Anorexia Nervosa: A Guide to Recovery [Paperback]

Lindsey Hall (Author), Monika Ostroff (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0936077328 | ISBN-13: 978-0936077321 | Publication Date: November 10, 1998 | Edition: 1

Co-written by an expert on eating disorders and a woman who recovered from the disease, this guide offers effective steps to recovery, answers to commonly asked questions, a list of resources, and dietary information.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"It speaks directly to the patient, gently walking her through techinques she can do at her own pace." -- Carolyn Costin, M.A., M.Ed., MFCC
founder, director of Monte Nido (treatment facility), Malibu, CA
author of Your Dieting Daughter

"This inspired, compassionate book will be a tremendous resource to persons whose lives are, or have been affected by anorexia." -- Lori M. Irving, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Psychology, Washington State University
Book Review Editor, Eating Disorders: The Journal of Treamtent and Prevention

From the Inside Flap

This book is for people who want to understand and recover from anorexia nervosa. Both of the authors of this book have fully recovered from eating disorders, and many individuals who have recovered or are recovering from anorexia also contributed insights and suggestions.* Whether you yourself are suffering with anorexia or you know someone who is, their wisdom can inspire and guide you.

As you will read in Chapter 2, Monika Ostroff battled with anorexia for many years. She shares her story of self-starvation, years of unsuccessful treatment, and eventual breakthroughs that led to her complete recovery. Her ideas about the nature of anorexia and what it takes to defeat obsessive food behaviors and thoughts encompass much of the text. She writes with understanding and compassion; and, when she recommends that you try something, it is because it has worked for her. . .

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Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Gurze Books; 1 edition (November 10, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0936077328
• ISBN-13: 978-0936077321
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #178,265 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gentle, reassuring and helpful, July 4, 2000

By 

Sara - See all my reviews

This review is from: Anorexia Nervosa: A Guide to Recovery (Paperback)

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.

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book cradels you. It makes you feel good and not guilty, May 16, 2000

By 

"sallyco" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Anorexia Nervosa: A Guide to Recovery (Paperback)

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.

36 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Effective Guidance for Those Struggling with Anorexia, May 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Anorexia Nervosa: A Guide to Recovery (Paperback)

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.

I found of particular value two chapters speaking straight to the anorectic: one section devoted to what has worked for many others who have won the battle; and another section on how to remain committed to recovery. Concrete ideas, exercises, and insights are given, all written in the language of those familiar with the territory, sharing a love and hope that is nothing short of nutrition for the starving heart. I feel I can give no greater praise for this book than to acknowledge that it will save and change many lives.