Between Breaths - Elizabeth Vargas

Between Breaths

By Elizabeth Vargas

  • Release Date: 2016-09-13
  • Genre: Biographies & Memoirs
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 670 Ratings

Description

Beloved former ABC 20/20 anchor Elizabeth Vargas share the truth about her alcohol addiction and anxiety disorder in this 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 read. Winner of the Books for a Better Life Award in the First Book category Instant New York Times and USA Today Bestseller

Reviews

  • Acceptance is the Answer

    5
    By Big bad mamas
    Thank you. Your story is similar to my own and millions of others. I got sober in July of 2014. I had tried about 6 months earlier but was still in denial. I saw you interview and it made it easier for me to accept my alcoholism. As Paul says “Until I could accept my alcoholism I could not stay sober; unless I accept life completely on life’s terms, I cannot be happy”.
  • An Open Book on Addiction

    4
    By Likkle More
    This book has helped me understand my issues. Thank you! Elizabeth I can relate to your life. Being a business owner and a woman, mom of 3, and footing all the bills while married is a lot to manage. Watching your husbands income go to his ex-wife because you can pay the bills is even more stressful! I know the feeling!
  • A great visual!

    5
    By Mollie Manners
    I have been sober 14 years and some change. Three weeks after reaching my 13 year of sobriety, my son Landon died of a heroine overdose; November 21st 2017, He was 20. The disease of alcoholism tells us that drinking is the answers to all of our problems, conversely , our program tells us that acceptance is the answer to all of our problems. Sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. Today, and only today, some times minute by minute, I remember that I have a choice about how to cope. Our family agreed to grant an AP journalist to write an in-depth story about our experience — the good, the bad and the ugly. It was released on January 29th 2019 and like you, I had middle of the night anxiety and panic about how it would be received and perceived . If one parent found out they were not alone it was worth the effort. We have been surrounded by love and support. However, there are so many layers to this story that have yet to be addressed. We are in the infancy of this epidemic, and the more people tell the story of addiction, the closer we are to accepting and taking responsibility as a society. Thank you Elizabeth, for your candor. I’m proof that the program works, my son is proof that addiction will kill. Wishing you the best, Mollie W, La Quinta, CA
  • Thankful for this book

    5
    By Salgal85
    I love this book, it hit home with me. Thank you Elizabeth for writing this book.. I know you have helped people with your honesty about being a addict.. one day at a time... I’m 19 yrs sober
  • Grateful

    5
    By fishjuggler
    Thank you, Elizabeth Vargas, for sharing your story. I’m sure you have heard thanks from many alcoholics in recovery. I want you to know that I am thanking you as the wife of a recovering husband. Your story has helped me understand more about his struggles than any other book I have read on the subject (and, believe me, I have read so many trying to better understand his disease). I wish you good health and happiness always.
  • Thank you for your courage to share

    5
    By ruennie
    An amazing raw and honest memoir of a journey and it’s struggles so many of us know well. As a recovering alcoholic I could relate as I hung on to every word written. Thank you for your courage to share some of your most darkest hours and also the beauty that awaits us as we continue the climb to the top of that mountain.
  • Amazing

    5
    By Dubull
    This could change the life of a functioning addict.
  • Incredible!

    5
    By 18booksin2018
    What a captivating story. Thanks, Elizabeth, for your vulnerability. Well written and I truly struggled to put the book down but looked forward to picking t back up again!
  • Breathtaking.....

    5
    By jrboston
    Spectacular story. I'm no longer drinking because of it.
  • Could not put it down

    5
    By Normajean73
    Congratulations to you Elizabeth. What a transparent, beautiful book. I was so drawn in learning about your life and your addiction. I'm so sorry you had to go through it all. You seem so wonderful and genuine. Good luck to you and your renewed life.