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Emancipated Love Junkie: Liberating Myself From Anorexia-An Eating Disorder Memoir
Are you trapped inside an eating disorder? If so, Rachel will guide you towards a liberated and recovered life! In her inspiring eating disorder memoir, Rachel shares her twenty-year battle with anorexia as she travels the planet as an executive assistant, rock musician, teacher, playwright, and cookie company owner.
Interspersed with humorous anecdotes and raw moments are fresh insights to pin feelings of hope onto your heart. As you replace eating disorder thoughts with positive truths, you’ll feel empowered to join Rachel as an Emancipated Love Junkie—en route towards recovery while flooding your world with joy.
Remember when you were a tiny human, gleefully running half-naked through a sprinkler with an ice cream cone in one sticky fist? This eating disorder book will help you embrace that healthy goodness today, tomorrow, and the rest of your life.
Interspersed with humorous anecdotes and raw moments are fresh insights to pin feelings of hope onto your heart. As you replace eating disorder thoughts with positive truths, you’ll feel empowered to join Rachel as an Emancipated Love Junkie—en route towards recovery while flooding your world with joy.
Remember when you were a tiny human, gleefully running half-naked through a sprinkler with an ice cream cone in one sticky fist? This eating disorder book will help you embrace that healthy goodness today, tomorrow, and the rest of your life.
- GenresMemoirMental Illness
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 7, 2020
31 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Wilshusen
2 books10 followersRachel Wilshusen is a dynamic and vibrant writer with liberal arts degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, University College London, and the University of Cambridge. After an extensive battle with anorexia, including admittance to an eating disorder center, Rachel wrote Emancipated Love Junkie to embolden others to follow her path towards Recovery. Coastal runs with her husband and jumping into ocean waves are her favorite ways to spend sunny mornings in Del Mar, California.
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September 19, 2020
In the "Emancipated Love Junkie" memoir by Rachel Wilshusen she opens up to us about her eating disorder struggles and her journey towards recovery. Similarly to addictions, eating disorders require daily work and effort even in the recovery stage. She even reminds us in the very beginning of the book that her battle will never be fully over by saying "I still lace my self-love gloves each morning to fight negative vibes -". While her specific memoir is focused and based around her own anorexia I think it is important to note that this book could be helpful for so many people, those with bulimia, body dysmorphia, and even someone with low self-esteem. There are a lot of good take aways in regards to our relationships with food, other people, and ourselves. I really enjoyed and appreciated this and it is a fairly quick read. I took notes and marked quotations. I know I will be referring back to this book often.
This book is very detailed and descriptive, of not only surroundings but trends/fashion and other people, the taste & appearance of food and how all of these things made her feel and how she responded. It's easy to look at others this day in age especially with social media platforms and think that everyone is doing better and has life all figured out. In turn we become harder on ourselves and the grass always looks greener. Wilshusen said it best when she said “Such alternate versions of our lives are conveniently filled with the best outcomes." This is so true, when we envision different things for ourselves we have visions of perfection that aren't always realistic or necessarily obtainable. She takes us back to being a child in the 80's, “Being a mini American in the ‘80s was the bomb. The rules were simple: come home before dark, don’t take candy from strangers (especially those supporting mustaches), and eat the food on your plate.” I was a child in the 70's and 80's, it was mandatory to eat everything on your plate even if you didn't like it, I myself remember excusing myself to the bathroom to spit things into the toilet I didn't like. I think times are changing fortunately and we are learning to be more flexible with food, as a society we are more creative, food is more trendy, we have different strategies for getting children to eat "better". We are more forgiving and try to label less foods as "bad" and keep moderation in mind and intuitive eating as options. There will always be diets and fads, I can only hope as we open up dialogue with books exactly like this that we can make the discussions of eating disorders less taboo and secretive and more people can ask for help and support. We follow multiple stages of her life, college, career choices, friendships, relationships, and her family. We learn how all of these things influence food choices and her relationship with food, beginning in her childhood.
I especially enjoyed the sections of the book that Wilshusen refers to as "Self-Love Gems:" where she provides encouragement and positive affirmations, things she has learned, and things that help her, recommendations. She also creatively has put into Italics the negative things we try to convince ourselves of, the things we say to insult ourselves, the things that are almost always not true but we still tend to believe them anyhow. It is a very good reminder of how often we can tend to do this and that it is not healthy behavior. I think seeing it in a different font while reading really brings awareness to how often we can tend to do it without always realizing it.
I can't imagine the number of walls that would have to come down and the amount of bravery it would take to be so vulnerable, honest, and open in order to share a piece of work like this. This is the definition of blood, sweat, and tears. This is reliving your hardest days and nights in order to provide someone else with a ray of hope or some compassion and understanding. I hope that by putting together this piece of work that she can see how far she has really come, we often don't give ourselves the credit we deserve. We can all be too hard on ourselves. There are a lot of layers in this book, and you don't have to be battling an eating disorder to take something away from it, there are a lot of relatable parts and chapters to provide and encourage introspection. We could all be kinder and more gentle on ourselves, we all deserve to give ourselves and each other more grace.
Thank you to Rachel Wilshusen for this gifted copy and the opportunity to read this and provide an honest review both here on Goodreads and Amazon. This was an independently published piece of work released on July 7th, 2020, this gifted copy has in no way influenced my rating, but is much appreciated.
This book is very detailed and descriptive, of not only surroundings but trends/fashion and other people, the taste & appearance of food and how all of these things made her feel and how she responded. It's easy to look at others this day in age especially with social media platforms and think that everyone is doing better and has life all figured out. In turn we become harder on ourselves and the grass always looks greener. Wilshusen said it best when she said “Such alternate versions of our lives are conveniently filled with the best outcomes." This is so true, when we envision different things for ourselves we have visions of perfection that aren't always realistic or necessarily obtainable. She takes us back to being a child in the 80's, “Being a mini American in the ‘80s was the bomb. The rules were simple: come home before dark, don’t take candy from strangers (especially those supporting mustaches), and eat the food on your plate.” I was a child in the 70's and 80's, it was mandatory to eat everything on your plate even if you didn't like it, I myself remember excusing myself to the bathroom to spit things into the toilet I didn't like. I think times are changing fortunately and we are learning to be more flexible with food, as a society we are more creative, food is more trendy, we have different strategies for getting children to eat "better". We are more forgiving and try to label less foods as "bad" and keep moderation in mind and intuitive eating as options. There will always be diets and fads, I can only hope as we open up dialogue with books exactly like this that we can make the discussions of eating disorders less taboo and secretive and more people can ask for help and support. We follow multiple stages of her life, college, career choices, friendships, relationships, and her family. We learn how all of these things influence food choices and her relationship with food, beginning in her childhood.
I especially enjoyed the sections of the book that Wilshusen refers to as "Self-Love Gems:" where she provides encouragement and positive affirmations, things she has learned, and things that help her, recommendations. She also creatively has put into Italics the negative things we try to convince ourselves of, the things we say to insult ourselves, the things that are almost always not true but we still tend to believe them anyhow. It is a very good reminder of how often we can tend to do this and that it is not healthy behavior. I think seeing it in a different font while reading really brings awareness to how often we can tend to do it without always realizing it.
I can't imagine the number of walls that would have to come down and the amount of bravery it would take to be so vulnerable, honest, and open in order to share a piece of work like this. This is the definition of blood, sweat, and tears. This is reliving your hardest days and nights in order to provide someone else with a ray of hope or some compassion and understanding. I hope that by putting together this piece of work that she can see how far she has really come, we often don't give ourselves the credit we deserve. We can all be too hard on ourselves. There are a lot of layers in this book, and you don't have to be battling an eating disorder to take something away from it, there are a lot of relatable parts and chapters to provide and encourage introspection. We could all be kinder and more gentle on ourselves, we all deserve to give ourselves and each other more grace.
Thank you to Rachel Wilshusen for this gifted copy and the opportunity to read this and provide an honest review both here on Goodreads and Amazon. This was an independently published piece of work released on July 7th, 2020, this gifted copy has in no way influenced my rating, but is much appreciated.
September 14, 2020
As someone who doesn't struggle with an eating disorder I went into this book thinking that I wouldn't get a lot out of it, but I was wrong. This memoir is about Rachel Wilshusen's eating disorder and her subsequent recovery, but it's also her journey of growth in her career, her love life, and her life in general. It was a story about finding oneself in a world difficult to navigate.
I loved her "self-love gems" throughout that were little notes of encouragement and guidance and I feel like I still got a lot out of them even though I don't have an ED. There were times when I thought sentences could be better structured or paragraphs could be ordered differently, but overall the flow of the book was navigable and easy to follow. I liked that each chapter started with her age and where she was and that there were different sections for different phases of her ED and her mindset at the time. The places Rachel has traveled and lived made me want to explore the world just as much as she has and take risks that I wouldn't normally.
If you're someone who enjoys memoirs and are also looking for a little self help along the way, I think this is the book for you. Even if you don't have an ED, there is a worlds worth of wisdom and guidance that any twenty-something-year-old should read as we try to figure out life.
I loved her "self-love gems" throughout that were little notes of encouragement and guidance and I feel like I still got a lot out of them even though I don't have an ED. There were times when I thought sentences could be better structured or paragraphs could be ordered differently, but overall the flow of the book was navigable and easy to follow. I liked that each chapter started with her age and where she was and that there were different sections for different phases of her ED and her mindset at the time. The places Rachel has traveled and lived made me want to explore the world just as much as she has and take risks that I wouldn't normally.
If you're someone who enjoys memoirs and are also looking for a little self help along the way, I think this is the book for you. Even if you don't have an ED, there is a worlds worth of wisdom and guidance that any twenty-something-year-old should read as we try to figure out life.
October 4, 2020
Emancipated Love Junkie by Rachel Wilshusen. Thanks to the author for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
After reading Thin Girls and the Girls at 17 Swann Street, I’ve been wanting to read a memoir and true experience of one suffering from anorexia. I was offered this opportunity when @rachel reached out to me. I ended up getting a lot more than expected. Not only does this memoir delve into Rachel’s experiences with the disorder, it also has a strong self-help component and unique story line based on her life experiences. The book is full of well-placed and meaningfully timed self-help tips that anyone can benefit from. They discuss how to love yourself, positive self-talk, and putting your best self into the universe. Rachel has also traveled to so many unique places a map was included before the story! It was interesting to read along with her many different vocations, in several countries, throughout her experience. The ending was perfect, as Rachel reminds us that recovery is always an ongoing process, where you learn and grow along the way. Rachel has a unique way with words that brings you deep into her story in a short amount of time.
“We are all stronger than we believe and capable of churning the deepest of cream into the most delicious and hard packed sweet butter.”
“Recovery is not a simple question of success of failure! Rather, it is all about the mini wins, enlightening epiphanies, unexpected truths, and empowering knowledge you collect along your way.”
After reading Thin Girls and the Girls at 17 Swann Street, I’ve been wanting to read a memoir and true experience of one suffering from anorexia. I was offered this opportunity when @rachel reached out to me. I ended up getting a lot more than expected. Not only does this memoir delve into Rachel’s experiences with the disorder, it also has a strong self-help component and unique story line based on her life experiences. The book is full of well-placed and meaningfully timed self-help tips that anyone can benefit from. They discuss how to love yourself, positive self-talk, and putting your best self into the universe. Rachel has also traveled to so many unique places a map was included before the story! It was interesting to read along with her many different vocations, in several countries, throughout her experience. The ending was perfect, as Rachel reminds us that recovery is always an ongoing process, where you learn and grow along the way. Rachel has a unique way with words that brings you deep into her story in a short amount of time.
“We are all stronger than we believe and capable of churning the deepest of cream into the most delicious and hard packed sweet butter.”
“Recovery is not a simple question of success of failure! Rather, it is all about the mini wins, enlightening epiphanies, unexpected truths, and empowering knowledge you collect along your way.”
November 15, 2020
Emancipated Love Junkie is a memoir that maps out author Rachel Wilshusen’s inner dialogue as she navigates life with a debilitating eating disorder. In addition to writing candidly and vulnerably, I thought Wilshusen did a great job at setting the scene, both in terms of location and sensory experiences. Because this book bounced around to so many locations (Arizona, Germany, Oregon, South Carolina, UK, Vancouver, China, California, to name a few...), there were many opportunities to immerse the reader in new sights and tastes!
On the flip side, I was sometimes lost trying to orient myself. The transitions occasionally felt a little bumpy and sudden, but I suppose that happens when a narrative covers so many formative moments spanning locations and years in a person’s life.
Ultimately, I thought this memoir was an important insight into what it’s like to live with an eating disorder. EDs carry so much stigma, and I feel like I better understand the mental health component that is so key to healing and recovery. Kudos to Rachel on an inspiring journey!
On the flip side, I was sometimes lost trying to orient myself. The transitions occasionally felt a little bumpy and sudden, but I suppose that happens when a narrative covers so many formative moments spanning locations and years in a person’s life.
Ultimately, I thought this memoir was an important insight into what it’s like to live with an eating disorder. EDs carry so much stigma, and I feel like I better understand the mental health component that is so key to healing and recovery. Kudos to Rachel on an inspiring journey!
February 22, 2021
I must confess,
Emancipated Love Junkie
eluded me (as a title) until first, p. 179, then p. 185, and finally pp. 190 – 192 when I finally understood “love junkie” as opposed to “food junkie.” How so? Quite simply, because this book is all about eating disorders and not about any kind of sexual or love compulsion.
That said, Ms. Wilshusen’s prose is exquisite. And if I fault her for the title, it may only be my poor power to understand how these three words—emancipated—love—and junkie—belong together in a story about eating disorders.
Perhaps the best solution here would be for me to give you a few examples of Ms. Wilshusen’s prose and let you decide for yourself. On p. 40, we find the following: “…my ‘eating disorder voice,’ had dropped this idea into my thoughts. It’s hard to know when this voice first tiptoed into my mind. Was she there when I was ditched in high school? Was she observing my horror as I stared at exposed flesh in the shower mirror? Years later, I would call her out as a manipulative liar seeking to kill my happiness like the sorceress Maleficent. ‘Mal’ saw in me a protégé; someone she could mold and protect from a world where only the skinny or beautiful can succeed. She was not concerned with my relationships, health, self-worth, or lasting happiness; rather, she demanded I be whipped and prodded to achieve her skinny aspirations. If mental breakdowns, malnutrition and an early death were unintended consequences, so be it.”
On pp. 90 – 91, we find something that Ms. Wilshusen uses on a regular basis to conclude her chapters: something she calls “Self-Love Gem.” Although I don’t want to make any absurd assumptions, the title to these end-of-chapter pieces may also help to explain one part of the book title—namely, “love junkie.”
“Self-Love Gem: Believe the good
Compliments are opportunities to honor our self-worth. After years of adhering to a false belief that I am not good enough, I found it impossible to accept any applause, no matter how small. Rather, I downgraded compliments (she’s just being nice), or worse, turned praise into something negative (she likes my makeup because my outfit looks ridiculous). How often do you pay insincere compliments? Probably not very often! Shouldn’t you, then, believe the good aimed in your direction? And why not supplement the kindness you receive by feeding your soul with positive affirmations? Remind yourself of your value, consider what small features you love about yourself, and reaffirm—out loud if necessary—that you are a valuable person who deserves kindness and respect! By bolstering your self-worth on a regular basis, you’ll be prepared to face the challenges ahead and feel inspired to pay compliments forward.”
On pp. 99 – 100, we find the following:
“Self-Love Gem: Design a Balanced Reality
Many humans struggle with procrastination. If, however, you’re a high-functioning perfectionist, you may feel compelled to rise and shine at 7:00 a.m. on Sundays to smooth fresh sheets onto beds or to lace up your sneakers for a morning run. Being a go-getter is great, except when drive becomes a roadblock on the highway to happiness. There’s no lasting pleasure in testing your limits in the name of ‘productivity’ or ‘achievement.’ Balance is essential in creating a sustainable and healthy lifestyle. Setting aside time for reflection and relaxation is far from lazy! Rather, our bodies and brains need chill time to help us live in a smarter and more refined way. It is when we slacken our pace and smell the proverbial roses that we are best equipped to exude the most vibrant versions of ourselves.”
And finally, on pp. 129 – 130, we find the following:
“Self-:love Gem: Practice the Art of Self-Care
I hope your childhood was full of bubble baths, freeze-tag, hugs, cupcakes, and satisfying meals. As busy adults, we often feel too busy to sleep and view baths or treats as gratuitous luxuries. Many of our needs, however, mirror those of children; sleep, nutrition, and pleasure are all key components of excellent mental health. Self-care is a broad concept centered around treating yourself kindly each and every day. Manifestations include reframing negative thoughts, giving yourself space to breathe, focusing on what you did well rather than on what you did poorly, and accepting compliments. Thankfully, as you integrate self-care into your life and absorb its lasting benefits, you’ll feel stronger, calmer, and happier. A bath, sleep, or a cupcake are not prizes to be won; rather, they are evidence you’re treating yourself with the respect you deserve.”
You can follow Rachel Wilshusen through all of this cerebral voyage – and also through Vancouver, Los Angeles, Charleston and Portland, Oregon – as she seeks to resolve her eating disorders … and also make consummate sense of her life.
RRB
Hudson, NY
22 February 2021
That said, Ms. Wilshusen’s prose is exquisite. And if I fault her for the title, it may only be my poor power to understand how these three words—emancipated—love—and junkie—belong together in a story about eating disorders.
Perhaps the best solution here would be for me to give you a few examples of Ms. Wilshusen’s prose and let you decide for yourself. On p. 40, we find the following: “…my ‘eating disorder voice,’ had dropped this idea into my thoughts. It’s hard to know when this voice first tiptoed into my mind. Was she there when I was ditched in high school? Was she observing my horror as I stared at exposed flesh in the shower mirror? Years later, I would call her out as a manipulative liar seeking to kill my happiness like the sorceress Maleficent. ‘Mal’ saw in me a protégé; someone she could mold and protect from a world where only the skinny or beautiful can succeed. She was not concerned with my relationships, health, self-worth, or lasting happiness; rather, she demanded I be whipped and prodded to achieve her skinny aspirations. If mental breakdowns, malnutrition and an early death were unintended consequences, so be it.”
On pp. 90 – 91, we find something that Ms. Wilshusen uses on a regular basis to conclude her chapters: something she calls “Self-Love Gem.” Although I don’t want to make any absurd assumptions, the title to these end-of-chapter pieces may also help to explain one part of the book title—namely, “love junkie.”
“Self-Love Gem: Believe the good
Compliments are opportunities to honor our self-worth. After years of adhering to a false belief that I am not good enough, I found it impossible to accept any applause, no matter how small. Rather, I downgraded compliments (she’s just being nice), or worse, turned praise into something negative (she likes my makeup because my outfit looks ridiculous). How often do you pay insincere compliments? Probably not very often! Shouldn’t you, then, believe the good aimed in your direction? And why not supplement the kindness you receive by feeding your soul with positive affirmations? Remind yourself of your value, consider what small features you love about yourself, and reaffirm—out loud if necessary—that you are a valuable person who deserves kindness and respect! By bolstering your self-worth on a regular basis, you’ll be prepared to face the challenges ahead and feel inspired to pay compliments forward.”
On pp. 99 – 100, we find the following:
“Self-Love Gem: Design a Balanced Reality
Many humans struggle with procrastination. If, however, you’re a high-functioning perfectionist, you may feel compelled to rise and shine at 7:00 a.m. on Sundays to smooth fresh sheets onto beds or to lace up your sneakers for a morning run. Being a go-getter is great, except when drive becomes a roadblock on the highway to happiness. There’s no lasting pleasure in testing your limits in the name of ‘productivity’ or ‘achievement.’ Balance is essential in creating a sustainable and healthy lifestyle. Setting aside time for reflection and relaxation is far from lazy! Rather, our bodies and brains need chill time to help us live in a smarter and more refined way. It is when we slacken our pace and smell the proverbial roses that we are best equipped to exude the most vibrant versions of ourselves.”
And finally, on pp. 129 – 130, we find the following:
“Self-:love Gem: Practice the Art of Self-Care
I hope your childhood was full of bubble baths, freeze-tag, hugs, cupcakes, and satisfying meals. As busy adults, we often feel too busy to sleep and view baths or treats as gratuitous luxuries. Many of our needs, however, mirror those of children; sleep, nutrition, and pleasure are all key components of excellent mental health. Self-care is a broad concept centered around treating yourself kindly each and every day. Manifestations include reframing negative thoughts, giving yourself space to breathe, focusing on what you did well rather than on what you did poorly, and accepting compliments. Thankfully, as you integrate self-care into your life and absorb its lasting benefits, you’ll feel stronger, calmer, and happier. A bath, sleep, or a cupcake are not prizes to be won; rather, they are evidence you’re treating yourself with the respect you deserve.”
You can follow Rachel Wilshusen through all of this cerebral voyage – and also through Vancouver, Los Angeles, Charleston and Portland, Oregon – as she seeks to resolve her eating disorders … and also make consummate sense of her life.
RRB
Hudson, NY
22 February 2021
January 21, 2021
“It’s tempting to put complete strangers—celebrities, self-help gurus, women in our yoga class—on pedestals. It’s easy to think someone is perfect and “has it all” when we know nothing about their world. Interestingly, it’s when we recognize others as the imperfect people they are that our love for them increases. Imperfect people are relatable; we are able to connect to their experiences and move beyond a shallow impression to forge deep and lasting relationships.”
In Emancipated Love Junkie, Rachel Wilshusen gracefully shared her journey of battling an eating disorder and her steps towards recovery. Not only does Rachel share her own journey, she also includes “self-love gems” — little tips and words of encouragement. Rachel bounced around to so many different places along her journey, and did a great job of setting the scene with her writing. The ending was a powerful reminder that recovery is an ongoing process. I was able to take away so much from this book, even though I haven’t personally struggled with an ED. This one deserves all the stars!
In Emancipated Love Junkie, Rachel Wilshusen gracefully shared her journey of battling an eating disorder and her steps towards recovery. Not only does Rachel share her own journey, she also includes “self-love gems” — little tips and words of encouragement. Rachel bounced around to so many different places along her journey, and did a great job of setting the scene with her writing. The ending was a powerful reminder that recovery is an ongoing process. I was able to take away so much from this book, even though I haven’t personally struggled with an ED. This one deserves all the stars!
July 28, 2020
At once heart-wrenching and hopeful, Emancipated Love Junkie recounts a woman’s battle with an eating disorder and how it came to define her life’s choices and closest relationships. I found both the story and the writing style very relatable; beyond the central theme emerged a rich coming-of-age narrative that explored early adulthood and the major life decisions associated with it (i.e., where to live, whom to date/marry, what to do professionally). Rachel’s journey – spanning three continents and two decades – tackled these questions with humor and, at times, irony (e.g., when the author - at the height of her anorexia battle - owned and operated a cookie company).
What made this work so enjoyable were the nostalgic elements: replete with music and food references and bouts of wanderlust, the writing maintained a light tone despite the serious subject matter. Rachel is a narrator you at once connect with and root for. But not only did I enjoy reading this book (and subsequently devoured it in just a few sittings), I also learned a lot from it. It is a book that challenges your expectations of what an eating disorder looks like, and one that invites introspection: I found myself examining my own complicated relationship with food, but also that inner voice that, as Rachel’s Mal, can be as deceptive as it is enticing. Emancipated Love Junkie serves as a poignant reminder that if you are struggling, you are not alone, and that the very essence of life is overcoming setbacks and coming out stronger and more resilient on the other end. And, hopefully, finding that core group of supporters along the way who, like Rachel’s devoted brothers, will love us fiercely and force us to dig deep, seeing the best version of ourselves even when we have lost sight of who we are or have the potential to become.
What made this work so enjoyable were the nostalgic elements: replete with music and food references and bouts of wanderlust, the writing maintained a light tone despite the serious subject matter. Rachel is a narrator you at once connect with and root for. But not only did I enjoy reading this book (and subsequently devoured it in just a few sittings), I also learned a lot from it. It is a book that challenges your expectations of what an eating disorder looks like, and one that invites introspection: I found myself examining my own complicated relationship with food, but also that inner voice that, as Rachel’s Mal, can be as deceptive as it is enticing. Emancipated Love Junkie serves as a poignant reminder that if you are struggling, you are not alone, and that the very essence of life is overcoming setbacks and coming out stronger and more resilient on the other end. And, hopefully, finding that core group of supporters along the way who, like Rachel’s devoted brothers, will love us fiercely and force us to dig deep, seeing the best version of ourselves even when we have lost sight of who we are or have the potential to become.
October 4, 2020
“Emancipated Love Junkie” is full of heart. Rachel Wilshusen bravely shares her journey towards recovery while bringing light to the often-ignored reality that eating disorders are not always “textbook.” Wilshusen reminds us that EDs are insidious, dangerous, and regularly hiding in plain sight. Through personal anecdotes and “self-love gems,” she empowers readers to seek a life free from the chains of obsession and perfectionism.
As someone who has had an eating disorder and walked through my own recovery journey, I deeply connected to this memoir and felt kinship with Rachel. Thank you for sharing your story with such courage!
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review**
As someone who has had an eating disorder and walked through my own recovery journey, I deeply connected to this memoir and felt kinship with Rachel. Thank you for sharing your story with such courage!
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review**
February 11, 2021
Emancipated Love Junkie is the inspired memoir of someone that could be in your group of best friends- fun, smart, friendly and trying to be the perfect daughter/ sister/ girlfriend/employer.
The book follows Rachel through varies cities and jobs, as she battled lifelong with an eating disorder.
At the end of each chapter is a “Self-Love Gem”, beautifully written advice for anyone, to remember to take care of yourself.
I am so happy the book has a happy ending, and look forward to more work by Rachel.
The book follows Rachel through varies cities and jobs, as she battled lifelong with an eating disorder.
At the end of each chapter is a “Self-Love Gem”, beautifully written advice for anyone, to remember to take care of yourself.
I am so happy the book has a happy ending, and look forward to more work by Rachel.
September 22, 2020
An engaging memoir of the struggles with an eating disorder that I finished in a day. Rachel brings to light the voice that controlled her, and told her to reach for the stars and be perfect. Her journey to learn that she is Enough is a rough one that many people can connect with and I couldn’t put down.
November 17, 2020
i don't really read self-help books but this one combines memoir with self-help aspects that are both helpful and entertaining. i highlighted a lot of passages that spoke to me, as well as ones that i wanted to keep in mind as i continue recovery from an eating disorder.
March 5, 2021
I had no idea what this book was about when I was contacted about writing a review and was afraid I wouldn’t like it (just being honest!). I was so wrong.
I originally thought “I won’t connect because I don’t have an ED” but as I read, I absolutely connected with her and I became emotionally attached to this story like I didn’t expect to.
Yes, she has an eating disorder but she explained how she thought about food & how it effected her life around the meals and how it effected her relationships. Me too. I was never anorexic or bulimic but food & I have not a healthy relationship...and I didn’t realize it before.
She left “Self-Help Gems” through the book and I highlighted almost every one of them.
Each chapter opened in a new location and her attention to detail made me feel like I had been there or wanted to go there now. This was a multi year journey and this amazing woman traveled and accomplished so much, I envied her!
I definitely recommend reading- even if you don’t think you can relate, you just might.
I originally thought “I won’t connect because I don’t have an ED” but as I read, I absolutely connected with her and I became emotionally attached to this story like I didn’t expect to.
Yes, she has an eating disorder but she explained how she thought about food & how it effected her life around the meals and how it effected her relationships. Me too. I was never anorexic or bulimic but food & I have not a healthy relationship...and I didn’t realize it before.
She left “Self-Help Gems” through the book and I highlighted almost every one of them.
Each chapter opened in a new location and her attention to detail made me feel like I had been there or wanted to go there now. This was a multi year journey and this amazing woman traveled and accomplished so much, I envied her!
I definitely recommend reading- even if you don’t think you can relate, you just might.
February 5, 2021
Rachel Wilshusen is a hero. She's suffered from an eating disorder for most of her adult life and thankfully, lived to tell about it. In Emancipated Love Junkie, she describes her battles and triumphs, going up and down with the pressures of trying to be perfect. She believes that if she restricts the impact food has on her body (by not eating), and if she does everything in her life at peak perfectionism, then she will reach a plateau where she will be able to magically flow through life like the beautiful, calm, perfect "Sylvias" she so admires. Women who have it all. Women who exist only in her imagination, because Rachel hasn't yet awakened to the idea that there's no such thing. Until she does. After she recovered (I assume this is a lifelong challenge), she was kind enough to write this book, in the hope of helping anyone who is going through similar difficulties.
This is the story of one young woman bowing to the pressures on girls in our messed-up culture to be perfect, seeing themselves as failing, and torturing themselves into meeting societal standards. As a grandmother, it terrifies me.
This was a wrenching but uplifting book. I do wish Ms. Wilshusen had been more direct in her language, as she often described her ups and downs in flowery or metaphorical terms. Sometimes she'd touch on an issue but then gloss past it, so at times I wasn't sure how she overcame the latest difficulty. I decided to read lightly and see this as evidence she wasn't improving, that her life was at that point continuing on in untreated pain. Which in itself was powerful. Thanks to the author for letting me review this thoughtful work.
This is the story of one young woman bowing to the pressures on girls in our messed-up culture to be perfect, seeing themselves as failing, and torturing themselves into meeting societal standards. As a grandmother, it terrifies me.
This was a wrenching but uplifting book. I do wish Ms. Wilshusen had been more direct in her language, as she often described her ups and downs in flowery or metaphorical terms. Sometimes she'd touch on an issue but then gloss past it, so at times I wasn't sure how she overcame the latest difficulty. I decided to read lightly and see this as evidence she wasn't improving, that her life was at that point continuing on in untreated pain. Which in itself was powerful. Thanks to the author for letting me review this thoughtful work.
February 11, 2021
Thin Girls~~
When I was reading Thin Girls, a gripping, earthy novel from Diana Clarke, I received an email from an author who had read one of my Amazon book reviews and wanted to offer me a free print copy of her memoir called Emancipated Love Junkie. She, Rachel Wilshusen, was also writing about her eating disorder and recovery, but not as a very autobiographical novel as Clarke has confessed in an interview. Instantly I wondered if Wilshusen's account of anorexia would be more realistic than Clarke's seemed to be.
Maybe I should point out here that Clarke's first draft was from one, traumatized perspective, that of her mirror self in the character of Rose. It was subsequently a more difficult, heavy, and unpleasant read. By developing a twin for Rose who began to develop her own eating disorder (overeating, binge eating, fad dieting), Clarke lightened the book as she established needed distance from her own, abusive voice.
Wlshusen never lets go of her own frantic voice until the ending chapters when she checks in voluntarily to a eating disorder clinic as an outpatient. The heaviness that results is tangible. She tries to lighten it up by distracting the reader, as she tries to distract herself, with her constant geographical and career moves, but it doesn't work for me.
Clarke's anorexic character spends over a year as an inpatient in an eating disorders facility and the novel starts there with flashbacks of how her distorted body image and desire for popularity led inexorably to its traumatic, monstrous consequences. This really helps her show that eating disorders must be supported and witnessed by a community of sufferers. Often this offers a gallows kind of humor I found quite enjoyable. Humor always makes horror more palatable.
I really don't want to leave the impression that Wilshusen's memoir/self-help book was a complete drag to read. They both end on hopeful notes and I agree that eating disorders certainly do not happen only to very young women as Wilshusen's desperate denial of an eating/body image problem reveals. How their books got to the end, though, made the difference.
On a personal note, I have never had any kind of eating disorder. I've been slender and fit all my life with a great love of eating and cooking healthy, nutritious food. Even after my incomplete spinal cord injury I regained weight I had lost and remain slender. I do intermittent fasting for an even more efficient metabolism and enjoy a plant-based diet without junk food or drink. So reading about Wilshusen's junky diet in graphic detail forced me to skim quite a bit.
Today's consumerist, performance-driven society has made it so easy for vulnerable people to only listen to the critical, negative soundtrack that runs in their heads. That's why we often need support groups to listen to our stories and offer us honest feedback.
I've listened/read their stories and this is my honest feedback. I hope you've enjoyed my review and will check out either book, especially if you have an eating disorder. Clarke's portrayal of the Intellectual Eating method for anorexics was very amusing to read, by the way, but I do understand how serious it was for the women. It was eye-opening indeed! Bravo to both women for finding their way to a path for recovery.
When I was reading Thin Girls, a gripping, earthy novel from Diana Clarke, I received an email from an author who had read one of my Amazon book reviews and wanted to offer me a free print copy of her memoir called Emancipated Love Junkie. She, Rachel Wilshusen, was also writing about her eating disorder and recovery, but not as a very autobiographical novel as Clarke has confessed in an interview. Instantly I wondered if Wilshusen's account of anorexia would be more realistic than Clarke's seemed to be.
Maybe I should point out here that Clarke's first draft was from one, traumatized perspective, that of her mirror self in the character of Rose. It was subsequently a more difficult, heavy, and unpleasant read. By developing a twin for Rose who began to develop her own eating disorder (overeating, binge eating, fad dieting), Clarke lightened the book as she established needed distance from her own, abusive voice.
Wlshusen never lets go of her own frantic voice until the ending chapters when she checks in voluntarily to a eating disorder clinic as an outpatient. The heaviness that results is tangible. She tries to lighten it up by distracting the reader, as she tries to distract herself, with her constant geographical and career moves, but it doesn't work for me.
Clarke's anorexic character spends over a year as an inpatient in an eating disorders facility and the novel starts there with flashbacks of how her distorted body image and desire for popularity led inexorably to its traumatic, monstrous consequences. This really helps her show that eating disorders must be supported and witnessed by a community of sufferers. Often this offers a gallows kind of humor I found quite enjoyable. Humor always makes horror more palatable.
I really don't want to leave the impression that Wilshusen's memoir/self-help book was a complete drag to read. They both end on hopeful notes and I agree that eating disorders certainly do not happen only to very young women as Wilshusen's desperate denial of an eating/body image problem reveals. How their books got to the end, though, made the difference.
On a personal note, I have never had any kind of eating disorder. I've been slender and fit all my life with a great love of eating and cooking healthy, nutritious food. Even after my incomplete spinal cord injury I regained weight I had lost and remain slender. I do intermittent fasting for an even more efficient metabolism and enjoy a plant-based diet without junk food or drink. So reading about Wilshusen's junky diet in graphic detail forced me to skim quite a bit.
Today's consumerist, performance-driven society has made it so easy for vulnerable people to only listen to the critical, negative soundtrack that runs in their heads. That's why we often need support groups to listen to our stories and offer us honest feedback.
I've listened/read their stories and this is my honest feedback. I hope you've enjoyed my review and will check out either book, especially if you have an eating disorder. Clarke's portrayal of the Intellectual Eating method for anorexics was very amusing to read, by the way, but I do understand how serious it was for the women. It was eye-opening indeed! Bravo to both women for finding their way to a path for recovery.
Read
October 24, 2020This is an interesting cross-genre approach to anorexia. Wilshusen combines elements of memoir with self-help and spirituality in her quest to use her story and her struggles to help others deal with eating disorders. It appealed to me as a human interested in the life experiences of others, and as a woman who has experienced many negative societal messages around food and body image. I think it may work best for those who are dealing with a current eating disorder and searching for some helpful pointers.
Wilshusen is made of strong stuff! What I gleaned is that in addition to overcoming a serious eating disorder, she grew up in a controlling religious community and chose to leave that behind. She sought to find her place in the world through travel (I love that she includes a map!), multiple occupations, and ultimately writing and self-publishing her book. All of these facets are of strong interest to me, and she has my respect for her ongoing efforts to grow and improve.
This book is really focused on the thoughts and mindsets that were harmful to Wilshusen, and those that she used as replacements as she was recovering. "Self love gems" are scattered throughout to help those who wish to emulate her. I find spiritual insight and mindset to be highly individual and difficult to impart, and I can't say that I gleaned much for my own life. I came away from this book wishing for a bit more memoir, less self help, and yet I think for those dealing with eating disorders, this may be a really useful and approachable book.
It's perhaps not fair to fault a book for not being the exactly the book that I wanted to read! But for Wilshusen's next book I would love to hear more about her thoughts and moves away from her childhood faith community, as well as some insights into personality and family dynamics contributing to her eating disorder. Much scholarship has gone into the role of the family in the development of anorexia and I am curious as to how Wilshusen sees herself and her family reflected in this work.
Many thanks to the author, who kindly gifted me a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Wilshusen is made of strong stuff! What I gleaned is that in addition to overcoming a serious eating disorder, she grew up in a controlling religious community and chose to leave that behind. She sought to find her place in the world through travel (I love that she includes a map!), multiple occupations, and ultimately writing and self-publishing her book. All of these facets are of strong interest to me, and she has my respect for her ongoing efforts to grow and improve.
This book is really focused on the thoughts and mindsets that were harmful to Wilshusen, and those that she used as replacements as she was recovering. "Self love gems" are scattered throughout to help those who wish to emulate her. I find spiritual insight and mindset to be highly individual and difficult to impart, and I can't say that I gleaned much for my own life. I came away from this book wishing for a bit more memoir, less self help, and yet I think for those dealing with eating disorders, this may be a really useful and approachable book.
It's perhaps not fair to fault a book for not being the exactly the book that I wanted to read! But for Wilshusen's next book I would love to hear more about her thoughts and moves away from her childhood faith community, as well as some insights into personality and family dynamics contributing to her eating disorder. Much scholarship has gone into the role of the family in the development of anorexia and I am curious as to how Wilshusen sees herself and her family reflected in this work.
Many thanks to the author, who kindly gifted me a copy in exchange for my honest review.
September 15, 2020
As someone who spent many years struggling with the physical aspect of anorexia, I opened this book expecting…well…I’m not entirely sure what I expected. I didn’t realize it would set me on a path of self-evaluation. Anorexia runs SO much deeper than eating or not eating. Those are just symptoms. The truth runs far deeper and requires diving deep into uncomfortable territory.
I dislike using labels for myself immensely, and I often avoid mentioning my own issues with anorexia because I’m never sure how to preface the statement. Recovered? Recovering? Physically in control but mentally trying to ignore that ugly little voice that points out every flaw and dimple?
While reading Emancipated Love Junkie, I understood Rachel’s struggle and recognized the same inner voice that questions decisions and choices. I saw a kindred spirit who used a term I’ve never considered…”functional anorexic”…I paused and reread that more than once. In a society that loves to measure and compare, the realization you can struggle JUST as much from an eating disorder as someone who is hospitalized but still be functioning and not “super skinny” was enlightening. It only backs up my belief we should never play the comparison game with people. We all struggle…and no one is luckier or has it easier because we only know our own struggles, therefore they are just as important.
One of the best quotes for recovery I’ve encountered came from a movie based on a young woman named Nancy who suffered from anorexia: “I may never be completely cured, that this disease doesn’t always go away; it’s kind of lurking around, like my Achilles heel, but it’s alright because I’m stronger than it is. I know I can make it. I know I have the strength to save myself.”
Thank you, Rachel, for sharing your journey. I read this book unsure what to expect and finished with a lot of self-reflection to do. I hope all who pick it up find inspiration in the hope of recovery and self-love.
I dislike using labels for myself immensely, and I often avoid mentioning my own issues with anorexia because I’m never sure how to preface the statement. Recovered? Recovering? Physically in control but mentally trying to ignore that ugly little voice that points out every flaw and dimple?
While reading Emancipated Love Junkie, I understood Rachel’s struggle and recognized the same inner voice that questions decisions and choices. I saw a kindred spirit who used a term I’ve never considered…”functional anorexic”…I paused and reread that more than once. In a society that loves to measure and compare, the realization you can struggle JUST as much from an eating disorder as someone who is hospitalized but still be functioning and not “super skinny” was enlightening. It only backs up my belief we should never play the comparison game with people. We all struggle…and no one is luckier or has it easier because we only know our own struggles, therefore they are just as important.
One of the best quotes for recovery I’ve encountered came from a movie based on a young woman named Nancy who suffered from anorexia: “I may never be completely cured, that this disease doesn’t always go away; it’s kind of lurking around, like my Achilles heel, but it’s alright because I’m stronger than it is. I know I can make it. I know I have the strength to save myself.”
Thank you, Rachel, for sharing your journey. I read this book unsure what to expect and finished with a lot of self-reflection to do. I hope all who pick it up find inspiration in the hope of recovery and self-love.
December 11, 2021
First, thank you to the author, Rachel, for sending me this book. I am grateful to have the opportunity to read about your journey. Before I get into the review, I don’t want to downplay two things— the challenges and incredible journey of having an eating disorder and the courage and effort to write and self-publish a book!
Second, my review. I took about 10 months to finish this book because I struggled getting into it. I recently spent some time in San Diego/Del Mar and remembered the author so I picked it back up yesterday. It is a very easy read.
Overall, I couldn’t get into it because of the “voice of the author” (or maybe writing style?). I don’t know a ton about writing memoirs— I’ve only taken a few courses— but the book did commit some sins. One was a significant lack of dialogue. There were a few sections here or there, but not enough to truly paint a scene, nor develop any characters. I struggled following which characters were which because of this. The book sped through her life, instead of focusing on a few key time periods and taking the time to really develop them and explain how important they were on her journey. Another sin was that the author explained everything— the scene (or racing through multiple scenes), her thoughts, her lessons, and even future results of her actions. There was nothing for us readers to decide for ourselves or connect the dots ourselves. Lastly, I didn’t understand the point of the “gems”. They were useful, but not always connected to the topic of the chapter. They also had a different “voice”— it didn’t seem like the author had written them.
I hate to say this, but there were some typos / formatting errors too— a better editor may have been helpful.
Again, thank you, to the author for the book. I do not want to diminish your story or journey. I am sure this book resonates deeply with many women (and men) and it has helped many to not feel so alone or to guide them in their own journeys.
Second, my review. I took about 10 months to finish this book because I struggled getting into it. I recently spent some time in San Diego/Del Mar and remembered the author so I picked it back up yesterday. It is a very easy read.
Overall, I couldn’t get into it because of the “voice of the author” (or maybe writing style?). I don’t know a ton about writing memoirs— I’ve only taken a few courses— but the book did commit some sins. One was a significant lack of dialogue. There were a few sections here or there, but not enough to truly paint a scene, nor develop any characters. I struggled following which characters were which because of this. The book sped through her life, instead of focusing on a few key time periods and taking the time to really develop them and explain how important they were on her journey. Another sin was that the author explained everything— the scene (or racing through multiple scenes), her thoughts, her lessons, and even future results of her actions. There was nothing for us readers to decide for ourselves or connect the dots ourselves. Lastly, I didn’t understand the point of the “gems”. They were useful, but not always connected to the topic of the chapter. They also had a different “voice”— it didn’t seem like the author had written them.
I hate to say this, but there were some typos / formatting errors too— a better editor may have been helpful.
Again, thank you, to the author for the book. I do not want to diminish your story or journey. I am sure this book resonates deeply with many women (and men) and it has helped many to not feel so alone or to guide them in their own journeys.
July 26, 2020
Do you deserve to be happy? Do you want to love yourself- your whole self, inside and out? Then you are ready to become an emancipated love junkie. After you read this book, and if you are like me, you will read it several times and underline most of it, you will find “you” and you will be “you-“ as pink, sparkly and luscious as the wonderful cover of this book. (Or least you will be on your way.)
This is a memoir and self-help book about eating disorders and body image. So, I was surprised when the first page of the book showed a world map, labeled “Dates and Geography Reference”. What’s this about? The reason for the map is that the author lists all the places she traveled from 1983 Yuma, Arizona to 2020 Del Mar, California. In between, she lived in 16 other places, going to school or trying a new job. Each chapter in the book tells her experiences in those places, including Baumholder Germany, Cambridge England, Weinan China, and Vancouver, Canada. Her life will exhaust you as much as her recovery will inspire you.
This book is not a voyeuristic tell-all. Rather, it is gentle, friendly and supportive. The best parts of the book are the “Self-Love Gems”. Sometime these are the things in books that I skip over- but not this time. Each one is so loving and caring- the author was talking heart to heart to me! Many of the “gems” focus on “self-love” and “self-care”, which are spotlighted in a way that will feel fresh and relevant to you.
Ms. Wilshusen notes in her biography that she is a “dynamic and vibrant writer.” And she is! Entertaining, knowledge-based and as positive as the pink cupcake on the cover, this book should be read by everyone who wants to feel like a little kid again, clutching an ice cream cone and running gleefully through the sprinkler.
Thanks to the author for a paperback review copy. This is my honest review.
This is a memoir and self-help book about eating disorders and body image. So, I was surprised when the first page of the book showed a world map, labeled “Dates and Geography Reference”. What’s this about? The reason for the map is that the author lists all the places she traveled from 1983 Yuma, Arizona to 2020 Del Mar, California. In between, she lived in 16 other places, going to school or trying a new job. Each chapter in the book tells her experiences in those places, including Baumholder Germany, Cambridge England, Weinan China, and Vancouver, Canada. Her life will exhaust you as much as her recovery will inspire you.
This book is not a voyeuristic tell-all. Rather, it is gentle, friendly and supportive. The best parts of the book are the “Self-Love Gems”. Sometime these are the things in books that I skip over- but not this time. Each one is so loving and caring- the author was talking heart to heart to me! Many of the “gems” focus on “self-love” and “self-care”, which are spotlighted in a way that will feel fresh and relevant to you.
Ms. Wilshusen notes in her biography that she is a “dynamic and vibrant writer.” And she is! Entertaining, knowledge-based and as positive as the pink cupcake on the cover, this book should be read by everyone who wants to feel like a little kid again, clutching an ice cream cone and running gleefully through the sprinkler.
Thanks to the author for a paperback review copy. This is my honest review.
July 23, 2020
Thank you to Rachel Wilshusen for her book. I don't give away spoilers in my reviews.
I picked up this book earlier this afternoon, promising myself I'd read ONE chapter just to get a feel for it, then finish it this weekend. Hours later, I just finished the book and obviously loved it.
The first thing I noticed is the pretty shade of pink the book is. I also really like that it is not a tiny book. So many books are forced to be a standard paperback size and as a reader, it can be hard to try to read as the chapters go on. I find I have to almost break the spine repeatedly to see the words in the literal middle of the book. That's not the case with Rachel's book and I appreciate it.
I am a little older than Rachel but I loved how easy her memories of certain things - candy, music, etc - reminded me of my own memories. Her writing reminds me of a having a conversation with a friend or listening to a friend tell me about something in her life. She gives enough detail but doesn't bombard you with every single tiny aspect and I like that.
EDs (eating disorders) are horrendous from beginning - and do they ever truly end? I don't know. I, too, had an eating disorder as a teen. All from stupid comments people made. I still struggle but am now able to put it in to context and work my way back to acceptance.
I am always sad to hear of anyone struggling with EDs. You need food to survive. It's not like you can 100% quit eating and live. I appreciate getting the chance to read Rachel's book and am going to pass it on (I never keep books) to my nutritionist who deals with ED patients.
If you have/had/know of someone with an ED - read Rachel's book. The inspirations sprinkled throughout made it a valuable reminder for me to love my body as is, no matter what that is.
I picked up this book earlier this afternoon, promising myself I'd read ONE chapter just to get a feel for it, then finish it this weekend. Hours later, I just finished the book and obviously loved it.
The first thing I noticed is the pretty shade of pink the book is. I also really like that it is not a tiny book. So many books are forced to be a standard paperback size and as a reader, it can be hard to try to read as the chapters go on. I find I have to almost break the spine repeatedly to see the words in the literal middle of the book. That's not the case with Rachel's book and I appreciate it.
I am a little older than Rachel but I loved how easy her memories of certain things - candy, music, etc - reminded me of my own memories. Her writing reminds me of a having a conversation with a friend or listening to a friend tell me about something in her life. She gives enough detail but doesn't bombard you with every single tiny aspect and I like that.
EDs (eating disorders) are horrendous from beginning - and do they ever truly end? I don't know. I, too, had an eating disorder as a teen. All from stupid comments people made. I still struggle but am now able to put it in to context and work my way back to acceptance.
I am always sad to hear of anyone struggling with EDs. You need food to survive. It's not like you can 100% quit eating and live. I appreciate getting the chance to read Rachel's book and am going to pass it on (I never keep books) to my nutritionist who deals with ED patients.
If you have/had/know of someone with an ED - read Rachel's book. The inspirations sprinkled throughout made it a valuable reminder for me to love my body as is, no matter what that is.
October 6, 2020
Rachel is an inspiration. This book is an inspiration. For anyone who has ever been too hard on themselves (let’s face it, it’s all of us), this book reminds you stop and smell the roses and to remember that there is a big beautiful world out there meant for us to appreciate and enjoy. Emancipated Love Junkie is many things. It is bravely educational. It discusses how so many of us have challenges we try so hard to keep private and never dare to share, while letting us see the true value in simply talking to someone and the eventual path to healing that comes with that. It is a classy self-help disguised as a narrative, taking us through the dozens of culturally rich settings Rachel has called home and the ups and downs that come with that ever changing landscape, only to be amplified by her ED, while peppering in bite-sized sections of wisdom and self-love reminders. It’s as if each page is saying, “Look, I got through it all and I’m still here, and thriving, so it’ll be okay for you too.” It is sublimely descriptive. After a few particular sections of pages, you’ll feel as though you’ve tasted every written sugary detail of a German pastry, or can suddenly magically catch a whiff of buttery peanut butter cookies baking in your oven which is weird because you definitely aren’t baking buttery peanut butter cookies in your oven. Rachel is a supreme writer. Honesty, I’d read about earthworm reproduction if it were written by her. Well done, Rachel! This book is excellent. Highly recommend!!
July 10, 2020
As a former bulimic and as someone who has had recurrent eating issues, I have binged my way through my fair share of ED recovery books, so could be considered somewhat of an expert in this area. Rachel's book however is different. Not only is it more anecdotal and set on the world stage, it also resonates more for the fact it doesn't preach. Rachel doesn't profess to be a guru. She invites the reader to accompany her on her walk through life and to pick up, along with her, some of the lessons she learned along the way. With some fascinating stories taking you from the US to China, from London and Cambridge to Canada and Charleston and everywhere in between, I not only learnt about Rachel's physical journey, I learnt about her metaphorical one. I also appreciated all the musical references which took me back to the various time periods. The book is beautifully written so that you feel you are reading a story book with the ED theme a part of, but not the only story. Eating disorders are incredibly complicated and often poorly understood by those treating them let alone the world looking in. I feel Rachel has some real 'gems' of advice in this book and I am so glad that she has realised that it is her personal journey, rather than the destination, which is what this 'so-called life' is all about ;-)
August 6, 2020
Rachel Wilshusen shares her life with us, taking us from her childhood to mid-30's. Born into a loving family who moved often growing up (her father is a military doctor), Rachel was a type-A perfectionist who moved from disordered eating into anorexia as she got older.
I have only read one previous memoir about an eating disorder and it was filled with caloric intakes and specific weights. It almost read like a 'how to' for anorexia. I like Rachel's method much better-she really shares her childhood, family and life with us, including her disease, but she does it in a way where she doesn't need to constantly talk about weights, measurements or calories. I think a big 'reveal' moment for me was that most people's vision of anorexia (including mine before reading this) is an "emaciated person." This is not always the case and Rachel is a perfect example. While anorexic for years, Rachel, while thin, did not fit into that "emaciated" mold. That is extremely frightening because people can hide their disease for years without friends and families catching on.
Overall, I really enjoyed Rachel's journey. I love the connection she has with her family and so proud that she was able to seek help. If you are struggling with disordered eating or an eating disorder or know someone who is, this would be a good book for them.
Grade: 4/5
I have only read one previous memoir about an eating disorder and it was filled with caloric intakes and specific weights. It almost read like a 'how to' for anorexia. I like Rachel's method much better-she really shares her childhood, family and life with us, including her disease, but she does it in a way where she doesn't need to constantly talk about weights, measurements or calories. I think a big 'reveal' moment for me was that most people's vision of anorexia (including mine before reading this) is an "emaciated person." This is not always the case and Rachel is a perfect example. While anorexic for years, Rachel, while thin, did not fit into that "emaciated" mold. That is extremely frightening because people can hide their disease for years without friends and families catching on.
Overall, I really enjoyed Rachel's journey. I love the connection she has with her family and so proud that she was able to seek help. If you are struggling with disordered eating or an eating disorder or know someone who is, this would be a good book for them.
Grade: 4/5
August 4, 2020
The biggest reason I enjoyed this book about anorexia is Rachel Wilshusen is not an obvious anorexic. She realized that becoming too gaunt wasn't a good look so most people never realized she had an eating disorder. Instead, she set a thin weight goal and tortured herself by overeating and starving herself for years. She was a perfectionist who tried to control her life through overworking and starvation. How many other anorexics are out there that are keeping their eating disorder a secret and no one knows how they are torturing themselves? This book would be great for them as well as obvious anorexics.
Rachel gives short "Self-Love Gems" of advice/truth throughout the book that help the reader look at things from a different perspective. The thing I like about these gems is many of them can be applied to anyone's life, not just people with eating disorders. I believe I can grow putting these truths into action.
Lastly, Rachel's life is amazing. The places she's lived and the things she has done are interesting in themselves.
I highly recommend reading this book for all these reasons.
Rachel gives short "Self-Love Gems" of advice/truth throughout the book that help the reader look at things from a different perspective. The thing I like about these gems is many of them can be applied to anyone's life, not just people with eating disorders. I believe I can grow putting these truths into action.
Lastly, Rachel's life is amazing. The places she's lived and the things she has done are interesting in themselves.
I highly recommend reading this book for all these reasons.
November 28, 2020
I’m so thankful to have received a copy of this book from the author! In it, Rachel Wilhusen chronicles her journey of battling an eating disorder. I appreciate her reflections on her childhood relationship with eating and the personality factors that may have made her susceptible to an eating disorder. I also appreciate the theme of an “eating disorder voice.” I think that regardless of the challenges we face, we each have at least one “voice” of negative self-talk, and in this way Rachel’s experience is relatable whether the reader has suffered from and eating disorder or not. Lastly, I love the nuggets of positive thinking Rachel intersperses throughout the book.
I did notice that there is a leap of four years between the last chapter, when Rachel still hadn’t recovered from her eating disorder, and the epilogue. I would have loved to know more about the factors that contributed to a fuller recovery. Overall, though, I loved the relatable voice and insights the author shares! Highly recommend!
I did notice that there is a leap of four years between the last chapter, when Rachel still hadn’t recovered from her eating disorder, and the epilogue. I would have loved to know more about the factors that contributed to a fuller recovery. Overall, though, I loved the relatable voice and insights the author shares! Highly recommend!
March 28, 2023
I truly appreciated the author’s genuine take on eating disorders and how she did not focus on symptoms, numbers or diagnoses. However, I found the story far too bewildering to take seriously. It is not uncommon for a person to move around so many times in their life. But I struggled with the sudden and almost random jumps in the story. The narrator seemed to leave readers behind when she jumped from corporate life to band member, to cookie saleswoman. The constant impulsive jumps from life path to life path with no backstory or emotions attached left me unable to connect with the narrator. Perhaps if I had made it to the end of the book, the author would have offered an afterword reflecting on her life actions but I did not get that far. This seems like a great part 1 of a book that probably could have waited a few more years for a part 2 before sharing with the world.
July 13, 2020
Rachel has found that magical balance between painfully candid rawness & amusing, yet poignant, anecdotal stories that will leave you inspired to more fully listen to your loving true-self than your harsh and deceptive inner critic (in her case, Mal). As she brilliantly & bravely recounts her story, she infuses inspired & utterly doable "Self-Love Gems" that will uplift your spirits & give you helpful tools on your journey towards self-appreciation. To top it off, she successfully manages all of this whilst conjuring up beautiful imagery that would make F. Scott Fitzgerald proud. Emancipated Love Junkie is a remarkably enjoyable and touching account of being the "brave mouse" & finding a way to put an end to perpetually negative inner dialogues to more fully bring joy & lasting happiness into your life.
November 14, 2020
I cannot recommend this book highly enough! As a former secondary school teacher who has seen the tragic and all too common scourge of eating disorders and the way they suck the life out of young people, I wish I could have given them this book. Rachel Wilshusen has the subtle talent of tackling this traumatic subject with seriousness and compassion, but also a lightness of touch that makes the book resonate with hope and positivity. She is not afraid to look into the abyss at times, but remarkably also manages to weave in a self-depreciating humour that makes you think you are having coffee with your best friend. I hope she writes more books or maybe starts a YouTube channel. I actually missed her when the book was done!
July 28, 2020
While I do not suffer from an eating disorder, my wife does. Reading this book was tremendously helpful for me. It allows me to better understand my wife's perspective and her interior dialog. I support her better from the insights in this book (especially the love gems). I can be on her team and we can fight her disease together. I'd recommend this book to anyone who has to listen to a negative voice and to anyone, like myself, who loves someone who has to listen to a negative voice. This book covers a dark subject but it's a light, consumable read that revels in the simple and everyday pleasures of life.
August 1, 2020
A thoughtful and well-written book which was also really easy to read (I read it in just two sittings). The book, mostly a memoir but with lovely moments of self-help spread throughout, is also really evocative of time and place. Rachel taught me Politics during her time in Cambridge and was always an excellent teacher, and it's been such a fascinating and unique opportunity to read about her life from her perspective. I didn't know much about anorexia before I started reading, but now I feel I should be more mindful of how others may view food, and that I should do my research and become a more informed ally for friends with eating disorders.
August 3, 2020
I am always so taken by how much the experience of reading can be an exercise in empathy. I loved reading Rachel's journey and that it allowed me to walk in her shoes, for however brief a time. I felt her struggles, her triumphs, her moments of small joys and of large ones. I also found such enjoyment in running through Rachel's colorful resume and seeing her find herself in so many ways. While this is a book about Rachel's experience with anorexia, the self-love gems peppered in each chapter are delightful reminders that are applicable to any life experience - the types of affirmations that are easy to read, but not always easy to live.
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