Book reviews 1

This is the page where we will post reviews of book relating to eating disorders and other issues. If you have read a helpful book, why not send in a review. We can send you a sheet that can help you to write one. Why not send us your comments on the books below if you have read them to ypf@b-eat.co.uk If you would like to take a break and read some reviews of books not related to ed's then please click here to go to our other book reviews section.

'The Echo Glass' by Heather Morrall

The Echo Glass gives a very real account of a young girl (Jasmine) trying to fit in at high school, suffering the insecurities of not feeling like she is wearing the ‘right’ clothes or being friends with the ‘right’ people. She experiences being bullied by someone she thought to be her beat friend and becomes desperately unhappy.

The bullying, absence of her father and low self esteem are some factors which are developed throughout the story. It is these factors that seem to contribute to Jasmine developing the eating disorder anorexia. The story then takes you through her process of battling against the eating disorder with the help of a psychiatrist, developing healthy friendships and approaching recovery.

Reading this book would be helpful for a young person to understand how an eating disorder can develop, and the thoughts and feelings that someone suffering might have. It could also be useful for carers and professionals to read it and develop an empathy and understanding of the process that a young person may be going through.

'Glory' by Sarah Brill

This is a gritty story about Ann, a girl who is very unhappy. The story begins with Ann waking in the hospital after a suicide attempt and follows her through the next choices that she makes for herself.  Her story centres on her ‘Glory’, I was not sure what ‘Glory’ was, I think it could be interpreted to mean her eating disorder, pride, happiness, control, self worth, and/or identity. On occasion there are passages from the 'Glory's' perspective and how it sees things, this is a disorted view that often occurs alongside an eating disorder.

It is a realistic portrayal if how someone’s self worth can become so low that their life becomes a dangerous one. It’s written from the perspective of Anne, her sister and their parents. It is written in third person so you read it almost as if you are watching it happen which is powerful. I believe it to be suitable for ages 15+ maybe younger but it would depend on the person, and would advise people to note that this story covers some gritty topics such as drug use and overdose that could be both upsetting but also thought-provoking.

'Monkey Taming' by Judith Fathallah

This book was an excellent read. In fact, I couldn't put it down. JK Rowling watch out!!!! Judith writes in a very readable style whilst at the same time describing her agonising struggle with Anorexia Nervosa and the associated voice that she named 'The Monkey'. Judith offers such a vivid insight into the world of an anorexic sufferer. The highs, the considerable lows, together with a poignant and honest insight into the world of an ED unit from her perspective.

My original thought was that this book was aimed at, and would be useful, young sufferers in particular. However, I believe anyone interested in Eating Disorders, including professionals, would benefit from reading this book to gain the real and raw insight that Judith offers. Judith's mother suffered along with Judith in her battle towards recovery and one senses the pain and fear that she too experienced whilst trying to support Judith in the most effective way.

In my opinion this is not a reference book in the academic sense, but would aid anyone's understanding of ED's as well as being a darn good read.

‘Second Star to the Right’ by Deborah Hautzig

‘Second Star to the Right’ tells the story of 14 year old Leslie Hiller as she gradually develops anorexia nervosa and then follows her slow recovery process.

The book is set in New York, and at first the ‘americanisms’ can be a little off putting, but as the story is fast paced and engrossing the setting and language soon become irrelevant.

The book was originally written and published in 1980, by young people’s author Deborah Hautzig. I would recommend this book for anybody, young or old, but I think it would be especially enjoyable for 11-15 year olds.

The author describes many of the physical symptoms of anorexia, but mainly focuses on Leslie’s inner thoughts, particularly confused feelings towards her family. One of the main themes is the guilt that she feels when dealing with emotional issues involving her mother.

The other strong presence in her mind is the ‘dictator’, the name she gives to the inner voice that controls her attitude and behaviour towards food and exercising.

Eventually her weight loss is so marked that she is admitted to hospital. The author has set the book in a period where anorexia nervosa was not a widely recognised condition in American general hospitals. Leslie is a patient in a ward for people with ‘special diets’. It is not an Eating Disorders Unit – there are inpatients who suffer from anorexia, but also patients with other unrelated conditions.

The characters are likeable, and more importantly believable and the book is hard to put down. It’s mostly dialogue, with no lengthy unnecessary descriptive text which made it particularly enjoyable for me!

However I felt that the best part of the book was surprisingly the ‘Afterword’! There is certainly a twist in the tail of this story, and a conclusion that answers all the questions that are raised in your mind whilst reading the story. I won’t ruin the surprise!

I would definitely recommend this book, especially for young people. I think it’s a story that will help readers to remember that they’re not alone, and that there is hope for recovery and a brighter future.

'Mates, Dates and Chocolate Cheats' by Cathy Hopkins

Izzie discovers that she has gained weight after a family holiday and begins a dangerous diet and exercise programme. She becomes obsessed with her weight, gaining and losing. She loses her confidence, is unhappy and can't seem to have fun with her friends anymore.

It seems that Izzie may be developing an eating disorder but the book ends on a positive. This book is aimed at girls between 14-17 but could be read by 12 upwards.

It shows how it is possible to descend towards an eating disorder and how extreme dieting and exercise can make someone really unhappy. This wouldn't really help someone already suffering from an eating disorder but could be useful for someone who is worried about their weight or becoming obsessed with food and eating.

'Spirit of the Mountain' by Shelley Davidow

Emily lives in South Africa and begins her summer holidays feeling very alone and angry. She begins to develop and Eating Disorder.

Emily goes to stay on her Uncle Tim’s farm and continues to struggle with her eating. She meets Joey, a young boy who works on the farm. Joey shows her that her Eating Disorder is stopping her from enjoying life. Emily also develops a friendship with Ann, a herbalist, who using Ancient Wisdom, helps Emily to feel more positive about herself.

This book is aimed at young people and would be helpful to those with eating disorders and their friends. It has a positive message about how the struggle of an Eating Disorder can be overcome.