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Well Enough Alone | 
 enlarge | Author: Jennifer Traig
Publisher: Riverhead Hardcover
Category: Book
List Price: $23.95
Buy New: $11.97
You Save: $11.98 (50%)
New (33) Used (14) from $11.97
Avg. Customer Rating:  6 reviews
Sales Rank: 44568
Media: Hardcover
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 272
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.9
Dimensions (in): 8.4 x 5.6 x 1.1
ISBN: 1594489912
Dewey Decimal Number: 616.85250092
EAN: 9781594489914
ASIN: 1594489912
Publication Date: July 3, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: Brand New. 100% money back guarantee. All books shipped from Strand Bookstore, New York City, USA.
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Product Description
A hilarious first-person account of life as a hypochondriac, as well as a look at the conditions history and broader cultural context, from the critically acclaimed author of Devil in the Details.
The good news is Jennifer Traig does not have lupus, multiple sclerosis, Huntingtons disease, Crohns disease, or muscular dystrophy. She discovers that she does not have SUDS, the mysterious disorder that claims healthy young Asian men in their sleep, nor does she have Foreign Accent Syndrome, the bizarre but real neurological condition that transforms native West Virginians into Eliza Doolittle overnight. What she does have is hypochondria.
Jenny Traigs inquiry into her ailment is not only an uproariously funny account but also a literary tour of hypochondria, past and present: the implied hypochondria of the Talmud, the flatulence-obsessed eighteenth century, and the maladys current unfortunate lack of a celebrity spokesperson. At the same time, Traig provides an intimate look at the complement of minor conditions that have concealed her essential health and driven her persistent self-diagnosis: the eczema, the shaky hands, and, worst of all, the bad hair. To her surprise, she ends her journey more knowledgeable than she was when she started out, a little less neurotic, andone might sayhealthier.
Well Enough Alone is the definitive book on being worried well, in all of its gruesome and hysterical detail, from one of our funniest and most distinctive literary voices.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 1 more reviews...
 Well Enough Alone August 13, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Funny,dry,sharp without being in any way sad. I laughed the hypochondria out of my body. I don't know why another review suggested that it was negative for Jennifer to "use an excuse" to talk about herself, isn't that what autobiographical material is all about? I would read anything this author wrote about herself. She's funnier than most authors and is an excellent writer as well. Prepare to laugh and laugh again, this book is worth the read!
Didn't Want to Leave Well Enough Alone August 8, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I had so much fun reading Jennifer Traig's memoir, I was sorry when it ended. Jennifer has such an exquisite, dry wit you'll find yourself laughing out loud at all of her imagined health crises, perhaps recognizing a bit of yourself in each one. (And I thought I was the only one thinking about Lupus while my classmates were resting their heads during nap time!) Let's hope that when Jennifer does actually go, it's of old age.
Wendy Aron, author of Hide & Seek: How I Laughed at Depression, Conquered My Fears and Found Happiness
 Just didn't grab me August 5, 2008
1 out of 3 found this review helpful
About: A biography of Traig's experiences with hypochondria, including not so imaginary experiences with eczema, irritable bowel syndrome and breast-reduction surgery.
Pros: Humorous, not poorly written.
Cons: Chapter on history of hypochondria seems out of place. Sources not cited. I could not get into this book at all. It seems like Traig just used hypochondria as an excuse to talk about herself.
 Humorous Look at a Serious Topic August 4, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Her other book, Devil in the Details, was one of my favorite all time books. I really enjoyed Well Enough Alone and quickly sailed through the book in just two nights. I laughed out loud frequently and look forward to sharing it with 1 or 2 friends who might see themselves in the book!!! While it won't go into the list of one of my all time favorites, if you enjoy a silly and sarcastic, yet beautifully honest look at human nature -I would definitely recommend Well Enough Alone. I love Jennifer's writing and look forward to all of her future books.
Educational and Funny! July 25, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I had the time of my life reading this book. It's fascinating and informative -- who knew that hypochondria used to be chic? -- but also hilarious. I laughed helplessly more times than I can count. David Sedaris better watch his back!
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