Between Breaths

A Memoir of Panic and Addiction

De: Elizabeth Vargas

Narrado por: Elizabeth Vargas

Books for a Better Life, First Book winner, 2017

Beloved former ABC 20/20 anchor Elizabeth Vargas shares the truth about her alcohol addiction and anxiety disorder in a shockingly honest and emotional memoir.

From the moment she uttered the brave and honest words, "I am an alcoholic," to interviewer George Stephanopoulos, Elizabeth Vargas began writing her story, as her experiences were still raw. Now, in Between Breaths, Vargas discusses her accounts of growing up with anxiety—which began suddenly at the age of six when her father served in Vietnam—and how she dealt with this anxiety as she came of age, eventually turning to alcohol for a release from her painful reality. The now-A&E Network reporter reveals how she found herself living in denial about the extent of her addiction, and how she kept her dependency a secret for so long. She addresses her time in rehab, her first year of sobriety, and the guilt she felt as a working mother who could never find the right balance between a career and parenting. Honest and hopeful, Between Breaths is an inspiring listen. Winner of the Books for a Better Life Award in the First Book category Instant New York Times and USA Today best seller.

©2016 Elizabeth Vargas (P)2016 Hachette Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Read this book. If you love the sunrise and you want to see courage—the kind that stumbles and falls but rises and rises again. With love of family. And work that saves. My dazzling friend and colleague, Elizabeth Vargas, has stared straight into the lethal heart of addiction with the eye of a fearless journalist. She has written a book for us all about truth, bravery, and the hope that a new day brings."—Diane Sawyer

"What my colleague Elizabeth has produced is not only a compelling read but also an act of true courage. This book is going to help a lot of people."—Dan Harris, author of 10% Happier

"This gripping memoir of addiction takes readers from the highs of Vargas's successful news career to the low of alcoholism, and through the grace of recovery."—Publisher's Weekly

Okay, but not too much insight

Any additional comments?

I listened to this book pretty fast because the subject matter interests me. It is overall a good read/listen. Vargas's reflections on her crippling anxiety issues and how they have led her into drinking to excess will help many people who suffer from anxiety and panic attacks, I am sure.
Her story does get a bit repetitive after a while, which is NOT because she keeps relapsing but because she seems to not have too much insight into why she keeps drinking and starting over. If she does have the insight, she doesn't share it with the reader. "I drank again" "I went back to rehab after four days" leaves the reader wondering WHY she drank again? What went on in your head and in your body that made you drink? This is the really hard stuff every alcoholic goes through. Reading about it helps other people, problem-drinkers or regular drinkers, to understand what a struggle it is to stay sober.
Vargas is also incredibly privileged, and even though she acknowledges it, it seems more like she writes it because she knows she is supposed to. Her gripes about having picked the "wrong" center to treat her the second time - in rural Tennessee, without any fancy exercise opportunities and a private room - come off as first-world problems that miss the point of being in treatment. But then again, this is her story, and it sheds light on the fact that the experience of detoxing and being in treatment is really also very, very class-based in the U.S. - even if Vargas herself is unable to reflect on it.
The same can be said for all the underlying things she mentions but does not get into - her insecurities, her perfectionism, the strain of the modern professional woman to have it all and do it all. This is something many, many people, especially women, know all too well. It would have been nice if she had linked all this to her alcoholism.

Very personal, private story

This book is an amazing account of a very personal, private journey of addiction. It helped understand what happens and to be more compassionate.

Alcoholism is a disease - from Yale to jail and everywhere in between

I heard Elizabeth interviewed about her meditation practice on Dan Harris' 10% Happier podcast. During the interview they briefly discussed her book. I have been in recovery for 17+ years and got away from meetings. Thank goodness I did not relapse but I definitely was not treating my alcoholism. Elizabeth's personal experience is compelling and was extremely helpful to me. I also think her story would be helpful to anyone trying to understand the disease of alcoholism and how even seemingly perfect, successful Hugh functioning people are affected. I highly recommend this book.

Fabulous

Wow what a great story and love that "Beth" read the story herself. Been reading a lot about addiction and alcohol in the average everyday household and this one resonates as she nearly lost it all but still had loved ones who stuck by her and of course ABC. The honesty about how many times she stumbles is painful. By the last time your grimacing thinking oh no not again! Recommended.

Powerful and Humbling

Truly inspiring and courageous. Bravo!! Soo many people are afraid of talking about addiction because of the shame or stigma attached to it. Glad to see that there are people like Ms. Vargas that are willing to share their struggle and journey to sobriety.

God Bless you Beth ❤️

You have brought words and pictures in my mind as to what it means to be struggling through addiction.
You Elizabeth Vargas are a beautiful soul, sharing your heartbreak will help so many people, especially women know there is light on the other side. One foot in front of the other...never quit quitting.

Excellent heartfelt true story of redemption

I loved that Elizabeth narrated her own story. She was brave to share her weakness with the world. But more than that she showed the readers that we all have some secret that we live with no matter who we are. No one is perfect. Her struggles with addiction are real and I believe her story will help others seek help as she finally did to recover from the death-grip of addiction.

Great story, raw and honest

I really enjoyed Elizabeth’s story. The audio itself was well done. Often times we hear stories from those who have suffered with alcoholic’s, it was interesting to see the other side of the coin. Great memoir.

What an amazing woman

I've always liked Elizabeth Vargas. I like her even more now and admire her strength while facing adversity. A book well worth reading.

The story taught me compassion!

I truly enjoyed Elizabeth’s story. She did a fantastic job enlightening the listeners about anxiety and addiction.
It really helped me understand and to feel more compassionate to others with addictions.