Enough Already: Learning to Love the Way I Am Today

Enough Already: Learning to Love the Way I Am Today

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  • Create Date:2021-12-26 10:51:17
  • Update Date:2025-09-07
  • Status:finish
  • Author:Valerie Bertinelli
  • ISBN:035856736X
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Summary

Beloved actress and New York Times best-selling author Valerie Bertinelli returns with a heartfelt look at turning sixty, the futility of finding happiness in numbers on a scale, learning to love herself the way she is today, and tips for a healthier outlook on life。

Valerie Bertinelli shares an inspiring blueprint that offers women in midlife support and hope。 She shares personal stories that many women will relate to from her past decade: hitting her fifties, taking care of her dying mother, the evolving relationship with her husband, a career change, her relationship with food, and the battle to believe in herself as she is。

Despite her success receiving Emmys for her Food Network show and critical praise for her books and cookbook, Bertinelli still judged herself harshly if she gained a pound or showed too many wrinkles。 But after her mother died, she found an old recipe box with notes of the strong women that came before her, reminding her that she has to find out who she is and take care of herself。 Saying, “enough already!” Bertinelli set out on a journey to love herself and see that perfection is not the goal; it’s the joy we can find every day in our lives, our loved ones, and the food we share。 Recipes and advice will be sprinkled throughout the book。

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Reviews

*TUDOR^QUEEN* (on hiatus)

4。5 Stars rounded up to 5I have never been a fan of Valerie Bertinelli nor watched her seventies series "One Day at a Time", but because she was married to iconic guitarist Eddie Van Halen, my interest was piqued。 I was never a particular fan of him either, but after having read some biographies on him this past year, my admiration/appreciation of him blossomed。Valerie's premise for this book is the fact that she has always been trying to lose that last ten pounds, especially being in the public 4。5 Stars rounded up to 5I have never been a fan of Valerie Bertinelli nor watched her seventies series "One Day at a Time", but because she was married to iconic guitarist Eddie Van Halen, my interest was piqued。 I was never a particular fan of him either, but after having read some biographies on him this past year, my admiration/appreciation of him blossomed。Valerie's premise for this book is the fact that she has always been trying to lose that last ten pounds, especially being in the public eye as an actress。 She comes from an Italian family and has the fondest memories of growing up in Delaware amidst her grandmother Nonnie cooking heavenly meals。 These were wonderful family gatherings with exquisite food。 Valerie didn't have the greatest relationship with her mother, but the one thing they could get close about was cooking。 When she died and the kids cleaned out her house, Valerie took her Mom's handwritten recipe cards and cookbooks as prized possessions to be re-visited (when writing a cookbook)。 At 48, after being a Jenny Craig spokesperson and starving herself for a week prior to a photo shoot, she appeared svelte in a bikini on the cover of People Magazine。 However, after the shoot she immediately went off her diet and started gaining weight。 Obviously, being skinny while the world is watching and enjoying the wonder of food is a challenge, and finding that balance between that dichotomy- and ultimately achieving joy- is the goal。 Valerie has really bared her soul in this book, and there is a generous helping throughout of her love for first husband Eddie Van Halen- and especially their son, Wolfgang Van Halen。 Touching conversations and experiences are sprinkled evenly among the chapters about their marriage, and their continued closeness following their divorce。 This book was written during the pandemic, when Valerie's current marriage to Tom Vitale was crumbling (Eddie didn't know) and Eddie's to Janie Liszewski was also in shambles (Eddie told Valerie)。 The way this book reads, these second spouses are barely mentioned and their relevance is minimized。 What's maximized is the enduring love that Valerie and Eddie had for each other, and that even in death。。。will never die。 Valerie also shares in great detail the process of Eddie dying in the hospital, which was riveting and brought me to tears。 The book also incorporates many of Valeries' favorite recipies, as her cooking talents led her to a successful career with her own cooking show。 As with the Eddie and Wolfgang Van Halen references, Valerie's love of cooking is evenly dispersed throughout the book。 There are recipes for Lasagna, Pizza, Tuna Melt and cakes。 This book was enjoyable on many levels: the Eddie/Wolfie revelations, enthusiasm for good food (and a way of showing love when cooking for others), and finding contentment in the simple pleasures of life。 I can truly say I enjoyed this book more than I expected to。 I was reading some others at the same time and stopped them to devote myself to this one!Thank you to the publisher Mariner Books for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley。 。。。more

Brenda

"Enough Already" by Valerie Bertinelli is a mix of Love, Acceptance, Laughter and a sprinkle of Homemade Recipes!! Valarie takes you on a journey of her life, love, career and self discovery!! She tells you how she overcome hardships and sadness to experience happiness and joy!! Valarie shares her life long struggle with food and her weight and how with self acceptance and Love it lead to a Passion for Creating and Cooking!! With recipes of Joy she wrote a cookbook and hosted her own cooking sho "Enough Already" by Valerie Bertinelli is a mix of Love, Acceptance, Laughter and a sprinkle of Homemade Recipes!! Valarie takes you on a journey of her life, love, career and self discovery!! She tells you how she overcome hardships and sadness to experience happiness and joy!! Valarie shares her life long struggle with food and her weight and how with self acceptance and Love it lead to a Passion for Creating and Cooking!! With recipes of Joy she wrote a cookbook and hosted her own cooking show!! This book has a sprinkle of Delicious and Joyous Recipes!! The twenty-one gram diet was FASCINATING!! 🍝🥗💫THANK YOU to Valarie Bertinelli, Mariner Books and Netgalley for an e-ARC in exchange for an Honest Review!!#EnoughAlready#NetGalley ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 。。。more

Sharon Naylor Toris

Loved it。 Valerie goes deeper with each book she writes, and we benefit from knowing her voice and her boundless positive energy。 We know she has deeply human moments, and you can feel her deep love for Ed all the way through this book。 This is an author who knows how to love, and it is a joy and warm comfort getting to spend time with her here through this book。 I loved reading about her Food Network origin story and how she worked hard (as she appeared to glide to ease) to bring herself to a p Loved it。 Valerie goes deeper with each book she writes, and we benefit from knowing her voice and her boundless positive energy。 We know she has deeply human moments, and you can feel her deep love for Ed all the way through this book。 This is an author who knows how to love, and it is a joy and warm comfort getting to spend time with her here through this book。 I loved reading about her Food Network origin story and how she worked hard (as she appeared to glide to ease) to bring herself to a place in that organization where her opinions are valued and her show feeling like home。 Most TV chefs we watch, Valerie we feel。 Her book is stellar, and she's a generous author to give us this much of her inner life。 Loved it。 Go get it。 。。。more

Janilyn Kocher

I have been interested in Bertinelli since watching her on One Day at a Time as a kid; she was my favorite character。 What I paid attention to in this book were her stories about her family, son, and Eddie。 She shares the last few days Of his life, which I hadn’t read about anywhere else。 I think part of this book is her tribute and homage to the man she calls her soulmate。 She shares insight about self acceptance and weight resolution and recipes, but I skimmed over those sections。 I was more i I have been interested in Bertinelli since watching her on One Day at a Time as a kid; she was my favorite character。 What I paid attention to in this book were her stories about her family, son, and Eddie。 She shares the last few days Of his life, which I hadn’t read about anywhere else。 I think part of this book is her tribute and homage to the man she calls her soulmate。 She shares insight about self acceptance and weight resolution and recipes, but I skimmed over those sections。 I was more interested in the personal stories of Wolfie, her parents, and Eddie。 Thanks to Mariner Books and NetGalley for the early read。 。。。more

C。G。 Twiles

I should have read the description of this book much more closely, so take this all with a grain of pink Himalayan salt。 I remember Valerie through One Day at a Time, various Lifetime-type movies, and her marriage to Eddie Van Halen。 I had no idea she was also a foodie who had a lot of weight issues and has made a reputation of talking about it。 So those who know and like Valerie for those two things should find this book quite appealing。 Unfortunately, I'm not interested in hearing about women' I should have read the description of this book much more closely, so take this all with a grain of pink Himalayan salt。 I remember Valerie through One Day at a Time, various Lifetime-type movies, and her marriage to Eddie Van Halen。 I had no idea she was also a foodie who had a lot of weight issues and has made a reputation of talking about it。 So those who know and like Valerie for those two things should find this book quite appealing。 Unfortunately, I'm not interested in hearing about women's "relationship with food,"or their weight struggles。 Like I said, I should have read the description better, because I was certainly warned。 I will say there were some really nice parts - her evolving relationship with her ex-husband was interesting (I would have preferred to hear more)。 Her travels to Italy were fun。 But all in all, hearing a woman go on and on about her insecurities - especially when the woman has had the massive success that this author has had - wears on my nerves。 I also thought her "relationship with food" was schizo。 On the one hand, she is constantly lamenting that she buries her feelings with food - but then suddenly we get another high-calorie, artery-busting recipe。 I'm sure others will love this book though。 Thank you to #netgalley, the publisher, and Valerie for an ARC in exchange for an honest review。 。。。more

Freda Mans-Labianca

Been a big fan of Valerie Bertinelli's since the days of One Day At A Time。 I grew up watching that show。 When I saw this book was coming out, I jumped at the chance to read it。 I've always wanted to know more about the lady behind the actor。WOW!You think you know someone while watching their lives played out on tv, movies and mainstream media, but after reading her story, you learn you don't know anything at all。This book was so eye-opening in more ways than one。 Her relationships with her ex-h Been a big fan of Valerie Bertinelli's since the days of One Day At A Time。 I grew up watching that show。 When I saw this book was coming out, I jumped at the chance to read it。 I've always wanted to know more about the lady behind the actor。WOW!You think you know someone while watching their lives played out on tv, movies and mainstream media, but after reading her story, you learn you don't know anything at all。This book was so eye-opening in more ways than one。 Her relationships with her ex-husband Eddie Van Halen and son Wolfgang are powerful to witness, even on the sidelines。 The love she has for these two humans is incomparable to anything else。 You feel the emotion throughout。I literally bawled like a baby when she wrote about Eddie's passing。 I felt like I lost someone in that moment, it was so profound。As if I wasn't a fan already, she maximized the fandom with her honesty, love and compassion。 What a great read!! 。。。more

Sarah

I started this book only knowing the obvious facts about Valerie Bertinelli。 She was an actress, had been married to Eddie Van Halen, was a spokeswoman for a weight loss program and now is on the Food Network。 However, as Valerie opens her heart and mind to the reader, you soon learn that despite her “Hollywood” life she is “every woman”。 She struggles with being the best version of herself and what that means。 She shares insight on the evolution of a woman as she reaches and moves through middl I started this book only knowing the obvious facts about Valerie Bertinelli。 She was an actress, had been married to Eddie Van Halen, was a spokeswoman for a weight loss program and now is on the Food Network。 However, as Valerie opens her heart and mind to the reader, you soon learn that despite her “Hollywood” life she is “every woman”。 She struggles with being the best version of herself and what that means。 She shares insight on the evolution of a woman as she reaches and moves through middle age。 A mother, a friend, a wife, Valerie shares her perspective on her life and how her journey has finally lead to a happy space。 All of this insight and storytelling is intertwined with a glorious connection to food。 Recipes shared throughout seem like little gifts from Valerie to her readers。 This book was a genuinely enjoyable read that prompted self reflection and a feeling of contentment that happiness is attainable if you know where to look for it。 。。。more

Carolyn

Enough Already by Valerie Bertinelli is an inspiring read about how she has learned to accept herself as she is, with all the flaws and foibles of a 60 year old woman。 It was so refreshing to read Valerie's words! She has been through so much over the years。。。her yo-yoing weight, losing weight with Jenny Craig and appearing in a bikini on her 50th birthday, her marriage to rock and roll bad boy Eddie van Halen and her divorce and remarriage, her son Wolfie who she adores。。。she has had a challeng Enough Already by Valerie Bertinelli is an inspiring read about how she has learned to accept herself as she is, with all the flaws and foibles of a 60 year old woman。 It was so refreshing to read Valerie's words! She has been through so much over the years。。。her yo-yoing weight, losing weight with Jenny Craig and appearing in a bikini on her 50th birthday, her marriage to rock and roll bad boy Eddie van Halen and her divorce and remarriage, her son Wolfie who she adores。。。she has had a challenging life with most of it in the spotlight。 It was heartbreaking reading of how she handled Eddie's death, for they truly seemed to be soulmates。 All in all, Enough Already is such a positive, uplifting book。 I thank the author, Mariner Books and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review。 Now I need to go read her other books! 。。。more

Paula Storm

Maybe I just didn’t get this book because I don’t follow Valerie Bertinelli or because I didn’t read her previous memoir。 I found this book repetitive。 It seemed her whole story could have herb told in a chapter or two。

Alicia Bayer

After reading this book I do sort of feel sorry for Bertinelli, but I had to force myself to finish the book。 This woman is just so obsessed with food and her body。 She goes on and on about her history with food and her weight。 She talks about how much of her life she spent dieting and then she goes into a segue with some food she had to cook and gives you the recipe (there are 8 recipes in the book)。 It's written as a sort of essay/blog entry throughout the pandemic, with a chapter on this on t After reading this book I do sort of feel sorry for Bertinelli, but I had to force myself to finish the book。 This woman is just so obsessed with food and her body。 She goes on and on about her history with food and her weight。 She talks about how much of her life she spent dieting and then she goes into a segue with some food she had to cook and gives you the recipe (there are 8 recipes in the book)。 It's written as a sort of essay/blog entry throughout the pandemic, with a chapter on this on this date and then a chapter on this on this date。 But the vast majority are just about her weight and food。 Her life seems pretty consumed with food, her weight, her son, making tv shows and more food (and TV shows about making food and judging food)。 There's only so much I want to read about her excess weight, her diet history, her problems with body image, and the latest thing she cooked。 She clearly dotes on her son and it's sweet to read about that, but it seems like she uses food to try to connect with him too, which just struck me as kind of sad。 Towards the end of the book she talks about the death of her ex-husband, Eddie Van Halen。 I found him really likeable and felt for the whole family in losing him。 They clearly were soulmates, even though they've been divorced for years and they both were married to other people at the time of his death。 It was very weird that she didn't write AT ALL about her current husband other than a few vague things about their marriage dissolving。 Surely he existed in her life though??? The same can be said for poor EVH's widow, who was there too as he died。 Bertinelli's wealth and privilege were a little too much for me, too, like hearing about the plans to completely rebuild her oceanfront dream house (not her main house, which she also rebuilt, this is a huge property she also maintains on a cliff above the ocean)。 She's earned it and good for her, but I don't necessarily want to read about how happy she is that she's finally moving forward on tearing down her old beach dream house to build a new even fancier one。 It seems a little tone deaf in light of many people's situations right now regarding the pandemic and how much so many people are struggling。Bertinelli talks a lot about the People magazine cover that showed her in a bikini at 48 and her huge deal with Jenny Craig (I think?) to represent them in their weight loss ads。 She writes about how she starved herself and lost so much that she renegotiated her salary with them to make even more, how she was eating basically nothing at all to be able to get skinny enough for the cover shoot, and how immediately after the People cover she started gaining it all back。 This felt particularly off-putting given how many, many people felt awful about their own bodies because of her decades of getting rich off these types of covers, photo shoots and ad campaigns。 She mentions a couple of times that she feels guilty for it now, but it feels a little hollow considering all those years of giving this fake impression helped maintain those dream houses at the expense of people who thought these things would really work for them。Mostly though, she just seems kind of nice but empty。 She talks about never really having a relationship with her parents before they died, and her mother's life of pain and unhappiness。 She talks about not feeling comfortable doing basic things like putting her arm around Eddie when he seemed sad and she has almost no mention of anything she does for pleasure other than cooking for people, doting on her son, starring in her tv shows and watching cat tiktok videos。 She still seems so insecure and self obsessed, even though the book is about coming to terms with herself at last。 She just cannot stop talking about her weight, again and again and again。 She wrote the book last year and has promoted it on TV as her finding peace about her body and finally being happy with herself, but just last week she posted this tearful breakdown on Instagram because someone left a comment that she should lose weight。 This is a woman who has literally hundreds if not thousands of people telling her how pretty and wonderful she is on a weekly basis, who has multiple dream houses, multiple TV shows, and all kinds of benefits that others don't have, and she's going to angrily and tearfully break down because one person says she needs to lose weight on Instagram????? It's relatable but once again shows that you can't necessarily rely on Valerie Bertinelli for advice, whether it's for how to lose weight or for how to learn to be happy in your body。 She's a lovely woman and I'm sure she's very nice, but I didn't really get anything out of the book。 Two stars for "it was okay。"I read a temporary digital ARC of this book via NetGalley。 。。。more

Sarah Buron

I flew through this book because it was written in a way that feels like you’re catching up with an old friend。 Thanks so much to NetGalley and Mariner Books for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

Cozy Cat Reviews

Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley。 My review opinions are my own。 This is a honest, raw heartfelt story of her lifelong battle with weight, her grief of losing her ex husband to cancer and her journey through her love of cooking 。 It was a enjoyable read and is full of honest lessons for those of us women of a certain age that are abused in this country due to weight or age 。 She speaks of the mysogany she faced as a actress and the discrimination over being "curvy"。 She speaks for al Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley。 My review opinions are my own。 This is a honest, raw heartfelt story of her lifelong battle with weight, her grief of losing her ex husband to cancer and her journey through her love of cooking 。 It was a enjoyable read and is full of honest lessons for those of us women of a certain age that are abused in this country due to weight or age 。 She speaks of the mysogany she faced as a actress and the discrimination over being "curvy"。 She speaks for all of us on this issue and opens her heart for a inside look at her growth as a person in her 60's that has reached her happiness and put the struggles of her younger years behind her。 I highly recommend this book 。 A very well done biography。 。。。more

Barbara

3。5 starsValerie BertinelliValerie Bertinelli has been in the limelight since her teens, when she starred in the popular sitcom 'One Day at a Time。' Valerie became even more famous when she wed Eddie Van Halen, co-founder of the American rock band Van Halen。 Valerie went on to star in the sitcom 'Hot in Cleveland', and is now seen on the Food Channel, where she hosts the cooking show 'Valerie's Home Cooking' and is a judge on 'Kids Baking Championship。' Valerie Bertinelli (center) in One Day at 3。5 starsValerie BertinelliValerie Bertinelli has been in the limelight since her teens, when she starred in the popular sitcom 'One Day at a Time。' Valerie became even more famous when she wed Eddie Van Halen, co-founder of the American rock band Van Halen。 Valerie went on to star in the sitcom 'Hot in Cleveland', and is now seen on the Food Channel, where she hosts the cooking show 'Valerie's Home Cooking' and is a judge on 'Kids Baking Championship。' Valerie Bertinelli (center) in One Day at a Time with Bonnie Franklin (left) and Mackenzie Phillips (right)Valerie Bertinelli married Eddie Van HalenValerie Bertinelli (center) in Hot in Cleveland with Jane Leeves (left) and Wendie Malick (right)Valerie Bertinelli on Valerie's Home CookingValerie Bertinelli with fellow judge Duff Goldman on Kids Baking ChampionshipValerie's success - and prominent place in the public eye - came with a price, however, and she was always self-conscious about her weight。 Valerie constantly felt the need to lose 10 pounds (or occasionally more), and was continually unhappy about her appearance。 Valerie would compare her self-described hourglass figure to actresses she worked with, like Mackenzie Phillips on One Day at a Time, and Wendie Malick and Jane Leeves on Hot in Cleveland, and (in her own eyes) she came up short。Now in her 60s, Valerie is tired of the self-doubt and she says 'enough already。' Valerie doesn't just talk about coming to terms with her weight though。 She reminisces about her life, family, marriages, home, son, career, and more。 Valerie also shares insights about achieving happiness and contentment in life。Valerie Bertinelli is striving to be contentSadly, Valerie touches on grief as well。 Over the years Valerie lost her father and mother, and in 2020 she lost her best friend Eddie Van Halen。 Though Valerie and Van Halen (who she calls Ed) divorced in 2005 - after twenty-five years of marriage - they remained very close, and Valerie deeply mourns Ed's passing。Valerie Bertinelli and Eddie Van HalenValerie met Ed when she was nineteen, and the attraction was instantaneous and mutual。 The couple was portrayed as "a bad-boy rock star and America's sweetheart", but privately Ed was shy and Valerie was boisterous。 Valerie believes she and Van Halen were soulmates and would have stayed together but for Ed's drinking and using drugs, which she calls "crazy, cliché eighties-style behavior。" Valerie Bertinelli and Eddie Van HalenValerie and Ed had a son Wolfgang Van Halen (Wolfie) whom they both adored, and this kept the couple connected even after their divorce and remarriages to other people。 Valerie Bertinelli and Eddie Van Halen with their baby WolfieValerie Bertinelli and Eddie Van Halen with their son WolfieValerie writes about some of her fun experiences with Ed, how much she enjoyed cooking for him, and their ongoing (platonic) love。 Valerie also touches on Ed's decades-long battle with cancer and his death in the hospital, surrounded by loved ones。 Even now, Valerie still feels connected to Ed。。。。。if only in her dreams。 Valerie is buoyed by her son Wolfie, who followed his father into the music business。 Wolfgang Van HalenValerie and Wolfie are close, and Valerie enjoys lavishing her delicious culinary creations on Wolfie and his girlfriend Andraia。 Valerie first learned to cook from her Nonnie, aunt, and other women in her family, and often thinks about their cappelletti in brodo, gnocchi, and homemade bread。Capelletti in BrodoGnocchiHomemade Italian BreadAfter Valerie married Ed, she learned southeast Asian recipes from Ed's Indonesian mother, who taught Valerie how to prepare Bami Goreng and Ketjap Sambal。 Now of course, Valerie creates her own recipes for her television show。 Bami GorengKetjap Sambai (dipping sauce)From the outside looking in Valerie seemed to have had a very successful life。 When Valerie hit 60 though, she felt she wasn't really happy。 Writing about that time, she says, "I feel like I have neglected myself while spending my entire life doing what I think will please everybody else。 Publicly, I have pretended to be the bubbly, upbeat, all-American girl everybody wants to believe I am, but in private I have rarely thought of myself as anything but a failure。" And Valerie decided to do something about it。In public, Valerie always appeared cheerful and happyWith the help of a mind coach, Valerie was able to learn how to deal with emotional pain without using food as a crutch。 And she learned to see happiness not as an end goal, but as something to strive for every day。 Valerie had her epiphany during the Covie-19 pandemic, so much of her healing had to be done alone。 Valerie describes things she does to improve her mood as follows: [When] I get anxious I go for a walk。 I have tea。 I page through magazines。 I read。 After a while, I pour myself a glass of wine, sit outside, and try to meditate。 By then, I am definitely calmer, but still engaged in a debate with my more insecure, critical self, that asks, 'Why didn't I go on a diet and lose five pounds? Or ten?' Valerie then endeavors to silence those voices, assuring herself that her family and fans love her no matter what。 And she tries to find joy, happiness and gratitude over and over again, every day。 Some of Valerie's tips are: tidy your mind; exercise; eat lots of fruits and vegetables; be kind; try new things; laugh loudly and often; be grateful; love; and more。Valerie Bertinelli at homeValerie include lots of personal anecdotes in the book, such as a description of a wonderful trip to Italy with her second husband Tom Vitale; Valerie Bertinelli and her second husband Tom Vitaleattending Van Halen concerts to watch Ed (then Ed and Wolfie) play; Young Eddie Van Halen performingEddie Van Halen and Wolfgang Van Halen performing togetherspending time with her mother; Valerie Bertinelli with her motherwriting her cookbook; Valerie Bertinelli's cookbookwatching football on TV; taping her cooking show; being a Jenny Craig spokesperson; enjoying her pets; rebuilding her beach house; watching cat videos on TikTok;Valerie Bertinelli likes cats and cat videos on TikTok listening to Wolfie's new songs; grieving Ed's death; splitting from Tom; and much more。Valerie Bertinelli loves listening to her son Wolfie's musicValerie's narrative is a bit meandering and repetitive, but it shows her to be a lovely, modest, caring woman who wants to help others by sharing her experiences。 I think many people would find inspiration in this book。 Valerie loves to cook and includes a smattering of recipes in the book。 Some of the dishes are:Hot Spinach and Crab DipLasagnaSicilian Chocolate Love CakeTuna Egg Salad MeltsUpside-Down Citrus CakeThanks to Netgalley, Valerie Bertinelli, and Mariner Books for a copy of the book。 You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer。blogspot。com 。。。more

Terri

Thank you netgalley for the arc! I was very excited to dive into this book as soon as I got it!! Enough Apready - the mantra for this book and for living life。 Valerie put it all out there in this autobiographt。 It is a very quick read and there were some interesting stories throughout! Some of it was a little repetitive, however repeating positive thoughts and ideas is always a good thing。 I will definitely recommend!

Robin

An honest and emotional look at her life, especially how she has coped with her weight and the loss of her former husband, Eddie Van Halen。 It was a little scattered and a bit repetitive but it was a quick read and I enjoyed hearing how she came to terms with how her life is today。I have more to say but it will have to wait。 Thanks to the publisher for the advance reading copy。

Penelope Fisher

She seems like a nice enough person but I just wasn't interested in her current life。 She writes a lot about her relationship with her ex-husband (rocker Eddie Van Halen) through his illness and her love of her grown son and her struggles with body image, her very cushy middle aged life and cooking。 I think it would have interested me more if I grew up watching her, but it was kind of like reading a memoir by one of my mom's Facebook friends。Thanks to the publisher who provided an advance copy。 She seems like a nice enough person but I just wasn't interested in her current life。 She writes a lot about her relationship with her ex-husband (rocker Eddie Van Halen) through his illness and her love of her grown son and her struggles with body image, her very cushy middle aged life and cooking。 I think it would have interested me more if I grew up watching her, but it was kind of like reading a memoir by one of my mom's Facebook friends。Thanks to the publisher who provided an advance copy。 I did not rate the book since it was a DNF for me。 。。。more

Linden

Valerie tells us she has dieted her whole life, always trying to lose 10 pounds or more。 She was even a spokesperson for Jenny Craig diets, where she was required to model a bikini at age 48。 But now she says, “Enough already!” She notes that “the health-diet-beauty industry markets to our insecurities” and “the fashion industry’s inconsistencies in sizing makes us feel terrible。” She has become more accepting of who she is regardless of the numbers on the scale, and embraces this new outlook。 S Valerie tells us she has dieted her whole life, always trying to lose 10 pounds or more。 She was even a spokesperson for Jenny Craig diets, where she was required to model a bikini at age 48。 But now she says, “Enough already!” She notes that “the health-diet-beauty industry markets to our insecurities” and “the fashion industry’s inconsistencies in sizing makes us feel terrible。” She has become more accepting of who she is regardless of the numbers on the scale, and embraces this new outlook。 She is reaching out to women (and maybe men) who cannot perceive their positive attributes unless the scale shows a sufficiently low number。 She also touches on grief, and the challenges that she and her son faced when her ex, Eddie Van Halen, was dying。 I enjoyed this book’s friendly, accessible writing style, and would recommend it to anyone looking for a heartfelt memoir with a positive message: "Enough already with anything that doesn't come from love。" Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this advance copy。 。。。more

Eryn Eaton

Growing up。 my parents were fans of Valerie Bertinelli。 While I never watched much that she was in, the thing I definitely knew her from was the Jenny Craig commercials, which discusses in the book。 I'll say this, even if you don't know who she is, have never seen her in a tv show or movie, or whether you're her biggest fan, every woman needs to read this book。 For one thing, I never felt like I was reading a celebrity memoir。 It felt more like reading something from a friend。 Her stories are in Growing up。 my parents were fans of Valerie Bertinelli。 While I never watched much that she was in, the thing I definitely knew her from was the Jenny Craig commercials, which discusses in the book。 I'll say this, even if you don't know who she is, have never seen her in a tv show or movie, or whether you're her biggest fan, every woman needs to read this book。 For one thing, I never felt like I was reading a celebrity memoir。 It felt more like reading something from a friend。 Her stories are incredibly relatable。 The amount of times I've told myself I'm going to lose weight instead of loving who I am in the current moment is staggering and reading her perspective on it all made me step back and go "She's right! Enough already!" I laughed, I cried, I rejoiced, and I related to this beautiful read。 In fact, it has made me want to go back and watch anything she's ever been in because I feel like I will love it all。Thank you Valerie for sharing your own struggles and writing a book that all women need to read。 Big thanks to Mariner Books and Netgalley for providing me with the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review。 。。。more

Jacquie

Enough Already by Valerie BertinelliExpected Publication Date: 18 Jan 2022Synopsis:"Valerie Bertinelli shares an inspiring blueprint that offers women in midlife support and hope。 She shares personal stories that many women will relate to from her past decade: hitting her fifties, taking care of her dying mother, the evolving relationship with her husband, a career change, her relationship with food, and the battle to believe in herself as she is。Despite her success receiving Emmys for her Food Enough Already by Valerie BertinelliExpected Publication Date: 18 Jan 2022Synopsis:"Valerie Bertinelli shares an inspiring blueprint that offers women in midlife support and hope。 She shares personal stories that many women will relate to from her past decade: hitting her fifties, taking care of her dying mother, the evolving relationship with her husband, a career change, her relationship with food, and the battle to believe in herself as she is。Despite her success receiving Emmys for her Food Network show and critical praise for her books and cookbook, Bertinelli still judged herself harshly if she gained a pound or showed too many wrinkles。 But after her mother died, she found an old recipe box with notes of the strong women that came before her, reminding her that she has to find out who she is and take care of herself。 Saying, “enough already!” Bertinelli set out on a journey to love herself and see that perfection is not the goal; it’s the joy we can find every day in our lives, our loved ones, and the food we share。 Recipes and advice will be sprinkled throughout the book。"Review:Growing up in the spotlight has not gone to Valerie's head。 She is an inspiring woman - she has dealt with parent issues, weight issues, marriage & motherhood issues, and career issues - issues many of us women, aged 50+, have also experienced。 Being able to scream "Enough, already" should be the "older" woman's battle cry! Thank you Valerie!I was gifted this advance copy by NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review。 。。。more

Judy

I was very excited to receive an ARC of this book through NetGalley。 My friends and I loved watching One Day at a Time and we all wanted TO BE Valerie Bertinelli。 She had the best hair and the greatest clothes and was funny and well I guess we had a little girl crush on her, before that was even a thing。 Somehow Valerie and I got older, really, really fast。 Now with grown kids and a few heartbreaks I can totally relate to where she is in her life。 Watching her go through the weight loss ordeal a I was very excited to receive an ARC of this book through NetGalley。 My friends and I loved watching One Day at a Time and we all wanted TO BE Valerie Bertinelli。 She had the best hair and the greatest clothes and was funny and well I guess we had a little girl crush on her, before that was even a thing。 Somehow Valerie and I got older, really, really fast。 Now with grown kids and a few heartbreaks I can totally relate to where she is in her life。 Watching her go through the weight loss ordeal and taking the dive in her bikini was good for all of her “old” fans。 I was so happy to read the book to find that she has made peace with her weight, her body, herself。 I never thought I would be quoting Valerie to my friends but I found that her thoughts on how to accept yourself and forgive yourself were actually enlightening。 Not because they were brand new ideas but because she made the story so relatable。 I got a little disengaged at the end with the “ghost” stories but hey not every story can be something you can relate to。 While reading this book will not change your life, it does make you stop and think about how you can embrace some of the lessons and ideas that she struggled through。 。。。more

Regina Mastrogiacomo

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers。 To view it, click here。 I have always like Valerie Bertinelli and when I came across this autobiography I had to read it。 I remember watching all the episodes of "One Day at a Time," and always rooting for her and wondering what was happening with her now, so this book let me find out。 The book includes her struggle with body image, which 99% of American women seem to have, and how she is trying to come to terms with it。 The book also talks about how she loves her family and all the struggles she went through during Co I have always like Valerie Bertinelli and when I came across this autobiography I had to read it。 I remember watching all the episodes of "One Day at a Time," and always rooting for her and wondering what was happening with her now, so this book let me find out。 The book includes her struggle with body image, which 99% of American women seem to have, and how she is trying to come to terms with it。 The book also talks about how she loves her family and all the struggles she went through during Covid and Eddie Van Halen's illness, and it's this part that ends up coming through the most and it reminds me of a love story that is still ongoing。 The book is also written as though we are her friends and she is including us in her everyday life that seems to be very busy and comfortable and she has time to talk。 I want to thank Mariner Books (formerly HMH Books), Mariner Books and NetGalley for an advance copy of Enough Already 。。。more

Terri

From her earliest days on “ One Day at a Time”, I’ve always thought of Valerie Bertinelli as a living, breathing, approachable, everyday kind of person, albeit one who is beautiful, talented, and a very successful TV star。 She always just came across as so kind, so real, and so “normal”。Reading this fascinating and heart-wrenching memoir, penned at a time when the author was still suffering from the effects of Covid lockdown; the declining health, move into care, and rapid and unexpected passing From her earliest days on “ One Day at a Time”, I’ve always thought of Valerie Bertinelli as a living, breathing, approachable, everyday kind of person, albeit one who is beautiful, talented, and a very successful TV star。 She always just came across as so kind, so real, and so “normal”。Reading this fascinating and heart-wrenching memoir, penned at a time when the author was still suffering from the effects of Covid lockdown; the declining health, move into care, and rapid and unexpected passing of both of her parents; and finally, the cruel and devastating loss of her ex-husband, Eddie Van Halen, to his decade-long battle with cancer - confirmed my earliest impressions, as the author, with the rawness and no-holds-barred approach she has taken to telling her story, creates a mood that is intimate, compassionate, grief-soaked, soul-searching and deeply vulnerable, - inspiring all of these emotions, in spades, back from this reader。 “This book is about letting go of certain behavior that no longer serves me, recognizing that perhaps it never did and trying to find new ways of channeling my thoughts and emotions。”The narrative shared is brutally frank, confirming that the author, like all of us, is not immune to heartache, struggling with the same issues most of us face regarding our own mortality; the aging of our parents; self-esteem and identity; weight control; and the crumbling of trust and alignment with our life-partners。Anyone who has wanted to lose ten pounds, struggled with pervasive unhealthy body issues stemming from childhood, or found themselves deeply lacking when comparing against friends (which should just about cover most of us?) will relate to the author’s self-image and identity struggles and their impact, particularly for someone as exposed in the public arena through her TV and media appearances。 As the author leans into her sixty-first year, - a year preceded by catastrophic changes and a desperate need for new coping tools and growth - her thoughts, recipes, memories and yearnings laid out in this diary-like memoir paint a picture that is tragic, utterly engaging, and keenly inspiring。 “As I move forward in life, I continue to learn it’s only and all about love in the end “Throughout it all, the author (and her ex-husband’s) love and wonder in their child, Wolfie, now an adult and a successful musician on his own, shines throughout the narrative with such depth and sincerity that, in several places, it brought a lump to my throat。 “I am trying to get to a place where I look at myself the way Wolfie did when he was a little boy - with pure love。”Clearly at a point where she is ready to tackle her inner demons, once and for all, “Enough Already” is a probing, sensitive and intensely touching reminder that we are not alone - each of us, on our own individual timeline and with our own particularities, will face and be obliged to manage many similar life-events as those so generously detailed here, (perhaps now, as I’m sure is the author’s intent, with a little more foresight, and a lot more permission to allow ourselves to be。)I’m grateful to the author for her courage in sharing her story, highly recommended to readers everywhere, and in particular, women facing their mid or twilight years with unanswered questions and a still-bruised self-image。 “It was about giving myself permission to connect to my heritage and enjoy food and everything associated with it。 It was about being me。”A great big thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an ARC of this book。 All thoughts presented are my own。 。。。more

Jennifer Steinhagen

Top 5 Reasons to read Enough Already by Valerie Bertinelli。 1。 You want a refreshing take on weight loss and body image。 2。 Her very best recipes (that chocolate cake!) 3。 Lines like this “Joy is not going to come to me。 I have to intentionally pursue it everyday。” 4。 You love cat videos on Tik Tok too。 5。 Her candid and heart wrenching story about her ex Ed Van Halen’s death。 5+ You’re looking for a book with a lotta love。 Thank you for this ARC Net Galley!!

Kayo

This book packs a powerful punch。 I'm a few steps behind author, but I'm learning。Thanks to author, publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book。 While I got the book for free, it had no bearing on the rating I gave it。 This book packs a powerful punch。 I'm a few steps behind author, but I'm learning。Thanks to author, publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book。 While I got the book for free, it had no bearing on the rating I gave it。 。。。more

Valerity (Val)

This is the 2nd book I’ve ready by Bertinelli and I really enjoyed them both。 I like her writing and how she tells about her life, challenges, and her deep dive into cooking。 I found some of her recipes throughout the book。 She also shares about her relationships with her son, ex-husband Eddie Van Halen, and others。 This book is also about her getting over the life-long diet habit and accepting herself as she is。 A very good memoir。 Advance electronic review copy was provided by NetGalley, autho This is the 2nd book I’ve ready by Bertinelli and I really enjoyed them both。 I like her writing and how she tells about her life, challenges, and her deep dive into cooking。 I found some of her recipes throughout the book。 She also shares about her relationships with her son, ex-husband Eddie Van Halen, and others。 This book is also about her getting over the life-long diet habit and accepting herself as she is。 A very good memoir。 Advance electronic review copy was provided by NetGalley, author Valerie Bertinelli, and the publisher。 。。。more

Cindy McCarter

I have read all of Valerie Bertinelli's books and they are all great including her two cookbooks。 I actually met her at a book signing for her cookbook One Dish at a Time。 She is a lovely and personable lady。 This book really interested me because she included her personal struggles as well as her personal life with ex-husband Eddie Van Halen。 Because I grew up listening to his music and also watching her shows and movies, it was of particular interest to me。 I appreciate how she did not speak n I have read all of Valerie Bertinelli's books and they are all great including her two cookbooks。 I actually met her at a book signing for her cookbook One Dish at a Time。 She is a lovely and personable lady。 This book really interested me because she included her personal struggles as well as her personal life with ex-husband Eddie Van Halen。 Because I grew up listening to his music and also watching her shows and movies, it was of particular interest to me。 I appreciate how she did not speak negatively of anyone and just told her story in the most raw and forthcoming way。 She took us behind the scenes of her current show Valerie's Home Cooking and also promoted her son Wolfie's music career。 She is one proud mama and rightfully so。 I thoroughly enjoyed this book。 I think anyone with personal weight struggles, painful divorces, those who love to cook, moms, and so on will love it too。 It encompasses so much。 Thank you to NetGalley, Tuxedo Ltd。, and HarperCollins Publishers for the ARC of this book。 。。。more

Rachel

Enough Already by Valerie Bertinelli is an excellent memoir that gives the reader an honest, raw, and hopeful look on aging, acceptance, and finding happiness。 I loved reading Valerie’s first book, so I knew I had to read her newest book and the updated reflections she now offers in the years since the previous was published。 She is just as down to earth, honest, positive, human, and open as she was before。 She has a way of drawing the reader in as if you are a friend sitting on her couch with a Enough Already by Valerie Bertinelli is an excellent memoir that gives the reader an honest, raw, and hopeful look on aging, acceptance, and finding happiness。 I loved reading Valerie’s first book, so I knew I had to read her newest book and the updated reflections she now offers in the years since the previous was published。 She is just as down to earth, honest, positive, human, and open as she was before。 She has a way of drawing the reader in as if you are a friend sitting on her couch with a cup of coffee passing pieces of advice back and forth。 She doesn’t make excuses, admits her faults and her imperfections, and admits she will always be a work in progress (as we all are)。 It was entertaining and enjoyable and I hope she continues to keep her wonderful attitude, outlook, and writes another book in the future。 (The recipes throughout were a nice addition as well。) 5/5 stars Thank you NG and Mariner Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion。 I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 1/18/22。 。。。more

Alissa

This memoir was written with a lot of sincerity, soul searching, grief and love and it shows。。。。 in good ways and in not-as-good ways。 I related to Bertinelli's "enough already" mantra - enough with trying to lose those 10 pounds, enough trying to be perfect, etc。 I appreciate her sharing her experience, ideas and advice on how to find joy in life, as well as her opening up about her love for food & cooking, her son Wolfie and her ex-husband Eddie Van Halen。 Some parts of the different essays/ch This memoir was written with a lot of sincerity, soul searching, grief and love and it shows。。。。 in good ways and in not-as-good ways。 I related to Bertinelli's "enough already" mantra - enough with trying to lose those 10 pounds, enough trying to be perfect, etc。 I appreciate her sharing her experience, ideas and advice on how to find joy in life, as well as her opening up about her love for food & cooking, her son Wolfie and her ex-husband Eddie Van Halen。 Some parts of the different essays/chapters do tend to get a bit repetitive。 And, I can only imagine how Eddie's widow Janie or Valerie's now estranged husband Tom feel reading Valerie's words about EVH and their unending love for one another through the ups and downs of the 40 years of their relationship。 But I read this book in a day and would recommend it to anyone who either wanted to be Valerie Bertinelli or date her in the 80s。。。 or who just want to see a celebrity open up about facing and shedding her own insecurities and embracing life in the moment。 NOTE: I received a free advance readers copy from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review。 。。。more

Elizabeth

Valerie Bertinelli has written an honest and relatable book that most people will love。 I couldn’t put this book down , I felt like I was sitting beside her through the whole book。 She had me laughing and crying and wanting to give her a hug and felt I had been through a lot of situations that Val has written about。 She made me feel that I was not alone and wanted to thank her for her honesty about her life, both good and bad and sad。 Personally I think this will be a bestseller and will help pe Valerie Bertinelli has written an honest and relatable book that most people will love。 I couldn’t put this book down , I felt like I was sitting beside her through the whole book。 She had me laughing and crying and wanting to give her a hug and felt I had been through a lot of situations that Val has written about。 She made me feel that I was not alone and wanted to thank her for her honesty about her life, both good and bad and sad。 Personally I think this will be a bestseller and will help people realize that she has problems like everyone else。 Thanks Val and she includes delicious recipes and guides you to understanding what may lead you more joy in your life and I’ve said Enough Aleady。🤗👏😋🥰📕💐🙏 。。。more

June Price

I see myself in Valerie Bertinelli。 We're off the same generation and, of course, I watched her grow up in front of my eyes。 I wasn't expecting such raw honesty from her in "Enough Already" and at times it felt like she was speaking directly to me。 Like her, I've always tried to control things, seeing that as a way to please others。 I, too, saw my parents into their Golden Years and beyond and have lost others I've loved。 Also, like her, there's that dang perpetual ten pounds I'd love to lose bu I see myself in Valerie Bertinelli。 We're off the same generation and, of course, I watched her grow up in front of my eyes。 I wasn't expecting such raw honesty from her in "Enough Already" and at times it felt like she was speaking directly to me。 Like her, I've always tried to control things, seeing that as a way to please others。 I, too, saw my parents into their Golden Years and beyond and have lost others I've loved。 Also, like her, there's that dang perpetual ten pounds I'd love to lose but, well, unlike her it's never dominated my life since I didn't have to answer to a camera lens that showed all faults。 Bertinelli is a brave woman to have bared her soul here, including the death of the love of her life, Eddie Van Halen。 Cancer sucks。 As noted above, so many things in this book spoke to my heart。 If you've ever doubted yourself, ever felt you weren't enough, weren't doing enough, or simply failed to enjoy the small things in life that are, in the grand scheme of things, you will perhaps feel the same。 I was also reminded in her discussion of where her family came from that we are probably distant cousins through Claypoole family tie s。 Maybe that is part of why I felt such empathy with her as the book progressed and I knew it was getting closer and closer to the point where she'd lose Eddie。 who knows? Again, in the grand scheme of things, irrelevant, but little things like that help bring us all together。 Let's all heed her suggestion that we stop wasting time and learn to love ourselves and get on with embracing the joys of everyday life。 Thank you, my maybe distant cousin for those words of wisdom。 。。。more