Enough Already: Learning to Love the Way I Am Today

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I liked the way the recipes are tied to specific memories, events, occasions… and they are recipes that are down to earth and sound, not only delicious, but comforting, as well. I do wish we had some recipe photos, though.

ENOUGH ALREADY | Kirkus Reviews

I agree with many reviewers on Goodreads. I am not a “fan” per se of Valerie Bertinelli. Have seen re-runs of “One Day At A Time” and have watched bloopers of “Hot in Cleveland” on YouTube but I was watching those because of Betty White. I do have a couple of her cookbooks. Obviously know that she was married to Eddie Van Halen and that’s where it ends.

Another epiphany: why can't we all just help our fellow man (as she's spending millions on renovations while living in a multi million dollar home) 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. 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. I understand that some people will love this book--probably anxious women with low self-esteem--because they will be able to relate to Bertinelli's constant battle with her weight. But I found the book filled with too much nervous energy, constant references to food, and her always feeling bad about herself no matter how many good things happen. It is certainly not inspirational. I’ve been a fan of Valerie’s since she was on One Day at a Time. We are close to the same age. I meant to read her first memoir but I’m glad I read this one. She writes well and is very relatable.

Enough, already - Idioms by The Free Dictionary Enough, already - Idioms by The Free Dictionary

Valerie 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. 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. The passages about her son and ex are all quite touching and I agree with her new approach to the next 20 years (plus or minus) of her life. However, I found the book much too repetitive to be enjoyable. I ended up skimming until I found passages of interest.

Impact on Indigenous women, members of the gender and sexually diverse community, people living with disabilities, immigrant and refugee women, and others 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. Perpetrators of workplace sexual harassment can be: co-workers, supervisors, employers, clients, contractors, and members of the public Valerie 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.