Elena Vanishing

A Memoir

By: Elena Dunkle, Clare B. Dunkle

Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang

Seventeen-year-old Elena is vanishing. Every day means renewed determination, so every day means fewer calories. This is the story of a girl whose armor against anxiety becomes artillery against herself as she battles on both sides of a lose-lose war in a struggle with anorexia.

Told entirely from Elena's perspective over a five-year period and cowritten with her mother, award-winning author Clare B. Dunkle, Elena's memoir is a fascinating and intimate look at a deadly disease and a must-listen for anyone who knows someone suffering from an eating disorder.

©2015 Elena and Clare B. Dunkle (P)2015 Audible, Inc.

Well written, but repetitive.

A wonderful writer with strong visuals - however, when listening you will start to dread hearing either "said the voice in my head" or "stupid bitch." Otherwise, great book!

Eaten from Within

Elena Dunkle's memoir re-lives her struggle with anorexia, when it was a separate force consuming her, a demon working against her. This might be the truest portrait of this disorder out there.

She gives a vivid account of the state of mind that anyone with psychological problems, from depression to addiction, can recognize, highlighting the inner voice that constantly counteracts any acknowledgement, any progress toward a healthy mindset. It's a harrowing story that gives you a clear understanding of the disease eating up a victim.

When Elena finally starts to come around, she is again, so honest and so accurate, that you know that recovery is not a straightforward path, it will be a lifetime's work.

The extraordinary Lauren Fortgang does a bang-up job as narrator. She makes it nearly a dramatization, giving the memoir an extra layer of meaning.

It's Real

It's a story unlike any other eating disorder related story that I've read. It not only comes from a person who genuinely understands the disorder, but also some who is artistic enough to portray those feelings in a writing style thats telling and heart-wrenching. It's a relatable book for all those who know that inner voice that constantly tells you you're not good enough. I especially appreciate the recovery process. A lot of books make it seem like recovery is easy and that all the problems go away once you realize the source and decide to change. This one is different. It tells that the voice is still there but shows how you can use it, shift it in a way, to encourage yourself to get better. I truly appreciate this author for putting herself out there like this. It's a very raw depiction of the recovery process that starts from the first chapter. Thank you, Elena.

Amazing

this story is so well told. One of the best books about ED I have read since Marya Hornbachers 'wasted. ' also, the performance by Lauren Fortang is great.

Beautiful

This hits too close to home on too many levels. I found myself crying through many of the later chapters. So brave to share this story with others. May the author continue to win the fight and always remember to hug her loved ones.

Awesome

I've personally read about 5 ED books in the past 2 months and this is by far my favorite so far. I loved the performance and I could really relate to Elena. She cares so much more for others than herself but in doing so she can no longer take care of others bc the condition she has left herself in. I can absolutely relate! Her mother as well reminds me a lot of my mother. it was just such a relatable book even though our storys are very different the book was written so well that it was like I was taking the journey with her. There were some Cons to the book though, the timeline was a little off. I didn't like how the author would skip months without explaining what happened in those months. that made it a little hard to follow. I also felt as though the author expected us to know more than she explained sometimes and I would have to go back and re-read to make sure I didn't miss anything. Last comment on the book would be that if you are currently struggling with an ED this book will probably Trigger you. Read it in recovery and you'll love it too. Other than those Cons the book was great! 10 out of 10 definitely would recommend if your in recovery for an ED.

Well written and performed.

Gripping, realistic, poignant, saga of a girl with an eating disorder. I couldn’t put it down. Must read

ED recovery

i have a eating disorder and I enjoyed this so much. I could relate to some of the things this woman was talking about. this was good.

Inspiring story of fighting one’s mind!

I really liked how the author captured so many details of her day to day life. The cheats that once were her everything and felt clever outsmarting the professional. Now had been resolved and towards the end she even points out one of the final cheats so that other patients can truly focus on getting healthy. At the end of the day everyone deserves to recover. It’s wonderful a past patient is wanting to help the newer ones.

Good but...

I would not recommend reading this book if you are currently battling an eating disorder. It’s a good story and offers valuable insight.