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.