o Answers to questions most often asked about anorexia

o Insight from recovered and recovering anorexics

o Monika Ostroff's story of recovery

o Specific things to do that have worked for others

o Information on healthy eating and weight

o Suggestions for how to stay committed

o A special section for parents & loved ones

Customer Reviews:

0 of 0 found this review helpful:
Inspirational, 2007-10-24
I've read 3 other books on this topic and found this to be the easiest to read and very inspirational. Short chapters, pick-up and read as much or as little in one sitting. Practical, real life examples of dealing with the complexities of an eating disorder. Not sugar coated, yet it does not dwell in the depths of dispair. Encouraging, hopeful, realistic. I consider this a must read for anyone dealing with an eating disorder, their friends, and family included. I am a mom to a recovering daughter.


1 of 2 found this review helpful:
Encouraging and Full of Insight, 2006-02-02
This book is not only a wonderful resource for sufferers of anorexia. But it is also a resource for thier family and friends. The book explains anorexia, tells Monika Ostroff's personal story, and has a special chapter for family and loved ones. Everyone who suffers from anorexia or has a spouse, family member, or friend with anorexia, should read this book.

33 of 33 found this review helpful:
Gentle, reassuring and helpful, 2000-07-05
Reading this book evokes the feeling of talking to a concerned and supportive friend about anorexia. The authors don't throw out harsh statistics or Freudian theories, and there are no disturbingly graphic depictions of binging or purging. Instead, the reader is treated with affection and respect. It is assumed that anorexia develops as a method of coping, and the reader receives suggestions for new ways to deal with feelings. This book gives the reader a feeling of hope and self-reliance, and avoids shaming language. The authors give helpful, practical methods of overcoming anorexia and learning to love oneself.

27 of 27 found this review helpful:
This book cradels you. It makes you feel good and not guilty, 2000-05-17
I have had anorexia for 11 years. I am now 24 and am in treatment. Hall and Ostroff's book helped me to understand that I was not alone, and that I was in charge. Most importantly, and the most difficult issue to deal with is that anorexia teaches you things about yourself. I strongly recommend this book to someone who does not know where to start. No, once you read it, you will not be cured but at least you will have explored what you are most afraid of--letting go of the control and the selfdestructive coping strategies. I read the book within the first week of group therapy and came the next week with photocopies of certain sections that were very helpful for the rest of the members. This book helps you want to get rid of the anorexic thoughts. You will be much happier while on the road of recovery. Letting go of the obsessive thoughts that come with anorexia was the best thing I have ever done.

35 of 38 found this review helpful:
Very Effective Guidance for Those Struggling with Anorexia, 1999-05-26
Hall advises, "The first step in recovery from anorexia is simply to choose life." Echoing that decision in her own epiphany, Ostroff observes that women she knew who had recovered had in common that "they accepted who they were. They knew how to herald their successes, be patient with their flaws, and gentle with their pain." From these compassionate insights into the turning point in one of the most enigmatic disorders of our day, these two survivors chart the path to healing in this extraordinarily helpful book. Straight answers to common questions about anorexia and practical advice on all aspects of the recovery process sandwich a frank personal account in a well-balanced presentation of fact, support, and guidance.