On Tuesday Adrianne commented on my post and mentioned a book by Geneen Roth called Women, Food, and God: An Unexpected Path to Almost Everything. She said that reading it might offer some understandings about our relationships with food and what we’re really seeking when we turn to food. I was intrigued to find out more.
The title worried me a bit – I didn’t want to read a book that sounded overly religious in dogma. I have always believed that religion is a private thing, and not something that I’m comfortable being forced upon me. I detest anything that’s too preachy and self-righteous. I was really happy to discover that the book seems more steeped in spirituality than in overtly Christian ideals.
In doing some research I learned that Geneen Roth has been studying compulsive eating and our relationships to food for over 30 years. She lives in Northern California, not far from where I do. She herself has “lost over a thousand pounds” and been terribly overweight and terribly underweight. She sounds like a woman who knows that of which she speaks. And once I read comments about her book like this one from Anne Lamont:
This is a hugely important work, a life-changer, one that will free untold women from the tyranny of fear and hopelessness around their bodies. Beautifully written, a joy to read, rich in both revelation and great humor.”
I knew that I had to buy it and find out for myself what it was all about.
I ordered it and it should arrive before the end of the week. I can’t wait to dive in and see what insights I can glean from its pages. I also found out that Geneen Roth is going to be on Oprah on May 12, which I’m going to make sure to record.
In the mean time, I watched this video, and I was fascinated when she said that “how we eat is how we live.”
This excerpt from the book is beautiful and moving, and it really excites me about reading the book:
I’ll definitely write a book review once I read the book. If any of you are also interested, please feel free to join me.
Cant wait to read the review! Wow even our thoughts on religion align!
Sounds like a good read. I look forward to reading your review. BTW, congrats on your weight loss. I’ve been out of the loop for a while. I see you’ve been working hard. Keep up the good work.
Dear Bella,
Thank you for your beautiful words. I look forward to you reading the book and hearing how it affects you. Women Food and God may reach you in places you never imagined. I certainly hope so. Remember, it is time that we all reteach ourselves our loveliness.
Warmly,
Geneen Roth
Wow, Geneen, thank you do much for commenting. What an honor. I look forward to receiving the book because I can’t wait to read it!!
I almost bought this book, so I’ll really look forward to hearing what you think about it. It’s funny – I’m not into the preachy stuff, but I sort of shied away from the book because it seems a little…woo-woo? i.e., not in line with my religious faith, which I agree is a personal choice/issue and that’s why I rarely mention it on my blog. Only when it connects with my healthy living journey, since that’s the topic of my blog. Anyhow, just thought it was worth a chuckle that the spiritual aspects of the book gave us both pause but for totally different reasons! Can’t wait to hear what you think!
I just picked up the book recently, so count me in for an informal reading group once you’ve got yours.
ABSOLUTELY TRUE about the relationship with food! I’ll be very interested to see your review of the book–if it lives up to its potential. I realize that I, personally, am happiest and eat healthiest when I look at food as sustenance only. It’s hard to take the entertainment and romance out of it, but it’s worth it for me.
Thanks for posting the video links! You always go above and beyond! I’ve often wondered if getting back to Even is my only reason for living? Lose the weight I gained, pay off the credit cards, shovel out the house? According to Geneen Roth, it turns out the end result may not be but the PROCESS of doing that may be the reason.
I’m looking forward to your review and seeing Geneen on Oprah. Thanks for the reminder!
Hi Bella —
found you through reading Sheila’s blog, Walk with Me. As I told her, I also have requested Geneen’s book from the library.
I have read a few of her books and they always leave me with new information and insight on how we use food in many more ways than as fuel for our bodies.
I’m hoping this one will do the same for all of us!