Book Reviews

Eating Disorders Victoria provides reviews for books in our specialist library on a variety of topics within the field of eating disorders. Please scroll down to read over a list of resources. For more information on the EDV Specialist Libarary, please click here.

To link directly to a review please click on the title below:

Interventions for Body Image and Eating Disorders, edited by Susan J Paxton and Phillipa J Hay [NEW] 
I Love Me, by Bev Aisbett [NEW]
Beautiful?, produced by Choicez Media
Lying in Weight, by Trisha Gura
Getting Real, by Melinda Tankard Reist
Why Can't I Look the Way I Want? by Melinda Hutchings
The Young Mind, by Professor Sue Bailey and Dr Mike Shooter
The Beginners Guide to Eating Disorders Recovery, by Nancy. J. Kolodny
Girl Stuff, by Kaz Cooke
Living With It, Living It Up and Letting It Go, by Bev Aisbett
Skinny Boy, by Gary Grahl
I Dreamt I Was a Supermodel, by Jane Geyer
Beating Ana, by Shannon Cutts
Conquering Eating Disorders - How Family Communication Heals, by Sue Cooper and Peggy Norton
Purge, by Nicole Johns
My Kid is Back: Empowering Parents to Beat Anorexia Nervosa, by June Alexander
Biting Anorexia, by Lucy Howard-Taylor

**NEW**
Interventions for Body Image and Eating Disorders
Edited by Susan J Paxton and Phillipa J Hay
(Reviewed by Naomi Crafti, EDV Education Officer)

This volume of 15 chapters, written by some of Australia's and the world's leading practitioners and researchers in the area of Eating Disorder treatment, is a timely review of an exponentially increasing body of literature. Each chapter looks at a unique area of intervention, providing background, a theoretical rationale, a review of the evidence base, issues and limitations and concluding comments.

The areas of intervention covered by this text are diverse, including; school based prevention, CBT and guided self-help for Bulimia and BED, inpatient and day patient treatment for Anorexia, the Maudsley Model of Family Therapy, nutritional treatment, pharmacotherapy, IPT and DBT, writing therapies, the use of modern communication technologies and interventions for body dysmorphic disorder.

Like many books of this type, the things that make this reference a welcome addition to the field are also the things that contribute to its limitations. Because the field of prevention and intervention in the Eating Disorders is expanding at such a rapid rate and keeping track of the latest research is an almost impossible task, periodic reviews like this one are very useful. They provide a cross-section of the most current research and condense it in such a way as to make it digestible to the average consumer. However, in doing so, such volumes sacrifice depth for breadth. While this book is perfect to obtain a brief overview of a range of therapeutic approaches, it does not provide enough depth on any one approach to be considered an expert guide to that intervention. Anyone wanting to practice in a particular modality would need to go beyond each chapter to numerous additional resources provided in an extensive list of references.

Also, because this volume is so current, its shelf life is somewhat limited. Every year new interventions, modifications to existing interventions and clinical trials of existing interventions are published which will render this edition out of date. Publishing this book as an 'annual review' would be a nice (if expensive) way of overcoming this problem.

Finally, the choice of interventions to include in a collection of this type is necessarily subjective. And, as a result, a number of alternative, less mainstream or approaches beyond the frame of reference of the editors are, of necessity, excluded. Some interesting interventions to emerge in the eating disorder and body image field over the past few years include mindfulness practices such as ACT or yoga based therapies, Art Therapy approaches and group based psychoeducation. These (and other approaches beyond my radar) are not well covered in this volume.

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**NEW**
I Love Me
By Bev Aisbett
(Reviewed by Natalie Wild, EDV Recovery Support Officer)

Following the same style as the "IT" books, I Love Me is an easy to read, descriptive book which addresses low self esteem/self worth issues. Bev Aisbett delivers a descriptive insight into what low self worth is, the effect it has on the self and others, how it happens, and how to work with it to improve yourself and the way you look at life. 

I Love Me is a positive self help book using basic CBT skills. Some of the topics it touches on are relationships with others, your relationship with yourself, learning to forgive, being responsible for your own thoughts feelings and actions, and learning that you can't change another person but you can change how you feel or what you do with your own life.

This book is about developing your own sense of self worth and self belief. In terms of an eating disorder, low, or nonexistent self esteem is one of the key traits that help keep the eating disorder alive and well. I Love Me, helps to change the way you see yourself and teaches you how to like and be kinder to yourself.

Prior to I Love Me, Bev Aisbett co-wrote Get Real, beyond the body beautiful, which deals with body image and eating disorders, Taming the Black Dog (depression), and the Living with it (anxiety and panic attacks) series.

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Beautiful?
produced by Choicez Media
(Reviewed by Naomi Crafti, EDV Education Officer)

While not specifically about eating disorders or body image, Beautiful? clearly identifies the relationship between the sexualisation of young women and the development of negative body image, disordered eating and mental health problems. Conveyed in a format that would be readily accessible to young women, the DVD is informative and, at times, provocative. I would certainly recommend this DVD to teachers of media studies and or health and human development, at senior secondary levels. I think it is important, however, as mentioned in the accompanying manual, that a professional welfare co-ordinator, counsellor or psychologist be present or available to follow up issues with students who may be concerned or distressed by some of the material in the DVD.

I am also concerned that teachers and/or youth workers who work with this resource be aware of their own issues or biases that might interfere with an open and frank discussion of the area of female sexuality. In particular, I noticed a couple of references to abstinence before marriage in the DVD, references that were not balanced by alternative opinions regarding the appropriateness of sexual intimacy outside of committed relationships. Nor did I notice any references to safe sex practices or birth control, both of which are important in any discussion of this type.

I thought the manual that accompanied the DVD and associated suggestions for class activities were excellent.

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Lying in Weight
by Trisha Gura Ph.D.
(Reviewed by Gill Ryan, EDV Board President)

In her book, Lying in Weight, Trisha Gura blows away the myth that those suffering from eating disorders are primarily teenage girls. She maintains that these illnesses can linger from adolescence or emerge again in adult women in ways we are only just beginning to appreciate.

In the foreword of her book, Tina Gura refers to American research that has found that millions of women 25 and older suffer from serious food issues. These include calorie counting, compulsions to starve and then binge, excessive exercise and so on. Medical and mental health professionals have long overlooked these women and minimised their unhealthy and sometimes dangerous habits mainly because they think that eating disorders only arise in young people. However, there are a growing number of older women now seeking treatment and this growing awareness is raising many relevant questions. One thing is certain; an older woman with an eating disorder faces very different problems to a teenager. For example, how does she deal with her enlarging body in pregnancy or indeed how does it affect her choice of husband. How does she cope with ageing in a community that decrees you can never be too young or too thin? 

Tina Gura addresses these concerns, drawing on her own experience of anorexia, the most recent research and detailed interviews with clinicians and sufferers. She comes to the conclusion that eating disorders, or at least some vestige of them, tend to remain dormant throughout a woman's life. These eating disorders can emerge again at times when the woman is at her most vulnerable. 

This book endorsed everything I have come to believe from my own personal experience. It is time that the older woman with eating distress is recognised, encouraged to 'come out of the closet' and given the help she deserves. This, I believe, would give a knock on effect as these sufferers, if they are mothers, will unconsciously be passing on to their children unhealthy messages about their body.

Lying in Weight should be a compulsory read for all in the Eating Disorders field.

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Getting Real: Challenging the Sexualisation of Girls
Edited by Melinda Tankard Reist
(Reviewed by Naomi Crafti, EDV Education Officer)

Getting Real is frightening, confrontational and above all, a call to arms. Edited by an author with special interest in women's issues and a founding member of Women's Forum Australia, this book brings together the research and opinions of parenting experts, mental health professionals, feminists, ethicists, media commentators and academics, many of whom are parents themselves.

Getting Real examines the sexualisation and objectification of girls and women. In particular it focuses on the increase in this phenomenon over the past 20-30 years, post second wave feminism of the 1970's, and deceptively sometimes claimed as a response to it. In her Introduction, Tankard Reist graphically outlines the extent of the problem, illustrating the issues with quotes from around the world that 'take your breath away'. For example, she describes how girls as young as 14 are looking to pornography for guidance. 'I just copied what i had seen from porn, he enjoyed it.' (p.21). And how even magazines promoted as suitable for teenage girls (for example Dolly) provide detailed information about sex acts, with no discussion of either the psychological or physical consequences.

Several essays in this volume examine the impact of sexualisation and objectification on the mental and physical health of young women, an issue of particular relevance to those working in the field of eating disorders. 'As well as a growth in eating issues we see an alarming rise in self-harm. One in ten teen girls is now 'cutting'(p.58). And the problems of increased cosmetic surgery, low self-esteem, and increases in child pornography, rape and sexual assault are all linked to the cultural demeaning and sexualisation of young women.

Does Getting Real provide a light at the end of the tunnel. Are there any immediately identifiable solutions to the issues described? Fortunately there are. The final three chapters of the book examine three different perspectives on overcoming the problem of childhood sexualisation. Firstly Steve Biddulph, a psychologist and parenting expert, discusses the important role that parents, particularly fathers, have in shaping the development of their children and how this influence needs to be supported by public and governmental action. Tania Andrusiak takes a more individualistic perspective and describes the 'courage' required by individuals to fight against the status quo. And finally, in a fitting conclusion to this collection of essays, Julie Gale, actor and activist, describes the formation of Kids Free 2B Kids (KF2BK) in February 2007. This organisation has become involved in major campaigns against the sexualisation of children in the media and is a beacon of light in the cesspool of child exploitation. I commend everyone interested in this issue to investigate KF2BK and support them if possible.

Getting Real: Challenging the Sexualisation of Girls is a must read for anyone that cares about the future for our children, particularly those who have the power to make a difference...all adults. In particular I recommend that this book be read by parents, educators, health professionals, policy makers and those that work in the media. I am optimistic that by revealing and informing the general public about these atrocities, we can return childhood to a place of innocence, safety and joy.

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Why Can't I Look the Way I Want?
By Melinda Hutchings
(Reviewed by Steff Connor, 15, Bendigo)

Why can't I look the way I want? - a question many of us ask ourselves simultaneously everyday. We can exercise our butts off, count every calorie yet never feel fully satisfied. Now by 'we' I am referring to the people out there suffering from an eating disorder. I understand the pain and suffering associated with striving towards the 'perfect' image. 'Why can't I look the way I want' enabled me to come to terms with the fact that there is no 'perfect' image out there.

I had particular interest in this book as it shares many real life stories of real females and males who were able to break free from ED (eating disorder). The book goes into detail about strategies for overcoming eating issues. Statistics and inspirational quotes are also found on every page. The book specifically outlines you don't have to be classified as bulimic or anorexic to have an eating disorder. Eating disorder victims come in all shapes, sizes and severity and should not be judged on based on their outside appearance.

When I received this book I expected to another written lecture on how life threatening eating disorders are. 'Why can't I look the way I want' is written in a very understandable manner and never once tells you off. It is realistic, discusses achievable goals while covering all components of an eating disorder. Some other categories outlined in the book include self harm, triggers, staying positive and more.

I would strongly recommend this book as it demonstrates that recovery is real and very possible to everyone. 'Why can't I look the way I want' provides guidance to both sufferers and carers. Be prepared for a delicate insight into the world of recovery.

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The Young Mind
by Professor Sue Bailey and Dr Mike Shooter
(Reviewed by Naomi Crafti, EDV Education Officer)

In these days of information overload it would be nice to think that there could be a simple resource that concisely and coherently combines all the information parents, teachers or young adults need to know about Mental Health. Unfortunately this book is NOT such a resource. And, while I appreciate the ideal, I'm not sure that such a book would be possible to produce. Why not?

Firstly, the needs of these three groups are quite distinct. In trying to be applicable to both adults and adolescents, professionals and lay people, no group is satisfactorily served. The information in this book is far too simplistic to be useful for teachers and parents and not particularly adolescent friendly either.

In this time of extensive internet accessibility, people with concerns about mental health issues would be far better served looking 'on the net' under specific areas, rather than reading the overly simplistic information provided in this book. In addition, as the latest information about mental health treatments and services is constantly changing, up to date information on the net is much better accessed than relying on a book that might have sat for several years on the shelf.

Most of the information provided in this book seems to be the opinion of the authors, as there is very little outside referencing. I have some concerns about the accuracy of some of this information, as some of it seems based on conjecture. For example, in the Chapter on Eating problems, Weight Problems and Eating Disorders (nine large print pages!) the authors try to cover 3 year old picky eating, childhood obesity, anorexia nervosa AND bulimia in a young adult. They claim 'Young children who have an unhealthy lifestyle to begin with often exaggerate these habits as a way of coping'. The authors do not provide any reference to research that supports this claim. They also make some potentially harmful statements like 'Gastric banding and other surgical procedures are used as last-resort measures for extreme obesity...' without providing detailed information about risk or suitability for children.

Finally, as this book is written for and in the UK, much of the information about available services etc. is not appropriate for the Australian context. For this reason alone I would not recommend this book. Save your money and use it on targeted internet services instead.

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The Beginners Guide to Eating Disorders Recovery
by Nancy. J. Kolodny
(Reviewed by Natalie Wild, EDV Recovery Support Officer)

The Beginners guide to eating disorders recovery is in two parts. The first part talks about what Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa are, and the second part is a step by step guide through eating disorder recovery.

I feel the author has produced a detailed, honest, yet easy to read guide, that is insightful and thorough for both a person in recovery from an eating disorder, and those caring for a person with an eating disorder.

At the end of each chapter, is a point form summary of what has been discussed in that chapter. This is not only a helpful tool to keep the reader focussed on what they are reading, it is also a great memory refresh once the reader has completed the text but continues to use it as a recovery tool.

The author appears well educated in eating disorders and has great insight into the thoughts, feelings and behaviours, as well as the issues, which surround a person with an Eating Disorder and their support people.

I would recommend this book to anyone contemplating, or in recovery from an Eating Disorder, as well as their support networks.

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Girl Stuff
by Kaz Cooke
(Reviewed by Kirsty Greenwood, EDV Executive Officer)

One of the questions we are so often asked at EDV is "what can we say to teenagers to help prevent them developing an eating disorder?" It's a tricky question; what do you say, how do you broach this subject, when research shows that talking directly to teenagers about eating disorders can sometimes cause more harm than good?

Right now, one of the best answers would have to be, "tell them to read Girl Stuff". Kaz Cooke's latest book says all the key stuff, in simple, gutsy, on-the-level straight talk, written in easily digestible chunks and then peppered with a liberal dose of wry humour to make sure it goes down well.

There is just so much relevant stuff here, it's hard to know where to begin; but if we are talking about eating disorder prevention, then I'd say, start with Chapter 6 - Shape. Just about anything I'd like to say to teenage girls about their bodies, whether it be on shape, weight or why dieting doesn't work, is in here. What's more, the real-life experiences of thousands of teen girls are shared and reflected in comments and boxes scattered throughout the book. My favourite quote from this chapter? "The only people who look like models are models".

After the chapter on Shape, I'd point the enquirer in the direction of Chapter 4 - Food; and then on to Chapter 5 - Move. It's quite a task to achieve a good balance between tips for obesity prevention and tips for eating disorder prevention, and all too often I read well-intentioned 'healthy living' statements that imply that one food or another is the 'enemy' and should be avoided, or that extra exercise is important because it will help you 'burn off those extra calories' - and I shudder at the damage that these statements may be doing.

Kaz Cooke has done her homework well, and skilfully avoids all the usual pitfalls, while doing a great job of covering the basics of healthy eating and healthy exercise. And any chapter on food for teenagers which starts with the statement "You gotta eat!" and then goes on to explain what you need, what you don't need and how to know when to eat and how much, has got my vote.

For those teens that are really struggling on the fringes of disordered eating, Kaz Cooke has included a concise summary of eating disorders in her chapter on Mind Health. Sensitively written, the section gives the reader a basic understanding of what an eating disorder is, without going into too much detail - that fine balance again - and then makes it clear that they need help - "If you have an eating disorder, the most important thing to understand is that you can recover - but not by yourself". And there's a great list of where to go for help - with EDV at the top of the list.

The book is written so that girls can dive in, skip the bits they're not yet interested in, and devour the bits that are relevant to them at the time. My only note of caution - this book is candid and unreserved; some parents (and some teenagers, especially younger ones) may feel a little uncomfortable about the openness of approach to some of the areas, particularly the chapters on sex, drugs and alcohol. I originally opened the book thinking I might give it to my 11-year-old daughter, then decided that she probably wasn't quite ready for most of it; but I went ahead and bought a copy for her 14-year-old cousin.

My final word - well done, Ms Cooke - a full-on guide indeed.

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Living With It, Living It Up and Letting It Go
by Bev Aisbett
Reviewed by Natalie Wild, EDV Recovery Support Officer

Living with it is an easy to read, descriptive book which addresses panic attacks (anxiety). Bev Aisbett delivers a step by step insight into what anxiety and panic are, how they happen, how to manage them, and dealing with setbacks. This is a positive self-help book, written by a woman who has lived through and successfully managed her own anxiety.

These books need to be read in the correct order to be most effective. Living With It plants a seed of new thinking, the acceptance that anxiety is real, and the belief that you can conquer your negative thoughts and feelings.

Living It Up goes into effective techniques in dealing with anxiety. This covers nine topics such as reprogramming your thoughts, living in the now, and visualisation, to name a few. There is a great emphasis on repetition and commitment to change. The book goes into detail of these nine different techniques, suggests that you try them, and whatever works for you, stick to it. Bev looks at feelings, life situations and dealing with other people in relation to your anxieties, giving examples of how you can make things work for you.

Letting It Go is the final book in the 'it' series and focuses on self-awareness and how to manage anxiety and panic permanently. It acknowledges how far you have come from your first encounter with "it", what you have learnt and how to stay where you are in your success. There is a checklist at the beginning of the book on your strengths and weaknesses in regard to anxiety, so you know which areas you need to continue working on.

Although these books focus on anxiety, the basis of them is self-worth and self-belief, and how to find it and strengthen it within you. These books are closely related to many issues faced when struggling with or recovering from an eating disorder, both as a person with, and a carer of someone who has an eating disorder.

The 'it' series is extremely useful, but it is very important you read them in the correct order. I would definitely recommend them to people recovering from an eating disorder - both for the anxiety support and the parallels with eating disorders.

Bev Aisbett went on to co-write Get Real, Beyond the Body Beautiful, which deals with body image and eating disorders.

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Skinny Boy
by Gary Grahl
(Reviewed by Kirsty Greenwood, EDV Executive Officer)

This is a rare book - a bluntly honest yet sensitively written first-person account of how anorexia and compulsive exercising crept up and took over the life of a boy as he approached and then entered puberty and high-school; of the struggle he faced with his illness and 'the voice within', and of his journey through recovery.

There are few books written about boys or men with eating disorders, and this is the first one I've read written in the first person. It gives great insight into Gary's experience of the illness. Gary is particularly deft at describing the internal dialogue experienced in his mind, between what he describes as 'IT' - his eating disordered personality - and the vestiges of what might be termed 'the real Gary' - the anxious, shy, desperate to please boy that has been hiding beneath the mask of the successful, athletic, charming, all-American everyday guy. This battle of the mind is commonly described by sufferers of anorexia, and yet it is one of the hardest things for people who have not experienced it to understand. This book makes it that bit easier to comprehend what it is like.

Apart from being a male experience, Gary's compassionate yet objective writing style is what makes this book exceptional. The compulsion of exercise and the fanatical grip it has over his mind are vividly described; and Gary doesn't flinch from describing the pain and frustration his family suffers as he undertakes the long and arduous journey through professional treatment and support back to physical and mental health. Along the way, he gives glimpses (and sometimes a broader view) of some of the factors that led his life down this difficult path - the pressure for Gary to succeed where his father had so narrowly failed, the difficulty of expressing emotion within the family - but he manages to do so in a manner which avoids self-pity and which helps us to understand without imputing blame.

Throughout all of the descriptions of the ups and downs of Gary's journey, the book never loses sight of the key focus - which is to deliver the message that eating disorders can be overcome and recovery is possible, even in the most severe cases.

Gary's journey took five years in and out of hospital before he was completely ready to "say good-bye to the insecure teenage boy inside and welcome in a new person" - but from then on his recovery was slow but steady. Gary also became a volunteer for an American eating disorder support association, speaking about his experiences of recovery and facilitating three eating disorder support groups, and he views this as a very beneficial part of the process of recovery. Gary is now a professional counsellor.

I would recommend this book without hesitation to professionals and to families, as well as to boys and young men struggling with their own experience of anorexia.

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I Dreamt I Was a Supermodel
By Jane Geyer
(Reviewed by Marilyn Amendola, EDV Volunteer Coordinator/Information Officer)

A simple and easy read that takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery.

Set over five chapters, the reader will be encouraged to examine and challenge their beliefs about their body, learning to appreciate what they have and being encouraged to consider taking a healthier approach to their diet. Furthermore, they will learn how to provide self care, how to discover the real them and how to set their future dreams and aspirations.

A great book for young girls as it provides an alternate approach to dealing with the pressures they may experience in life while empowering them to discover and appreciate the real them.

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Beating Ana
By Shannon Cutts
(Reviewed by Natalie Wild, EDV Recovery Support Officer)

Beating ANA is a self help book full of useful strategies and affirmations for people in recovery from an eating disorder to discover. Beating ANA is in four Parts:

Part one, Welcome to Our World, consists of Shannon's story, details on the mentor and related models and how the book works. This section of the book heavily promotes mentoring and compares it to alcoholics anonymous, which contrary to EDV views, focuses on only one way of recovery support, through relationships with those who have recovered from an Eating disorder or other unhealthy behaviours and coping patterns. I suggest when reading part one, keep in mind that this book has been written by an American author who works for an American organisation called key to life, on a program called mentorCONNECT, so view it as an option and an opinion, rather than a prerequisite to recovery.

Part two, ED, A.A., and Me, starts by promoting the A.A. twelve-step process as a high recommendation for recovery, but, soon takes the focus off the model and redirects it to Eating disorders, with only the occasional comparison or mention of A.A. and its processes. Once the author starts in this direction, the book becomes a great resource for recovery from an Eating Disorder. From the chapter titled "the first step", through to the end of part four, each short chapter starts with a topic, followed by a related workshop, assignment and life celebration affirmation. Part two encourages the reader to look at ways to challenge ED thoughts, regain power over their thoughts, break down the barrier between themself and their life, face real facts, break patterns, recognise addictive coping patterns, and find their key to life.

Part three, ED at the Movies, uses movies as the topic, with workshops and assignments comparing the person recovering from an eating disorder to the main characters, the life patterns in the movie, the feelings surrounding some of the situations, or the hard work and belief it takes to come out on top etc. For each chapter, the reader is first asked to watch the suggested movie, and then answer the related questions. This is an approach i have, up until now, never thought of or experienced in recovery, but find very intriguing. Most of the movies are well known, the questions appear relevant, it will give the person with the eating disorder "permission" to sit down and relax while studying the movie, and provide a medium for visual learning while offering constructive comparison. It has created an exciting "new" option to explore and i personally plan to watch, answer and experience the benefits myself as yet another possible strategy. (Stay tuned for updates).

Part four, ED on my Mind, focuses on some key techniques to help promote recovery. These include positive self talk, priorities, the high possibility of relapse and its benefits (there is a great comparison of relapse to peeling the layers off an onion), looking back at where you have come from, and the new you without the eating disorder. Some of the activities could easily be adapted as ice breakers within the first part of a recovery group.

The final pages cover guidelines for mentors and mentees. Although EDV do not promote any mentor programs, many of the guidelines could be beneficial in relation to our convenors, helpline workers, staff and consumers. Definitely worth a read and consideration in our development.

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Conquering Eating Disorders - How Family Communication Heals
By Sue Cooper, PHD and Peggy Norton RD
(Review by Helen Franks, EDV Family Support Officer)

Conquering Eating Disorders was easy to read imparting practical information as it stirred your thought processors.  Chapter names provide a clear indication of the topic to be covered with each chapter following the same sequence:  a relevant quote, brief introduction to the topic, a real life scenario, then discussion of the scenario and suggestions on how to change the behaviours of parents and teenagers.

Practical suggestions appear in the "Parent" section such as setting good examples, taking a break from your roles, nurturing yourself and other family members, recognising the importance of good reflective listening skills, how to interpret and respond to what your teen is saying and encouraging age appropriate independence in teenagers.  

In the "Teens" section issues such as self esteem, trust, the ability to express your needs, talking to parents about your concerns, counselling and understanding your feelings are examples of the diverse selection of support option discussed throughout this book.
Some chapters contain additional reading for both parents and teenagers.
An excellent book which provides support ideas to both parents and teenagers in a constructive style.

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Purge
By Nicole Johns
(Review by Natalie Wild, EDV Recovery Support Officer)

Purge is a personal account of Nicole Johns journey with an eating disorder and her time in a treatment facility.

Nicole offers a very honest and detailed account of what it is like to be in the mind and body of a person with EDNOS, and the importance and intensity of treatment. It is very graphic and leaves little to the imagination.

It gives hope that recovery is possible, and also provides insight into the alternate path, if the option of recovery is not taken, via a friend with whom she was in treatment with at the same time, with similar issues, and has not yet recovered.

As a carer of a person with an eating disorder, this book gives insight into the thoughts, feelings, and black and white logic of someone with an eating disorder and the real torment that the eating disorder puts them through. It also gives an idea as to what your person with an eating disorder may be experiencing while in treatment.

I would not recommend this book to anyone who is in any but the final stage of recovery. It is helpful as an account of what to expect from treatment, but the unintentional suggestions on how to support your eating disorder, makes the book more of a liability than an asset to the eating disordered mind. 

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My Kid is Back: Empowering Parents to Beat Anorexia Nervosa
By June Alexander
(Reviewed in the Maudsley Parents Newsletter)

Australian author and journalist June Alexander will be a valuable resource for parents dealing with anorexia nervosa. June, inspired by her own experience with the illness, talks with leading experts and ten families about family-based treatment. These stories will feel familiar to anyone who who has confronted an eating disorder. Parents will identify with their fear and confusion as each family struggles to understand this baffling illness and find the help they need. The voices of the young people emerging from the disorder are heard as well. Just how do they manage to overcome anorexia nervosa? These resourceful families pull together and work out solutions.

My Kid is Back will provide hope and inspiration to parents. These moving accounts will provide insight into anorexia nervosa and the real-life difficulties families face for eating disorder professionals, as well. The families in the book all live in Australia, but the book is truly global in perspective. Professional advice is offered by leading experts on three continents. Daniel le Grange contributes an introductory chapter explaining the history and research of the Maudsley approach, and a second chapter in the book’s “What are Parents to Do?” section, outlining practical strategies for parents. Ivan Eisler of London’s Maudsley Hospital writes the foreword and offers the UK perspective on anorexia treatment. June also talks with Westmead Children’s Hospital and Oak House to provide Australian treatment picture.

June worked in newspapers for more than thirty years as journalist, columnist and editor. Besides journalism, she has written and edited several books. At eleven years of age, she developed an eating disorder that went undiagnosed for twenty-one years. This experience, along with that of her recovery, inspired her interest in family-based treatment.

'My Kid is Back: Empowering Parents to Beat Anorexia Nervosa' can be purchased from the University of Melbourne bookshop, to visit their website please click here.

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Biting Anorexia
by Lucy Howard-Taylor
(Reviewed by Natalie Wild, EDV Recovery Support Officer)

Biting Anorexia is a detailed, journal-style account of Lucy's story while in the grips of Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa and depression. It is a poetic, honest and very personal account of her struggle with the disorders and the emotions surrounding and supporting them. There are no weights, measurements or techniques on supporting an eating disorder mentioned in this book, which reduces the temptation of comparison and competition.

As reading material for a carer, Lucy has created an insightful account of what life is like for a person with an eating disorder and depression, and worth a read if you want to get a feel for what it may be like to experience the world from this state of mind. From the perspective of a person who is contemplating recovery, in recovery or recovered from an eating disorder, the first three-quarters of this book may conjure up some mixed emotions, as Lucy graphically expresses the links between the physical and mental turmoil that take place within the mind and body of a person suffering from an eating disorder.

The last chapter of Biting Anorexia, entitled In which Lucy finally looks up and out, and picks some flowers' (pg 191 to 205), has some common and very effective strategies to assist and support anyone who is in recovery and needs a few new ideas or memory joggers to try out. This section is also helpful for carers to read, as it gives a greater understanding of the importance of "slow and steady" in the recovery process. As long as things are staying stable or going forward, regardless of pace, it is a positive step.

When reading this book, keep in mind that Lucy wrote it when she was 18 years old and today, at 19, is still in the early stages of recovery.

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