "equal parts confessional drama and inspirational self help" and that sums it up well, as Collins simply wants to share with fans and fellow sufferers alike how she survived and thrives. There's a spiritual aspect too--not religious--but spiritual when she talks about the importance of staying grounded. For her, with music and performing her troubles and addictions disappeared. Collins intersperses biographical chapters with chapters that discuss diet plans she tried and the lives of the proponents, providing an interesting look at diet philosophy from the 50s on. She narrates the audio and that makes the story feel even more intimate and compelling. She writes gracefully and speaks well--though I found her voice surprisingly low and even husky in contrast to her silvery singing voice. She seemed more natural and comfortable reading the personal chapters and more hesitant and distant with the others. Authentic, informative, heartfelt, inspirational--what more could one ask?

[Carol]

I read this small book in part because I heard Collins speak last year (she was amazing) and in part because my daughter works as an RD with eating disorder patients. The solution that Judy Collins has found to bulimia works for her, but may not be practical for most people -- in fact my daughter says that "Grey Sheeting" is so restrictive that it is almost an eating disorder in itself. So those looking for a solution to their own food issues may not find a solution here. But those of us who love Judy Collins as a singer can appreciate the struggles with eating and drinking that she went through while creating beautiful music, and her frankness in sharing that journey through this book.

Please note that I don't use the star rating system, so this review should not be regarded as a zero.

[Kitty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate this book's unblinking and honest portrayal of the nightmare life of a person afflicted with eating disorders and alcoholism. I also really liked the history of diet culture, like the tidbit that Lord Byron and other dieters of his age would get weighed on commercial cheese scales, because home scales were not at all common.

However, I felt it wrapped up a little too neatly with a "I figured it out, and you can, too!" attitude. I honestly hope that Collins did tackle her demons successfully once and for all, but it's so difficult for so many people that I feel like this book was just a bit brusque about recovery from ED. I also felt like there was a bit of a "one size fits all" (pun not intended) solution, although Collins certainly did say, "This is what worked for me, and it could for you too, but it might be something different."

[Claudia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cured with her first graysheet meal? Glad for her, but hard to fathom.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Judy Collins is a breathtakingly forthright and uncompromising writer. CRAVINGS uses the same adroit prose and relentless soul searching found in her best songs and her six previous books (especially THE SEVEN T's, about surviving her son's suicide). She begins by labeling herself "an active, working alcoholic with an eating disorder" and admits, "I am not a medical doctor, just a survivor who has learned more in my lifetime about eating disorders than most doctors."

CRAVINGS is an unsparingly frank autobiography of Collins's multiple addictions (food, drugs, alcohol, prescription pills), multiple hospitalizations, bulimia and even a teenage suicide attempt. It is also a self-help guide with chapter-length profiles of "the gurus of dieting," including Robert Atkins, Andrew Weil, Jean Nidetch, Herman Tarnower, Linus Pauling and Adelle Davis, and the origins of both Alcoholics Anonymous and GreySheeters Anonymous (an organization helping people recover from compulsive overeating). Collins's knowledgeable and concise history of decades' worth of diet plans and medical theories elevates the book with first-hand evaluations of each one's strengths and weaknesses. By the time she finds a life plan (rather than diet) that works for her, readers who have been on similar quests will appreciate her exhaustive and useful search for a solution.

"We must each find our own way," Collins acknowledges. But readers who have struggled with their own addictions will feel less alone after reading Collins's eloquent, carefully researched and blazingly honest account of her potentially deadly 60-year struggle with food disorders. CRAVINGS is a roadmap toward solutions that could save lives.

Judy Collins's CRAVINGS is two books in one: a memoir about her alcohol, food and drug addictions and a well-researched self-help guide.

[Artemisia Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been a big fan of Judy Collins since the early 70's and having read some of her earlier memoirs, was familiar with her life story as a classically trained pianist, her early days in the folk music scene of the 60's, her huge success as a recording artist, and her relationship with Steven Stills, who famously wrote "Sweet Judy Blue Eyes" for her during their short time together. What I had never realized was the struggle she was having with food and alcohol addiction all through the years of her successful career in the music industry. With scathing honesty and raw details, Cravings tells of her long struggle with alcoholism and bulimia, and how she reached rock bottom with both addictions and finally begin recovery through twelve step programs for each addiction. Alternating with chapters on "The Lives of the Diet Gurus", she also puts her own struggle in the context of numerous diet programs throughout history from Lord Byron's writings on his own struggles with food, to Weight Watchers, Atkins, and the nutritional advice of Adelle Davis and Dr. Andrew Weil. With these sections, she creates a fascinating story of dieting through the ages that reminds her readers that struggles with food have been a recurring theme for centuries. Coupled with her own personal story, Cravings is a sincerely offered gift to others who may be struggling with addiction of any kind themselves. It's clear Collins is willing to share the very personal and ugly details of her own addictive behaviors, and ultimately her success in overcoming both addictions, as an inspiration to anyone else whose life could be taken over by such misery.

[Judith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love, love, love Judy Collins. So I was interested to hear what she had to say about conquering food cravings and this book did not disappoint. She alternates chapters between her own history of eating disorders and alcohol and drug abuse with chapters about the history of diets, diet books, and famous diet experts throughout time. Yet the book itself is a slim volume so I thought this was a good technique. Rather than just yammering on about "me, myself, and my relationship with food" which can get tedious, she enlightened and reminded me of all the diet and nutrition gurus we have seen come and go.

Bottom line, however, is that when she discloses at the end of the book after a lifetime of bingeing, purging, feasting, fasting, counting calories and ignoring calories, she purports to have the solution, it appears to be just another diet. She says if you don't eat junk food, you won't crave junk food. So she eats this every single day of the year with no exception, no snacks, no cheating.

Breakfast: 1 cup of yogurt, 1 cup of fruit, coffee. Lunch: 4 oz of protein, 2 cups of salad or vegetables, 1 Tablespoon of oil. Dinner: 4 oz of protein, 3 cups of salad or steamed vegetables, 3 Tablespoons of oil.
Similar to when she quit drinking and attended AA, she now has the support of a food addiction group which she claims is essential to the success of her current lifestyle.

It sounds like a very restrictive diet and unrealistic but if it works for her, hallelujah!

[Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a lot better than I expected it to be when I spotted it and thought, "Judy Collins . . . That Judy Collins?" Yes, it's that Judy Collins, whose beautiful voice (and eyes!) I remembered from my childhood, but whose life and continuing career I hadn't followed at all. Cravings is quite a lively and frank tour through both dieting history in general and Collins' own experiences with alcoholism and bulimia (among other problems) in particular. Yes, there's some name-dropping and a bit of out-there stuff that borders on being flaky, but the woman has gotten it together, seems quite vital and healthy at 78, and her insights are often good. Whether I, or anyone else, would want to follow to the letter her stringent dietary solution to her food woes is another question, but her basic conclusions about what to eat (protein, veggies, a little fruit) and not to eat (sugar, flour, junk) are solid, and consistent with what seems to be the growing consensus today.

[Barbara Q · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew of Judy Collins but only that she was/is still a singer.

This book tells of her life through the prism of her addictions, which were significant. She has been healthy and free of those demons for many years now.

One can skim quickly through the chapters, reading more if desired here and there. Most of it is interesting enough, but I especially liked the last several chapters.

For anyone who has addictions, or loved ones with addictions or who are just curious, this is a quick history of addiction (mainly food and alcohol) programs and the personalities behind them in the US.

Even if one wants a little encouragement to clean up their food intake, exercise, slow down in our demanding digital culture, maybe meditate or be more mindful....this book is worth reading.

[Marika · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would recommend this only because of the author. It doesn't read like a biography, and I finished it feeling as if I never connected with Judy Collins.
Note: I received a free review copy of this book and was not compensated for it.

[Jean Torgeson white · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was interested in finding out how other people are able to conquer their food cravings since you have to eat in order to live. Will be checking further into the information she shared in the book.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read whether you are or are not a fan of Judy Collins. I have not read any of her other works, but this was very interesting and filled with things that I did not know.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

So lately I haven't been reading as much because I've been overhauling my diet and exercising as well (I feel great but I also miss my books). When I read a quick blurb about this book, I thought, Oh good, I can still research food but in a more enjoyable book format. I don't know much about Judy Collins, but I discovered she's a lovely writer. If anything, I want more from her. So often, the chapters focused on her would give an autobiographical snapshot of what was going on career-wise, some of her personal life too, she would constantly mention her food and alcohol addictions, then she would end the chapter with something like, "But I still hadn't conquered my addiction." Then we'd jump into a chapter about the history of dieting (from Lord Byron, who is fascinating and I've recently read more about in another book I'll have to review, to Atkins to the creator of Weight Watchers to the amazing Linus Pauling, etc.), which I found interesting and broke up Collins's story nicely. Then boom-bam at the very end of the book, she conquered her alcohol addiction and in the next chapter, conquered her food addictions. This isn't to say Collins didn't struggle or work hard, but she just didn't really go into it to the detail that I would have liked.

I do agree with Collins that you can be addicted to food. I hadn't really thought about it seriously; I used to joke that I was addicted to chocolate, but I think I really was :/ Once you take that out from your life, refrigerator, and pantry, your cravings, body, and health change. I will say, though, that reading what she does eat, yikes, I can't do it. I considered it, and even felt a bit bad about myself that I couldn't restrict myself as much as she does, then I remembered we all have to do what's right for us. Bravo to Collins for doing what works for her, though, and realizing what she has to do in order to control her addictions.

In case you're wondering: Collins has taken out from her diet: corn, wheat, grains, sugar, and processed food, which I'm fine with, though I cheat on the sugar with honey. But she only eats three meals a day, brings digital scales with her everywhere, and her meals sound repetitive and boring to me. You can eat a "clean" diet without having it be boring :)

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure why I chose this book at my local library. I actually think I clicked on it by mistake, but it was, um, ...readable. I found Ms Collins' recounting of her childhood, her parents, and her artistic awakening interesting. Most interesting was her constant battle with addictions, with food being the first, the longest, and the most harrowing.

I knew Ms. Collins was a recovering alcoholic but was somewhat surprised at the all food addictions and bulimia, probably because it wasn't really reflected in her appearance through the years. I thought she was somewhat shallow and dismissive in her recounting of her role as a mother and wife or girlfriend. She could have gone into more depth there, as she was obviously an addict, who by virtue of their addictions, are incredibly selfish. Not good for any lasting relationship until they come to grips with their addictions.

Included in this short book is a quick history of all the diet gurus that have come and gone throughout history, which I found interesting. I'm very glad that Ms Collins was able to find a way of eating that works for her and that she's doing so well since she became sober and started with Overeaters Anonymous and the "grey sheet" diet. This diet is very restrictive and seems to be almost a replacement eating disorder in itself, but addicts seem to need to replace one addiction for another, and it's worked very well for her. I definitely agree with cutting out processed foods, refined grains, and sugars. This is good advice for anyone's diet.

[Angela Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book completely on a whim. It was actually next to the book I was looking for on the library shelf, but when I picked it up and started skimming it I was fascinated by Judy's life. When I turned the book over and saw the absolutely FABULOUS picture of Judy in a veritable bo-ho chic heaven, I knew this was a lady I wanted to get to know.

I enjoyed the format of this book, which consisted of alternating chapters between Judy's life story and the the history of "diet gurus" throughout time. I was not at all familiar with Judy Collins before reading this, so all of her story was new to me and quite compelling. It was also interesting to learn about some of the history of diets...weird to think that people have been struggling with these same issues for so long.

In the end, Judy concludes that she was able to manage her depression through exercise and meditation, found relief from alcoholism through AA, and cured her bulimia and compulsive over eating with Over Eaters Anonymous. She also identified as a "grey sheeter." She essentially committed to a very regimented, but healthy and according to her "plentiful" diet, prescribed by OA on a grey sheet of paper, hence the name. I don't know that I could be that disciplined, but it certainly seemed to work for her.

Having thoroughly enjoyed this book, I might pick up one of her others!

[Myrna Gottlieb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Because the publisher sent the book so quickly, I did not add it to the bottom of the large pile of books to be read whenever but decided to read it immediately. Besides as a longtime fan of Judy Collins, I was interested in her story.

I was shocked and saddened to learn that the golden-voiced Judy Collins, one of the iconic folk singers of her day, had for years been tortured by extreme addiction to alcohol and also to food (bulemia) while outwardly a picture of peace and serenity, performing concerts and recording albums. The description of her life while addicted is harrowing. And it was a relief to read that after years of struggle, she has found a path to a good, healthful lifestyle, both mentally and physically. Thank you, Judy Collins for putting it all out there and sharing your journey.

Unlike some other reviewers, I enjoyed the added material on food addicts from history: Lord Byron, who gorged and took laxatives, and William the Conqueror, who became so fat that he literally burst out of his coffin. Also the information on the various diet doctors and health food gurus. I'm always happy to learn something new and these stories provided a break from Ms Collins' miseries.

[Barbara (The Bibliophage) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cravings is both harrowing and inspirational. Judy Collins, the renowned folk singer, shares all the dirty laundry from her serious addictions to alcohol and food binging / purging. She takes the reader in detail from her early teens until her mid-forties. Then gives an extremely quick summary of the thirty years since finding the answers she craved to stop her cravings.

This isn't a long read but I think it treats the subject with plenty of gravity, without inducing emotional burnout.

In between the chapters with her own story, Collins tells the stories of a wide variety of diet gurus. It's a bit disjointed to go back and forth, but ultimately the variety keeps the book more readable.

Collins' writing style is conversational, never straying into preachiness or judgement. She clearly says her intention is to possibly help an addict who wishes to recover.

I enjoyed the book overall, but haven't yet figured out who I'd recommend it to. It seems to be a book that the reader must reach for themselves, much like treatment for addiction.

Thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday for a digital review copy in exchange for this honest review.

[Gato Negro · Rating 2 out of 5]

Holy Moses, this book needs a solid re-editing.

Aside from that...it reads like part term paper (subject: the pioneers of weight loss); part eating disorder diary; part alcoholism journal; part who's who in the music/film/hipster scene of the 1960s industry (with an odd way of sometimes including the last names of, and sometimes not, those with whom she was romantically involved). Prepare thyself for many references to Karen Carpenter, our 1970s poster child of anorexia nervosa. The parts pertaining to Judy's son are especially painful to read.

I am glad Judy is in recovery. It's glaringly obvious that she, in the middle of a social revolution and times of great change and bold and unbridled experimentation, could have had a glory filled life much richer in everyday pleasures; in real, sustained, love; and with a true lightness of spirit if she had not had her always complicating, competing demons. I feel like she missed out on so much joy due to her unhealthy preoccupations.

If nothing else, this book is a cautionary tale about getting out of your head and into your life, in whatever form your demons take.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

some details of tragedies in her personal life with which I had been unfamiliar (ex. her father's alcohol dependence and seeming depression; her son's completed suicide), and some short selective sketches of various famous diet gurus/experts..........

..........interspersed with a pretty standard narrative of her experiences with alcohol abuse, drug abuse, bulimia, and 12-step recovery programs. Particularly with the eating disorder, she is now in the phase Dan Kirschenbaum used to call "obsessive-compulsive self-monitoring" (i.e., following an exact meal plan, weighing portions in restaurants, emailing her sponsor exactly what she ate every day), and it sounds as though it's helping her maintain abstinence from bingeing.

I should go back and read what I gather is another memoir she published, on her life in music. Food and drink are obviously important, and I'm happy that she got to a healthier routine, but the minutiae of someone else's experiences in this vein often aren't as interesting to read about as the rest of their lives and careers.

[Betty · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a standalone book, this one details many of the struggles Judy Collins had with food and alcohol. It basically covers from her birth to the present. It also deals with her marriages, divorce and many men in her life. It touches on her only son, his life, and suicide. Interspersed between the chapters of her life are biographies of many diet gurus she followed. The history she gives of some of them is pretty interesting.

If you have read any of her other biographies, you will immediately notice that much of what she writes concerning her life is just a rehash. For you, the only fresh writings will come from the diet guru sections. And while it is interesting, all can be found with a Google search.

If you are interested in Judy Collins and haven’t read anything else she has written, then this will be a good one for you.

This book will be published Feb.28, 2017.

I received a free copy of the book from NetGalley in exchanged for my honest review. Thank you.

[Theresa Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

This advanced copy was received thanks to a Goodreads' Giveaway! I was unfamiliar with the life and music of Judy Collins but wanted to read this book based on the title and description. I found it very disappointing. I raced through the second half of the book and didn't read it very carefully because I lost interest. So much of the book tells biographies of other famous people and food. Some of these biographies were very lengthy and interrupted the flow of the author's own story. Her story may have been easier to follow if I was already familiar with her life. As a newcomer to her story, though, it was difficult to know her better. The title is misleading and not helpful. Perhaps it would have been better to group all of the extra biographies at the end in an appendix and tell her own story more fully in one narrative.

[Eileen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wish I could have given this silly book NO stars. It seemed self indulgent and poorly written. The book jumped all over the place and focused too much on her personal history with lots of other addictions, not just food. The book title clearly states HOW I CONQUERED FOOD but I guess she thought we cared about how she conquered every other addiction/medical problem she had as well. The actual discussion about food took place in the last chapter or two and her plan she follows is unrealistic at best.
If you want to write a memoir, or autobiography that's fine but don't sell it as a book about one specific thing and then go on about your entire life, minute by minute, instead. I was very disappointed as the book was not at all what I thought it would be and just to clarify I've been a huge Judy Collins fan all of my life!!

[Alli Lubin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ate this book up....pun intended! Thanks to Judy Collins for her bravery and honesty in discussing her food and alcohol addictions and how she struggled and finally overcame them. The book is chock full of diet history, anecdotes, her personal triumphs and tragedies, and her sage wisdom. Highly recommended. Loved listening to the audio book.

Favorite quotes:
"The decision to make a change is more important than the actual change itself." Judy Collins
"Follow your bliss and don't be afraid." Joseph Campbell
"Calm mind brings inner strength and self-confidence, so that's very important for good health" Dalai Lama
"You could not have dreamed what will come to you if you let the light in." Judy Collins

[Emesskay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not know that Judy Collins, the famous folksinger, struggled with eating issues and an unhealthy relationship with food for nearly her entire life. This book was an illuminating insight into what she went through, and what helped her overcome it. Chapters alternate between Judy's memoir and exploration into historical figures who had dietary issues or who tried to help others overcome dietary issues. Judy is very honest about everything that she went through. In the end it is uplifting, and should provide encouragement to those who have an unhealthy relationship with food but want to overcome it.

[Bruce Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's always interesting to learn the "rest of the story" about famous people. Not long after Springsteen's revealing book comes this story from Judy Collins of her life-long struggles with addictions and bulemia. Her story is interspersed with summaries of important scientists, doctors and writers who helped us become more knowledgeable of eating and diets. I didn't know the CSN&Y song Suite: Judy Blue Eyes was a Steven Stills composition about his (soon to be ex-) girlfriend Judy Collins. A bonus: Collins is an excellent narrator, one of the best I have ever heard - I wish she would do this for another living! Reminds me of Shelley Winters in the TV show "Emma & Grandpa."

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful and inspiring

I have listened to Judy's music since the '70s. Her voice is like an angel, so clear and perfect. Having seen her in a concert when she was just 70, her voice was still there. Never in my wildest imagination would I have guessed or had a clue of her illnesses and addictions. It is so courageous of her to write this all-telling memoir in the hopes of helping someone else find their way. Truly inspirational and I applaud you Judy, not just for your music but for your winning the battle against your monsters. Peace to you always.

[Kevin Franklin · Rating 4 out of 5]

...he won the heart of a lady...

Thank you. The information is helpful and is revealed with art and subtlety. You are an excellent storyteller, who shows the parallels and intersections of all stories of all times, and all places. Mostly, thank you for sharing, literally opening a vein, giving a life saving transfusion, that shows joy and pain on the journey. I recommend this to all adults and adolescents who are struggling in silence, as well as, those who are you in pitched battles with their mind, body and spirit confluence. And Judy, May you stay forever young.