Jennifer's Way

May 5, 2014
In this memoir, Esposito recounts her struggle with crippling health problems and her experience being diagnosed with celiac disease (an autoimmune disorder that makes her allergic to gluten) at age 35. It’s hard to sustain sympathy for the actress-turned-gluten-free-bakery owner, who spends much of the book railing about how others have doubted, ignored, and misunderstood her condition. However, her rags-to-riches story will keep readers turning pages. Esposito grew up on Staten Island and moved to Manhattan, where she waitressed while taking acting classes. Eventually she was discovered and her career took off, with roles in movies like Crash, as well as television shows like Spin City and Samantha Who? The second section of the book is a helpful guide for living with celiac disease, with tips on eating out and dating, as well as appealing recipes. As Esposito writes, “It takes a village of celiacs to help anyone learn how to thrive with this illness.” Her story will no doubt appeal to her fans and others with chronic health issues, though her advice to fellow celiac sufferers (rotation dieting, sprouting grains, juicing) may seem daunting for those on a restricted budget. Agent: Kari Stuart, ICM.