Unbearable Lightness: A Story of Loss and Gain - Portia de Rossi

Unbearable Lightness: A Story of Loss and Gain

By Portia de Rossi

  • Release Date: 2010-11-01
  • Genre: Biographies & Memoirs
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 46 Ratings

Description

Born Mandy Rodgers just outside of Geelong, Portia de Rossi is one of Hollywood's most intriguing and talked about stars. Finding early success in the Australian film Sirens, Portia went on to star in the hit television series Ally McBeal, as well as the cult hit Arrested Development, launching her Hollywood career - and eventual high-profile marriage to Hollywood mega-star Ellen DeGeneres. But behind her success, Portia was plagued by self doubt, depression, anorexia and bulimia. Starving herself and terrified of being ‘outed' by the press, Portia lived a Hollywood nightmare for years. "There is no lonelier place than living with an eating disorder. It forces you to hide from everyone out of fear that someone might see through your controlled exterior to the festering, flesh-eating disease that lurks just under the skin. I can't express how shameful it is for the self-controlled over-achiever to find herself at a supermarket parking lot on the floor of the backseat of her car stuffing a succession of muffins in her mouth then vomiting in a plastic bag and dropping it into a trash can - all the while terrified that paparazzi were capturing the whole disgusting ritual." - Portia de Rossi Unbearable Lightness is the story of living with an eating disorder. It's also Portia's story of accepting her sexuality, coming out in Hollywood, marrying Ellen DeGeneres and what life is really like inside the Hollywood machine. Shockingly candid, outrageously funny, self deprecating and no holds barred, Unbearable Lightness is an extraordinary account of a Hollywood life not even the tabloids could make up.

Reviews

  • Insight in a scary world

    3
    By Miss Shadowland
    Interesting reading, a look into the scary world of what a simple diet can lead to.
  • So WOW!

    5
    By Patricia Tom
    Truth be lived and then be told. Portia shares her journey so candidly that she is connecting positivity and lighting the way to a higher realm of existence. I highly recommend this memoir.
  • Very truthful, necessary read

    5
    By Virginia Stiles Family
    For anyone who thinks they are fat and in need of dieting. Especially if you eat with your emotions or choose not to eat because of your emotions. Valuable lessons to learn in this book. I have great respect for this author coming clean with her messed up journey of life. So glad she made it through to write her story!
  • Revealing

    5
    By Hoops7733
    This is a heart-wrenching book that reveals the pain that Portia went through for 20 years. It is very insightful and provides a very real look into eating disorders that can ruin a life. This is a great read. I am so glad Portia was able to pull herself out of despair and live the live she deserves.
  • Fantastic

    5
    By amandawhite
    Truly fantastic. The story will make you laugh, cry and sing. Portia is also a beautiful writer!! Could not put it down!
  • Loved it

    5
    By Jbubblez03
    Read this book in three days...must read. Amazing story
  • Amazing

    5
    By Bltxox
    Could not get enough of this book! Portia's story is a must read!