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The last thing I ever thought I'd do is write a book. That one was nowhere in my dreams. Singing was my only focus. I'm in the music industry, and after many years of living what many might consider to be a charmed life, I found myself continually feeling unfulfilled even after achieving some success. The main reason for this sense of frustration was the fact that I dealt with anorexia and bulimia for most of my teens and adulthood. This was a huge part of my life, and the diseases prevented me from fulfilling my potential and kept me in a virtual prison for many, many years. Through a miracle, I overcame eating disorders and desired to somehow share my story with others who have lived (or are living) in the nightmare I'd been in. I wanted to avoid writing the typical "woe is me" self-help book that might run the risk of being too self-indulgent, so I decided to create a story that would incorporate my experiences, but could be read as a fable. Humanville is a spiritually based novel about a young woman in the music industry who tries to become a famous singer. She lives in Humanville, considered to be the most powerful and impressive city in the world. Everyone who lives in this city believe that image, power, and money are the only things that create success. These citizens will stop at nothing to achieve these goals, but don't realize that they are all living in fear (which is the driving force behind Humanville.) They bury this fear with self-abusive behaviors. Desmond Durango (the lead character) buries her fear with eating disorders. She suffers from both anorexia and bulimia. She tries to succeed in her goals, but continually falls short of them and at one point almost dies because of her disease. One day she overhears a conversation about a place called "Godtown". She is intrigued by the thought that there might be a town somewhere that is full of gracious giving and loving interaction between people. She decides to try to find it. On her quest, she discovers the real secret to true happiness and joy, and ultimately heals from her diseases by embracing this newfound knowledge. Humanville's purpose is to be of service to people from all walks of life. This novel helps us realize that we have the power to choose how we interpret every aspect of life based on how we perceive each moment; through love or fear. Most importantly, Humanville shares a story of finding hope, healing, and happiness through learning how to listen to our inner voice of love...an old message, a new messenger.
“Humanville details one young woman’s struggle with eating disorders. French’s novel is compassionate, inspiring, and real.” Dr. Craig Johnson (craigj@laureate.com) Laureate Clinic-Tulsa, Oklahoma “My friend Cynthia goes bravely into the hidden
world of eating disorders…the pain shared by millions of women…and takes us to a
place of peace and hope. Humanville is a must read for anyone caught with a
unhealthy body image and unhealthy relationship with food.” “”Humanville is a very real
representation of the story that much too often is the story that our patients
with Eating Disorders bring to us. It has touched the lives of many of our
patients and has helped me understand the perspective of those who suffer
through the struggle of finding and accepting themselves.” "I had the pleasure of meeting
Cynthia French when she participated in National Eating Disorders Awareness Week
at Oklahoma State University in February 2001. Cynthia was kind enough to share
her account of her battle with anorexia before a very appreciative audience.
Cynthia’s story of recovery serves as an inspiration to anyone who has struggled
with his or her own inner demons. She speaks with honesty and emotion, humor,
and bravery. Her journey to recovery is uniquely hers, yet she conveys a
universal message of self-reliance and perseverance in overcoming life’s
obstacles." Cynthia French has written a book that speaks straight to the human heart. Her story, told bravely and honestly, will lift you out of the swamp of illusion and set you down, very lovingly, in a place of clarity and peace. (With a few laughs along the way.) -Bob Dolman Writer and director of the film “The Banger Sisters” and screenwriter for the film “Far And Away” I really appreciated your candidness and courage to write such a personal story and share it with the world. I have been struggling for years with bulimia and alcohol abuse...I finally went to rehab though...but still hung onto the food thing....I feel I have come a long way thanks to the "angels" in my life that have helped me along the way...I won't take up a lot of your time, but I just wanted to thank you for giving me some direction and hope...your book has been a blessing to me and it truly touches me that you were able to find true inner love in your life and change your life for the better, not to mention make such a difference in the lives of others. I can relate immensely to much of what you felt and went through. You're a blessing and I'm thankful for your sharing! Good luck in all you do and God Bless! Stay in the light! Andrea
I have truly enjoyed your book. I am a dietitian that works with clients who
suffer from eating disorders.
Dear Cynthia,
This is just a note to tell you how much your book Humanville meant to me. It
really made a difference in my life and in my views of God. The book was given
to me by a friend, and I read it at a time when I was dealing with depression,
bulimia, and spiritual frustration. The book's interesting take on religion and
prayer was extemely comforting. I just wanted you to know that your writing
influenced and helped inspire me to get well and to trust in God. As an aspiring
writer, I hope that someday I could publish a book to help others, the way
your's helped me. Also, I would love to sometime soon speak to adolescent girls
about my own experiences with an eating disorder.
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