| | |  | | Home » iWant: My Journey from Addiction and Overconsumption to a Simpler, Honest Life | | | | | | | Description: | | 'This is the story of my ch . . . ch . . . changes, which took me from insanity to clarity, from egocentricity to altruism, from alcoholism to activism. These changes have marked an evolution in what I want from this life. I am what I want. What I seek to consume, possess, and achieve is a mirror that reflects my lusts and cravings, values and priorities, and moral boundaries or lack thereof. I am happy to say that what I want today is much less toxic and self-centered than what I used to want. It's taken decades of selfexamination to peel back the layers and figure out what really makes me happy. And while I'm still searching for my ultimate bliss, I know for sure it's not what I once thought it was. It's not alcohol, cigarettes, money, food, sugar, or status symbols: I've consumed all of those in massive quantities, and they've just made me miserable. Now, I want what can't be tasted, smoked, worn, seen, or counted. It's the opposite of material. As sappy as it might sound, what I want is spiritual.' —From the Introduction In iWant, Jane Velez-Mitchell shares her candid and engaging story of the true adventure of her life, a journey of self-discovery that is still in full throttle. As she searches for the ultimate joy and freedom that come from living a compassionate life, she challenges all of us to learn from her examples to end destructive behaviors and embrace a meaningful existence alongside one another. | | | Product Details: | | | Author:
| Jane Velez-Mitchell | | Hardcover:
| 268 pages | | Publisher:
| HCI | | Publication Date:
| September 01, 2009 | | Language:
| English | | ISBN:
| 075731371X | | Product Length:
| 8.65 inches | | Product Width:
| 5.78 inches | | Product Height:
| 0.91 inches | | Product Weight:
| 0.92 pounds | | Package Length:
| 8.6 inches | | Package Width:
| 5.6 inches | | Package Height:
| 1.0 inches | | Package Weight:
| 1.1 pounds | | Average Customer Rating:
|  based on 52 reviews |
| | | | Customer Reviews: | |
Average Customer Review:
 ( 52 customer reviews )
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48 of 54 found the following review helpful:
 HonestSep 07, 2009
By Tina
"Tina"
I did not know who Jane Velez-Mitchell was, however, I love reading books on addiction and recovery and I Want sounded like a story that I needed to hear.
I have read quite a few books of this type and I have to say that I Want was probably one of the most honest, down to the nitty gritty books in the genre. Mitchell obviously pulls no punches as she details her progression to her addiction and makes no apologies about believing that the 12 step program saved her life.
I loved reading this book because sprinkled throughout are little nuggets of wisdom - all the while 12 step "speak" and beliefs can be found.
I also must applaud Mitchell's willingness to open herself up so much - this book is quite raw at times and it is obvious that the author firmly believes in program - and she has no qualms in putting herself out there for all to read.
I loved reading this memoir and I congratulate Mitchell and wish her only the best in her continued sobriety - one day at a time.
11 of 11 found the following review helpful:
 Good writing,and keeps you interestedJan 02, 2010
By C. Walker
"Mrs.C.Walker"
I was quite surprised when I started reading this book....its really great....its good writing and put into parts so if you dont want to read it from start to finish you dont have to or you can refer back to certain parts easly...Its a very good read...I had a dad with this addition.and she puts some very good information together to make me see how he as her dad could never get sober.or live the sober lifestyle.I guess as they say it takes someone who nos where youve been to understand and she made me see things in a different light after all these years..my dad died of Cirrosis of the liver....hers of lung cancer....I have to say I was enveyious of her childhood......and her parents.....but as we all no who have had addicts in our lives or are addicts.....it always looks better on the outside than living in it with the elephant in the room no one talks about.This isnt a hurtful book full of blame and anger and what ifs....I like and respect that....its as if she were at the dining room table or kitchen table talking to you over a cup of coffee .....just one on one....ive not read many books like that about peoples Bios..so id say she takes the simpler and honest life to heart in the way this is written.....its not about someone on tv we see nightly....its about someone like you and me who have addicts in our lifes or are one and gratefully recovering......Im so glad I took a chance and got this book..even if you read it at the library....just set back and have a good read....theres something in it for anyone who has an addiction...or lives with someone who is...or was..and the other things she struggled with to get to no her true self ....and she is Grateful and has worked very very hard as all of us do on our daily struggles of addictions and acceptance of ourselves ,One Day at a Time..Thank you for being so honest with us Jane.....B.W.
15 of 18 found the following review helpful:
An honest look at hard journey.Sep 29, 2009
By Book Worm
I didn't grow up around alcohol, and wasn't impacted by it unitil recently. I only knew Jane Velez-Mitchell from her TV show unitl I saw her book. This was an honest and hard look at her addictions and her recovery. I was skeptical that this would be a glossy fluff filled story with lots of name dropping. It wasn't. It was a frank and in your face story of her journey from the bottom to the top. I found this book very helpful in learning about recovery from the other point of view. I now feel I have a better understanding of why my family member acts the way they do with out the alcohol, the obsessive craving of sweets and just how very hard each day can be. There are AA books out there that have the same story, but this one seemed edger and more open. If you like her, you'll love the book. If you don't, it probably won't change your mind but you will come away respecting her spirit and her determination. This was probably not an easy book to write, but it's an easy and engaging read.
19 of 24 found the following review helpful:
Fabulous Tell All Book!Sep 02, 2009
By LP
"Avid Reader"
I read Jane Velez-Mitchell's book and loved it! I couldn't put it down, it was a real page turner. Jane's stories about her own experiences in life and at work are fabulous. She has a great sense of humor, and I found them touching and very personal. I applaud her candor and strength. I learned a lot about Jane and the television news business which is a highly stressful career. I also liked reading how she got where she is. A fascinating life! She not only exposed her personal struggles, but brings to light the issues many are facing with addiction and over-consumption. I think everyone will love this book because we all know people who are dealing with this; and if you love Jane on TV, you'll really get to know her. She gives expert advice and practical ways to change one's negative and self-destructive thinking and behavior. Obviously, it's worked for her, she's a star! Jane has been through a lot and has come out strong and successful - I watch her "Issues" show every night, and think she is the very best out there. Jane's not only a brilliant journalist, but a great writer. I also read "Secrets," and loved that, too. I hope to meet her and get my copy signed when she speaks at the 92nd Street Y in NYC in October. I am also sending copies of the book to my friends and family for the holidays. Brava, Jane!
14 of 18 found the following review helpful:
 What a Waste of Time and MoneyMar 28, 2010
By Sheila M. Terry
"Steeped in the Forties"
I had high hopes for this book when I bought it. I guess I was expecting a memoir of the caliber of "Drinking - a Love Story". Instead I got a series of sermonettes by a woman who comes across as incredibly self-indulgent, judgmental, and insufferably smug. Getting preached to about ethics from someone who made a living from the worst kinds of tabloid journalism would be laughable if it weren't so sad. Did she really break into that farmer's house to use his phone? Did she actually embarrass her network by screaming at Russia's first lady? Was she proud of her work on the idiotic Michael Jackson trial? What in the world is it about her that anyone would want to emulate? I read as much of it as I could stand and then threw it in the trash. It actually made my stomach hurt. I have never heard of her before this and have never watched her show . . .and I sure won't watch it now. If you want to read something really good about recovering from alcohol abuse, check out Carolyn Knapp; don't waste your money on this.
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