What do you think?
Rate this book
Finding Freedom: Escaping from the Prison of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Raelan Agle is an impeccable storyteller whose journey of desperate struggle and eventual triumph over chronic fatigue syndrome is as candid as it is heartfelt. With startling wisdom and frank humor, she shares her life-altering encounter with chronic illness that took her on an emotional rollercoaster ride around the globe.
Raelan’s captivating and hopeful voice permeates this insightful and engaging book filled with helpful information and practical advice not only for chronic fatigue syndrome treatment but for anyone who simply wants to be living the best possible version of their lives. In addition to providing a treatment guide revealing the specific strategies and steps that led to her complete recovery from her decade-long battle with chronic fatigue syndrome, she also created an instruction manual for everyone for living a happy and healthy life. Her deeply personal yet universally felt story is not only inspirational but also details the actions you can consider for yourself today to start recovering from chronic fatigue syndrome and changing your life for the better.
In Finding Freedom, Raelan takes you by the hand and challenges you to not accept the status quo. With her approach to chronic fatigue syndrome treatment, she shows you how you can positively change your life while empowering you to never again accept anything less than the absolute healthiest and happiest life possible.
"Readers with chronic illness will be able to relate to so much of her story - from her years spent on a seemingly fruitless quest for answers to the desperation in her willingness to try virtually anything to regain her health and get her full life back. But just as valuable is the second part of the book where she spells out what the time-wasters were during her attempts to get well and what things finally got her FULLY RECOVERED from ME/CFS." ~Amazon review
"I found her honesty to be so validating and truly empowering. I am so looking forward to updating this review in a year or two to state that I too have overcome ME/CFS. In short, this is a must read – for everyone." ~Amazon review
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 10, 2019
103 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
Raelan Agle
2 books8 followersI'm an Indie Author with a focus on self help and memoirs.
I have a master’s degree in social work from Dalhousie University and worked as a social worker in my home country of Canada before leaving to embrace my passion for exploring the world! I currently reside in San Francisco, California.
SUBSCRIBE TO MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy4E...
FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM!
https://www.instagram.com/raelan.agle/
VISIT ME ON FACEBOOK!
https://www.facebook.com/raelan
SAY HI ON TWITTER!
https://twitter.com/RaelanAgle
CHECK OUT MY PINTEREST!
https://www.pinterest.ca/raelanagle/
VISIT MY WEBSITE!
https://raelanagle.com
Did you know? My prescriptive memoir FINDING FREEDOM is available on Amazon. I can't wait for you to read it! Find it here >>
https://amzn.to/2ZFdbej
I have a master’s degree in social work from Dalhousie University and worked as a social worker in my home country of Canada before leaving to embrace my passion for exploring the world! I currently reside in San Francisco, California.
SUBSCRIBE TO MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy4E...
FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM!
https://www.instagram.com/raelan.agle/
VISIT ME ON FACEBOOK!
https://www.facebook.com/raelan
SAY HI ON TWITTER!
https://twitter.com/RaelanAgle
CHECK OUT MY PINTEREST!
https://www.pinterest.ca/raelanagle/
VISIT MY WEBSITE!
https://raelanagle.com
Did you know? My prescriptive memoir FINDING FREEDOM is available on Amazon. I can't wait for you to read it! Find it here >>
https://amzn.to/2ZFdbej
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 11, 2022
I got quite annoyed with this book, the first six chapters are a rather self-indulgent history of the authors life, which is made worse because this book is presumably aimed at people suffering with ME/CFS and who therefore don't have energy to spare.
The actual useful content is very limited, and nothing different to that in every other book on me. Good diet (although very selective in her evidence for the benefits of the whole food plant based diet), stretching and pacing form the crux if this recovery plan. However, the need to be supported by friends and family (financially as well as in other aspects) is a luxury lots if patients just don't have. So this book, however well meaning, isn't going to be much help unless you are lucky enough to be able to be financially supported for a couple of years while you try the strategies in thus book. I would also add that if you are moderately affected or worse, then it probably won't work either.
The actual useful content is very limited, and nothing different to that in every other book on me. Good diet (although very selective in her evidence for the benefits of the whole food plant based diet), stretching and pacing form the crux if this recovery plan. However, the need to be supported by friends and family (financially as well as in other aspects) is a luxury lots if patients just don't have. So this book, however well meaning, isn't going to be much help unless you are lucky enough to be able to be financially supported for a couple of years while you try the strategies in thus book. I would also add that if you are moderately affected or worse, then it probably won't work either.
December 16, 2019
Finding Hope.
This passionate story of adversity and triumph is as truly inspirational as it is heart-warming and hilarious. The book is in two parts: the first the author’s story of living with ME/CFS, a witty account of the trials, anguish, loss, nonsense, depression, final straws and throwing caution to the wind. In the second half of her story Raelan tells us exactly what she did to RECOVER from ME/CFS. She is very clear to tell her readers that what worked for her may not work for them and to use caution and common sense, but what she discusses really is food for thought. Literally at times. Readers with chronic health conditions will recognise so much of their own story in Raelan’s. And I would encourage everyone else to read it too, to understand what we experience day in and day out. The tiny wins, the heartbreak of losses. Finally admitting that something has to give. We can’t always articulate everything we need those around to us know and this account covers all the common themes. And makes you laugh along the way! Though I won’t follow all of Raelan’s steps (and my condition is a combination of ME/CFS plus some structural nonsense) she confirmed some of what I already suspected, phrased pacing in a way that FINALLY clicked, gave a focus to my action plan and most importantly helped me to find hope at a time that I was feeling very hopeless. I found her honesty to be so validating and truly empowering. Since reading this book and allowing the cogs to start whirring once more I have spoken with both my Orthopaedic Consultant and Neurologist, both of whom have agreed that this new plan is the best way forward for me. I am so looking forward to updating this review in a year or two to state that I too have overcome ME/CFS. In short, this is a must read – for everyone. Oh, and you can also follow the author on Instagram for motivation, support and general loveliness. If you care for someone with ME/CFS, have a friend or family member, a co-worker, employee, patient, client… or ever potentially could have… please, please read this book.
This passionate story of adversity and triumph is as truly inspirational as it is heart-warming and hilarious. The book is in two parts: the first the author’s story of living with ME/CFS, a witty account of the trials, anguish, loss, nonsense, depression, final straws and throwing caution to the wind. In the second half of her story Raelan tells us exactly what she did to RECOVER from ME/CFS. She is very clear to tell her readers that what worked for her may not work for them and to use caution and common sense, but what she discusses really is food for thought. Literally at times. Readers with chronic health conditions will recognise so much of their own story in Raelan’s. And I would encourage everyone else to read it too, to understand what we experience day in and day out. The tiny wins, the heartbreak of losses. Finally admitting that something has to give. We can’t always articulate everything we need those around to us know and this account covers all the common themes. And makes you laugh along the way! Though I won’t follow all of Raelan’s steps (and my condition is a combination of ME/CFS plus some structural nonsense) she confirmed some of what I already suspected, phrased pacing in a way that FINALLY clicked, gave a focus to my action plan and most importantly helped me to find hope at a time that I was feeling very hopeless. I found her honesty to be so validating and truly empowering. Since reading this book and allowing the cogs to start whirring once more I have spoken with both my Orthopaedic Consultant and Neurologist, both of whom have agreed that this new plan is the best way forward for me. I am so looking forward to updating this review in a year or two to state that I too have overcome ME/CFS. In short, this is a must read – for everyone. Oh, and you can also follow the author on Instagram for motivation, support and general loveliness. If you care for someone with ME/CFS, have a friend or family member, a co-worker, employee, patient, client… or ever potentially could have… please, please read this book.
May 26, 2020
If you or someone you know is suffering from chronic illness, then this book might just be what you need. And if such an illness isn't part of your life, then you (like me) might benefit from learning about it, and hearing from someone who's had to live with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for 10 years. Raelan Agle is an amazing person, and a fantastic writer. She's clearly poured her heart into this book, and I'm sure just about anyone will find it a joy to read.
February 22, 2020
Stayed up half the night reading this book. It fell into my world at just the right time. Very real, very helpful, and most importantly very inspiring.
December 10, 2019
This book was literally unputdownable. What an incredible story...articulate, heartfelt, candid and triumphant.
Fast-paced, engaging, and filled with information that will, without a doubt, not only help people with CFS but countless others struggling with various diseases. I am going to be able to use much of the information shared to help improve my own life.
I believe this book is an instruction manual for living a good life...one that all people could benefit from. Pure gold in my opinion. Everyone should read this book.
Fast-paced, engaging, and filled with information that will, without a doubt, not only help people with CFS but countless others struggling with various diseases. I am going to be able to use much of the information shared to help improve my own life.
I believe this book is an instruction manual for living a good life...one that all people could benefit from. Pure gold in my opinion. Everyone should read this book.
December 11, 2019
W•O•W!!! I loved this superb book so much!!! A truly amazing, inspiring and honest book! I know this book will help so many people out there in the world. The writer has put her everything into this book. It’s truth, it’s rawness, it’s compassion is all so clear when reading each page. A must read for all!
March 25, 2024
Her story was interesting and at times heartbreaking (her mother’s experience). But not everyone has the luxury of being financially supported by someone else so they can have lots of free time to heal. She also didn’t have children to care for during her CFS and recovery years. She really didn’t have any responsibilities for those 2 years. So I don’t think her recovery method is widely applicable.
I think the most useful chapter is the one on exercise. And she’s right about the importance of a whole foods diet that includes a lot of ferments and fiber from plants but I don’t think being a vegan is necessary and could be harmful if not getting the nutrients and protein to enable healing. Also her suggestions to fast don’t seem wise for someone whose body is already stressed by chronic illness. Massage can also backfire if one has issues with detoxing.
I’m glad she included a chapter on emotional/nervous system work but imo this should be top priority for CFS (above food and exercise) and probably needs to be a structured program, something like The Gupta Program or DNRS for example. Her journaling process reminded me of Huberman Lab podcast episode 151, and has research to back it up.
I think the most useful chapter is the one on exercise. And she’s right about the importance of a whole foods diet that includes a lot of ferments and fiber from plants but I don’t think being a vegan is necessary and could be harmful if not getting the nutrients and protein to enable healing. Also her suggestions to fast don’t seem wise for someone whose body is already stressed by chronic illness. Massage can also backfire if one has issues with detoxing.
I’m glad she included a chapter on emotional/nervous system work but imo this should be top priority for CFS (above food and exercise) and probably needs to be a structured program, something like The Gupta Program or DNRS for example. Her journaling process reminded me of Huberman Lab podcast episode 151, and has research to back it up.
December 10, 2019
The story is inspiring and entertaining and the information for healing your body is incredibly useful. I would highly recommend it for anyone wanting to get healthier and overall just improve their life.
December 17, 2019
Estoy segura de que todo aquel que haya tenido problemas de salud se puede identificar muchísimo con este libro. Me encanta la forma de escribir de la autora, hasta el punto de que no podía dejar de leer! Fantástico libro motivacional, leerlo me ha motivado para hacer algunos cambios en mi rutina más saludables y que a la larga me harán estar más feliz seguro!
Recomiendo este libro enormemente a todo el mundo!
Recomiendo este libro enormemente a todo el mundo!
January 14, 2020
A wonderful book of hope for all us CFS sufferers out there. Raelan tells it how it is, a courageous and honest account of her journey through CFS and how she wasn’t going to let it control her life and what she did to get better!
January 24, 2020
So helpful!
Intertwined inside the words of this book is a whole lot of hope... and for that I am extremely grateful.
Intertwined inside the words of this book is a whole lot of hope... and for that I am extremely grateful.
December 17, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book. Raelean kept my interest through the entire book, and I applaud her for putting her story out there in the hopes that it may help others suffering with this disease.
Read
January 2, 2020Finding Freedom >> released December 10, 2019!
Raelan Agle
Finding Freedom: Escaping from the Prison of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Available for purchase here >>
Check out a sample here >>
https://raelanagle.com/book/Excerpt >>
During my long struggle with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), despite reading countless books on topics as varied as herbalism and homeopathy, I never found a single book that had all the information I needed to escape this horrific condition. I didn’t find one that even came close.
I wanted a book that would tell me what it’s actually like to live with such a debilitating illness and show me how to endure the many dark and desperate days that were sure to come. I wanted a book that would connect me to a supportive community of other CFS sufferers so that during the long, slow process it took to recover I would not be alone. And most of all I wanted a book that showed me beyond a shadow of a doubt that people can and actually do recover and that laid out the step-by-step instructions describing exactly how those people escaped the prison that is CFS — forever.
It took me years to completely recover from CFS, and during that long and difficult time I spent tens of thousands of dollars on my health. In the end, I learned that getting better neither had to take anywhere near that long nor cost me anywhere near that much. In fact, regaining my health boiled down to developing some new habits and following some basic guidelines that, when rigorously followed, allowed me to get back my life and my freedom.
So when I finally did recover from CFS, I knew I had to write that book I’d been looking for. The book that would have saved me years of wading through mountains of information (and misinformation) in a desperate search to find what worked and what did not. The book that would have spared me all those tears of frustration when I had more questions than answers and absolutely no idea if what I was doing was helping or hurting. And most of all, the book that I would have given to every other CFS sufferer I knew in the hopes that they would get their freedom back the way I did after reading it.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with CFS, I wrote this book for you. I wrote this book so that I could share my story and do my part to shed some light on this mysterious illness. I wrote this book to fulfill the promise I made that if I recovered I would do everything in my power to share how I escaped. I wrote this book in the hopes that when reading it, those suffering from CFS might just feel a little bit less alone.
If you’re like me, then you’ve already read every book you can find on the topic of health and healing. I’m not here to regurgitate any of that. You know it all already. What I will share are the concrete steps that I developed out of years of trial and error that allowed me to finally recover from CFS. Following these strategies has allowed me not only to survive but to thrive. I hope the advice I offer will save you precious time. I hope my years of struggle will fuel and inspire your speedy recovery. And most of all, I hope my experiences help you on your journey out of the pain you are enduring. I know, because I’ve been there.
Maybe you’ve already tried countless things to get yourself better, and you’re feeling a little reluctant to get your hopes up again. Perhaps too many failures and too much suffering have made you more than a little skeptical that healing from CFS is even possible. I am here to tell you that for me, recovery was possible. I am living, breathing proof that people absolutely can and do get their health back. Not some of it. Not three-quarters of it. All of it.
And I want from the depths of my soul for you to achieve this too. I want to be there for you — with you — as you turn your struggles into strengths and free yourself from the chains of CFS.
December 12, 2019
This is THE book that will finally free you from the struggles of CFS!!! So helpful ❤️
Read
December 12, 2019This is an amazing book with so much useful information! A must read!
December 12, 2019
Great book! It kept me interested the whole time. Highly recommend!
December 21, 2019
A great resource for ME/CFS recovery!
This is by far one of the best books about ME/CFS I’ve ever come across. Not only is the story of this author’s journey with chronic illness a heartfelt, entertaining, and inspirational page-turner that I couldn’t put down, this book also contains a wealth of information for people to consider for themselves when recovering from chronic illness.
Despite the heavy subject matter, the content is delivered in an engaging and lighthearted manner that makes it truly a joy to read. The chapters are easily digestible, and for anyone facing similar struggles, they lay out step by step what finally worked for Raelan and allowed her to regain her health. I truly believe that anyone could benefit from this book and I can’t recommend it highly enough!
This is by far one of the best books about ME/CFS I’ve ever come across. Not only is the story of this author’s journey with chronic illness a heartfelt, entertaining, and inspirational page-turner that I couldn’t put down, this book also contains a wealth of information for people to consider for themselves when recovering from chronic illness.
Despite the heavy subject matter, the content is delivered in an engaging and lighthearted manner that makes it truly a joy to read. The chapters are easily digestible, and for anyone facing similar struggles, they lay out step by step what finally worked for Raelan and allowed her to regain her health. I truly believe that anyone could benefit from this book and I can’t recommend it highly enough!
July 11, 2022
A WAHHHHHHHH poor me book about a person who abused their body until it abused her back.
The author comes across as a spoiled brat, entitled, narcissistic, and stupid.
Who knew that living on sugar, alcohol, processed food and caffeine would not be good for you? Or that diet can make you feel better or not 🙄
The author comes across as a spoiled brat, entitled, narcissistic, and stupid.
Who knew that living on sugar, alcohol, processed food and caffeine would not be good for you? Or that diet can make you feel better or not 🙄
February 26, 2020
Raelan Agle’s purpose is clear, “If you or someone you care about is struggling with CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), I wrote this book for you.”
Written as a memoir, she takes you from her moment of diagnosis, to her point of full recovery - with a ten year rollercoaster ride of life and learning in between, including the important steps she took to overcome CFS.
This book was a real eye-opener for me. I am not a sufferer of CFS, and only had a nominal knowledge of its existence before I read this book. It is, as Raelan points out, not a subject widely known, nor discussed even by sufferers, sometimes from fear of lack of understanding from outsiders.
I throughly enjoyed this book - especially her humorous narration style, even when the subject was sometimes grim. Although it’s a very personal and unique story, I suspect that many of the recovery steps Raelan outlines (under the headings Exercise, Nutrition, Mental Heath, Body Support, and Healing Mindset) will resonate with sufferers and non-sufferers alike.
Thanks Raelan for sharing your CFS life-hacks! I'm sure all readers will benefit from your experiences.
Written as a memoir, she takes you from her moment of diagnosis, to her point of full recovery - with a ten year rollercoaster ride of life and learning in between, including the important steps she took to overcome CFS.
This book was a real eye-opener for me. I am not a sufferer of CFS, and only had a nominal knowledge of its existence before I read this book. It is, as Raelan points out, not a subject widely known, nor discussed even by sufferers, sometimes from fear of lack of understanding from outsiders.
I throughly enjoyed this book - especially her humorous narration style, even when the subject was sometimes grim. Although it’s a very personal and unique story, I suspect that many of the recovery steps Raelan outlines (under the headings Exercise, Nutrition, Mental Heath, Body Support, and Healing Mindset) will resonate with sufferers and non-sufferers alike.
Thanks Raelan for sharing your CFS life-hacks! I'm sure all readers will benefit from your experiences.
October 31, 2025
As someone living with me/CFS, I could only relate to some of this content. While I feel Raelyn is good at telling her story, it didn’t help one bit with strategy to heal. I like the mental tips but these are only feasible once you are mild and have more cognitive ability. The exercise completely lost me. I haven’t been able to exercise in 3 years and talking about going to the gym seemed to bypass the beginning phase of how we get there. The book talked to the emotions and financial issues of me/CFS but nothing about the comorbidities such as dysautonomia that commonly go hand in hand with CFS. Just jumping to diet and the answer without much evidence was a let down. I have followed her You Tube and respect Raelyn and her journey to help others. I feel that for the me/CFS community that is severe to moderate, you will not get anything out of this book. It sounds more like the struggle of a mild case and having the ability to do much more than most which while still an uplifting story of coming out the other side, wasn’t what I was reading this book for.
September 24, 2021
Phenomenal!
Raelan's direct, honest, and optimistic writing has given me soooo much hope and drive after 3 years plus with CFS. Sharing her plan and "tools" for recovery have been a Godsend. I've been melding her strategy along with Anthony William and am sure I will be the athlete I once was...right alongside my incredibly athletic, supportive and awesome husband who I met 40 years ago who also said....you should leave your job and work on nothing but your health for the next year! Raelan, your writing style gave me a chuckle and put a smile on my face so many times. Thank you for all your hard work in your videos and phenomenal book. I am truly grateful! Jane
Raelan's direct, honest, and optimistic writing has given me soooo much hope and drive after 3 years plus with CFS. Sharing her plan and "tools" for recovery have been a Godsend. I've been melding her strategy along with Anthony William and am sure I will be the athlete I once was...right alongside my incredibly athletic, supportive and awesome husband who I met 40 years ago who also said....you should leave your job and work on nothing but your health for the next year! Raelan, your writing style gave me a chuckle and put a smile on my face so many times. Thank you for all your hard work in your videos and phenomenal book. I am truly grateful! Jane
April 22, 2020
Alive and kicking
This is a book in two parts. The first is an engrossing life journey into Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and then out of it?. The second is chock full of useful tips and information, suggested apps and programs, not to mention clever and helpful sayings. This one particularly struck me: "Health is never owned, it is rented, and the rent is due every day. " I would recommend this book for anyone!
This is a book in two parts. The first is an engrossing life journey into Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and then out of it?. The second is chock full of useful tips and information, suggested apps and programs, not to mention clever and helpful sayings. This one particularly struck me: "Health is never owned, it is rented, and the rent is due every day. " I would recommend this book for anyone!
June 22, 2020
Loved this book from start to finish, really great tips from mindfulness, pacing, nutrition and also getting back into exercise.
Great to read about the journey from start of CFS to total recovery.
Very inspirational, if your recovering from a chronic fatigue condition, or you know someone who is, this book is a must read.
Great to read about the journey from start of CFS to total recovery.
Very inspirational, if your recovering from a chronic fatigue condition, or you know someone who is, this book is a must read.
February 20, 2020
Raelan’s writing is beautifully heartfelt and candid. Her story seamlessly balances the heaviness of the topic with refreshing doses of wit and humor. I found her honesty to be so validating and truly empowering and I can’t wait to also share my own recovery story one day soon.
May 6, 2021
I enjoyed this book and it has given me some ideas to implement into my life to try and free myself from CFS.
I liked that the author gave her back story before moving onto the steps she took to help herself recover.
I liked that the author gave her back story before moving onto the steps she took to help herself recover.
July 29, 2023
amazing i loved it and i’m on track to healing!
June 6, 2024
A scam from someone trying to sell a recovery course costing 295 USD, with no supporting research.
It is disgusting to try make money off desperate sick people like this.
It is disgusting to try make money off desperate sick people like this.
October 1, 2021
This is a life-changing read. Incredible book and amazing author! I've had ME/CFS for nearly 2 years now and Raelan has been such a ray of hope for me. Raelan is so open and honest about the struggles she faced, but still the overall message is a. positive and uplifting one. It was incredibly inspiring to read about her full recovery, and has given me motivation and the strong belief that I too will recover. If you have ME/CFS, or have a loved one who does, then this book is a must read!
December 6, 2025
Update: Now I’ve seen what a grifter this author is or has become. Really disappointing.
Some people won’t like this book for various reasons, but I found it to be relatable, hopeful, inspiring, and motivating. She also had practical, clear, simple guidance on what she did to get better, that I’m going to adopt as well. Fingers crossed, won’t work for everyone but worth a try. Don’t expect tons of research cited etc; this is her journey.
Some people won’t like this book for various reasons, but I found it to be relatable, hopeful, inspiring, and motivating. She also had practical, clear, simple guidance on what she did to get better, that I’m going to adopt as well. Fingers crossed, won’t work for everyone but worth a try. Don’t expect tons of research cited etc; this is her journey.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews